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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

 

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 9, 2020 (March 5, 2020)

 

 

 

GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-38685   83-0632724
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission
File Number)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

5000 Executive Parkway, Suite 520

San Ramon, CA 94583

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (619) 736-6855

 

ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp.

c/o Chief Executive Officer

533 Airport Blvd, Suite 400

Burlingame, CA 94010
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Title of each class  

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share   GDYN   The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Redeemable warrants, exercisable for shares of common stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share   GDYNW   The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

 

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

 

Emerging growth company

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introductory Note

 

On March 5, 2020 (the “Closing Date”), ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (“ChaSerg”), consummated the previously announced business combination pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 13, 2019 (“Merger Agreement”), by and among ChaSerg, Grid Dynamics International, Inc., a California corporation ( “Grid Dynamics”), CS Merger Sub 1, Inc., a California corporation, CS Merger Sub 2 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and Automated Systems Holdings Limited (“ASL”), a company incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability, solely in its capacity as the Company Representative. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, (i) Grid Dynamics became a wholly-owned subsidiary of ChaSerg; (ii) ChaSerg changed its name to “Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc.”; and (iii) the Selling Securityholders (other than the Selling Securityholders who have properly demanded appraisal rights in accordance with the DGCL in connection with the transactions described in the Merger Agreement) received cash and/or shares of Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc. as merger consideration (the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement are referred to herein as the “Business Combination”).

 

As of the open of trading on March 6, 2020, the common stock (“Common Stock”) and warrants (“Warrants”) of Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc., formerly those of ChasSerg, began trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) as “GDYN” and “GDYNW,” respectively. This Current Report on Form 8-K is being filed in connection with a series of transactions consummated by ChaSerg and Grid Dynamics and certain related events and actions taken by ChaSerg and Grid Dynamics.

 

As used in this Current Report on Form 8-K henceforward, unless otherwise stated or the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms the “Company,” “Registrant,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to the parent entity formerly named ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp., after giving effect to the Business Combination, and as renamed Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc.

 

Certain terms used in this Current Report on Form 8-K have the same meaning as set forth in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement (the “Proxy Statement”) filed with the SEC on February 10, 2020. This Current Report on Form 8-K contains summaries of the material terms of various agreements executed in connection with the transactions described herein. The summaries of these agreements are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by, reference to these agreements, which are filed as exhibits hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2.01. Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

 

The information set forth in the “Introductory Note” above is incorporated into this Item 2.01 by reference. On March 4, 2020, the Business Combination was approved by the stockholders of ChaSerg at the Special Meeting. The Business Combination was consummated on March 5, 2020.

 

Consideration to ChaSerg's Stockholders and Warrant Holders in the Business Combination

 

In connection with the Business Combination, holders of 51,715 shares of ChaSerg Class A Common Stock exercised their right to redeem those shares for cash at a price of $10.21 per share, for an aggregate of approximately $0.5 million, which was paid to such holders on the Closing Date.

 

Upon completion of the Business Combination, 5,500,000 shares of ChaSerg Class B Common Stock held by ChaSerg Technology Sponsor LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Sponsor”) and other former holders of Class B Common Stock of ChaSerg converted into shares of ChaSerg Common Stock immediately prior to the Business Combination and into shares of Company Common Stock at the closing of the Business Combination.

 

Consideration Payable to Grid Dynamics’ Equity Holders in the Business Combination

 

The consideration paid to holders of equity interests in Grid Dynamics in connection with the Business Combination consisted of: (i) approximately $130,000,000 in cash, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement and (ii) 27,006,251 shares of the Company’s Common Stock.

 

1

 

 

The material terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement are described in the section entitled “Proposal No. 1 — The Business Combination Proposal” beginning on page 74 of the Definitive Proxy Statement (“Proxy Statement”) filed with the SEC on February 10, 2020, which are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Company Securities Outstanding Following the Business Combination

 

On the Closing Date, all of ChaSerg’s outstanding units separated into their component parts of one share of Company Common Stock and one half of one Company Warrant to purchase one share of Company Common Stock. Immediately after the Business Combination, there were 50,833,619 shares of Company Common Stock, Company Warrants to purchase 11,346,500 shares of Company Common Stock and options to purchase 4,313,917 shares of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding.

 

FORM 10 INFORMATION

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Some of the information contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K, or incorporated herein by reference, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference, the words “estimates,” “projected,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “future,” “propose” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the Company’s management’s control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this Current Report on Form 8-K, and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date, and Grid Dynamics does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

 

As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, the Company’s actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

 

the inability to maintain the listing of the shares of common stock of the Company on the NASDAQ;

 

the ability of the Company to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its key employees;

 

costs related to being a public company;

 

changes in applicable laws or regulations;

 

the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and

 

other risks and uncertainties indicated in the Proxy Statement, including those set forth under the section entitled “Risk Factors.”

 

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

 

2

 

 

Business

 

The information set forth in the section entitled “Information about Grid Dynamics” beginning on page 144 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Risk Factors

 

In addition to the risk factor below, the information set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 28 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

War, terrorism, other acts of violence or natural or manmade disasters such as a global pandemic may affect the markets in which the Company operates, the Company’s clients and the Company’s service delivery.

 

The Company’s business may be adversely affected by instability, disruption or destruction in a geographic region in which it operates, regardless of cause, including war, terrorism, riot, civil insurrection or social unrest, and natural or manmade disasters, including famine, flood, fire, earthquake, storm or pandemic events and spread of disease (including the recent outbreak of the coronavirus commonly referred to as “COVID-19”). Such events may cause clients to delay their decisions on spending for the services provided by the Company and give rise to sudden significant changes in regional and global economic conditions and cycles. These events also pose significant risks to the Company’s personnel and to physical facilities and operations, which could materially adversely affect the Company’s financial results.

 

Any significant disruption to communications and travel, including travel restrictions and other potential protective quarantine measures against COVID-19 by governmental agencies, may increase the difficulty of obtaining and retaining highly skilled professionals, and such events could make it difficult or impossible for the Company to deliver services to its clients. Travel restrictions and protective measures against COVID-19 could cause the Company to incur additional unexpected labor costs and expenses or could restrain the Company’s ability to retain the highly skilled personnel the Company needs for its operations. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts the Company’s global business, sales and results of operations will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. In addition, any extended disruptions of electricity, other public utilities or network services at its facilities, as well as system failures at, or security breaches in, the Company’s facilities or systems, could also adversely affect the Company’s ability to serve its clients.

 

Selected Consolidated Historical Financial and Other Information

 

The following table sets forth selected consolidated historical financial information derived from Grid Dynamics’ audited financial statements as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. The following summary financial information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements filed herewith as Exhibit 99.1.

 

(in thousands)   As of and for the Year Ended December 31,
2019
    As of and for the Year Ended December 31,
2018
    As of and for the Year Ended December 31,
2017
 
                   
Statement of Operations Data:                  
Total revenue   $ 118,326     $ 91,865     $ 70,684  
Income from operations     15,625       13,829       13,107  
Net income     10,807       9,228       13,184  
                         
Basic earnings per share     0.83       0.77       0.82  
Diluted earnings per share     0.83       0.77       0.78  
                         
Balance Sheet Data                        
Total assets     71,531       41,726        N/A  
Total liabilities     8,300       8,347        N/A  
Convertible preferred stock     9,187       -        N/A  
Total shareholders' equity     54,044       33,379        N/A  
                         
Cash Flow Data                        
Net cash provided by operating activities     12,534       10,584       5,540  
Net cash (used in) investing activities     (2,811 )     (3,079 )     (1,058 )
Net cash provided (used in) by financing activities   $ 14,604     $ -     $ (4,715 )

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information

 

The information set forth in Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, which includes the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of the Company and Grid Dynamics is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.3 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

3

 

 

Facilities

 

The information set forth in the section entitled “Information about Grid Dynamics — Facilities” on page 150 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

Following the Business Combination, Grid Dynamics is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

 

The following table sets forth information as of the Closing Date regarding the beneficial ownership of the Company’s Common Stock by:

 

each person known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding ordinary shares;

 

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

 

all current executive officers and directors as a group.

 

The information below is based on an aggregate of 55,147,536 shares of the Company’s Common Stock issued and outstanding as of the Closing Date. Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC, which generally provide that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if she, he or it possesses sole or shared voting or investment power over that security, including options and warrants that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, we believe that all persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the individuals below:

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)

  Number of Shares Beneficially Owned     Approximate Percentage
of Class
 
ChaSerg Technology Sponsor LLC(2)     5,500,000       10.0 %
Beijing Teamsun Technology Co. Ltd.(3)     19,490,295       35.3 %
Lloyd Carney           *
Eric Benhamou(4)     2,158,383       3.9 %
Marina Levinson           *
Leonard Livschitz(5)     1,985,459       3.6 %
Michael Southworth           *
Weihang Wang           *
Yueou Wang(6)     190,603       *
Shuo Zhang(7)     203,188       *
Victoria Livschitz(8)     1,212,069       2.2 %
Yury Gryzlov(9)     317,671       *
All directors and executive officers as a group (14 individuals)     6,829,779       12.4 %

 

 

* Less than one percent.

(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each of the directors and executive officers of the Company is c/o Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc., 5000 Executive Parkway, Suite 520, San Ramon, CA 94583.
(2) The Sponsor is the record holder of the shares reported herein. Each of ChaSerg’s former officers and directors and advisors is, directly or indirectly, a member of the Sponsor. There are three managing members of the Sponsor, Lloyd Carney, Alex Vieux and Steven Fletcher. Each manager has one vote, and the approval of two of the three managing members is required to approve an action of the Sponsor. Under the so-called “rule of three,” if voting and dispositive decisions regarding an entity’s securities are made by three or more individuals, and a voting or dispositive decision requires the approval of a majority of those individuals, then none of the individuals is deemed a beneficial owner of the entity’s securities. Based upon the foregoing, no individual managing member of the Sponsor exercises voting or dispositive control over any of the securities held by the Sponsor, even those in which he directly holds a pecuniary interest. Accordingly, none of them will be deemed to have or share beneficial ownership of such shares. The business address of each of these entities and individuals is 533 Airport Blvd, Suite 400, Burlingame, CA 94010.

 

4

 

 

(3) Beijing Teamsun Technology Co. Ltd. (“Beijing Teamsun”) is the ultimate parent of GDD International Holdings Company (“GDD”), through its subsidiaries Teamsun Technology (HK) Limited (“Teamsun”), Automated Systems Holdings Limited (“ASL”) and GDB International Investment Limited (“GDB”). Beijing Teamsun, GDD, Teamsun, ASL and GDB share voting and dispositive power of all these shares. The address of ASL, GDB and GDD is 15/F, Topsail Plaza, 11 On Sum Street, Shain, Hong Kong, the address of Teamsun is Unit 907, 9th Floor, Tai Yau Building, 181 Johnston Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong and the address of Beijing Teamsun is Room 501, 5/F., No. 23 Building, 10 East Block XiBeiWang East Road, HaiDian District, Beijing, China.
(4) Consists of (a) 63,533 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of the Closing Date, all of which have vested as of such date, and (b) 2,094,850 shares held of record by BGV Opportunity Fund L.P for which Mr. Benhamou is an officer, director and general partner.
(5) Represents shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of the Closing Date, all of which have vested as of such date.
(6) Represents shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of the Closing Date, all of which have vested as of such date.
(7) Consists of (a) 63,533 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of the Closing Date, all of which have vested as of such date, and (b) 139,655 shares held of record by Renascia Fund B LLC for which Ms. Zhang is the managing member and chief executive officer.
(8) Consists of (a) 364,190 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of the Closing Date, all of which have vested as of such date, (b) 189,804 shares held of record by Victoria Livschitz Charitable Trust for which Ms. Livschitz serves as trustee (c) 81,343 shares held by Livschitz Children’s Charitable Trust for which Ms. Livschitz serves as trustee and (d) 576,732 shares held by VLSK2019 LLC for which Ms. Livschitz is a member.
(9) Represents shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of the Closing Date, all of which have vested as of such date.

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

Information with respect to the Company’s directors and executive officers immediately after the closing is set forth in the section entitled “Successor Management and Board of Directors Following the Business Combination” beginning on page 167 in the Proxy Statement and Item 5.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Each of Lloyd Carney, Eric Benhamou, Marina Levinson, Leonard Livschitz, Michael Southworth, Weihang Wang, Yueou Wang and Shuo Zhang were elected to serve as directors of the Company. Mr. Carney was appointed as Chairman of the board of directors. The size of the board is eight members. Biographical information for these individuals is set forth in the section entitled “Successor Management and Board of Directors Following the Business Combination” beginning on page 167 of the Proxy Statement Supplement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The Board appointed Eric Benhamou, Marina Levinson, Michael Southworth and Shuo Zhang to serve on the Audit Committee, with Michael Southworth serving as its Chairman. The Board appointed Eric Benhamou and Lloyd Carney to serve on the Compensation Committee, with Eric Benhamou serving as its Chairman. The Board appointed Eric Benhamou and Lloyd Carney to serve on the Nominating and Governance Committee, with Lloyd Carney serving as its Chairman. Information with respect to the Company’s Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee is set forth in the section entitled “Successor Management and Board of Directors Following the Business Combination — Committees of the ChaSerg Board of Directors” beginning on page 173 of the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

In accordance with the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of the Company, the Company’s board of directors is divided into three classes, each comprising as nearly as possible one-third of the directors and serving three-year terms with only one class of directors being elected in each year. Leonard Livschitz, Shuo Zhang and Marina Levinson were assigned to Class I, Lloyd Carney, Yueou Wang and Michael Southworth were assigned to Class II, and Eric Benhamou and Weihang Wang were assigned to Class III. Each Class I director will have a term that expires at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders in 2020, each Class II director will have a term that expires at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders in 2021 and each Class III director will have a term that expires at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders in 2022, or in each case until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified, or until their earlier resignation, removal or death.

 

5

 

 

In connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, Leonard Livschitz was appointed to serve as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Anil Doradla was appointed to serve as Chief Financial Officer, Victoria Livschitz was appointed to serve as Executive Vice President of Customer Success, Max Martynov was appointed to serve as Chief Technology Officer, Yury Gryzlov was appointed to serve as Senior Vice President of Operations, Vadim Kozyrkov was appointed to serve as Senior Vice President of Engineering, and Stan Klimoff was appointed to serve as Vice President of Corporate Development. Biographical information for these individuals is set forth in the section entitled “Successor Management and Board of Directors Following the Business Combination” beginning on page 167 of the Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Executive Compensation

 

The information set forth in the section entitled “Executive Compensation — Grid Dynamics” beginning on page 175 of the Proxy Statement, which includes the executive compensation information of Grid Dynamics is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Director Compensation

 

On March 6, 2020, the Board adopted an outside director compensation policy, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.7. Pursuant to the outside director compensation policy, (i) each outside director will be paid an annual cash retainer of $40,000, an initial grant of restricted stock units with a grant date fair market value of $75,000, and an annual grant of restricted stock units with a grant date fair market value of $75,000, (ii) the non-executive chairperson of the board will be paid an additional annual cash fee of $20,000 and granted an additional grant of restricted stock units with a grant date fair market value of $20,000, (iii) the lead outside director will be paid an additional annual cash fee of $20,000 and granted an additional grant of restricted stock units with a grant date fair market value of $20,000, (iv) the chair of the Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees will be paid an additional annual cash fee of $20,000, $15,000 and $15,000, respectively, and (v) members of the Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees that are not serving as the chair of such committee, will be paid of an additional annual cash fee of $15,000, $10,000 and $10,000, respectively. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no outside director may be paid, issued or granted, in any fiscal year of the Company, cash compensation and equity awards with an aggregate value greater than $600,000.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

The information set forth in the sections entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions Related Party Transactions Following the Business Combination” beginning on page 184 is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Director Independence

 

At the closing of the Business Combination, the board of directors of the Company adopted Nasdaq listing standards to assess director independence. The board of directors has determined that all of the Company’s directors other than Leonard Livschitz, Yueou Wang and Weihang Wang are “independent” under the listing requirements of Nasdaq. Each of Shuo Zhang and Marina Levinson is also an “audit committee financial expert” under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

The information set forth in the section entitled “Information about Grid Dynamics—Legal Proceedings” on page 144 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

6

 

 

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

 

The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices of ChaSerg's units, Common Stock and Warrants as reported on Nasdaq, for each full quarterly period within since such securities started trading in October 2018.

 

    Units     Common Stock     Warrants  
Year Ended December 31, 2018   Low     High     Low     High     Low     High  
October 2018 through December 31, 2018   $ 9.95     $ 10.04     $ 9.50     $ 10.00     $ 0.73     $ 1.00  

 

    Units     Common Stock     Warrants  
Year Ended December 31, 2019   Low     High     Low     High     Low     High  
January 1, 2019 through March 31, 2019   $ 9.94     $ 10.22     $ 9.65     $ 9.88     $ 0.52     $ 0.84  
April 1, 2019 through June 30, 2019   $ 10.16     $ 10.45     $ 9.87     $ 10.04     $ 0.57     $ 0.75  
July 1, 2019 through September 30, 2019   $ 10.52     $ 10.65     $ 10.00     $ 10.12     $ 0.75     $ 0.89  
October 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019   $ 10.63     $ 12.05     $ 10.03     $ 11.10     $ 0.90     $ 2.25  

 

    Units     Common Stock     Warrants  
Year Ended December 31, 2020   Low     High     Low     High     Low     High  
January 1, 2019 through March 4, 2019   $ 11.97     $ 14.50     $ 10.75     $ 13.51     $ 2.20     $ 3.35  

 

On March 5, 2020, ChaSerg's Common Stock had a closing price of $12.00, the Warrants had a closing price of $2.80 and the units had a closing price of $13.35. Holders of the Company’s Common Stock and Warrants should obtain current market quotations for their securities.

 

The information set forth in the section entitled “Price Range of Securities and Dividends—ChaSerg” on page 200 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Market Information and Holders of the Company

 

As of March 5, 2020, following the consummation of the Business Combination, there were 4,313,917 outstanding options to purchase Company Common Stock, 11,346,500 Company Warrants and no securities convertible into Company Common Stock. The Company has reserved a total of 16,300,000 shares of Company Common Stock for issuance pursuant to the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan, subject to certain adjustments set forth therein.

 

As of March 5, 2020, following the consummation of the Business Combination, there were 13 holders of record of Company Common Stock and four holders of record of Company Warrants. However, because many of the shares of Company Common Stock and the Company Warrants are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, the Company believes there are substantially more beneficial holders of Company Common Stock and Company Warrants than record holders.

 

Dividends of the Company

 

The predecessor company has never paid any cash dividends on the Company’s Common Stock. The payment of cash dividends in the future will be dependent upon revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements and general financial condition subsequent to completion of the Business Combination. The payment of any cash dividends subsequent to the Business Combination will be within the discretion of the Company’s board of directors and the board of directors will consider whether or not to institute a dividend policy. It is the present intention of the Company to assess its ability to declare dividends in light of its capital structure and earnings immediately following the Closing.

 

7

 

 

Description of Registrant’s Securities

 

Pursuant to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation, there are 110,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share authorized.

 

The information set forth in the section entitled “Description of Successor Securities” beginning on page 197 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Indemnification of Directors and Officers

 

In connection with the closing of the Business Combination, the Company entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and executive officers. Each indemnification agreement provides for indemnification and advancement by the Company of certain expenses and costs relating to claims, suits or proceedings arising from service to the Company or, at its request, service to other entities, as officers or directors to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. The foregoing description of the indemnification agreements does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the indemnification agreements, a form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.6 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Further information about the indemnification of the Company’s directors and officers is set forth in the section entitled “Information about ChaSerg — Limitation on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors” of the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Financial Statements, Supplementary Data and Exhibits

 

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

 

Item 3.01 Notice of Delisting or Failure to Satisfy a Continued Listing Rule or Standard; Transfer of Listing.

 

On the Closing Date, all of ChaSerg’s outstanding units separated into their component parts of one share of Company Common Stock and one half of one Company Warrant to purchase one share of Company Common Stock and ChaSerg’s units ceased trading on Nasdaq.

 

Item 3.03 Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders

 

On the Closing Date, in connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws were amended and restated. Pursuant to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation, there are 110,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share authorized. The disclosure set forth in the sections titled “Description of ChaSerg Securities” and “Description of Successor Securities” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

 

Item 5.01. Changes in Control of Registrant.

 

The information set forth under in the sections titled “Proposal No. 1 — The Business Combination Proposal” and “The Merger Agreement” in the Proxy Statement and “Introductory Note” and Item 2.01 in this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

 

Election of Directors and Appointment of Officers

 

On March 4, 2020 each of Leonard Livschitz, Lloyd Carney, Eric Benhamou, Marina Levinson, Michael Southworth, Weihang Wang, Yueou Wang and Shuo Zhang were elected as directors of the Company, with Lloyd Carney appointed as chairman of the board. Biographical information with respect to such directors is set forth in the section entitled “Successor Management and Board of Directors Following the Business Combination” beginning on page 167 of the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

On March 6, 2020, Leonard Livschitz, Anil Doradla, Victoria Livschitz, Max Martynov, Yury Gryzlov, Vadim Kozyrkov and Stan Klimoff were appointed to serve as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President of Customer Success, Chief Technology Officer, Senior Vice President of Operations, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Vice President of Corporate Development, respectively. Biographical information with respect to such executive officers is set forth in the section entitled “Successor Management and Board of Directors Following the Business Combination” beginning on page 167 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Departure of Directors and Certain Officers

 

Effective upon the Closing Date, each of Clark N. Callander, Irwin Federman and William Zerella resigned as directors of the Company. Effective upon the Closing, each of Lloyd Carney and Eric Benhamou resigned as executive officers of the Company.

 

2020 Equity Incentive Plan

 

On March 4, 2020, the ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2020 Equity Incentive Plan”) became effective. The 2020 Equity Incentive Plan was approved by ChaSerg’s stockholders at the special meeting held on March 4, 2020 to approve the Business Combination (the “Special Meeting”). The purpose of the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan is to provide incentives that will attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, to provide additional incentives to employees, directors and consultants who perform services to the Company or any parent or subsidiary, and to promote the success of the Company’s business. The 2020 Equity Incentive Plan provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, bonus stock, dividend equivalents and other stock-based awards and other substitute awards, annual incentive awards and performance awards. Directors, officers and other employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, as well as others performing consulting or advisory services for the Company and its affiliates, will be eligible for grants under the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan. The Company has reserved a total of 16,300,000 shares of Company Common Stock for issuance pursuant to the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan, subject to certain adjustments set forth therein.

 

The information set forth in the section entitled “Proposal No. 5 — The Incentive Plan Proposal” beginning on page 117 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing description of the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan and the information incorporated by reference in the preceding sentence does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan, which is incorporated by reference to this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Compensatory Arrangements

 

On March 6, 2020, in connection with the consummation of the Business Combination and in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Company assumed the employment agreements that Grid Dynamics entered into with certain of its executive officers: Leonard Livschitz, Anil Doradla, Victoria Livschitz, Max Martynov, Yury Gryzlov, Vadim Kozyrkov and Stan Klimoff (the “Post-Combination Employment Agreements”). Each Post-Combination Employment Agreement generally provides, with respect to each officer, the following terms: (i) at-will employment, (ii) the annual base salary, (iii) eligibility to receive annual incentive bonuses at Grid Dynamics’ discretion and related targeted payment, (iv) initial grant of equity awards and eligibility to be granted future equity awards in the discretion of the Company’s board of directors, (v) an initial term for the agreement of four years with successive one-year renewal terms unless either party provides timely notice of non-renewal, (vi) severance payments upon a termination without cause (excluding death or disability) or resignation for “good reason” (as defined in the agreement) and (vii) eligibility for enhanced “double-trigger” severance upon such terminations that occur within the three month period prior to or the 12 month period following a “change in control” (as defined in the agreement). The information set forth in the section entitled “Successor Management and Board of Directors Following the Business Combination — Post-Combination Company Executive and Director Compensation” beginning on page 170 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. The Post-Combination Employment Agreements are attached as Exhibits 10.8, 10.9, 10.10, 10.11, 10.12, 10.13 and 10.14 hereto, respectively.

 

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In addition, if any severance or other benefits provided for in an officer’s Post-Combination Employment Agreement or otherwise payable to such officer constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and could be subject to the related excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, then (i) if such parachute payments are considered contingent on the Business Combination, such officer would be entitled to a gross-up for any such excise taxes up to $14 million across all officers, in accordance with an indemnification agreement entered into between the officer and Grid Dynamics, and (ii) in all other cases, such officer would be entitled to receive either full payment of the benefits or such lesser amount which would result in no portion of the benefits being subject to the excise tax, whichever results in the greater amount of after-tax benefits to the officer. A form of the tax indemnification agreement of Grid Dynamics is attached as Exhibit 10.15 hereto.

 

Item 5.06. Change in Shell Company Status.

 

As a result of the Business Combination, ChaSerg ceased being a shell company. The material terms of the Business Combination are described in the section entitled “Proposal No. 1 — The Business Combination Proposal” beginning on page 74 of the Proxy Statement, in the information set forth under “Introductory Note” and in the information set forth under Item 2.01 in this Current Report on Form 8-K, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statement and Exhibits.

 

(a)       Financial statements of businesses acquired

 

The financial statements of the Company included in the Company’s periodic report on Form 10-K filed on March 4, 2020 are incorporated herein by reference.

 

The financial statements of Grid Dynamics as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 set forth in Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, are incorporated herein by reference.

 

(b)       Pro Forma Financial Information

 

The information set forth in Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, which includes the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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(d)       Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.   Document
2.1(a)   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 13, 2019, by and among ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp., Grid Dynamics International, Inc., CS Merger Sub 1 Inc., CS Merger Sub 2 LLC, and Automated Systems Holdings Limited, solely in its capacity as representative of the Securityholders (incorporated by reference from ChaSerg’s Form 8-K dated November 13, 2019)
3.1   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc.
3.2   Amended and Restated Bylaws of Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc.
4.1   Specimen Common Stock Certificate of Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc.
4.2   Specimen Warrant Certificate of Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc.
4.3   Warrant Agreement, dated October 4, 2018, between ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp. and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent (incorporated by reference from ChaSerg’s Form 8-K dated October 4, 2018)
10.1†   ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp.’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Annex C to ChaSerg’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on February 10, 2020)
10.2†   ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp.’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan – Form of Stock Option Agreement
10.3†   ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp.’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan – Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement
10.4†   ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp.’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan – Form of Restricted Stock Agreement
10.5†   ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp.’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan – Form of Performance Share Agreement
10.6†   Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement
10.7†   Outside Director Compensation Policy
10.8†   Employment Agreement between Grid Dynamics International, Inc. and Leonard Livschitz
10.9†   Employment Agreement between Grid Dynamics International, Inc. and Anil Doradla
10.10†   Employment Agreement between Grid Dynamics International, Inc. and Victoria Livschitz
10.11†   Employment Agreement between Grid Dynamics International, Inc. and Max Martynov
10.12†   Employment Agreement between Grid Dynamics International, Inc. and Yury Gryzlov
10.13†   Employment Agreement between Grid Dynamics International, Inc. and Vadim Kozyrkov
10.14†   Employment Agreement between Grid Dynamics International, Inc. and Stan Klimoff
10.15†   Form of Tax Indemnification Agreement of Grid Dynamics International, Inc.
99.1   Audited consolidated financial statements of Grid Dynamics as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
99.2   Unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019
99.3   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for Grid Dynamics for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

 

 

(a) Certain schedules and exhibits to this Exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of all omitted exhibits and schedules to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request.

Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan.

 

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SIGNATURE

 

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

 

Dated: March 9, 2020

 

  GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC.
     
  By: /s/ Leonard Livschitz
  Name:  Leonard Livschitz
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

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Exhibit 3.1

 

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
CHASERG TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORP.

 

March 5, 2020

 

ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Corporation”), DOES HEREBY CERTIFY AS FOLLOWS:

 

1. The present name of the Corporation is “ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp.” The original certificate of incorporation of the Corporation was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on May 21, 2018 (the “Original Certificate”).

 

2. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on October 4, 2018 (the “Amended and Restated Certificate”).

 

3. This Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Second Amended and Restated Certificate”), which both restates and amends the provisions of the Amended and Restated Certificate, was duly adopted in accordance with Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended from time to time (the “DGCL”).

 

4. This Second Amended and Restated Certificate shall become effective immediately upon the filing of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.

 

5. The text of the Amended and Restated Certificate is hereby restated and amended in its entirety to read as follows:

 

Article I
NAME

 

The name of the Corporation is Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc. (the “Corporation”).

 

Article II
REGISTERED AGENT

 

The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 251 Little Falls Drive, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of Delaware, 19808, and the name of the Corporation’s registered agent at such address is Corporation Service Company.

 

Article III
PURPOSE

 

The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the DGCL.

 

 

 

 

Article IV
CAPITALIZATION

 

Section 4.1 Authorized Capital Stock.

 

Effective as of, and contingent upon, the effectiveness of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Effective Time”), and without any further action on the part of the Corporation or any stockholder, each authorized and outstanding share of Class A Common Stock of the Corporation, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class A Common Stock”) and Class B Common Stock of the Corporation, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class B Common Stock”) issued immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be automatically converted and reclassified into one share of fully-paid, non-assessable Common Stock (as defined below) (the “Conversion”). Each stock certificate representing shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, as applicable, immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, from and after the Effective Time, represent that number of shares of Common Stock into which such shares shall have been converted and reclassified pursuant to the Conversion; provided, however, that each holder of any stock certificate that represented shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, as applicable, immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be entitled to receive, upon surrender of such certificate(s), one or more certificates evidencing and representing the number of shares of Common Stock into which the shares represented by such certificate(s) shall have been reclassified pursuant to the Conversion. After giving effect to the Conversion, the total number of shares of stock that the Corporation shall have authority to issue is set forth below.

 

The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock, each with a par value of $0.0001 per share, which the Corporation is authorized to issue is 111,000,000 shares, consisting of (a) 110,000,000 shares of common stock (the “Common Stock”) and (b) 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock (the “Preferred Stock”).

 

Section 4.2 Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) is hereby expressly authorized to provide out of the unissued shares of the Preferred Stock for one or more series of Preferred Stock and to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series and to fix the voting rights, if any, designations, powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional, special and other rights, if any, of each such series and any qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, as shall be stated in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board providing for the issuance of such series and included in a certificate of designation (a “Preferred Stock Designation”) filed pursuant to the DGCL, and the Board is hereby expressly vested with the authority to the full extent provided by law, now or hereafter, to adopt any such resolution or resolutions.

 

Section 4.3 Common Stock.

 

(a) Voting.

 

(i) Except as otherwise required by law or this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation), the holders of the Common Stock shall exclusively possess all voting power with respect to the Corporation.

 

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(ii) Except as otherwise required by law or this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation), the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each such share on each matter properly submitted to the stockholders on which the holders of the Common Stock are entitled to vote.

 

(iii) Except as otherwise required by law or this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation), at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, holders of the Common Stock shall have the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors and on all other matters properly submitted to a vote of the stockholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise required by law or this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation), holders of shares of any series of Common Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (including any amendment to any Preferred Stock Designation) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series of Preferred Stock are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation) or the DGCL.

 

(b) Dividends. Subject to applicable law, the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of the Preferred Stock, the holders of the outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive such dividends and other distributions (payable in cash, property or capital stock of the Corporation) when, as and if declared thereon by the Board from time to time out of any assets or funds of the Corporation legally available therefor and shall share equally on a per share basis in such dividends and distributions.

 

(c) Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up of the Corporation. Subject to applicable law, the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of the Preferred Stock, in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation, after payment or provision for payment of the debts and other liabilities of the Corporation, the holders of the outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive all the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders, ratably in proportion to the number of shares of Common Stock held by them.

 

Article V
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

The following provisions are inserted for the management of the business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and for further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and of its directors and stockholders:

 

Section 5.1 Management by Board. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board.

 

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Section 5.2 Board Classes. The Board of Directors shall be and is divided into three classes, designated as Class I, Class II and Class III, as nearly equal in number as possible. The Board of Directors is authorized to assign members of the Board of Directors already in office to Class I, Class II or Class III. Directors shall be assigned to each class in accordance with a resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors. At the first annual meeting of stockholders following the Effective Time (the “Qualifying Record Date”), the term of office of the Class I directors shall expire and Class I directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At the second annual meeting of stockholders following the Qualifying Record Date, the term of office of the Class II directors shall expire and Class II directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At the third annual meeting of stockholders following the Qualifying Record Date, the term of office of the Class III directors shall expire and Class III directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At each succeeding annual meeting of stockholders, directors shall be elected for a full term of three years to succeed the directors of the class whose terms expire at such annual meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.2, each director shall serve until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, disqualification, retirement or removal. Subject to Section 5.5 hereof, if the number of directors that constitutes the Board is changed, any increase or decrease shall be apportioned by the Board among the classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible, but in no case shall a decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board shorten the term of any incumbent director. Subject to the rights of the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock, voting separately by class or series, to elect directors pursuant to the terms of one or more series of Preferred Stock, the election of directors shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast by the stockholders present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote thereon. The Board is hereby expressly authorized, by resolution or resolutions thereof, to assign members of the Board already in office to the aforesaid classes at the time this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (and therefore such classification) becomes effective in accordance with the DGCL.

 

Section 5.3 Newly Created Directorships and Vacancies. Subject to Section 5.2 hereof, newly created directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors and any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal or other cause may be filled solely and exclusively by a majority vote of the remaining directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director (and not by stockholders), and any director so chosen shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors to which the new directorship was added or in which the vacancy occurred and until his or her successor has been elected and qualified, subject, however, to such director’s earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal.

 

Section 5.4 [Reserved].

 

Section 5.5 Number of Directors. The number of directors of the Corporation shall be, as from time to time fixed by, or in the manner provided in, the By-Laws. Election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the By-Laws so provide.

 

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Section 5.6 Removal of Directors. Subject to Section 5.7 hereof, any or all of the directors may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of Common Stock.

 

Section 5.7 Preferred Stock - Directors. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article V, and except as otherwise required by law, whenever the holders of one or more series of the Preferred Stock shall have the right, voting separately by class or series, to elect one or more directors, the term of office, the filling of vacancies, the removal from office and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the terms of such series of the Preferred Stock as set forth in this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation) and such directors shall not be included in any of the classes created pursuant to this Article V unless expressly provided by such terms.

 

Article VI
BY-LAWS

 

In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred upon it by law, the Board shall have the power and is expressly authorized to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the By-Laws. The affirmative vote of a majority of the Board shall be required to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the By-Laws. The By-Laws also may be adopted, amended, altered or repealed by the stockholders; provided, however, that in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation required by law or by this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation), the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required for the stockholders to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the By-Laws; and provided further, however, that no By-Laws hereafter adopted by the stockholders shall invalidate any prior act of the Board that would have been valid if such By-Laws had not been adopted.

 

Article VII
SPECIAL MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS; ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT

 

Section 7.1 Special Meetings. Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of the Preferred Stock, and to the requirements of applicable law, special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation may be called only by the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, or the Board pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Board, and the ability of the stockholders of the Corporation to call a special meeting is hereby specifically denied. Except as provided in the foregoing sentence, special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation may not be called by another person or persons.

 

Section 7.2 Advance Notice. 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 By-Laws.

 

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Section 7.3 Action by Written Consent. Except as may be otherwise provided for or fixed pursuant to this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation) relating to the rights of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock, subsequent to the consummation of the Offering, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected by a duly called annual or special meeting of such stockholders and may not be effected by written consent of the stockholders.

 

Article VIII
LIMITED LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION

 

Section 8.1 Limitation of Director Liability. A director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL as the same exists or may hereafter be amended unless they violated their duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, acted in bad faith, knowingly or intentionally violated the law, authorized unlawful payments of dividends, unlawful stock purchases or unlawful redemptions, or derived improper personal benefit from their actions as directors. Any amendment, modification or repeal of the foregoing sentence shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation hereunder in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such amendment, modification or repeal.

 

Section 8.2 Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses.

 

(a) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, the Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless each person who is or was made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “proceeding”) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or, while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise or nonprofit entity, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (an “indemnitee”), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent, or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes and penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred by such indemnitee in connection with such proceeding. The Corporation shall to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law pay the expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an indemnitee in defending or otherwise participating in any proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided, however, that, to the extent required by applicable law, such payment of expenses in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking, by or on behalf of the indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified under this Section 8.2 or otherwise. The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses conferred by this Section 8.2 shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 8.2(a), except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses, the Corporation shall indemnify and advance expenses to an indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnitee only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board.

 

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(b) The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses conferred on any indemnitee by this Section 8.2 shall not be exclusive of any other rights that any indemnitee may have or hereafter acquire under law, this Second Amended and Restated Certificate, the By-Laws, an agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.

 

(c) Any repeal or amendment of this Section 8.2 by the stockholders of the Corporation or by changes in law, or the adoption of any other provision of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate inconsistent with this Section 8.2, shall, unless otherwise required by law, be prospective only (except to the extent such amendment or change in law permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights on a retroactive basis than permitted prior thereto), and shall not in any way diminish or adversely affect any right or protection existing at the time of such repeal or amendment or adoption of such inconsistent provision in respect of any proceeding (regardless of when such proceeding is first threatened, commenced or completed) arising out of, or related to, any act or omission occurring prior to such repeal or amendment or adoption of such inconsistent provision.

 

(d) This Section 8.2 shall not limit the right of the Corporation, to the extent and in the manner authorized or permitted by law, to indemnify and to advance expenses to persons other than indemnitees.

 

Article IX
CORPORATE OPPORTUNITY

 

To the extent allowed by law, the doctrine of corporate opportunity, or any other analogous doctrine, shall not apply with respect to the Corporation or any of its officers or directors, or any of their respective affiliates, in circumstances where the application of any such doctrine would conflict with any fiduciary duties or contractual obligations they may have as of the date of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate or in the future, and the Corporation renounces any expectancy that any of the directors or officers of the Corporation will offer any such corporate opportunity of which he or she may become aware to the Corporation, except, the doctrine of corporate opportunity shall apply with respect to any of the directors or officers of the Corporation with respect to a corporate opportunity that was offered to such person solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Corporation and (i) such opportunity is one the Corporation is legally and contractually permitted to undertake and would otherwise be reasonable for the Corporation to pursue and (ii) the director or officer is permitted to refer that opportunity to the Corporation without violating any legal obligation.

 

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Article X

AMENDMENT OF SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

 

The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Second Amended and Restated Certificate, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon stockholders of the Corporation herein are granted subject to this reservation. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate or any provision of law which might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, but in addition to any affirmative vote of the holders of any particular class or series of stock of the Corporation required by law or by this Second Amended and Restated Certificate, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock, voting together as a single class, shall be required to alter, amend or repeal any provision of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate.

 


[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Second Amended and Restated Certificate to be duly executed and acknowledged in its name and on its behalf by an authorized officer as of the date first set forth above.

 

  CHASERG TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORP.
   
  By: /s/ Lloyd Carney
  Name:  Lloyd Carney
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 3.2

 

BY-LAWS

 

OF

 

GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC.

 

A Delaware Corporation

 

Effective March 5, 2020

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page
ARTICLE I OFFICES 1
     
Section 1.1 Registered Office 1
Section 1.2 Other Offices 1
Section 1.3 Books and Records 1
     
ARTICLE II MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS 1
     
Section 2.1 Place of Meetings 1
Section 2.2 Annual Meetings 1
Section 2.3 Special Meetings 2
Section 2.4 Nature of Business at Meetings of Stockholders 2
Section 2.5 Nomination of Directors 4
Section 2.6 Notice 6
Section 2.7 Adjournments 6
Section 2.8 Quorum 6
Section 2.9 Voting 7
Section 2.10 Proxies 7
Section 2.11 List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote 8
Section 2.12 Record Date 8
Section 2.13 Stock Ledger 8
Section 2.14 Conduct of Meetings 9
Section 2.15 Inspectors of Election 9
     
ARTICLE III DIRECTORS 9
     
Section 3.1 Number and Election of Directors 9
Section 3.2 Vacancies 10
Section 3.3 Duties and Powers 10
Section 3.4 Meetings 10
Section 3.5 Organization 10
Section 3.6 Resignations and Removals of Directors 11
Section 3.7 Quorum; Required Vote 11
Section 3.8 Actions of the Board by Written Consent 12
Section 3.9 Meetings by Means of Conference Telephone 12
Section 3.10 Committees 12
Section 3.11 Compensation 13
Section 3.12 Interested Directors 13
     
ARTICLE IV OFFICERS 13
     
Section 4.1 General 13
Section 4.2 Election 14
Section 4.3 Voting Securities Owned by the Corporation 14

 

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Section 4.4 Chairperson of the Board of Directors 14
Section 4.5 President 14
Section 4.6 Vice Presidents 15
Section 4.7 Secretary 15
Section 4.8 Treasurer 15
Section 4.9 Assistant Secretaries 16
Section 4.10 Assistant Treasurers 16
Section 4.11 Other Officers 16
     
ARTICLE V STOCK 16
     
Section 5.1 Shares of Stock 16
Section 5.2 Signatures 16
Section 5.3 Lost Certificates 17
Section 5.4 Transfers 17
Section 5.5 Dividend Record Date 17
Section 5.6 Record Owners 17
Section 5.7 Transfer and Registry Agents 18
     
ARTICLE VI NOTICES 18
     
Section 6.1 Notices 18
Section 6.2 Waivers of Notice 18
     
ARTICLE VII GENERAL PROVISIONS 18
     
Section 7.1 Dividends 18
Section 7.2 Disbursements 19
Section 7.3 Fiscal Year 19
Section 7.4 Corporate Seal 19
     
ARTICLE VIII INDEMNIFICATION 19
     
Section 8.1 Right to Indemnification 19
Section 8.2 Right to Advancement of Expenses 20
Section 8.3 Right of Indemnitee to Bring Suit 20
Section 8.4 Non-Exclusivity of Rights 20
Section 8.5 Insurance 21
Section 8.6 Indemnification of Other Persons 21
Section 8.7 Amendments 21
Section 8.8 Certain Definitions 21
Section 8.9 Contract Rights 21
Section 8.10 Severability 21
     
ARTICLE IX AMENDMENTS 22
     
Section 9.1 Amendments 22
Section 9.2 Entire Board of Directors 22
     
ARTICLE X EXCLUSIVE FORUM 22
     
ARTICLE XI NOTICE BY ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION 23
     
Section 11.1 Notice by Electronic Transmission 23
Section 11.2 Definition of Electronic Transmission 23

 

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BY-LAWS
OF
GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC.
(hereinafter called the “Corporation”)

 

ARTICLE I
OFFICES

 

Section 1.1 Registered Office. The registered office of the Corporation shall be as set forth in the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, as amended and restated from time to time (the “Certificate of Incorporation”).

 

Section 1.2 Other Offices. The Corporation may also have offices at such other places, both within and without the State of Delaware, as the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board” or the “Board of Directors”) may from time to time determine.

 

Section 1.3 Books and Records. The books and records of the Corporation may be kept within or without the State of Delaware as the Board may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

 

ARTICLE II
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

Section 2.1 Place of Meetings. Meetings of the stockholders for the election of directors or for any other purpose shall be held at such time and place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. The Board, in its sole discretion, may determine that such meetings be held wholly or partially by means of remote communication. For any meeting of stockholders to be held by remote communication, the Corporation shall (i) implement reasonable measures to verify that each person deemed present and permitted to vote at the meeting by remote communication is a stockholder or proxy holder, (ii) implement reasonable measures to provide such stockholders and proxy holders a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the stockholders, including an opportunity to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting substantially concurrently with such proceedings, and (iii) if any stockholder or proxy holder votes or takes other action at the meeting by means of remote communication, a record of such vote or other action shall be maintained by the Corporation.

 

Section 2.2 Annual Meetings. The annual meeting of stockholders (the “Annual Meeting of Stockholders” or “Annual Meeting”) shall be held on such date and at such time as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. Any proper business may be transacted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

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Section 2.3 Special Meetings. Unless otherwise required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation, for any purpose or purposes (“Special Meetings of Stockholders” or the “Special Meeting”), may be called by either (i) the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, if there be one (the “Chairperson”), or (ii) the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by a majority of the Board of Directors. Such request shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting. At a Special Meeting of Stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall be specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto).

 

Section 2.4 Nature of Business at Meetings of Stockholders. Only such business (other than nominations for election to the Board of Directors, which must comply with the provisions of Section 2.5) may be transacted at an Annual Meeting of Stockholders as is either (i) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof), (ii) otherwise properly brought before the Annual Meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof), or (iii) otherwise properly brought before the Annual Meeting by any stockholder of the Corporation (x) who is a stockholder of record on the date of the giving of the notice provided for in this Section 2.4 and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at such Annual Meeting and (y) who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.4.

 

(a) In addition to any other applicable requirements, for business to be properly brought before an Annual Meeting by a stockholder, such stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Secretary of the Corporation.

 

(b) To be timely, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must be delivered to or be mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than ninety (90) days nor more than one-hundred twenty (120) days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding Annual Meeting of Stockholders; provided, however, that in the event that the Annual Meeting is called for a date that is not within twenty-five (25) days before or after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder in order to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such notice of the date of the Annual Meeting was mailed or such public disclosure of the date of the Annual Meeting was made, whichever first occurs. In no event shall the adjournment or postponement of an Annual Meeting, or the public announcement of such an adjournment or postponement, commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

 

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(c) To be in proper written form, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must set forth the following information: (i) as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the Annual Meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the Annual Meeting and the proposed text of any proposal regarding such business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and, if such business includes a proposal to amend these By-laws, the text of the proposed amendment), and the reasons for conducting such business at the Annual Meeting, and (ii) as to the stockholder giving notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is being made, (A) the name and address of such person, (B) (1) the class or series and number of all shares of stock of the Corporation which are owned beneficially or of record by such person and any affiliates or associates of such person, (2) the name of each nominee holder of shares of all stock of the Corporation owned beneficially but not of record by such person or any affiliates or associates of such person, and the number of such shares of stock of the Corporation held by each such nominee holder, (3) whether and the extent to which any derivative instrument, swap, option, warrant, short interest, hedge or profit interest or other transaction has been entered into by or on behalf of such person, or any affiliates or associates of such person, with respect to stock of the Corporation and (4) whether and the extent to which any other transaction, agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any short position or any borrowing or lending of shares of stock of the Corporation) has been made by or on behalf of such person, or any affiliates or associates of such person, the effect or intent of any of the foregoing being to mitigate loss to, or to manage risk or benefit of stock price changes for, such person, or any affiliates or associates of such person, or to increase or decrease the voting power or pecuniary or economic interest of such person, or any affiliates or associates of such person, with respect to stock of the Corporation; (C) a description of all agreements, arrangements, or understandings (whether written or oral) between or among such person, or any affiliates or associates of such person, and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with or relating to (1) the Corporation or (2) the proposal, including any material interest in, or anticipated benefit from the proposal to such person, or any affiliates or associates of such person, (D) a representation that the stockholder giving notice intends to appear in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting to bring such business before the meeting; and (E) any other information relating to such person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with the solicitation of proxies by such person with respect to the proposed business to be brought by such person before the Annual Meeting pursuant to Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(d) A stockholder providing notice of business proposed to be brought before an Annual Meeting shall further update and supplement such notice, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall be true and correct as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual Meeting and such update and supplement shall be delivered to or be mailed and received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five (5) business days after the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual Meeting.

 

(e) No business shall be conducted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders except business brought before the Annual Meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.4 or Section 2.5; provided, however, that, once business has been properly brought before the Annual Meeting in accordance with such procedures, nothing in this Section 2.4 shall be deemed to preclude discussion by any stockholder of any such business. If the Chairperson of an Annual Meeting determines that business was not properly brought before the Annual Meeting in accordance with the foregoing procedures, the Chairperson shall declare to the meeting that the business was not properly brought before the meeting and such business shall not be transacted.

 

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(f) Nothing contained in this Section 2.4 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 (or any successor provision of law).

 

Section 2.5 Nomination of Directors. Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures of this Section 2.5 shall be eligible for election as directors of the Corporation, except (x) as may be otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation to nominate and elect a specified number of directors in certain circumstances or (y) as provided in that certain Stockholders’ Agreement dated as of November 13, 2019 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Stockholders’ Agreement”), by and among the Corporation, Automated Systems Holdings Limited, a company incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability, and the certain other parties party thereto.

 

(a) Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made at any Annual Meeting of Stockholders, or at any Special Meeting of Stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors, (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof) or (ii) by any stockholder of the Corporation (x) who is a stockholder of record on the date of the giving of the notice provided for in this Section 2.5 and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at such Annual Meeting or Special Meeting and (y) who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.5.

 

(b) In addition to any other applicable requirements, for a nomination to be made by a stockholder, such stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Secretary of the Corporation.

 

(c) To be timely, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must be delivered to or be mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation (i) in the case of an Annual Meeting, not less than ninety (90) days nor more than one-hundred twenty (120) days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding Annual Meeting of Stockholders; provided, however, that in the event that the Annual Meeting is called for a date that is not within twenty-five (25) days before or after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder in order to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such notice of the date of the Annual Meeting was mailed or such public disclosure of the date of the Annual Meeting was made, whichever first occurs; and (ii) in the case of a Special Meeting of Stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors, not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which notice of the date of the Special Meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of the Special Meeting was made, whichever first occurs. In no event shall the adjournment or postponement of an Annual Meeting or a Special Meeting called for the purpose of electing directors, or the public announcement of such an adjournment or postponement, commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

 

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(d) To be in proper written form, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must set forth the following information: (i) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election as a director (A) the name, age, business address and residence address of such person, (B) the principal occupation or employment of such person, (C) (1) the class or series and number of all shares of stock of the Corporation which are owned beneficially or of record by such person and any affiliates or associates of such person, (2) the name of each nominee holder of shares of all stock of the Corporation owned beneficially but not of record by such person or any affiliates or associates of such person, and the number of such shares of stock of the Corporation held by each such nominee holder, (3) whether and the extent to which any derivative instrument, swap, option, warrant, short interest, hedge or profit interest or other transaction has been entered into by or on behalf of such person, or any affiliates or associates of such person, with respect to stock of the Corporation and (4) whether and the extent to which any other transaction, agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any short position or any borrowing or lending of shares of stock of the Corporation) has been made by or on behalf of such person, or any affiliates or associates of such person, the effect or intent of any of the foregoing being to mitigate loss to, or to manage risk or benefit of stock price changes for, such person, or any affiliates or associates of such person, or to increase or decrease the voting power or pecuniary or economic interest of such person, or any affiliates or associates of such person, with respect to stock of the Corporation, (D) such person’s written representation and agreement that such person (1) is not and will not become a party to 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, (2) 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 to the Corporation in such representation and agreement and (3) in such person’s individual capacity, would be in compliance, if elected as a director of the Corporation, and will comply with, all applicable publicly disclosed confidentiality, corporate governance, conflict of interest, Regulation FD, code of conduct and ethics, and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the Corporation and (E) all information relating to such nominee for nomination that is required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14(a) under the Exchange Act (including such nominee’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected); and (ii) as to the stockholder giving the notice, and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is being made, (A) the name and record address of the stockholder giving the notice and the name and principal place of business of such beneficial owner; (B) (1) the class or series and number of all shares of stock of the Corporation which are owned beneficially or of record by such person and any affiliates or associates of such person, (2) the name of each nominee holder of shares of the Corporation owned beneficially but not of record by such person or any affiliates or associates of such person, and the number of shares of stock of the Corporation held by each such nominee holder, (3) whether and the extent to which any derivative instrument, swap, option, warrant, short interest, hedge or profit interest or other transaction has been entered into by or on behalf of such person, or any affiliates or associates of such person, with respect to stock of the Corporation and (4) whether and the extent to which any other transaction, agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any short position or any borrowing or lending of shares of stock of the Corporation) has been made by or on behalf of such person, or any affiliates or associates of such person, the effect or intent of any of the foregoing being to mitigate loss to, or to manage risk or benefit of stock price changes for, such person, or any affiliates or associates of such person, or to increase or decrease the voting power or pecuniary or economic interest of such person, or any affiliates or associates of such person, with respect to stock of the Corporation; (C) a description of (1) all agreements, arrangements, or understandings (whether written or oral) between such person, or any affiliates or associates of such person, and any proposed nominee, or any affiliates or associates of such proposed nominee, (2) all agreements, arrangements, or understandings (whether written or oral) between such person, or any affiliates or associates of such person, and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the nomination(s) are being made by such person, or otherwise relating to the Corporation or their ownership of capital stock of the Corporation, and (3) any material interest of such person, or any affiliates or associates of such person, in such nomination, including any anticipated benefit therefrom to such person, or any affiliates or associates of such person; (D) a representation that the stockholder giving notice intends to appear in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting or Special Meeting to nominate the persons named in its notice; and (E) any other information relating to such person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with the solicitation of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Such notice must be accompanied by (X) a completed written questionnaire (in a form provided by the Corporation) with respect to the background, qualifications, stock ownership and independence of such proposed nominee, and such additional information with respect to such proposed nominee as would be required to be provided by the Company pursuant to Schedule 14A if such proposed nominee were a participant in the solicitation of proxies by the Company in connection with such annual or special meeting and (Y) a written representation and agreement (in form provided by the Corporation) that such nominee (i) if elected as director of the Corporation, intends to serve the entire term until the next meeting at which such nominee would face re-election and (ii) consents to being named as a nominee in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-4(d) under the Exchange Act and any associated proxy card of the Corporation and agrees to serve if elected as a director.

 

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(e) A stockholder providing notice of any nomination proposed to be made at an Annual Meeting or Special Meeting shall further update and supplement such notice, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice pursuant to this Section 2.5 shall be true and correct as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual Meeting or Special Meeting, and such update and supplement shall be delivered to or be mailed and received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five (5) business days after the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to receive notice of such Annual Meeting or Special Meeting.

 

(f) Except as otherwise provided in the Stockholders’ Agreement, no person shall be eligible for election as a director of the Corporation unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.5. If the Chairperson of the meeting determines that a nomination was not made in accordance with the foregoing procedures, the Chairperson shall declare to the meeting that the nomination was defective and such defective nomination shall be disregarded.

 

Section 2.6 Notice. Whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, a written notice of the meeting shall be given which shall state the place, date and hour of the meeting, and, in the case of a Special Meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. Unless otherwise required by law, written notice of any meeting 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 notice of and to vote at such meeting. Notice of any meeting of stockholders shall be deemed given (i) if mailed, when deposited in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at his or her address as it appears on the Corporation’s records, or (ii) if electronically transmitted in accordance with Article X hereof.

 

Section 2.7 Adjournments. Any meeting of the stockholders may be adjourned from time to time to reconvene at the same or some other place, and notice need not be given of any such adjourned meeting if the time and place 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, notice of the adjourned meeting in accordance with the requirements of Article VI hereof shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. If after the adjournment a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the Board shall fix as the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each stockholder of record as of the record date so fixed for notice of such adjourned meeting.

 

Section 2.8 Quorum. Unless otherwise required by applicable law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of a majority of the Corporation’s capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business. A quorum, once established, shall not be broken by the withdrawal of enough votes to leave less than a quorum. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, in the manner provided in Article VII hereof, until a quorum shall be present or represented.

 

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Section 2.9 Voting. Unless otherwise required (x) by applicable law, rule or regulation (including the rules of any stock exchange on which the Corporation’s shares are listed and traded) or (y) by the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, or (z) pursuant to the Stockholders’ Agreement, any question brought before any meeting of the stockholders, other than the election of directors, shall be decided by the vote of the holders of a majority of the total number of votes of the Corporation’s capital stock represented at the meeting and entitled to vote on such question, voting as a single class. Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, and subject to Section 2.12, each stockholder represented at a meeting of the stockholders shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote for each share of the capital stock entitled to vote thereat held by such stockholder. Such votes may be cast in person or by proxy as provided in Section 2.10. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, or the officer of the Corporation presiding at a meeting of the stockholders, in such officer’s discretion, may require that any votes cast at such meeting shall be cast by written ballot.

 

Section 2.10 Proxies. Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of the stockholders may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy, but no such proxy shall be voted upon after three years from its date, unless such proxy provides for a longer period.

 

(a) Without limiting the manner in which a stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy, the following shall constitute a valid means by which a stockholder may grant such authority:

 

(i) A stockholder may execute a writing authorizing another person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy. Execution may be accomplished by the stockholder or such stockholder’s authorized officer, director, employee or agent signing such writing or causing such person’s signature to be affixed to such writing by any reasonable means, including, but not limited to, by facsimile signature.

 

(ii) A stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy by transmitting or authorizing the transmission of a telegram or cablegram to the person who will be the holder of the proxy or to a proxy solicitation firm, proxy support service organization or like agent duly authorized by the person who will be the holder of the proxy to receive such telegram or cablegram, provided that any such telegram or cablegram must either set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the telegram or cablegram was authorized by the stockholder. If it is determined that such telegrams or cablegrams are valid, the inspectors or, if there are no inspectors, such other persons making that determination shall specify the information on which they relied.

 

(b) Any copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reliable reproduction of the writing, telegram or cablegram authorizing another person or persons to act as proxy for a stockholder may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing, telegram or cablegram for any and all purposes for which the original writing, telegram or cablegram could be used; provided, however, that such copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original writing, telegram or cablegram.

 

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Section 2.11 List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote. The officer of the Corporation who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of the stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. The Corporation shall not be required to include electronic mail addresses or other electronic contact information on such list. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting (i) either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held, (ii) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the Corporation, or (iii) 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. The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present.

 

Section 2.12 Record Date. In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of the stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than 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 the 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 the 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 2.13 Stock Ledger. The stock ledger of the Corporation shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list required by Section 2.11 or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of the stockholders.

 

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Section 2.14 Conduct of Meetings. The Board of Directors of the Corporation may adopt by resolution such rules and regulations for the conduct of any meeting of the stockholders as it shall deem appropriate. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board of Directors, the Chairperson of any meeting of the stockholders 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 Chairperson, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting (including whether to adjourn such meeting). Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board of Directors or prescribed by the Chairperson of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following: (i) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (ii) the determination of when the polls shall open and close for any given matter to be voted on at the meeting; (iii) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (iv) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the Chairperson of the meeting shall determine; (v) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; and (vi) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants.

 

Section 2.15 Inspectors of Election. In advance of any meeting of the stockholders, the Board of Directors, by resolution, the Chairperson or the President shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting and make a written report thereof. One or more other persons may be designated as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate is able to act at a meeting of the stockholders, the Chairperson of the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, inspectors may be officers, employees or agents of the Corporation. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of the duties of inspector, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of such inspector’s ability. The inspector shall have the duties prescribed by law and shall take charge of the polls and, when the vote is completed, shall make a certificate of the result of the vote taken and of such other facts as may be required by applicable law.

 

ARTICLE III
DIRECTORS

 

Section 3.1 Number and Election of Directors. Subject to the terms of the Stockholders’ Agreement, the Board of Directors shall consist of not less than one (1) nor more than ten (10) members, the exact number of which shall initially be 8 and thereafter fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board. No reduction of the authorized number of directors shall have the effect of removing any director before that director’s term of office expires. Subject to the terms of the Stockholders’ Agreement and except as provided in Section 3.2, each director, including a director elected to fill a vacancy or newly created directorship, shall hold office until the expiration of the term of the class, if any, for which elected and until such director’s successor is elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal. Directors need not be stockholders. The Certificate of Incorporation or these By-laws may prescribe qualifications for directors.

 

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Section 3.2 Vacancies. Unless otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation and except as otherwise provided in the Stockholders’ Agreement, vacancies on the Board of Directors or any committee thereof arising through death, resignation, removal, an increase in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors or such committee or otherwise may be filled only by a majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. Any director appointed in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office for the remainder of the term of the class, if any, to which the director is appointed 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 these By-laws in the case of the death, removal or resignation of any director.

 

Section 3.3 Duties and Powers. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors which may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these By-Laws required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

 

Section 3.4 Meetings. The Board of Directors and any committee thereof may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State of Delaware. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may be held without notice at such time and at such place as may from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors or such committee, respectively. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairperson, if there be one, or by any two (2) or more directors. Special meetings of any committee of the Board of Directors may be called by the chairperson of such committee, if there be one, or any director serving on such committee. Notice thereof stating the place, date and hour of the meeting shall be given to each director (or, in the case of a committee, to each member of such committee) either by mail not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the date of the meeting, by telephone or electronic mail on twenty-four (24) hours’ notice, or on such shorter notice as the person or persons calling such meeting may deem necessary or appropriate in the circumstances.

 

Section 3.5 Organization. At each meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors or the chairperson of such committee, as the case may be, or, in his or her absence or if there be none, a director chosen by a majority of the directors present, shall act as chairperson. Except as provided below, the Secretary of the Corporation shall act as secretary at each meeting of the Board of Directors and of each committee thereof. In case the Secretary shall be absent from any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof, an Assistant Secretary shall perform the duties of secretary at such meeting; and in the absence from any such meeting of the Secretary and all the Assistant Secretaries, the Chairperson of the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the members of each committee of the Board of Directors may appoint any person to act as secretary of any meeting of such committee and the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Corporation may, but need not if such committee so elects, serve in such capacity.

 

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Section 3.6 Resignations and Removals of Directors. Any director of the Corporation may resign from the Board of Directors or any committee thereof at any time, by giving notice in writing to the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, if there be one, the President or the Secretary of the Corporation and, in the case of a committee, to the chairperson of such committee, if there be one. Such resignation shall take effect at the time therein specified or, if no time is specified, immediately; and, unless otherwise specified in such notice, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Except as otherwise required by applicable law or provided in the Stockholders’ Agreement, any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed from office at any time by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority in voting power of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors. Except as otherwise provided in the Stockholders’ Agreement, any director serving on a committee of the Board of Directors may be removed from such committee at any time by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 3.7 Quorum; Required Vote. Except as otherwise (x) required by applicable law, rule or regulation (including the rules of any stock exchange on which the Corporation’s shares are listed and traded), (y) required by the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws or (z) provided in the Stockholders’ Agreement, at all meetings of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof, a majority of the entire Board of Directors or a majority of the directors constituting such committee, as the case may be, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the directors or committee members present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors or such committee, as applicable. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof, the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting of the time and place of the adjourned meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

 

Section 3.8 Supermajority Vote Required. Except as otherwise (x) required by applicable law, rule or regulation (including the rules of any stock exchange on which the Corporation’s shares are listed and traded), (y) required by the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, or (z) provided in the Stockholders’ Agreement, any action brought before any meetings of the Board of Directors (i) increasing the number of members of the Board, (ii) amending these By-Laws, or (iii) issuing Additional Shares of Common Stock of the Corporation, shall be determined by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the directors then in office at a duly authorized meeting at which a quorum is present. “Additional Shares of Common Stock” shall mean all shares of Common Stock issued by the Corporation other than (i) shares of Common Stock, restricted stock units or options issued to employees or directors of, or consultants or advisors to, the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to a plan, agreement or arrangement approved by a majority of the Board, and (ii) those shares of Common Stock or convertible securities actually issued upon the exercise of any stock options or shares of Common Stock actually issued upon the conversion or exchange of convertible securities outstanding as of the effective date of these By-Laws.

 

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Section 3.9 Actions of the Board by Written Consent. Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, 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 the members of the Board of Directors or such committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board 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 3.10 Meetings by Means of Conference Telephone. Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, or any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such committee by means of a 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 pursuant to this Section 3.9 shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

 

Section 3.11 Committees. Subject to the terms of the Stockholders’ Agreement:

 

(a) The Board of Directors may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation. Each member of a committee must meet the requirements for membership, if any, imposed by applicable law and the rules and regulations of any securities exchange or quotation system on which the securities of the Corporation are listed or quoted for trading;

 

(b) 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 any such committee. Subject also to the rules and regulations of any securities exchange or quotation system on which the securities of the Corporation are listed or quoted for trading, in the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, and in the absence of a designation by the Board of Directors of an alternate member to replace the absent or disqualified member, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another qualified member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any absent or disqualified member.

 

(c) Any committee, to the extent permitted by law and provided in the resolution establishing such committee, 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. Each committee shall keep regular minutes and report to the Board of Directors when required.

 

(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in (a)-(c) of this Section 3.10, the resolution of the Board of Directors establishing any committee of the Board of Directors and/or the charter of any such committee may establish requirements or procedures relating to the governance and/or operation of such committee that are different from, or in addition to, those set forth in these By-Laws and, to the extent that there is any inconsistency between these By-Laws and any such resolution or charter, the terms of such resolution or charter shall be controlling.

 

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Section 3.12 Compensation. The directors may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or a stated salary for service as director, payable in cash or securities. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor. Members of special or standing committees may be allowed like compensation for service as committee members.

 

Section 3.13 Interested Directors. No contract or transaction between the Corporation and one or more of its directors or officers, or between the Corporation and any other corporation, partnership, association or other organization in which one or more of its directors or officers are directors or officers or have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of the Board of Directors or committee thereof which authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely because any such director’s or officer’s vote is counted for such purpose if: (i) the material facts as to the director’s or officer’s relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the Board of Directors or the committee, and the Board of Directors or committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a majority of the disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors be less than a quorum; or (ii) the material facts as to the director’s or officer’s relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the stockholders entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the stockholders; or (iii) the contract or transaction is fair as to the Corporation as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified by the Board of Directors, a committee thereof or the stockholders. Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee which authorizes the contract or transaction.

 

ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS

 

Section 4.1 General. The officers of the Corporation shall be chosen by the Board of Directors and shall be a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, also may choose a Chairperson of the Board (subject to the provisions of the Stockholders’ Agreement) and/or one or more Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers and other officers. Any number of offices may be held by the same person, unless otherwise prohibited by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws. The officers of the Corporation need not be stockholders of the Corporation nor, except in the case of the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, need such officers be directors of the Corporation.

 

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Section 4.2 Election. Subject to the terms of the Stockholders’ Agreement, the Board of Directors, at its first meeting held after each Annual Meeting of Stockholders, shall elect the officers of the Corporation who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors; and each officer of the Corporation shall hold office until such officer’s successor is elected and qualified, or until such officer’s earlier death, resignation or removal. Any officer elected by the Board of Directors may be removed at any time by the Board of Directors. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled by the Board of Directors. The salaries of all officers of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 4.3 Voting Securities Owned by the Corporation. Powers of attorney, proxies, waivers of notice of meeting, consents and other instruments relating to securities owned by the Corporation may be executed in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation by the President or any Vice President or any other officer authorized to do so by the Board of Directors and any such officer may, in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, take all such action as any such officer may deem advisable to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of security holders of any corporation in which the Corporation may own securities and at any such meeting shall possess and may exercise any and all rights and power incident to the ownership of such securities and which, as the owner thereof, the Corporation might have exercised and possessed if present. The Board of Directors may, by resolution, from time to time confer like powers upon any other person or persons.

 

Section 4.4 Chairperson of the Board of Directors. The Chairperson of the Board of Directors, if there be one, shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. Except where by law the signature of the President is required, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors shall possess the same power as the President to sign all contracts, certificates and other instruments of the Corporation which may be authorized by the Board of Directors. The Chairperson of the Board of Directors shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as may from time to time be assigned by these By-Laws or by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 4.5 President. The President shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors and, if there be one, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, have general supervision of the business of the Corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect. The President shall execute all bonds, mortgages, contracts and other instruments of the Corporation requiring a seal, under the seal of the Corporation, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except that the other officers of the Corporation may sign and execute documents when so authorized by these By-Laws, the Board of Directors or the President. In the absence or disability of the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, or if there be none, the President shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and, provided the President is also a director, the Board of Directors. If there be no Chairperson of the Board of Directors, or if the Board of Directors shall otherwise designate, the President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. The President shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as may from time to time be assigned to such officer by these By-Laws or by the Board of Directors.

 

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Section 4.6 Vice Presidents. At the request of the President or in the President’s absence or in the event of the President’s inability or refusal to act (and if there be no Chairperson of the Board of Directors), the Vice President, or the Vice Presidents if there are more than one (in the order designated by the Board of Directors), shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President. Each Vice President shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors from time to time may prescribe. If there be no Chairperson of the Board of Directors and no Vice President, the Board of Directors shall designate the officer of the Corporation who, in the absence of the President or in the event of the inability or refusal of the President to act, shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President.

 

Section 4.7 Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and all meetings of the stockholders and record all the proceedings thereat in a book or books to be kept for that purpose; the Secretary shall also perform like duties for committees of the Board of Directors when required. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors or the President, under whose supervision the Secretary shall be. If the Secretary shall be unable or shall refuse to cause to be given notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and if there be no Assistant Secretary, then either the Board of Directors or the President may choose another officer to cause such notice to be given. The Secretary shall have custody of the seal of the Corporation and the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary, if there be one, shall have authority to affix the same to any instrument requiring it and when so affixed, it may be attested by the signature of the Secretary or by the signature of any such Assistant Secretary. The Board of Directors may give general authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and to attest to the affixing by such officer’s signature. The Secretary shall see that all books, reports, statements, certificates and other documents and records required by law to be kept or filed are properly kept or filed, as the case may be.

 

Section 4.8 Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the President and the Board of Directors, at its regular meetings, or when the Board of Directors so requires, an account of all transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation. If required by the Board of Directors, the Treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the duties of the office of the Treasurer and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of the Treasurer’s death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in the Treasurer’s possession or under the Treasurer’s control belonging to the Corporation.

 

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Section 4.9 Assistant Secretaries. Assistant Secretaries, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Secretary, and in the absence of the Secretary or in the event of the Secretary’s inability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the Secretary, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Secretary.

 

Section 4.10 Assistant Treasurers. Assistant Treasurers, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Treasurer, and in the absence of the Treasurer or in the event of the Treasurer’s inability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the Treasurer, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Treasurer. If required by the Board of Directors, an Assistant Treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the duties of the office of Assistant Treasurer and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of the Assistant Treasurer’s death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in the Assistant Treasurer’s possession or under the Assistant Treasurer’s control belonging to the Corporation.

 

Section 4.11 Other Officers. Such other officers as the Board of Directors may choose shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may delegate to any other officer of the Corporation the power to choose such other officers and to prescribe their respective duties and powers.

 

ARTICLE V
STOCK

 

Section 5.1 Shares of Stock. Except as otherwise provided in a resolution approved by the Board of Directors, all shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be uncertificated shares. The Corporation may adopt a system of issuance, recordation and transfer of its shares of stock by electronic or other means not involving the issuance of certificates, provided the use of such system by the Corporation is permitted in accordance with applicable law.

 

Section 5.2 Signatures. Any or all of the signatures on a certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

 

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Section 5.3 Lost Certificates. The Board of Directors may direct a new certificate or uncertificated shares be issued in place of any certificate 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. When authorizing such issuance of a new certificate or uncertificated shares, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or such owner’s legal representative, to advertise the same in such manner as the Board of Directors shall require and/or to give the Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate or uncertificated shares.

 

Section 5.4 Transfers. Except as otherwise provided in agreements entered into from time to time between the Corporation and its stockholders, stock of the Corporation shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by applicable law and in these By-Laws. Transfers of stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation, and in the case of certificated shares of stock, only by the person named in the certificate or by such person’s attorney lawfully constituted in writing and upon the surrender of the certificate therefor, properly endorsed for transfer and payment of all necessary transfer taxes; or, in the case of uncertificated shares of stock, upon receipt of proper transfer instructions from the registered holder of the shares or by such person’s attorney lawfully constituted in writing, and upon payment of all necessary transfer taxes and compliance with appropriate procedures for transferring shares in uncertificated form; provided, however, that such surrender and endorsement, compliance or payment of taxes shall not be required in any case in which the officers of the Corporation shall determine to waive such requirement. With respect to certificated shares of stock, every certificate exchanged, returned or surrendered to the Corporation shall be marked “Cancelled,” with the date of cancellation, by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Corporation or the transfer agent thereof. No transfer of stock shall be valid as against the Corporation for any purpose until it shall have been entered in the stock records of the Corporation by an entry showing from and to whom transferred.

 

Section 5.5 Dividend Record Date. In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than sixty (60) days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

Section 5.6 Record Owners. 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 to hold liable for calls and assessments a person registered on its books as the owner of shares, 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 required by law.

 

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Section 5.7 Transfer and Registry Agents. The Corporation may from time to time maintain one or more transfer offices or agencies and registry offices or agencies at such place or places as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors.

 

ARTICLE VI
NOTICES

 

Section 6.1 Notices. Whenever written notice is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, such notice may be given (i) by mail, addressed to such director, member of a committee or stockholder, at such person’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail, or (ii) electronically, in accordance with Article X hereof. Written notice may also be given personally or by telegram, telex or cable.

 

Section 6.2 Waivers of Notice. Whenever any notice is required by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto. Attendance of a person at a meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where the person 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. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any Annual or Special Meeting of Stockholders or any regular or special meeting of the directors or members of a committee of directors need be specified in any written waiver of notice unless so required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws.

 

ARTICLE VII
GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 7.1 Dividends. Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation, subject to the requirements of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) and the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, if any, may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors (or any action by written consent in lieu thereof in accordance with Section 3.8 hereof), and may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the Corporation’s capital stock. 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 its absolute discretion, deems proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for purchasing any of the shares of capital stock, warrants, rights, options, bonds, debentures, notes, scrip or other securities or evidences of indebtedness of the Corporation, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for any proper purpose, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.

 

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Section 7.2 Disbursements. All checks or demands for money and notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.

 

Section 7.3 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors and may be changed by resolution of the Board.

 

Section 7.4 Corporate Seal. The Corporation may adopt a corporate seal, which shall be adopted and which may be altered by the Board. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation, the year of its organization and the words “Corporate Seal, Delaware”. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.

 

ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION

 

Section 8.1 Right to Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, the Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or, while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise or nonprofit entity, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (hereinafter an “Indemnitee”), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent, or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes and penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred by such Indemnitee in connection with such proceeding; provided, however, that, except as provided in Section 8.3 with respect to proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification, the Corporation shall indemnify an Indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such Indemnitee only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board.

 

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Section 8.2 Right to Advancement of Expenses. In addition to the right to indemnification conferred in Section 8.1, an Indemnitee shall also have the right to be paid by the Corporation to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law the expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) incurred in defending or otherwise participating in any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition (hereinafter an “advancement of expenses”); provided, however, that, if the DGCL requires, an advancement of expenses incurred by an Indemnitee in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Corporation (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 the Corporation’s receipt 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 that such Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article VIII or otherwise.

 

Section 8.3 Right of Indemnitee to Bring Suit. If a claim under Section 8.1 or Section 8.2 is not paid in full by the Corporation within 60 days after a written claim therefor has been received by the Corporation, except in the case of a claim for an advancement of expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be 20 days, the Indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim. If successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Indemnitee shall also be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit. In (a) any suit brought by the Indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by an Indemnitee to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) it shall be a defense that, and (b) in any suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal (hereinafter a “final adjudication”) that, the Indemnitee has not met any applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the DGCL. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its directors who are not parties to such action, a committee of such directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the Indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because the Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including a determination by its directors who are not parties to such action, a committee of such directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit brought by the Indemnitee, shall be a defense to such suit. In any suit brought by the Indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article VIII or otherwise shall be on the Corporation.

 

Section 8.4 Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The rights provided to any Indemnitee pursuant to this Article VIII shall not be exclusive of any other right, which such Indemnitee may have or hereafter acquire under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, these By-Laws, an agreement, a vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.

 

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Section 8.5 Insurance. The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and/or any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL.

 

Section 8.6 Indemnification of Other Persons. This Article VIII shall not limit the right of the Corporation to the extent and in the manner authorized or permitted by law to indemnify and to advance expenses to persons other than Indemnitees. Without limiting the foregoing, the Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board, grant rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to any employee or agent of the Corporation and to any other person who is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan, to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Article VIII with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of Indemnitees under this Article VIII.

 

Section 8.7 Amendments. Any repeal or amendment of this Article VIII by the Board or the stockholders of the Corporation or by changes in applicable law, or the adoption of any other provision of these By-Laws inconsistent with this Article VIII, will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be prospective only (except to the extent such amendment or change in applicable law permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights to Indemnitees on a retroactive basis than permitted prior thereto), and will not in any way diminish or adversely affect any right or protection existing hereunder in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to such repeal or amendment or adoption of such inconsistent provision.

 

Section 8.8 Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Article VIII, (a) references to “other enterprise” shall include any employee benefit plan; (b) references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; (c) references to “serving at the request of the Corporation” shall include any service that imposes duties on, or involves services by, a person with respect to any employee benefit plan, its participants, or beneficiaries; and (d) a person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interest of the Corporation” for purposes of Section 145 of the DGCL.

 

Section 8.9 Contract Rights. The rights provided to Indemnitees pursuant to this Article VIII shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, agent or employee and shall inure to the benefit of the Indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators.

 

Section 8.10 Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Article VIII shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Article VIII shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby; and (b) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Article VIII (including, without limitation, each such portion of this Article VIII containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.

 

 21

 

 

ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS

 

Section 9.1 Amendments. These By-Laws may be altered, amended or repealed in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation, the Stockholders’ Agreement and the DGCL.

 

Section 9.2 Entire Board of Directors. As used in this Article IX and in these By-Laws generally, the term “entire Board of Directors” means the total number of directors which the Corporation would have if there were no vacancies.

 

ARTICLE X
EXCLUSIVE FORUM

 

Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware) shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by, or otherwise wrongdoing by, any director, officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-laws (as either may be amended from time to time), (iv) any action to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-laws (as either may be amended from time to time), or (v) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, except for, as to each of (i) through (v) above, any claim (A) arising under federal securities laws, which may be brought in any federal district court, (B) as to which such court determines that there is an indispensable party not subject to the jurisdiction of such court (and the indispensable party does not consent to the personal jurisdiction of such court within ten (10) days following such determination), (C) which is vested in the exclusive jurisdiction of a court or forum other than such court, or (D) for which such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Article X shall preclude the filing of claims in any federal district courts of the United States of America under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or any successor thereto, under the Exchange Act, or any successor thereto, or under any other federal securities laws.

 

 22

 

 

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

 

ARTICLE XI
NOTICE BY ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION

 

Section 11.1 Notice by Electronic Transmission. Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders pursuant to the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-laws, any notice to stockholders given by the Corporation under any provision of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-laws shall be effective if given by a form of electronic transmission consented to by the stockholder to whom the notice is given. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the Corporation. Any such consent shall be deemed revoked if: (i) the Corporation is unable to deliver by electronic transmission two (2) consecutive notices given by the Corporation in accordance with such consent; and (ii) such inability becomes known to the secretary of the Corporation or to the transfer agent, or other person responsible for the giving of notice. However, the inadvertent failure to treat such inability as a revocation shall not invalidate any meeting or other action. Any notice given pursuant to the preceding paragraph shall be deemed given: (w) if by facsimile telecommunication, when directed to a number at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (x) if by electronic mail, when directed to an electronic mail address at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (y) if by a posting on an electronic network together with separate notice to the stockholder of such specific posting, upon the later of (A) such posting and (B) the giving of such separate notice; and (z) if by any other form of electronic transmission, when directed to the stockholder. An affidavit of the secretary or an assistant secretary or of the transfer agent or other agent of the Corporation that the notice has been given by a form of electronic transmission shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.

 

Section 11.2 Definition of Electronic Transmission. An “electronic transmission” means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, including the use of, or participation in, one or more electronic networks or databases (including one or more distributed electronic networks or databases), that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved and reviewed by a recipient thereof, and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by such a recipient through an automated process.

 

 

23

 

 

Exhibit 4.1

 

NUMBER NUMBER
  C-
  SHARES
  SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
  CUSIP 39813G 109

 

GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC.

 

INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
COMMON STOCK

 

This Certifies that

 

is the owner of

 

FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF THE PAR VALUE OF $0.0001 EACH OF THE COMMON STOCK OF

 

GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC.
(THE “COMPANY”)

 

transferable on the books of the Company in person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this certificate properly endorsed.

 

This certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent and registered by the Registrar.

 

Witness the seal of the Company and the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers.

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

[Corporate Seal] Delaware

 

Chief Financial Officer

         
         

 

 

 

 

GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC.

 

The Company will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof of the Company and the qualifications, limitations, or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights. This certificate and the shares represented thereby are issued and shall be held subject to all the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and all amendments thereto and resolutions of the Board of Directors providing for the issue of securities (copies of which may be obtained from the secretary of the Company), to all of which the holder of this certificate by acceptance hereof assents. The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

 

TEN

as tenants in common   UNIF GIFT MIN ACT

           Custodian           

COM           (Cust) (Minor)
TEN
ENT
as tenants by the entireties        
JT
TEN
as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common       under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
(State)

 

Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

 

For value received,                                 hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto

 

(PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER(S) OF ASSIGNEE(S))

 

(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES), INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF ASSIGNEE(S))

 

shares of the capital stock represented by the within Certificate, and hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints

 

Attorney to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named Company with full power of substitution in the premises.

 

Dated:

 

 

 

NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE(S) TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.

 

Signature(s) Guaranteed:

By

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 4.2

 

[Form of Warrant Certificate]

 

[FACE]

 

Number

 

Warrants

 

THIS WARRANT SHALL BE VOID IF NOT EXERCISED PRIOR TO
THE EXPIRATION OF THE EXERCISE PERIOD PROVIDED FOR
IN THE WARRANT AGREEMENT DESCRIBED BELOW

 

GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC.
Incorporated Under the Laws of the State of Delaware

 

CUSIP 39813G 109

 

Warrant Certificate

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC.

 

  By:  
  Name:   
  Title:  

 

  CONTINENTAL STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST
COMPANY, as Warrant Agent

 

  By:  
  Name:   
  Title:  

 

 

 

 

[Form of Warrant Certificate]

 

[Reverse]

 

The Warrants evidenced by this Warrant Certificate are part of a duly authorized issue of Warrants entitling the holder on exercise to receive shares of Common Stock and are issued or to be issued pursuant to a Warrant Agreement dated as of October 4, 2018 (the “Warrant Agreement”), duly executed and delivered by ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp., as predecessor of the Company, to Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, a New York corporation, as warrant agent (the “Warrant Agent”), which Warrant Agreement is hereby incorporated by reference in and made a part of this instrument and is hereby referred to for a description of the rights, limitation of rights, obligations, duties and immunities thereunder of the Warrant Agent, the Company and the holders (the words “holders” or “holder” meaning the Registered Holders or Registered Holder) of the Warrants. A copy of the Warrant Agreement may be obtained by the holder hereof upon written request to the Company. Defined terms used in this Warrant Certificate but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Warrant Agreement.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

2

 

 

Election to Purchase

 

(To Be Executed Upon Exercise of Warrant)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

3

 

 

Date:                        , 20

 

 
  (Signature) 
   
   
   
   
  (Address)
   
   
  (Tax Identification Number)

 

Signature Guaranteed:  
   
   
   

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

[Form Option Agreement]

 

GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC.

2020 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) will have the same defined meanings in this Stock Option Agreement, which includes the Notice of Stock Option Grant (the “Notice of Grant”), the Terms and Conditions of Stock Option Grant attached hereto as Exhibit A, the Exercise Notice attached hereto as Exhibit B, and all other exhibits and appendices attached hereto (all together, the “Option Agreement”).

 

NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

 

Participant:

 

Address:

 

The undersigned Participant has been granted an Option to purchase Common Stock of Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, as follows:

 

Grant Number:  
   
Date of Grant:  
   
Vesting Commencement Date:  
   
Number of Shares Granted:  

 

Exercise Price per Share (in U.S. Dollars): $

 

Total Exercise Price(in U.S. Dollars): $  

 

Type of Option: ☐ Incentive Stock Option
   
  ☐ Nonstatutory Stock Option
   
Term/Expiration Date:  

 

  

 

 

Vesting Schedule:

 

Subject to accelerated vesting as set forth below or in the Plan, this Option will be exercisable, in whole or in part, in accordance with the following schedule:

 

Twenty-five percent (25%) of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest on the one (1) year anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, and one sixteenth (1/16th) of the Shares subject to the Option will vest quarterly thereafter on the same day as the Vesting Commencement Date, subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider through each such date.

 

Termination Period:

 

This Option will be exercisable for three (3) months after Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, unless such termination is due to Participant’s death or Disability, in which case this Option will be exercisable for twelve (12) months after Participant ceases to be a Service Provider. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, in no event may this Option be exercised after the Term/Expiration Date as provided above and this Option may be subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 14 of the Plan.

 

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

 

PARTICIPANT   GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC.
     
   
Signature   Signature
     
     
Print Name   Print Name
     
     
    Title
     
Address:    
     
     
     
     

 

- 2 -

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

 

1. Grant of Option.

 

(a) The Company hereby grants to the individual (“Participant”) named in the Notice of Stock Option Grant of this Option Agreement (the “Notice of Grant”) an option (the “Option”) to purchase the number of Shares set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per Share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the “Exercise Price”), subject to all of the terms and conditions in this Option Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by this reference. Subject to Section 19(c) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan will prevail.

 

(b) For U.S. taxpayers, the Option will be designated as either an Incentive Stock Option (“ISO”) or a Nonstatutory Stock Option (“NSO”). If designated in the Notice of Grant as an ISO, this Option is intended to qualify as an ISO under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). However, if this Option is intended to be an ISO, to the extent that it exceeds the $100,000 rule of Code Section 422(d) it will be treated as an NSO. Further, if for any reason this Option (or portion thereof) will not qualify as an ISO, then, to the extent of such nonqualification, such Option (or portion thereof) shall be regarded as a NSO granted under the Plan. In no event will the Administrator, the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary or any of their respective employees or directors have any liability to Participant (or any other person) due to the failure of the Option to qualify for any reason as an ISO.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

4. Exercise of Option.

 

(a) Right to Exercise. This Option may be exercised only within the term set out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option Agreement.

 

 

 

 

(b) Method of Exercise. This Option is exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice (the “Exercise Notice”) in the form attached as Exhibit B to the Notice of Grant or in a manner and pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may determine, which will state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised (the “Exercised Shares”), and such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice will be completed by Participant and delivered to the Company. The Exercise Notice will be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares and of any Tax Obligations (as defined in Section 6(a)). This Option will be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by the aggregate Exercise Price.

 

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

 

(a) cash in U.S. dollars;

 

(b) check designated in U.S. dollars;

 

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

 

(d) if Participant is a U.S. employee, surrender of other Shares which have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the Exercised Shares and that are owned free and clear of any liens, claims, encumbrances, or security interests, provided that accepting such Shares, in the sole discretion of the Administrator, will not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company.

 

- 2 -

 

 

6. Tax Obligations.

 

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

 

(b) Tax Withholding. When the Option is exercised, Participant generally will recognize immediate U.S. taxable income if Participant is a U.S. taxpayer. If Participant is a non-U.S. taxpayer, Participant will be subject to applicable taxes in his or her jurisdiction. Pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may specify from time to time, the Company and/or Service Recipient shall withhold the amount required to be withheld for the payment of Tax Obligations. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit Participant to satisfy such Tax Obligations, in whole or in part (without limitation), if permissible by applicable local law, by (i) paying cash, (ii) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum amount that is necessary to meet the withholding requirement for such Tax Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences), (iii) withholding the amount of such Tax Obligations from Participant’s wages or other cash compensation paid to Participant by the Company and/or the Service Recipient, (iv) delivering to the Company already vested and owned Shares having a fair market value equal to such Tax Obligations, or (v) selling a sufficient number of such Shares otherwise deliverable to Participant through such means as the Company may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) equal to the minimum amount that is necessary to meet the withholding requirement for such Tax Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences). To the extent determined appropriate by the Company in its discretion, it will have the right (but not the obligation) to satisfy any Tax Obligations by reducing the number of Shares otherwise deliverable to Participant. Further, if Participant is subject to tax in more than one jurisdiction between the Date of Grant and a date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company and/or the Service Recipient (and/or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for tax in more than one jurisdiction. If Participant fails to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of any required Tax Obligations hereunder at the time of the Option exercise, Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver the Shares if such amounts are not delivered at the time of exercise.

 

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

 

(d) Code Section 409A. Under Code Section 409A, a stock right (such as the Option) granted with a per share exercise price that is determined by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) to be less than the fair market value of an underlying share on the date of grant (a “discount option”) may be considered “deferred compensation.” A stock right that is a “discount option” may result in (i) income recognition by the recipient of the stock right prior to the exercise of the stock right, (ii) an additional twenty percent (20%) federal income tax, and (iii) potential penalty and interest charges. The “discount option” may also result in additional state income, penalty and interest tax to the recipient of the stock right. Participant acknowledges that the Company cannot and has not guaranteed that the IRS will agree that the per Share exercise price of this Option equals or exceeds the fair market value of a Share on the date of grant in a later examination. Participant agrees that if the IRS determines that the Option was granted with a per Share exercise price that was less than the fair market value of a Share on the date of grant, Participant shall be solely responsible for Participant’s costs related to such a determination.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(c) Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

11. Data Privacy. Participant hereby explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of Participant’s personal data as described in this Option Agreement and any other Option grant materials by and among, as applicable, the Employer or other Service Recipient, the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan.

 

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

 

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

 

12. Address for Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of this Option Agreement will be addressed to the Company at Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc., 5000 Executive Parkway, Suite 520, San Ramon, CA 94583, or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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22. Governing Law and Venue. This Option Agreement will be governed by the laws of California, without giving effect to the conflict of law principles thereof. For purposes of litigating any dispute that arises under this Option or this Option Agreement, the parties hereby submit to and consent to the jurisdiction of the State of California, and agree that such litigation will be conducted in the courts of San Mateo County, California, or the United States federal courts for the Northern District of California, and no other courts, where this Option is made and/or to be performed.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC.

2020 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

COUNTRY ADDENDUM

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

 

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

 

Certain capitalized terms used but not defined in this Country Addendum shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan, and/or the Stock Option Agreement to which this Country Addendum is attached.

 

NOTIFICATIONS

 

This Country Addendum also includes notifications relating to exchange control and other issues of which Participant should be aware with respect to his or her participation in the Plan. The information is based on the exchange control, securities and other laws in effect in the countries listed in this Country Addendum, as of                . Such laws are often complex and change frequently. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that Participant not rely on the notifications herein as the only source of information relating to the consequences of his or her participation in the Plan because the information may be outdated when Participant exercises the Option or sells Shares acquired under the Plan.

 

In addition, the notifications are general in nature and may not apply to Participant’s particular situation, and the Company is not in a position to assure Participant of any particular result. Accordingly, Participant is advised to seek appropriate professional advice as to how the relevant laws in Participant’s country may apply to Participant’s situation.

 

Finally, if Participant is a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which Participant is currently working (or is considered as such for local law purposes) or if Participant moves to another country after the Option is granted, the information contained herein may not be applicable to Participant.

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC.

2020 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

EXERCISE NOTICE

 

Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc.

5000 Executive Parkway

Suite 520

San Ramon, CA 94583

Attention: Stock Administration

 

1. Exercise of Option. Effective as of today, ________________, _____, the undersigned (“Purchaser”) hereby elects to purchase ______________ shares (the “Shares”) of the Common Stock of Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) under and pursuant to the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and the Stock Option Agreement, dated ________ and including the Notice of Grant, the Terms and Conditions of Stock Option Grant, and exhibits attached thereto (the “Option Agreement”). The purchase price for the Shares will be $_____________, as required by the Option Agreement.

 

2. Delivery of Payment. Purchaser herewith delivers to the Company the full purchase price of the Shares and any Tax Obligations (as defined in Section 6(a) of the Option Agreement) to be paid in connection with the exercise of the Option.

 

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

 

4. Rights as Stockholder. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company) of the Shares, no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Shares subject to the Option, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Shares so acquired will be issued to Purchaser as soon as practicable after exercise of the Option. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date of issuance, except as provided in Section 14 of the Plan.

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

Submitted by:   Accepted by:
     
PURCHASER   GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC.
     
     
Signature   Signature
     
     
Print Name   Print Name
     
Address:    
    Title
     
     
     
     
     
    Date Received

 

 

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Exhibit 10.3

 

[Form RSU Agreement]

  

GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC.

2020 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

 

NOTICE OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) will have the same defined meanings in this Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, which includes the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Grant (the “Notice of Grant”), the Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock Unit Grant attached hereto as Exhibit A, and all other exhibits and appendices attached hereto (all together, the “Award Agreement”).

 

Participant:

 

Address:

 

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

  

Grant Number:  
   
Date of Grant:  
   
Vesting Commencement Date:  
   
Number of Restricted Stock Units:  

 

Vesting Schedule:

 

Subject to any acceleration provisions contained in the Plan or set forth below, the Restricted Stock Units will vest in accordance with the following schedule:

 

Twenty-five percent (25%) of the Restricted Stock Units will vest on the one (1) year anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, and one sixteenth (1/16th) of the Restricted Stock Units will vest quarterly thereafter on the same day as the Vesting Commencement Date, subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider through each such date.

 

In the event Participant ceases to be a Service Provider for any or no reason before Participant vests in the Restricted Stock Units, the Restricted Stock Units and Participant’s right to acquire any Shares hereunder will immediately terminate.

 

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

  

PARTICIPANT :   GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC.
     
     
Signature   Signature
     
     
Print Name   Print Name
     
     
    Title
     
Address:    

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT

 

1. Grant of Restricted Stock Units. The Company hereby grants to the individual (the “Participant”) named in the Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock Units of this Award Agreement (the “Notice of Grant”) under the Plan an Award of Restricted Stock Units, subject to all of the terms and conditions in this Award Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 19(c) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan will prevail.

 

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

 

3. Vesting Schedule. Except as provided in Section 4, and subject to Section 5, the Restricted Stock Units awarded by this Award Agreement will vest in accordance with the vesting schedule set forth in the Notice of Grant, subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider through each applicable vesting date.

 

4. Payment after Vesting.

 

(a) General Rule. Subject to Section 8, any Restricted Stock Units that vest will be paid to Participant (or in the event of Participant’s death, to his or her properly designated beneficiary or estate) in whole Shares. Subject to the provisions of Section 4(b), such vested Restricted Stock Units shall be paid in whole Shares as soon as practicable after vesting, but in each such case within sixty (60) days following the vesting date. In no event will Participant be permitted, directly or indirectly, to specify the taxable year of payment of any Restricted Stock Units payable under this Award Agreement.

 

(b) Acceleration.

 

(i) Discretionary Acceleration. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the vesting of the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the unvested Restricted Stock Units at any time, subject to the terms of the Plan. If so accelerated, such Restricted Stock Units will be considered as having vested as of the date specified by the Administrator. If Participant is a U.S. taxpayer, the payment of Shares vesting pursuant to this Section 4(b) shall in all cases be paid at a time or in a manner that is exempt from, or complies with, Section 409A. The prior sentence may be superseded in a future agreement or amendment to this Award Agreement only by direct and specific reference to such sentence.

  

 

 

 

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

 

(c) Section 409A. It is the intent of this Award Agreement that it and all payments and benefits to U.S. taxpayers hereunder be exempt from, or comply with, the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the Restricted Stock Units provided under this Award Agreement or Shares issuable thereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to be so exempt or so comply. Each payment payable under this Award Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2). However, in no event will the Company reimburse Participant, or be otherwise responsible for, any taxes or costs that may be imposed on Participant as a result of Section 409A. For purposes of this Award Agreement, “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code, and any final Treasury Regulations and Internal Revenue Service guidance thereunder, as each may be amended from time to time.

 

5. Forfeiture Upon Termination as a Service Provider. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Award Agreement, if Participant ceases to be a Service Provider for any or no reason, the then-unvested Restricted Stock Units awarded by this Award Agreement will thereupon be forfeited at no cost to the Company and Participant will have no further rights thereunder.

 

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

 

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

  

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8. Tax Obligations

 

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

 

(b) Tax Withholding. When Shares are issued as payment for vested Restricted Stock Units, Participant generally will recognize immediate U.S. taxable income if Participant is a U.S. taxpayer. If Participant is a non-U.S. taxpayer, Participant will be subject to applicable taxes in his or her jurisdiction. Pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may specify from time to time, the Company and/or Service Recipient shall withhold the amount required to be withheld for the payment of Tax Obligations. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit Participant to satisfy such Tax Obligations, in whole or in part (without limitation), if permissible by applicable local law, by (i) paying cash, (ii) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum amount that is necessary to meet the withholding requirement for such Tax Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences), (iii) withholding the amount of such Tax Obligations from Participant’s wages or other cash compensation paid to Participant by the Company and/or the Service Recipient, (iv) delivering to the Company already vested and owned Shares having a fair market value equal to such Tax Obligations, or (v) selling a sufficient number of such Shares otherwise deliverable to Participant through such means as the Company may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) equal to the minimum amount that is necessary to meet the withholding requirement for such Tax Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences). To the extent determined appropriate by the Company in its discretion, it will have the right (but not the obligation) to satisfy any Tax Obligations through the method described in clause (ii) above. Further, if Participant is subject to tax in more than one jurisdiction between the Date of Grant and a date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company and/or the Service Recipient (and/or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for tax in more than one jurisdiction. If Participant fails to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of such Tax Obligations hereunder at the time any applicable Restricted Stock Units otherwise are scheduled to vest pursuant to Sections 3 or 4, Participant will permanently forfeit such Restricted Stock Units and any right to receive Shares thereunder and such Restricted Stock Units will be returned to the Company at no cost to the Company. Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company may refuse to deliver the Shares if such Tax Obligations are not delivered at the time they are due.

  

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

 

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

 

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

  

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11. Grant is Not Transferable. Except to the limited extent provided in Section 7, this grant and the rights and privileges conferred hereby will not be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated in any way (whether by operation of law or otherwise) and will not be subject to sale under execution, attachment or similar process. Upon any attempt to transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of this grant, or any right or privilege conferred hereby, or upon any attempted sale under any execution, attachment or similar process, this grant and the rights and privileges conferred hereby immediately will become null and void.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(c) Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

  

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

 

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

 

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

 

(ii) Participant acknowledges and agrees that none of the Company, the Employer or any Parent or Subsidiary shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of the Restricted Stock Units or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the settlement of the Restricted Stock Units or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon settlement; and

 

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

 

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

  

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

 

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

 

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

 

15. Address for Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of this Award Agreement will be addressed to the Company at Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc., 5000 Executive Parkway, Suite 520, San Ramon, CA 94583 or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing.

  

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

25. Governing Law; Venue; Severability. This Award Agreement and the Restricted Stock Units are governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of California. For purposes of litigating any dispute that arises under these Restricted Stock Units or this Award Agreement, the parties hereby submit to and consent to the jurisdiction of the State of California, and agree that such litigation will be conducted in the courts of Santa Clara County, California, or the United States federal courts for the Northern District of California, and no other courts, where this Award Agreement is made and/or to be performed. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Award Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

 

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

 

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

  

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GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC. 

2020 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN 

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT 

COUNTRY ADDENDUM

  

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

 

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

 

Certain capitalized terms used but not defined in this Country Addendum shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan, and/or the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement to which this Country Addendum is attached.

 

NOTIFICATIONS

 

This Country Addendum also includes notifications relating to exchange control and other issues of which Participant should be aware with respect to his or her participation in the Plan. The information is based on the exchange control, securities and other laws in effect in the countries listed in this Country Addendum, as of [DATE]. Such laws are often complex and change frequently. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that Participant not rely on the notifications herein as the only source of information relating to the consequences of his or her participation in the Plan because the information may be outdated when Participant vests in the Restricted Stock Units and acquires Shares, or when Participant subsequently sell Shares acquired under the Plan.

 

In addition, the notifications are general in nature and may not apply to Participant’s particular situation, and the Company is not in a position to assure Participant of any particular result. Accordingly, Participant is advised to seek appropriate professional advice as to how the relevant laws in Participant’s country may apply to Participant’s situation.

 

Finally, if Participant is a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which Participant is currently working (or is considered as such for local law purposes) or if Participant moves to another country after receiving the Award of Restricted Stock Units, the information contained herein may not be applicable to Participant.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.4

 

[Form Restricted Stock Agreement]

 

GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC.

2020 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) will have the same defined meanings in this Restricted Stock Award Agreement (the “Award Agreement”), which includes the Notice of Restricted Stock Grant (the “Notice of Grant”), Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock Grant attached hereto as Exhibit A, and all appendices and exhibits attached thereto (all together, the “Award Agreement”).

 

NOTICE OF RESTRICTED STOCK GRANT

 

Participant Name:

 

Address:

 

You have been granted the right to receive an Award of Restricted Stock, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, as follows:

 

Grant Number  
   
Date of Grant  
   
Vesting Commencement Date  
   
Total Number of Shares Granted     

 

Vesting Schedule:

 

Subject to any acceleration provisions contained in the Plan or set forth below, the Restricted Stock will vest and the Company’s right to reacquire the Restricted Stock will lapse in accordance with the following schedule:

 

[_________]

 

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

 

PARTICIPANT   GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC.
     
     
Signature   By
     
     
Print Name   Title
     
Residence Address:    
     
     
     
     

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK GRANT

 

1. Grant of Restricted Stock. The Company hereby grants to the individual named in the Notice of Grant (the “Participant”) under the Plan an Award of Shares of Restricted Stock, subject to all of the terms and conditions in this Award Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 19(c) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan will prevail.

 

2. Escrow of Shares.

 

(a) All Shares of Restricted Stock will, upon execution of this Award Agreement, be delivered and deposited with an escrow holder designated by the Company (the “Escrow Holder”). The Shares of Restricted Stock will be held by the Escrow Holder until such time as the Shares of Restricted Stock vest or the date Participant ceases to be a Service Provider.

 

(b) The Escrow Holder will not be liable for any act it may do or omit to do with respect to holding the Shares of Restricted Stock in escrow while acting in good faith and in the exercise of its judgment.

 

(c) Upon Participant’s termination as a Service Provider for any reason, the Escrow Holder, upon receipt of written notice of such termination, will take all steps necessary to accomplish the transfer of the unvested Shares of Restricted Stock to the Company. Participant hereby appoints the Escrow Holder with full power of substitution, as Participant’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact with irrevocable power and authority in the name and on behalf of Participant to take any action and execute all documents and instruments, including, without limitation, stock powers which may be necessary to transfer the certificate or certificates evidencing such unvested Shares of Restricted Stock to the Company upon such termination.

 

(d) The Escrow Holder will take all steps necessary to accomplish the transfer of Shares of Restricted Stock to Participant after they vest following Participant’s request that the Escrow Holder do so.

 

(e) Subject to the terms hereof, Participant will have all the rights of a stockholder with respect to the Shares while they are held in escrow, including without limitation, the right to vote the Shares and to receive any cash dividends declared thereon.

 

(f) In the event of any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares, the Shares of Restricted Stock will be increased, reduced or otherwise changed, and by virtue of any such change Participant will in his or her capacity as owner of unvested Shares of Restricted Stock be entitled to new or additional or different shares of stock, cash or securities (other than rights or warrants to purchase securities); such new or additional or different shares, cash or securities will thereupon be considered to be unvested Shares of Restricted Stock and will be subject to all of the conditions and restrictions which were applicable to the unvested Shares of Restricted Stock pursuant to this Award Agreement. If Participant receives rights or warrants with respect to any unvested Shares of Restricted Stock, such rights or warrants may be held or exercised by Participant, provided that until such exercise any such rights or warrants and after such exercise any shares or other securities acquired by the exercise of such rights or warrants will be considered to be unvested Shares of Restricted Stock and will be subject to all of the conditions and restrictions which were applicable to the unvested Shares of Restricted Stock pursuant to this Award Agreement. The Administrator in its absolute discretion at any time may accelerate the vesting of all or any portion of such new or additional shares of stock, cash or securities, rights or warrants to purchase securities or shares or other securities acquired by the exercise of such rights or warrants.

 

 

 

 

(g) The Company may instruct the transfer agent for its Common Stock to place a legend on the certificates representing the Restricted Stock or otherwise note its records as to the restrictions on transfer set forth in this Award Agreement.

 

3. Vesting Schedule. Except as provided in Section 4, and subject to Section 5, the Shares of Restricted Stock awarded by this Award Agreement will vest in accordance with the vesting provisions set forth in the Notice of Grant. Shares of Restricted Stock scheduled to vest on a certain date or upon the occurrence of a certain condition will not vest in Participant in accordance with any of the provisions of this Award Agreement, unless Participant will have been continuously a Service Provider from the Date of Grant until the date such vesting occurs.

 

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

 

5. Forfeiture Upon Termination as a Service Provider. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Award Agreement, if Participant ceases to be a Service Provider for any or no reason, the then-unvested Restricted Stock awarded by this Award Agreement will thereupon be forfeited at no cost to the Company and Participant will have no further rights thereunder.

 

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

 

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

 

-2-

 

 

8. Tax Obligations

 

(a) Responsibility for Taxes. Participant acknowledges that, regardless of any action taken by the Company or, if different, Participant’s employer (the “Employer”) or Parent or Subsidiary to which Participant is providing services (together, the Company, the Employer and/or Parent or Subsidiary to which Participant is providing services, the “Service Recipient”), the ultimate liability for any tax and/or social insurance liability obligations and requirements in connection with the Shares of Restricted Stock, including, without limitation, (i) all federal, state, and local taxes (including the Participant’s Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) obligation) that are required to be withheld by the Company or the Employer or other payment of tax-related items related to Participant’s participation in the Plan and legally applicable to Participant, (ii) the Participant’s and, to the extent required by the Company (or Service Recipient), the Company’s (or Service Recipient’s) fringe benefit tax liability, if any, associated with the grant, vesting or release from escrow of the Shares of Restricted Stock, the filing of an 83(b) election with respect to the Shares of Restricted Stock, or the sale of Shares, and (iii) any other Company (or Service Recipient) taxes the responsibility for which the Participant has, or has agreed to bear, with respect to the Shares of Restricted Stock (or exercise thereof or issuance of Shares thereunder) (collectively, the “Tax Obligations”), is and remains Participant’s responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company or the Service Recipient. Participant further acknowledges that the Company and/or the Service Recipient (A) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax Obligations in connection with any aspect of the Shares of Restricted Stock, including, but not limited to, the grant, vesting or release from escrow of the Shares of Restricted Stock, the filing of an 83(b) election with respect to the Shares of Restricted Stock, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to this Award Agreement and the receipt of any dividends or other distributions, and (B) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Award of Restricted Stock to reduce or eliminate Participant’s liability for Tax Obligations or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if Participant is subject to Tax Obligations in more than one jurisdiction between the Date of Grant and the date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, Participant acknowledges that the Company and/or the Service Recipient (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax Obligations in more than one jurisdiction. If Participant fails to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of any required Tax Obligations hereunder at the time of the applicable taxable event, Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company may refuse to issue or deliver the Shares. Participant understands that Section 83 of the Code, taxes as ordinary income the difference between the purchase price, if any, for the Shares and the Fair Market Value of the Shares as of each vesting date. If Participant is a U.S. taxpayer, Participant understands that Participant may elect, for purposes of U.S. tax law, to be taxed at the time the Shares are granted rather than when such Shares vest by filing an election under Section 83(b) of the Code (the “83(b) Election”) with the IRS within thirty (30) days from the date of grant of the Restricted Stock Award.

 

(b) Tax Withholding. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Award Agreement, no certificate representing the Shares of Restricted Stock may be released from the escrow established pursuant to Section 2, unless and until satisfactory arrangements (as determined by the Administrator) will have been made by Participant with respect to the payment of all Tax Obligations. Prior to vesting of the Restricted Stock, Participant will pay or make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Service Recipient to satisfy all Tax Obligations. Pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may specify from time to time, the Company and/or the Service Recipient shall withhold the amount required to be withheld for the payment of Tax Obligations. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit Participant to satisfy such Tax Obligations, in whole or in part (without limitation), if permissible by applicable local law, by (i) paying cash, (ii) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum amount that is necessary to meet the withholding requirement for such Tax Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences), (iii) withholding the amount of such Tax Obligations from Participant’s wages or other cash compensation paid to Participant by the Company and/or the Service Recipient, (iv) delivering to the Company already vested and owned Shares having a fair market value equal to such Tax Obligations, or (v) selling a sufficient number of such Shares otherwise deliverable to Participant through such means as the Company may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) equal to the minimum amount that is necessary to meet the withholding requirement for such Tax Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences). To the extent determined appropriate by the Company in its discretion, it will have the right (but not the obligation) to satisfy any Tax Obligations by reducing the number of Shares otherwise deliverable to Participant. Further, if Participant is subject to tax in more than one jurisdiction between the Date of Grant and a date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company and/or the Service Recipient (and/or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for tax in more than one jurisdiction. If Participant fails to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of such Tax Obligations hereunder at the time any applicable Shares of Restricted Stock otherwise are scheduled to vest pursuant to Sections 3 or 4, or at the time Participant files a timely 83(b) Election with the IRS at the time of another taxable event, Participant will permanently forfeit such Shares of Restricted Stock and any right to receive Shares thereunder and such Shares of Restricted Stock will be returned to the Company at no cost to the Company. Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company may refuse to deliver the Shares if such Tax Obligations are not delivered at the time they are due.

 

-3-

 

 

9. Rights as Stockholder. Neither Participant nor any person claiming under or through Participant will have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company in respect of any Shares deliverable hereunder unless and until certificates representing such Shares will have been issued, recorded on the records of the Company or its transfer agents or registrars, and delivered to Participant or the Escrow Agent. Except as provided in Section 2, after such issuance, recordation and delivery, Participant will have all the rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to voting such Shares and receipt of dividends and distributions on such Shares.

 

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

 

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

 

-4-

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(c) Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(1) the Shares of Restricted Stock are not part of normal or expected compensation or salary for any purpose;

 

(2) Participant acknowledges and agrees that none of the Company, the Employer or any Parent or Subsidiary shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of the Shares of Restricted Stock or the subsequent sale of any Shares; and

 

-5-

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

-6-

 

 

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

 

15. Address for Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of this Award Agreement will be addressed to the Company, Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc., 5000 Executive Parkway, Suite 520, San Ramon, CA 94583, or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

25. Governing Law; Venue; Severability. This Award Agreement and the Restricted Stock are governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of California. For purposes of litigating any dispute that arises under these Restricted Stock or this Award Agreement, the parties hereby submit to and consent to the jurisdiction of the State of California, and agree that such litigation will be conducted in the courts of Santa Clara County, California, or the federal courts for the United States for the Northern District of California, and no other courts, where this Award Agreement is made and/or to be performed. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Award Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

 

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

 

27. Country Addendum. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock grant shall be subject to any special terms and conditions set forth in the appendix (if any) to this Award Agreement for Participant’s country. Moreover, if Participant relocates to one of the countries included in the Country Addendum (if any), the special terms and conditions for such country will apply to Participant, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. The Country Addendum constitutes part of this Award Agreement.

 

 

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Exhibit 10.5

 

[Form Performance Share Agreement]

 

GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC.

2020 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

PERFORMANCE SHARE AWARD AGREEMENT

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) will have the same defined meanings in this Performance Share Award Agreement, which includes the Notice of Performance Share Grant (the “Notice of Grant”), the Terms and Conditions of Performance Share Grant attached hereto as Exhibit A, and all other exhibits and appendices attached thereto (all together, the “Award Agreement”).

 

NOTICE OF PERFORMANCE SHARE GRANT

 

Participant:

 

Address:

 

The undersigned (“Participant”) has been granted the right to receive an Award of Performance Shares, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, as follows:

 

Date of Grant:

 

Grant Number:

 

Target Number of Performance Shares Granted:

 

Maximum Number of Performance Shares Granted:

 

Performance Periods:

 

Vesting Schedule:

 

Subject to any acceleration provisions contained in the Plan or set forth below, the Performance Shares will vest in accordance with the following vesting schedule, subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider on such dates:

 

[Description of performance / vesting criteria]

 

In the event Participant ceases to be a Service Provider for any or no reason before Participant vests in the Performance Shares, the Performance Shares and Participant’s right to acquire any Shares hereunder will immediately terminate.

 

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

 

PARTICIPANT :   GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC.
     
     
Signature   Signature
     
     
Print Name   Print Name
     
     
    Title
     
Address:    

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PERFORMANCE SHARE GRANT

 

1. Grant of Performance Shares. The Company hereby grants to the individual (the “Participant”) named in the Notice of Grant of Performance Shares of this Award Agreement (the “Notice of Grant”) under the Plan an Award of Performance Shares, subject to all of the terms and conditions in this Award Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 19(c) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan will prevail.

 

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

 

3. Vesting Schedule. Except as provided in Section 4, and subject to Section 5, the Performance Shares awarded by this Award Agreement will vest in accordance with the vesting schedule set forth in the Notice of Grant, subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider through each applicable vesting date.

 

4. Payment after Vesting.

 

(a) General Rule. Subject to Section 8, any Performance Shares that vest will be paid to Participant (or in the event of Participant’s death, to his or her properly designated beneficiary or estate) in whole Shares. Subject to the provisions of Section 4(b), such vested Performance Shares shall be paid in whole Shares as soon as practicable after vesting, but in each such case within sixty (60) days following the vesting date. In no event will Participant be permitted, directly or indirectly, to specify the taxable year of payment of any Performance Shares payable under this Award Agreement.

 

(b) Acceleration.

 

(i) Discretionary Acceleration. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the vesting of the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the unvested Performance Shares at any time, subject to the terms of the Plan. If so accelerated, such Performance Shares will be considered as having vested as of the date specified by the Administrator. If Participant is a U.S. taxpayer, the payment of Shares vesting pursuant to this Section 4(b) shall in all cases be paid at a time or in a manner that is exempt from, or complies with, Section 409A. The prior sentence may be superseded in a future agreement or amendment to this Award Agreement only by direct and specific reference to such sentence.

 

 

 

 

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

 

(c) Section 409A. It is the intent of this Award Agreement that it and all payments and benefits to U.S. taxpayers hereunder be exempt from, or comply with, the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the Performance Shares provided under this Award Agreement or Shares issuable thereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to be so exempt or so comply. Each payment payable under this Award Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2). However, in no event will the Company reimburse Participant, or be otherwise responsible for, any taxes or costs that may be imposed on Participant as a result of Section 409A. For purposes of this Award Agreement, “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code, and any final Treasury Regulations and Internal Revenue Service guidance thereunder, as each may be amended from time to time.

 

5. Forfeiture Upon Termination as a Service Provider. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Award Agreement, if Participant ceases to be a Service Provider for any or no reason, the then-unvested Performance Shares awarded by this Award Agreement will thereupon be forfeited at no cost to the Company and Participant will have no further rights thereunder.

 

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

 

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

 

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8. Tax Obligations

 

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

 

(b) Tax Withholding. When Shares are issued as payment for vested Performance Shares, Participant generally will recognize immediate U.S. taxable income if Participant is a U.S. taxpayer. If Participant is a non-U.S. taxpayer, Participant will be subject to applicable taxes in his or her jurisdiction. Pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may specify from time to time, the Company and/or Service Recipient shall withhold the amount required to be withheld for the payment of Tax Obligations. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit Participant to satisfy such Tax Obligations, in whole or in part (without limitation), if permissible by applicable local law, by (i) paying cash, (ii) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum amount that is necessary to meet the withholding requirement for such Tax Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences), (iii) withholding the amount of such Tax Obligations from Participant’s wages or other cash compensation paid to Participant by the Company and/or the Service Recipient, (iv) delivering to the Company already vested and owned Shares having a fair market value equal to such Tax Obligations, or (v) selling a sufficient number of such Shares otherwise deliverable to Participant through such means as the Company may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) equal to the minimum amount that is necessary to meet the withholding requirement for such Tax Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences). To the extent determined appropriate by the Company in its discretion, it will have the right (but not the obligation) to satisfy any Tax Obligations through the method described in clause (ii) above. Further, if Participant is subject to tax in more than one jurisdiction between the Date of Grant and a date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company and/or the Service Recipient (and/or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for tax in more than one jurisdiction. If Participant fails to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of such Tax Obligations hereunder at the time any applicable Performance Shares otherwise are scheduled to vest pursuant to Sections 3 or 4, Participant will permanently forfeit such Performance Shares and any right to receive Shares thereunder and such Performance Shares will be returned to the Company at no cost to the Company. Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company may refuse to deliver the Shares if such Tax Obligations are not delivered at the time they are due.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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11. Grant is Not Transferable. Except to the limited extent provided in Section 7, this grant and the rights and privileges conferred hereby will not be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated in any way (whether by operation of law or otherwise) and will not be subject to sale under execution, attachment or similar process. Upon any attempt to transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of this grant, or any right or privilege conferred hereby, or upon any attempted sale under any execution, attachment or similar process, this grant and the rights and privileges conferred hereby immediately will become null and void.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(c) Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;

 

(d) the Performance Shares and any Shares subject to this Performance Share award are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(ii) Participant acknowledges and agrees that none of the Company, the Employer or any Parent or Subsidiary shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of the Performance Shares or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the settlement of the Performance Shares or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon settlement; and

 

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

 

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

 

14. Data Privacy. Participant hereby explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of Participant’s personal data as described in this Award Agreement and any other Performance Share grant materials by and among, as applicable, the Employer or other Service Recipient, the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan.

 

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

 

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

 

15. Address for Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of this Award Agreement will be addressed to the Company at Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc., 5000 Executive Parkway, Suite 520, San Ramon, CA 94583 or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

25. Governing Law; Venue; Severability. This Award Agreement and the Performance Shares are governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of California. For purposes of litigating any dispute that arises under these Performance Shares or this Award Agreement, the parties hereby submit to and consent to the jurisdiction of the State of California, and agree that such litigation will be conducted in the courts of Santa Clara County, California, or the United States federal courts for the Northern District of California, and no other courts, where this Award Agreement is made and/or to be performed. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Award Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

 

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

 

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

 

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GRID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, INC.

2020 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

PERFORMANCE SHARE AWARD AGREEMENT

COUNTRY ADDENDUM

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

 

This Country Addendum includes additional terms and conditions that govern the Award of Performance Shares granted to Participant under the Plan if Participant works in one of the countries listed below. If Participant is a citizen or resident of a country (or is considered as such for local law purposes) other than the one in which he or she is currently working or if Participant relocates to another country after receiving the Award of Performance Shares, the Company will, in its discretion, determine the extent to which the terms and conditions contained herein will be applicable to Participant.

 

Certain capitalized terms used but not defined in this Country Addendum shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan, and/or the Performance Share Agreement to which this Country Addendum is attached.

 

NOTIFICATIONS

 

This Country Addendum also includes notifications relating to exchange control and other issues of which Participant should be aware with respect to his or her participation in the Plan. The information is based on the exchange control, securities and other laws in effect in the countries listed in this Country Addendum, as of [DATE]. Such laws are often complex and change frequently. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that Participant not rely on the notifications herein as the only source of information relating to the consequences of his or her participation in the Plan because the information may be outdated when Participant vests in the Performance Shares and acquires Shares, or when Participant subsequently sell Shares acquired under the Plan.

 

In addition, the notifications are general in nature and may not apply to Participant’s particular situation, and the Company is not in a position to assure Participant of any particular result. Accordingly, Participant is advised to seek appropriate professional advice as to how the relevant laws in Participant’s country may apply to Participant’s situation.

 

Finally, if Participant is a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which Participant is currently working (or is considered as such for local law purposes) or if Participant moves to another country after receiving the Award of Performance Shares, the information contained herein may not be applicable to Participant.

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.6

 

Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc.

 

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

 

This Indemnification Agreement (this “Agreement”) is dated as of __________, and is between Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and __________, (“Indemnitee”).

 

RECITALS

 

A. Indemnitee’s service to the Company substantially benefits the Company.

 

B. Individuals are reluctant to serve as directors or officers of corporations or in certain other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance or indemnification against the risks of claims and actions against them arising out of such service.

 

C. Indemnitee does not regard the protection currently provided by applicable law, the Company’s governing documents and any insurance as adequate under the present circumstances, and Indemnitee may not be willing to serve as a director or officer without additional protection.

 

D. In order to induce Indemnitee to continue to provide services to the Company, it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company to contractually obligate itself to indemnify, and to advance expenses on behalf of, Indemnitee as permitted by applicable law.

 

E. This Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the indemnification provided in the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and this Agreement shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor shall this Agreement be deemed to limit, diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

 

The parties therefore agree as follows:

 

1. Definitions.

 

(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) 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;

 

(ii) Change in Board Composition. During any period of two consecutive years (not including any period prior to the execution of this Agreement), individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Company’s board of directors, and any new directors (other than a director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in Sections 1(a)(i), 1(a)(iii) or 1(a)(iv)) whose election by the board of directors 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 Company’s board of directors;

 

 

 

 

(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. 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 in response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement.

 

For purposes of this Section 1(a), the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(1) “Person” shall have the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; 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.

 

(2) “Beneficial Owner” shall have the meaning given to such term in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; provided, however, that “Beneficial Owner” shall exclude any Person otherwise becoming a Beneficial Owner by reason of (i) the stockholders of the Company approving a merger of the Company with another entity or (ii) the Company’s board of directors approving a sale of securities by the Company to such Person.

 

(b) “Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company or any other Enterprise.

 

(c) “DGCL” means the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

 

(d) “Disinterested Director” means a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

 

(e) “Enterprise” means the Company and any other corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary.

 

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(f) “Expenses” include all reasonable and actually incurred attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees and costs of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding. Expenses also include (i) Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding, including without limitation the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond or other appeal bond or their equivalent, and (ii) for purposes of Section 12(d), Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement or under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.

 

(g) “Independent Counsel” means a law firm, or a partner or 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 as Independent Counsel with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or 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.

 

(h) “Proceeding” means any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or proceeding, whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, including any appeal therefrom and including without limitation any such Proceeding pending as of the date of this Agreement, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party, a potential party, a non-party witness or otherwise by reason of (i) the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, (ii) any action taken by Indemnitee or any action or inaction on Indemnitee’s part while acting as a director or officer of the Company, or (iii) the fact that he or she is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company or any other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or Expense is incurred for which indemnification or advancement of expenses can be provided under this Agreement.

 

(i) Reference to “other enterprises” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to “serving at the request of the Company” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Company” as referred to in this Agreement.

 

2. Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 2, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on his or her behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she 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 that his or her conduct was unlawful.

 

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3. Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 3, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. No indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this Section 3 in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or any court in which the Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification for such expenses as the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

 

4. Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful. To the extent that Indemnitee is a party to or a participant in and is successful (on the merits or otherwise) in defense of any Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection therewith. For purposes of this section, 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.

 

5. Indemnification for Expenses of a Witness. To the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of his or her Corporate Status, a witness in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection therewith.

 

6. Additional Indemnification.

 

(a) Notwithstanding any limitation in Sections 2, 3 or 4, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) against all Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on his or her behalf in connection with the Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein.

 

(b) For purposes of Section 6(a), the meaning of the phrase “to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law” shall include, but not be limited to:

 

(i) the fullest extent permitted by the provision of the DGCL that authorizes or contemplates additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL; and

 

(ii) the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers and directors.

 

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7. Exclusions. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnity in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding):

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(d) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or its directors, officers, employees, agents or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Company’s board of directors authorized the Proceeding (or the relevant part of the Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law, (iii) otherwise authorized in Section 12(d) or (iv) otherwise required by applicable law; or

 

(e) if prohibited by applicable law.

 

8. Advances of Expenses. The Company shall advance the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding prior to its final disposition, and such advancement shall be made as soon as reasonably practicable, but in any event no later than 20 days, after the receipt by the Company of a written statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time (which shall include invoices received by Indemnitee in connection with such Expenses but, in the case of invoices in connection with legal services, any references to legal work performed or to expenditure made that would cause Indemnitee to waive any privilege accorded by applicable law shall not be included with the invoice). Advances shall be unsecured and interest free and made without regard to Indemnitee’s ability to repay such advances. Indemnitee hereby undertakes to repay any advance to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. This Section 8 shall not apply to the extent advancement is prohibited by law and shall not apply to any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) for which indemnity is not permitted under this Agreement, but shall apply to any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) referenced in Section 7(b) or 7(c) prior to a determination that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company.

 

9. Procedures for Notification and Defense of Claim.

 

(a) Indemnitee shall notify the Company in writing of any matter with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or advancement of Expenses as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt by Indemnitee of notice thereof. The written notification to the Company shall include, in reasonable detail, a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the Proceeding. The failure by Indemnitee to notify the Company 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, except to the extent that such failure or delay materially prejudices the Company.

 

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(b) If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a Proceeding pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in effect that may be applicable to the Proceeding, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of the Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the applicable policies. The Company shall thereafter take all commercially-reasonable 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.

 

(c) In the event the Company may be obligated to make any indemnity in connection with a Proceeding, the Company shall be entitled to assume the defense of such Proceeding with counsel approved by Indemnitee, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, upon the delivery to Indemnitee of written notice of its election to do so. 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 for any fees or expenses of counsel subsequently incurred by Indemnitee with respect to the same Proceeding. Notwithstanding the Company’s assumption of the defense of any such Proceeding, the Company shall be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of Indemnitee’s separate counsel to the extent (i) the employment of separate counsel by Indemnitee is authorized by the Company, (ii) counsel for the Company or Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that there is a conflict of interest between the Company and Indemnitee in the conduct of any such defense such that Indemnitee needs to be separately represented, (iii) the Company is not financially or legally able to perform its indemnification obligations, or (iv) the Company shall not have retained, or shall not continue to retain, counsel to defend such Proceeding. The Company shall have the right to conduct such defense as it sees fit in its sole discretion. Regardless of any provision in this Agreement, Indemnitee shall have the right to employ counsel in any Proceeding at Indemnitee’s personal expense. 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.

 

(d) Indemnitee shall give the Company such information and cooperation in connection with the Proceeding as may be reasonably appropriate.

 

(e) The Company shall not be liable to indemnify Indemnitee for any settlement of any Proceeding (or any part thereof) without the Company’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

 

(f) The Company shall not settle any Proceeding (or any part thereof) in a manner that imposes any penalty or liability on Indemnitee without Indemnitee’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

 

10. Procedures upon Application for Indemnification.

 

(a) To obtain indemnification, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and as is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of the Proceeding. The Company shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the board of directors that Indemnitee has requested indemnification. Any delay in providing the request will not relieve the Company from its obligations under this Agreement, except to the extent such failure is prejudicial.

 

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(b) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to Section  10 (a), a determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement thereto shall be made in the specific case (i) if a Change in Control shall have occurred, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Company’s board of directors, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee or (ii) if a Change in Control shall not have occurred, (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Company’s board of directors, (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Company’s board of directors, (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Company’s board of directors, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee or (D) if so directed by the Company’s board of directors, by the stockholders of the Company. If it is determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making the determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information that is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and that is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any costs or expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall be borne by the Company, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

 

(c) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 10(b), the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 10(c). If a Change in Control shall not have occurred, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Company’s board of directors, and the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising him or her 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 Company’s board of directors, 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 days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company or to Indemnitee, as the case may be, a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 1 of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is so made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within 20 days after the later of (i) submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 10(a) hereof and (ii) the final disposition of the Proceeding, the parties have not agreed upon an Independent Counsel, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition a court of competent jurisdiction for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by the Company or Indemnitee to the other’s selection of Independent Counsel and for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by the court or by such other person as the 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 10(b) hereof. Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement, the Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

 

(d) The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of any Independent Counsel.

 

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11. Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings.

 

(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, and the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption.

 

(b) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

 

(c) For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith to the extent Indemnitee relied in good faith on (i) the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, (ii) information supplied to Indemnitee by the officers of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, (iii) the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or its board of directors or counsel selected by any committee of the board of directors or (iv) information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant, an appraiser, investment banker or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Enterprise or its board of directors or any committee of the board of directors. The provisions of this Section 11(c) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

 

(d) Neither the knowledge, actions nor failure to act of any other director, officer, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

 

12. Remedies of Indemnitee.

 

(a) Subject to Section 12(e), in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section  8 or 12(d) of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement within 90 days after the later of the receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification or the final disposition of the Proceeding, (iv) payment of indemnification pursuant to this Agreement is not made (A) within ten days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or (B) with respect to indemnification pursuant to Sections 4, 5 and 12(d) of this Agreement, within 30 days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, or (v) the Company or any other person or entity takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of competent jurisdiction of his or her entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of Expenses. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at his or her option, may seek an award in arbitration with respect to his or her entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of Expenses, 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 12(a); provided, however, that the foregoing clause shall not apply in respect of a proceeding brought by Indemnitee to enforce his or her rights under Section 4 of this Agreement. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration in accordance with this Agreement.

 

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(b) Neither (i) the failure of the Company, its board of directors, any committee or subgroup of the board of directors, Independent Counsel or stockholders to have made a determination that indemnification of Indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor (ii) an actual determination by the Company, its board of directors, any committee or subgroup of the board of directors, Independent Counsel or stockholders that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that Indemnitee has or has not met the applicable standard of conduct. In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 12 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits, and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 12, the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement of Expenses, as the case may be.

 

(c) To the fullest extent not prohibited by law, the Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 12 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. If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 12, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statements not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

 

(d) To the extent not prohibited by law, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses that are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action 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 to the extent Indemnitee is successful in such action, and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (as soon as reasonably practicable, but in any event no later than 90 days, after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor) advance such Expenses to Indemnitee, subject to the provisions of Section 8.

 

(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement to indemnification shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding.

 

13. Contribution. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amounts incurred by Indemnitee, whether for Expenses, judgments, fines or amounts paid or to be paid in settlement, 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 events and transactions giving rise to such Proceeding; and (ii) the relative fault of Indemnitee and the Company (and its other directors, officers, employees and agents) in connection with such events and transactions.

 

14. Non-exclusivity. The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement of Expenses as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement of Expenses than would be afforded currently under the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws and this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change, subject to the restrictions expressly set forth herein or therein. Except as expressly set forth herein, no right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. Except as expressly set forth herein, the assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

 

 

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15. Primary Responsibility. The Company acknowledges that Indemnitee has certain rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by [insert name of fund] [and certain affiliates thereof] (collectively, the “Secondary Indemnitor[s]”). The Company agrees that, as between the Company and the Secondary Indemnitor[s], the Company is primarily responsible for amounts required to be indemnified or advanced under the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws or this Agreement and any obligation of the Secondary Indemnitor[s] to provide indemnification or advancement for the same amounts is secondary to those Company obligations. To the extent not in contravention of any insurance policy or policies providing liability or other insurance for the Company or any director, trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company or any other Enterprise, the Company waives any right of contribution or subrogation against the Secondary Indemnitor[s] with respect to the liabilities for which the Company is primarily responsible under this Section 15. In the event of any payment by the Secondary Indemnitor[s] of amounts otherwise required to be indemnified or advanced by the Company under the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws or this Agreement, the Secondary Indemnitor[s] shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement of expenses under the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws or this Agreement or, to the extent such subrogation is unavailable and contribution is found to be the applicable remedy, shall have a right of contribution with respect to the amounts paid; provided, however, that the foregoing sentence will be deemed void if and to the extent that it would violate any applicable insurance policy. The Secondary Indemnitor[s] [are][is an] express third-party [beneficiaries][beneficiary] of the terms of this Section 15.

 

16. No Duplication of Payments. The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder (or for which advancement is provided hereunder) if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received payment for such amounts under any insurance policy, contract, agreement or otherwise.

 

17. Insurance. To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, trustees, general partners, managing members, officers, employees, agents or fiduciaries of the Company or any other Enterprise, Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies to the same extent as the most favorably-insured persons under such policy or policies in a comparable position.

 

18. Subrogation. In the event of any 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 papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.

 

19. Services to the Company. Indemnitee agrees to serve as a director or officer of the Company or, at the request of the Company, as a director, trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of another Enterprise, for so long as Indemnitee is duly elected or appointed or until Indemnitee tenders his or her resignation or is removed from such position. Indemnitee may at any time and for any reason resign from such position (subject to any other contractual obligation or any obligation imposed by operation of law), in which event the Company shall have no obligation under this Agreement to continue Indemnitee in such position. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that any employment with the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise) is at will, and Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, with or without notice, except as may be otherwise expressly provided in any executed, written employment contract between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise), any existing formal severance policies adopted by the Company’s board of directors or, with respect to service as a director or officer of the Company, the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws or the DGCL. No such document shall be subject to any oral modification thereof.

 

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20. Duration. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the later of (a) ten years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as a director or officer of the Company or as a director, trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of any other Enterprise, as applicable; or (b) one year after the final termination of any Proceeding, including any appeal, then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement of Expenses hereunder and of any proceeding commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement relating thereto.

 

21. Successors. 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 or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company, and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators. The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company, by written agreement, 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.

 

22. 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 or other applicable law, to perform its obligations under this Agreement shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (i) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including without limitation, each portion of any section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; (ii) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (iii) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

 

23. Enforcement. The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director or officer of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director or officer of the Company.

 

24. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws and applicable law.

 

25. Modification and Waiver. No supplement, modification or amendment to this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties hereto. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement shall adversely affect any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in his or her Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall constitute or be deemed a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

 

-11-

 

 

26. Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, sent by electronic mail or otherwise delivered by hand, messenger or courier service addressed:

 

(a) if to Indemnitee, to Indemnitee’s address, or electronic mail address as shown on the signature page of this Agreement or in the Company’s records, as may be updated in accordance with the provisions hereof; or

 

(b) if to the Company, to the attention of the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of the Company at 5000 Executive Parkway, Suite 520, San Ramon, CA 94583, or at such other current address as the Company shall have furnished to Indemnitee, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to Jim Jensen, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C., 650 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, California 94304.

 

Each such notice or other communication shall for all purposes of this Agreement be treated as effective or having been given (i) if delivered by hand, messenger or courier service, when delivered (or if sent via a nationally-recognized overnight courier service, freight prepaid, specifying next-business-day delivery, one business day after deposit with the courier), or (ii) if sent via mail, at the earlier of its receipt or five days after the same has been deposited in a regularly-maintained receptacle for the deposit of the United States mail, addressed and mailed as aforesaid, or (iii) if sent via via electronic mail, upon confirmation of delivery when directed to the relevant electronic mail address, if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, or if not sent during normal business hours of the recipient, then on the recipient’s next business day.

 

27. Applicable Law and Consent to Jurisdiction. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (i) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Delaware Court of Chancery, and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (ii) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court of Chancery for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (iii) appoint, to the extent such party is not otherwise subject to service of process in the State of Delaware, the Corporation Service Company, Wilmington, Delaware as its agent in the State of Delaware as such party’s agent for acceptance of legal process in connection with any such action or proceeding against such party with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (iv) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court of Chancery, and (v) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court of Chancery has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

 

28. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. This Agreement may also be executed and delivered by facsimile signature and in counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement.

 

29. Captions. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

 

(signature page follows)

 

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The parties are signing this Indemnification Agreement as of the date stated in the introductory sentence.

 

  Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc.
   
   
  (Signature)
   
   
  (Print name)
   
   
  (Title)
   
  [INSERT INDEMNITEE NAME]
   
   
  (Signature)
   
   
  (Print name)
   
   
  (Street address)
   
   
  (City, State and ZIP)

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.7

 

Grid Dynamics Holdings, INC.

 

OUTSIDE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION POLICY

 

Adopted and approved March 6, 2020

 

Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) believes that providing cash and equity compensation to members of its Board of Directors (the “Board,” and members of the Board, the “Directors”) represents an effective tool to attract, retain and reward Directors who are not employees of the Company (the “Outside Directors”). This Outside Director Compensation Policy (the “Policy”) formalizes the Company’s policy regarding cash compensation and grants of equity awards to its Outside Directors. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Policy will have the meaning given such term in the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the “Plan”), or if the Plan is no longer in use at the time of an equity award, the meaning given such term or any similar term in the equity plan then in place under which such equity award is granted. Each Outside Director will be solely responsible for any tax obligations incurred by such Outside Director as a result of the equity and cash payments such Outside Director receives under this Policy.

 

This Policy will be effective as of the effective date of the Closing Date (such date, the “Effective Date”).

 

1. Cash Compensation

 

Annual Cash Retainer

 

Each Outside Director will be paid an annual cash retainer of $40,000. There are no per-meeting attendance fees for attending Board meetings.

 

Committee Annual Cash Retainer

 

As of the Effective Date, each Outside Director who serves as the Chairperson of the Board, the Lead Outside Director, or the Chair or a member of a committee of the Board will be eligible to earn additional annual fees (paid quarterly in arrears on a prorated basis) as follows:

 

Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board:   $ 20,000  
         
Lead Outside Director:   $ 20,000  
         
Chair of Audit Committee:   $ 20,000  
         
Member of Audit Committee:   $ 15,000  
         
Chair of Compensation Committee:   $ 15,000  
         
Member of Compensation Committee:   $ 10,000  
         
Chair of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee:   $ 15,000  
         
Member of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee:   $ 10,000  

 

 

 

 

For clarity, each Outside Director who serves as the Chair of a committee will receive only the annual fee as the Chair of the committee and will not also receive the additional annual fee as a member of the committee.

 

Payment

 

Each annual cash retainer under this Policy will be paid quarterly in arrears on a prorated basis to each Outside Director who has served in the relevant capacity at any point during the immediately preceding fiscal quarter, and such payment shall be made no later than 30 days following the end of such immediately preceding fiscal quarter. For purposes of clarification, an Outside Director who has served as an Outside Director, as a member of an applicable committee (or chair thereof) during only a portion of the relevant Company fiscal quarter will receive a pro-rated payment of the quarterly payment of the applicable annual cash retainer(s), calculated based on the number of days during such fiscal quarter such Outside Director has served in the relevant capacities. For purposes of clarification, an Outside Director who has served as an Outside Director, as a member of an applicable committee (or chair thereof), as applicable, from the Effective Date through the end of the fiscal quarter containing the Effective Date (the “Initial Period”) will receive a prorated payment of the quarterly payment of the applicable annual cash retainer(s), calculated based on the number of days during the Initial Period that such Outside Director has served in the relevant capacities.

 

2. Equity Compensation

 

Outside Directors will be eligible to receive all types of Awards (except Incentive Stock Options) under the Plan (or the applicable equity plan in place at the time of grant), including discretionary Awards not covered under this Policy. All grants of Awards to Outside Directors pursuant to Section 2 of this Policy will be automatic and nondiscretionary, except as otherwise provided herein, and will be made in accordance with the following provisions:

 

(a) No Discretion. No person will have any discretion to select which Outside Directors will be granted any Awards under this Policy or to determine the number of Shares to be covered by such Awards.

 

(b) Initial RSUs. Each individual who first becomes an Outside Director following the Effective Date will be granted Restricted Stock Units covering Shares that have a grant date Fair Market Value equal to $75,000 (the “Initial RSUs”). The Initial RSUs will be granted on the first trading date on or after the date on which such individual first becomes an Outside Director, whether through election by the stockholders of the Company or appointment by the Board to fill a vacancy. If an individual was a member of the Board and also an employee, becoming an Outside Director due to termination of employment will not entitle the Outside Director to the Initial RSUs. The Initial RSUs will vest as to one hundred percent (100%) of the Shares subject to the Initial RSU on the 12-month anniversary of the date of grant, in each case subject to the Outside Director continuing to be a Service Provider through the applicable vesting date.

 

2

 

 

(c) Annual RSUs. On the date of each annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders following the Effective Date (each, an “Annual Meeting”), each Outside Director will be automatically granted Restricted Stock Units covering Shares that have a grant date Fair Market Value equal to $75,000 (the “Annual RSUs”). The Annual RSUs will vest as to one hundred percent (100%) of the Shares subject to the Annual RSUs on the 12-month anniversary of the date of grant, in each case subject to the Outside Director continuing to be a Service Provider through the applicable vesting date.

 

(d) Chairperson RSUs. At each Annual Meeting, each Outside Director who serves as the Chairperson of the Board or the Lead Outside Director will be automatically granted additional Restricted Stock Units covering Shares that have a grant date Fair Market Value equal to $20,000 (the “Chairperson RSUs”). The Chairperson RSUs will vest on as to as to one hundred percent (100%) of the Shares subject to the Chairperson RSUs on the 12-month anniversary of the date of grant, in each case subject to the Outside Director continuing to serve as a Chairperson of the Board or the Lead Outside Director (as applicable) through the applicable vesting date.

 

3. Change in Control

 

In the event of a Change in Control, each Outside Director will fully vest in his or her outstanding Company equity awards, including any Initial RSUs, Annual RSUs or Chairperson RSUs, and all restrictions on Restricted Stock Units will lapse provided that the Outside Director continues to be an Outside Director through such date.

 

4. Annual Compensation Limit

 

 Outside Director may be paid, issued or granted, in any Fiscal Year, cash compensation and equity awards (including any Awards issued under this Plan) with an aggregate value greater than $600,000 (with the value of each equity award based on its grant date fair value (determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles)). Any cash compensation paid or Awards granted to an individual for his or her services as an Employee, or for his or her services as a Consultant (other than as an Outside Director), will not count for purposes of the limitation under this Section 4.

 

5. Travel Expenses

 

Each Outside Director’s reasonable, customary and documented travel expenses to Board meetings will be reimbursed by the Company.

 

6. Additional Provisions

 

All provisions of the Plan not inconsistent with this Policy will apply to Awards granted to Outside Directors.

 

7. Adjustments

 

In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares occurs, the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under this Policy, will adjust the number of Shares issuable pursuant to Awards granted under this Policy.

 

3

 

 

8. Section 409A

 

In no event will cash compensation or expense reimbursement payments under this Policy be paid after the later of (i) the 15th day of the 3rd month following the end of the Company’s fiscal year in which the compensation is earned or expenses are incurred, as applicable, or (ii) the 15th day of the 3rd month following the end of the calendar year in which the compensation is earned or expenses are incurred, as applicable, in compliance with the “short-term deferral” exception under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the final regulations and guidance thereunder, as may be amended from time to time (together, “Section 409A”). It is the intent of this Policy that this Policy and all payments hereunder be exempt from or otherwise comply with the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the compensation to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities or ambiguous terms herein will be interpreted to be so exempt or comply. In no event will the Company reimburse an Outside Director for any taxes imposed or other costs incurred as a result of Section 409A.

 

9. Revisions

 

The Board may amend, alter, suspend or terminate this Policy at any time and for any reason. No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of this Policy will materially impair the rights of an Outside Director with respect to compensation that already has been paid or awarded, unless otherwise mutually agreed between the Outside Director and the Company. Termination of this Policy will not affect the Board’s or the Compensation Committee’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it under the Plan with respect to Awards granted under the Plan pursuant to this Policy prior to the date of such termination.

 

 

4

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.8

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,

CA 94583, United States

Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

GRID DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) entered into by and between Grid Dynamics International, Inc. (the “Company”), and Leonard Livschitz (“Executive”) dated as of January 24, 2020, is effective as of the “closing” under that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) entered into by and among the Company, ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp., Automated Systems Holdings Limited and certain other parties thereto (with such “closing” under the Merger Agreement constituting the “Effective Date”). If the Merger Agreement is terminated without the “closing” occurring thereunder, this Agreement shall be void and of no further force and effect. This Agreement supersedes in its entirety the Employment Agreements between Grid Dynamics International, Inc. and Executive dated March 31, 2017, as amended, and November 8, 2019.

 

1. Duties and Scope of Employment.

 

(a) Positions and Duties. As of the Effective Date, Executive will serve as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Executive will render such business and professional services in the performance of Executive’s duties, consistent with Executive’s position within the Company, as will reasonably be assigned to him by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

 

(b) Obligations. During the Employment Term (defined below), Executive will perform Executive’s duties faithfully and to the best of his ability and devote his full business efforts and time to the Company. Executive acknowledges during Executive's employment with Company, that Executive will not, without prior written approval of Company: (a) engage in any activity competitive or adverse to Company's business or welfare, whether alone, as a partner, or as an officer, director, executive, shareholder, employee, or consultant of any other entity, or (b) undertake planning for the organization of any business activity competitive with Company or combine or conspire with other employees or representatives of Company for the purposes of organizing any such competitive business. Nothing contained in this Section 1(b) shall prevent Executive from making passive personal investments, or engaging in other businesses or serving on boards of directors, which do not violate this Section 1(b) or materially interfere with the services rendered under this Agreement, as determined in the sole discretion of the Board. Executive further agrees to comply with all Company policies, including, for the avoidance of any doubt, any insider trading policies and compensation clawback policies currently in existence or that may be adopted by the Company during the Employment Term.

 

2. Term of Agreement. This Agreement will have an initial term of four (4) years commencing on the Effective Date (the “Initial Term”). Commencing on the four (4) year anniversary of the Effective Date and on each one (1) year anniversary thereafter, this Agreement will renew automatically for additional, one (1) year terms (each, an “Additional Term”) unless either party provides the other party with written notice of nonrenewal at least ninety (90) days prior to the date of automatic renewal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change of Control occurs during the Initial Term or an Additional Term, the term of this Agreement will extend automatically through the date that is twelve (12) months following the date of the Change of Control. If Executive becomes entitled to the benefits under Section 8 of this Agreement, then the Agreement will not terminate until all of the obligations of the parties hereto with respect to this Agreement have been satisfied. The period of Executive’s employment under this Agreement, including the Initial Term and each applicable Additional Term, is referred to herein as the “Employment Term.”

 

 

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583,  United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

3. At-Will Employment. The parties agree that Executive’s employment with the Company will be “at-will” employment and may be terminated at any time with or without cause or notice. Executive understands and agrees that neither his job performance nor promotions, commendations, bonuses or the like from the Company give rise to or in any way serve as the basis for modification, amendment, or extension, by implication or otherwise, of his employment with the Company. However, as described in this Agreement, Executive may be entitled to severance benefits depending on the circumstances of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company.

 

4. Compensation.

 

(a) Base Salary. During the Employment Term, the Company will pay Executive an annual salary of $600,000.00 as compensation for Executive’s services (the “Base Salary”). The Base Salary will be paid periodically in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices and be subject to the usual, required withholdings. Company shall review the amount of the Base Salary from time to time, but shall not be required to increase the Base Salary.

 

(b) Bonus. Executive may be eligible to receive additional incentive-based compensation or bonuses, in Company's sole discretion, which may be subject to the financial and individual goals and other performance criteria of Company. The Company anticipates that, if Executive is awarded a full bonus based on the Company's determination of financial and individual goals, the bonus will be up to $600,000.00 annually or $150,000.00 quarterly. The Company will determine bonus eligibility each fiscal quarter, and any awarded bonus will be paid within sixty (60) days of the end of each fiscal quarter. Eligibility for any bonus is dependent upon Executive's continued employment with the Company on the date the bonus is to be paid. The Company shall review the amount of potential bonus from time to time, but shall not be required to increase the potential bonus.

 

(c) Equity.

 

(i) Initial Grants. At the first meeting of the Board following the Effective Date, it will be recommended that Executive be granted 1,333,000 restricted stock units, 1,333,000 performance-based restricted stock units (the “Initial Awards”). Each Initial Award will vest as to 1/4th of the shares subject to the award on the one year anniversary of the vesting commencement date and 1/16th of the shares subject to the award on a quarterly basis thereafter, subject to Executive’s continued service through each vesting date. The Initial Award of performance-based restricted stock units also will be subject to vesting based on achievement of Company performance objectives to be determined by the Company. The Initial Awards will be subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”) and form of award agreement thereunder.

 

-2-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(ii) Discretionary Awards. Executive also may be eligible to receive additional Company equity awards in the discretion of the Board (or the Compensation Committee of the Board, as applicable) to reward extraordinary performance or for achievement of stretch financial performance objectives under individual incentive agreements for very strong performance of the Company.

 

(iii) Change of Control. In the event the Company is subject to a Change of Control, all Equity Awards (or portions thereof) that are not assumed or substituted by the successor corporation, as determined under the Equity Plan, will become fully vested and exercisable and all restrictions on such awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units will lapse. Equity Awards will not be deemed assumed or substituted and will become fully vested and exercisable in a Change of Control if the awards are amended or modified in any manner that is adverse to the Executive (e.g., less favorable vesting terms) without Executive’s written consent.

 

5. Employee Benefits. During the Employment Term, Executive will be entitled to participate in the employee benefit plans currently and hereafter maintained by the Company of general applicability to other executives of the Company to the extent Executive meets the eligibility requirements for each individual plan or program. Such benefits currently include, but are not limited to, medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k) plan participation and supplemental medical insurance (Armada Care or similar arrangement). The Company provides no assurance as to the adoption or continuance of any particular employee benefit plan or program, and Executive’s participation in any such plan or program shall be subject to the provisions, rules and regulations applicable thereto.

 

6. Vacation. Executive will be entitled to accrue up to twenty (20) days paid annual vacation in accordance with the Company policy as effect from time to time, including eligibility for any policy subsequently adopted for Company senior executives.

 

7. Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable travel, entertainment or other expenses incurred by Executive in the furtherance of or in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy as in effect from time to time.

 

-3-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,

CA 94583, United States

Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

8. Severance Benefits.

 

(a) Qualified Termination Outside the Change of Control Period. If, outside the Change of Control Period, the Company or its Affiliates terminate Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, respectively, other than for Cause, death or Disability, or Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, then, subject to Section 9, Executive will receive the following severance benefits:

 

(i) Salary Severance. Continuing payments of Executive’s Base Salary, as in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination of employment (or, if higher, immediately prior to reduction of Executive’s Base Salary described in clause (ii) of the definition of Good Reason below), for 24 months from the termination date, paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll procedures.

 

(ii) Bonus Severance. A lump-sum payment equal to 100% of Executive’s current annual maximum bonus target amount.

 

(iii) Continued Employee Benefits. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, the Company will reimburse Executive for the premiums necessary to continue group health insurance benefits for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents until the earlier of (A) a period of 24 months from the date of Executive’s termination of employment, (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans or (C) the date upon which Executive ceases to be eligible for coverage under COBRA (such reimbursements, the “COBRA Premiums”). However, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot pay the COBRA Premiums without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will in lieu thereof provide to Executive a taxable monthly payment payable on the last day of a given month (except as provided by the following sentence), in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue Executive’s group health coverage in effect on the date of Executive’s termination of employment (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage and will commence on the month following Executive’s termination of employment and will end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which Executive obtains other employment or (y) the date the Company has paid an amount equal to 24 payments. For the avoidance of doubt, the taxable payments in lieu of COBRA Premiums may be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all applicable tax withholdings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under this Agreement, if at any time the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the payments contemplated by the preceding sentence without violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), Executive will not receive such payment or any further reimbursements for COBRA premiums.

 

(iv) Equity. Immediate vesting of all then-outstanding unvested Company Equity Awards that would have vested had Executive had Executive continued employment with the Company for an additional period of one year. If, however, an outstanding Equity Award is to vest and/or the amount of the Equity Award to vest during such one year period is to be determined based on the achievement of performance criteria, then the Equity Award will be deemed to vest assuming the performance criteria had been achieved at target levels for the relevant performance period(s).

 

-4-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(b) Qualified Termination within the Change of Control Period. If, within the Change of Control Period, the Company or its Affiliates terminate Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, respectively, other than for Cause, death or Disability, or Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, then, subject to Section 9, Executive will receive the following severance benefits from the Company:

 

(i) Salary Severance. A lump sum severance payment equal to 24 months of Executive’s Base Salary, as in effect immediately prior to Executives termination of employment (or, if higher, as in effect immediately prior to reduction of Executive’s Base Salary described in clause (ii) of the definition of Good Reason), which will be paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll procedures. For the avoidance of doubt, if (A) Executive incurred a termination prior to a Change of Control that qualifies Executive for severance payments under Section 8(a)(i); and (B) a Change of Control occurs within the three (3)-month period following Executive’s termination of employment that qualifies Executive for the superior benefits under this Section 8(b)(i), then Executive shall be entitled to a lump-sum payment of the amount calculated under this Section 8(b)(i), less amounts already paid under Section 8(a)(i).

 

(ii) Bonus Severance. A lump-sum payment equal to 100% of Executive’s current annual target bonus amount.

 

(iii) Continued Employee Benefits. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, the Company will reimburse Executive for the premiums necessary to continue group health insurance benefits for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents until the earlier of (A) a period of 24 months from the date of Executive’s termination of employment, (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans or (C) the date upon which Executive ceases to be eligible for coverage under COBRA (such reimbursements, the “COC COBRA Premiums”). However, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot pay the COC COBRA Premiums without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will in lieu thereof provide to Executive a taxable monthly payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue Executive’s group health coverage in effect on the date of Executive’s termination of employment (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage and will commence on the month following Executive’s termination of employment and will end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which Executive obtains other employment or (y) the date the Company has paid an amount equal to 24 payments. For the avoidance of doubt, the taxable payments in lieu of COBRA Premiums may be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all applicable tax withholdings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under this Agreement, if at any time the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the payments contemplated by the preceding sentence without violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), Executive will not receive such payment or any further reimbursements for COBRA premiums.

 

-5-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(iv) Equity. Vesting acceleration of one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s outstanding unvested Equity Awards on the date of Executive’s termination. If, however, an outstanding Equity Award is to vest and/or the amount of the Equity Award to vest is to be determined based on the achievement of performance criteria, then the Equity Award will vest as to one hundred percent (100%) of the amount of the Equity Award assuming the performance criteria had been achieved at target levels for the relevant performance period(s).

 

(c) Voluntary Resignation; Termination for Cause. If Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates terminates (i) voluntarily by Executive (other than for Good Reason) or (ii) for Cause by the Company, then Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company’s then existing severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company.

 

(d) Disability; Death. If the Company terminates Executive’s employment as a result of Executive’s Disability, or Executive’s employment terminates due to Executive’s death, then Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company’s then existing written severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company.

 

(e) Accrued Compensation. For the avoidance of any doubt, in the event of a termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, Executive will be entitled to receive all accrued but unpaid vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any Company-provided plans, policies, and arrangements.

 

(f) Transfer between the Company and Affiliates. For purposes of this Section 8, if Executive’s employment with the Company or one of its Affiliates terminates, Executive will not be determined to have been terminated without Cause, provided Executive continues to remain employed by the Company or one of its Affiliates (e.g., upon transfer from on Affiliate to another); provided, however, that the parties understand and acknowledge that any such termination could potentially result in Executive’s ability to resign for Good Reason.

 

(g) Exclusive Remedy. In the event of a termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, the provisions of this Section 8 are intended to be and are exclusive and in lieu of any other rights or remedies to which Executive or the Company may otherwise be entitled, whether at law, tort or contract, in equity. Executive will be entitled to no benefits, compensation or other payments or rights upon termination of employment other than those benefits expressly set forth in this Section 8.

 

-6-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

9. Conditions to Receipt of Severance.

 

(a) Separation Agreement and Release of Claims. The receipt of any severance pursuant to Sections 8(a) or (b) will be subject to Executive signing and not revoking a separation agreement and release of claims in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the “Release”) and provided that such Release becomes effective and irrevocable no later than sixty (60) days following the termination date (such deadline, the “Release Deadline”). If the Release does not become effective and irrevocable by the Release Deadline, Executive will forfeit any rights to severance or benefits under this Agreement. In no event will severance payments or benefits be paid or provided until the Release becomes effective and irrevocable. Except as required by Section 9(b), any installment payments that would have been made to Executive prior to the Release becoming effective and irrevocable but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the first regularly scheduled Company payroll date following the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable, and the remaining payments will be made as provided in the Agreement.

 

(b) Section 409A.

 

(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no Deferred Payments will be paid or otherwise provided until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Similarly, no severance payable to Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement that otherwise would be exempt from Section 409A pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) will be payable until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

(ii) Any severance payments or benefits under this Agreement that would be considered Deferred Payments will be paid on, or, in the case of installments, will not commence until, the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s separation from service, or, if later, such time as required by Section 9(b)(iii). Except as required by Section 9(b)(iii), any installment payments that would have been made to Executive during the sixty (60) day period immediately following Executive’s separation from service but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s separation from service and the remaining payments shall be made as provided in this Agreement. In no event will Executive have discretion to determine the taxable year of payment for any Deferred Payments.

 

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of Executive’s separation from service (other than due to death), then the Deferred Payments that are payable within the first six (6) months following Executive’s separation from service, will, to the extent required to be delayed pursuant to Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, become payable on the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executive’s separation from service. All subsequent Deferred Payments, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following Executive’s separation from service, but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of the separation from service, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Executive’s death and all other Deferred Payments will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Each payment and benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.

 

-7-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(iv) Any amount paid under this Agreement that satisfies the requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations will not constitute Deferred Payments.

 

(v) Any amount paid under this Agreement that qualifies as a payment made as a result of an involuntary separation from service pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that does not exceed the Section 409A Limit (as defined below) will not constitute Deferred Payments.

 

(vi) The foregoing provisions and all compensation and benefits provided for under this Agreement are intended to comply with or be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities or ambiguous terms herein will be interpreted to be exempt or so comply. The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to Executive under Section 409A. In no event will the Company reimburse Executive for any taxes that may be imposed on Executive as a result of Section 409A.

 

10. Limitation on Payments. In the event that the severance and other benefits provided for in this Agreement or otherwise payable to Executive (i) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and (ii) but for this Section 10, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, then Executive’s severance benefits under Section 8 will be either:

 

(a) delivered in full, or

 

(b) delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such severance benefits being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code,

 

whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of severance benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such severance benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code. If a reduction in severance and other benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that benefits are delivered to a lesser extent, reduction will occur in the following order: (i) reduction of cash payments; (ii) cancellation of awards granted “contingent on a change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Code Section 280G); (iii) cancellation of accelerated vesting of equity awards; or (iv) reduction of employee benefits. In the event that acceleration of vesting of equity award compensation is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Executive’s equity awards.

 

-8-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section 10 will be made in writing by a nationally recognized certified professional services firm selected by the Company, the Company’s legal counsel or such other person or entity to which the parties mutually agree (the “Firm”) immediately prior to Change of Control, whose determination will be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section 10, the Firm may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and Executive will furnish to the Firm such information and documents as the Firm may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company will bear all costs the Firm may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section 10. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 10 shall not apply to payments or benefits resulting from the consummation of the Merger, whether under this Agreement or otherwise, for which the Executive is entitled to indemnification under the terms of the Indemnification Agreement entered into by the Company and Executive as of the date hereof.

 

11. Definition of Terms. The following terms referred to in this Agreement will have the following meanings:

 

(a) Affiliate. “Affiliate” means the Company and any other parent or subsidiary corporation of the Company, as such terms are defined in Section 424(e) and the Code.

 

(b) Cause. “Cause” means (i) an act of dishonesty made by Executive in connection with Executive’s responsibilities as an employee, (ii) Executive’s conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony or any crime involving fraud, embezzlement or any other act of moral turpitude, (iii) Executive’s gross misconduct, (iv) Executive’s unauthorized use or disclosure of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any other party to whom Executive owes an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of Executive’s relationship with the Company; (v) Executive’s willful breach of any obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company; or (vi) Executive’s continued failure to perform his employment duties after Executive has received a written demand of performance from the Company which specifically sets forth the factual basis for the Company’s belief that Executive has not substantially performed his duties and has failed to cure such non-performance to the Company’s satisfaction within 10 business days after receiving such notice.

 

(c) Change of Control. “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

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

 

-9-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(ii) A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this clause (ii), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change of Control; or

 

(iii) A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than fifty percent (50%) of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (iii), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (A) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (B) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (1) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (2) an entity, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (3) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (4) an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection (iii)(B)(3). For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(d) Change of Control Period. “Change of Control Period” means the period beginning on the date three (3) months prior to, and ending on the date that is twelve (12) months following, a Change of Control.

 

(e) Code. “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

-10-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(f) Deferred Payment. “Deferred Payment” means any severance pay or benefits to be paid or provided to Executive (or Executive’s estate or beneficiaries) pursuant to this Agreement and any other severance payments or separation benefits, that in each case, when considered together, are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A.

 

(g) Disability. “Disability” means that the Employee has been unable to perform Executive’s Company duties as the result of Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness, and such inability, at least twenty-six (26) weeks after its commencement or 180 days in any consecutive twelve (12) month period, is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to Executive or Executive’s legal representative (such agreement as to acceptability not to be unreasonably withheld). Termination resulting from Disability may only be effected after at least thirty (30) days’ written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate the Employee’s employment. In the event that the Employee resumes the performance of substantially all of Executive’s duties hereunder before the termination of Executive’s employment becomes effective, the notice of intent to terminate will automatically be deemed to have been revoked.

 

(h) Equity Awards. “Equity Awards” means Executive’s outstanding Company stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance stock units and any other Company equity compensation awards.

 

(i) Good Reason. “Good Reason” means Executive’s resignation within thirty (30) days following the expiration of any Company cure period (discussed below) following the occurrence of one or more of the following, without Executive’s express written consent: (i) a material diminution of Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities relative to Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such diminution; provided, however, that a reduction in the Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities solely by virtue of the Company being acquired and made part of a larger entity (for example, if the Executive is employed by the Company with substantially the same responsibilities with respect to the Company’s business that Executive had immediately prior to the Change of Control regardless of whether Executive’s title is revised to reflect Executive’s placement within the overall corporate hierarchy or whether Executive provides services to a subsidiary, affiliate, business unit or otherwise) shall not constitute Good Reason; (ii) a material reduction by the Company in the base compensation of the Executive as in effect immediately prior to such reduction, with a reduction of more than ten percent (10%) to be deemed material for such purposes; (iii) a material change in the location of Executive’s principal place of work, provided that a relocation of less than fifty five (55) miles from Executive’s then-current work location shall not be deemed material; or (iv) any other action that constitutes a material breach by the Company of its obligations to Executive under this Agreement. Executive’s resignation will not be deemed to be for Good Reason unless Executive has first provided the Company with written notice of the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for “Good Reason” within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of the grounds for “Good Reason” and a reasonable cure period of not less than thirty (30) days following the date the Company receives such notice, and such condition has not been cured during such period.

 

-11-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(j) Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. “Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement” means the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement entered into previously by the Executive and the Company.

 

(k) Section 409A. “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and any final regulations and guidance thereunder and any applicable state law equivalent, as each may be amended or promulgated from time to time.

 

(l) Section 409A Limit. “Section 409A Limit” will mean two (2) times the lesser of: (i) Executive’s annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Executive during the Executive’s taxable year preceding the Executive’s taxable year of Executive’s separation from service as determined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1) and any Internal Revenue Service guidance issued with respect thereto; or (ii) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code for the year in which Executive’s separation from service occurred.

 

12. Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. Executive agrees to continue to follow and comply with the terms and conditions of the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement.

 

13. Assignment. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of (a) the heirs, executors and legal representatives of Executive upon Executive’s death and (b) any successor of the Company. Any such successor of the Company will be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of this Agreement for all purposes. For this purpose, “successor” means any person, firm, corporation or other business entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company. None of the rights of Executive to receive any form of compensation payable pursuant to this Agreement may be assigned or transferred except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any other attempted assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits will be null and void.

 

14. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications called for hereunder will be in writing and will be deemed given (i) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, (ii) one (1) day after being sent by a well-established commercial overnight service, or (iii) four (4) days after being mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, prepaid and addressed to the parties or their successors at the following addresses, or at such other addresses as the parties may later designate in writing:

 

If to the Company:

 

Grid Dynamics International, Inc.

Attn: Yury Gryzlov, Senior Vice President of Operations

Grid Dynamics, 5000 Executive Parkway, Ste 520,

San Ramon, CA 94583, Unites States of America

 

-12-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

If to Executive:

Leonard Livschitz

 

at the last residential address known by the Company.

 

15. Severability. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement will continue in full force and effect without said provision.

 

16. Integration. This Agreement, the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement and Executive’s outstanding Equity Award agreements represents the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements whether written or oral. This Agreement may be modified only by agreement of the parties by a written instrument executed by the parties that is designated as an amendment to this Agreement.

 

17. Waiver of Breach. The waiver of a breach of any term or provision of this Agreement, which must be in writing, will not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other previous or subsequent breach of this Agreement.

 

18. Headings. All captions and section headings used in this Agreement are for convenient reference only and do not form a part of this Agreement.

 

19. Tax Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable taxes.

 

20. Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California (with the exception of its conflict of laws provisions).

 

21. Acknowledgment. Executive acknowledges that he has had the opportunity to discuss this matter with and obtain advice from his private attorney, has had sufficient time to, and has carefully read and fully understands all the provisions of this Agreement, and is knowingly and voluntarily entering into this Agreement.

 

22. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart will have the same force and effect as an original and will constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.

 

-13-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year set forth below.

 

COMPANY:  
   
GRID DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.  

 

Signature:  /s/ Yury Gryzlov  
By: Yury Gryzlov  
Title: Senior Vice President of Operations    

 

EXECUTIVE:  

 

/s/ Leonard Livschitz  
Leonard Livschitz  

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT]

 

 

-14-

 

 

Exhibit 10.9

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States

Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

GRID DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) entered into by and between Grid Dynamics International, Inc. (the “Company”), and Anil Doradla (“Executive”) dated as of January 24, 2020, is effective as of the “closing” under that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) entered into by and among the Company, ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp., Automated Systems Holdings Limited and certain other parties thereto (with such “closing” under the Merger Agreement constituting the “Effective Date”). If the Merger Agreement is terminated without the “closing” occurring thereunder, this Agreement shall be void and of no further force and effect. This Agreement supersedes in its entirety the Employment Agreements between Grid Dynamics International, Inc. and Executive dated November 9, 2019, as amended, and November 10, 2019.

 

1. Duties and Scope of Employment.

 

(a) Positions and Duties. As of the Effective Date, Executive will serve as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. Executive will render such business and professional services in the performance of Executive’s duties, consistent with Executive’s position within the Company, as will reasonably be assigned to him by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or his or her designee.

 

(b) Obligations. During the Employment Term (defined below), Executive will perform Executive’s duties faithfully and to the best of his ability and devote his full business efforts and time to the Company. Executive acknowledges during Executive's employment with Company, that Executive will not, without prior written approval of Company: (a) engage in any activity competitive or adverse to Company's business or welfare, whether alone, as a partner, or as an officer, director, executive, shareholder, employee, or consultant of any other entity, or (b) undertake planning for the organization of any business activity competitive with Company or combine or conspire with other employees or representatives of Company for the purposes of organizing any such competitive business. Nothing contained in this Section 1(b) shall prevent Executive from making passive personal investments, or engaging in other businesses or serving on boards of directors, which do not violate this Section 1(b) or materially interfere with the services rendered under this Agreement, as determined in the sole discretion of the Board. Executive further agrees to comply with all Company policies, including, for the avoidance of any doubt, any insider trading policies and compensation clawback policies currently in existence or that may be adopted by the Company during the Employment Term.

 

2. Term of Agreement. This Agreement will have an initial term of four (4) years commencing on the Effective Date (the “Initial Term”). Commencing on the four (4) year anniversary of the Effective Date and on each one (1) year anniversary thereafter, this Agreement will renew automatically for additional, one (1) year terms (each, an “Additional Term”) unless either party provides the other party with written notice of nonrenewal at least ninety (90) days prior to the date of automatic renewal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change of Control occurs during the Initial Term or an Additional Term, the term of this Agreement will extend automatically through the date that is twelve (12) months following the date of the Change of Control. If Executive becomes entitled to the benefits under Section 8 of this Agreement, then the Agreement will not terminate until all of the obligations of the parties hereto with respect to this Agreement have been satisfied. The period of Executive’s employment under this Agreement, including the Initial Term and each applicable Additional Term, is referred to herein as the “Employment Term.”

 

 

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

3. At-Will Employment. The parties agree that Executive’s employment with the Company will be “at-will” employment and may be terminated at any time with or without cause or notice. Executive understands and agrees that neither his job performance nor promotions, commendations, bonuses or the like from the Company give rise to or in any way serve as the basis for modification, amendment, or extension, by implication or otherwise, of his employment with the Company. However, as described in this Agreement, Executive may be entitled to severance benefits depending on the circumstances of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company.

 

4. Compensation.

 

(a) Base Salary. During the Employment Term, the Company will pay Executive an annual salary of $300,000.00 as compensation for Executive’s services (the “Base Salary”). The Base Salary will be paid periodically in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices and be subject to the usual, required withholdings. Company shall review the amount of the Base Salary from time to time, but shall not be required to increase the Base Salary.

 

(b) Bonus. Executive may be eligible to receive additional incentive-based compensation or bonuses, in Company's sole discretion, which may be subject to the financial and individual goals and other performance criteria of Company. The Company anticipates that, if Executive is awarded a full bonus based on the Company's determination of financial and individual goals, the bonus will be up to $150,000.00 annually or $37,500.00 quarterly. The Company will determine bonus eligibility each fiscal quarter, and any awarded bonus will be paid within sixty (60) days of the end of each fiscal quarter. Eligibility for any bonus is dependent upon Executive's continued employment with the Company on the date the bonus is to be paid. The Company shall review the amount of potential bonus from time to time, but shall not be required to increase the potential bonus.

 

(c) Equity.

 

(i) Initial Grants. At the first meeting of the Board following the Effective Date, it will be recommended that Executive be granted 129,500 restricted stock units, 129,500 performance-based restricted stock units and 140,000 stock options (the “Initial Awards”). Each Initial Award will vest as to 1/4th of the shares subject to the award on the one year anniversary of the vesting commencement date and 1/16th of the shares subject to the award on a quarterly basis thereafter, subject to Executive’s continued service through each vesting date. The Initial Award of performance-based restricted stock units also will be subject to vesting based on achievement of Company performance objectives to be determined by the Company. The Initial Awards will be subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”) and form of award agreement thereunder.

 

-2-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(ii) Discretionary Awards. Executive also may be eligible to receive additional Company equity awards in the discretion of the Board (or the Compensation Committee of the Board, as applicable) to reward extraordinary performance or for achievement of stretch financial performance objectives under individual incentive agreements for very strong performance of the Company.

 

(iii) Change of Control. In the event the Company is subject to a Change of Control, all Equity Awards (or portions thereof) that are not assumed or substituted by the successor corporation, as determined under the Equity Plan, will become fully vested and exercisable and all restrictions on such awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units will lapse. Equity Awards will not be deemed assumed or substituted and will become fully vested and exercisable in a Change of Control if the awards are amended or modified in any manner that is adverse to the Executive (e.g., less favorable vesting terms) without Executive’s written consent.

 

5. Employee Benefits. During the Employment Term, Executive will be entitled to participate in the employee benefit plans currently and hereafter maintained by the Company of general applicability to other executives of the Company to the extent Executive meets the eligibility requirements for each individual plan or program. Such benefits currently include, but are not limited to, medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k) plan participation and supplemental medical insurance (Armada Care or similar arrangement). The Company provides no assurance as to the adoption or continuance of any particular employee benefit plan or program, and Executive’s participation in any such plan or program shall be subject to the provisions, rules and regulations applicable thereto.

 

6. Vacation. Executive will be entitled to accrue up to twenty (20) days paid annual vacation in accordance with the Company policy as effect from time to time, including eligibility for any policy subsequently adopted for Company senior executives.

 

7. Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable travel, entertainment or other expenses incurred by Executive in the furtherance of or in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy as in effect from time to time.

 

-3-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

8. Severance Benefits.

 

(a) Qualified Termination Outside the Change of Control Period. If, outside the Change of Control Period, the Company or its Affiliates terminate Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, respectively, other than for Cause, death or Disability, or Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, then, subject to Section 9, Executive will receive the following severance benefits:

 

(i) Salary Severance. Continuing payments of Executive’s Base Salary, as in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination of employment (or, if higher, immediately prior to reduction of Executive’s Base Salary described in clause (ii) of the definition of Good Reason below), for 12 months from the termination date, paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll procedures.

 

(ii) Bonus Severance. A lump-sum payment equal to 50% of Executive’s current annual maximum bonus target amount.

 

(iii) Continued Employee Benefits. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, the Company will reimburse Executive for the premiums necessary to continue group health insurance benefits for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents until the earlier of (A) a period of 12 months from the date of Executive’s termination of employment, (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans or (C) the date upon which Executive ceases to be eligible for coverage under COBRA (such reimbursements, the “COBRA Premiums”). However, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot pay the COBRA Premiums without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will in lieu thereof provide to Executive a taxable monthly payment payable on the last day of a given month (except as provided by the following sentence), in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue Executive’s group health coverage in effect on the date of Executive’s termination of employment (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage and will commence on the month following Executive’s termination of employment and will end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which Executive obtains other employment or (y) the date the Company has paid an amount equal to 12 payments. For the avoidance of doubt, the taxable payments in lieu of COBRA Premiums may be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all applicable tax withholdings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under this Agreement, if at any time the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the payments contemplated by the preceding sentence without violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), Executive will not receive such payment or any further reimbursements for COBRA premiums.

 

(iv) Equity. Immediate vesting of all then-outstanding unvested Company Equity Awards that would have vested had Executive had Executive continued employment with the Company for an additional period of one year. If, however, an outstanding Equity Award is to vest and/or the amount of the Equity Award to vest during such one year period is to be determined based on the achievement of performance criteria, then the Equity Award will be deemed to vest assuming the performance criteria had been achieved at target levels for the relevant performance period(s).

 

-4-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(b) Qualified Termination within the Change of Control Period. If, within the Change of Control Period, the Company or its Affiliates terminate Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, respectively, other than for Cause, death or Disability, or Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, then, subject to Section 9, Executive will receive the following severance benefits from the Company:

 

(i) Salary Severance. A lump sum severance payment equal to 12 months of Executive’s Base Salary, as in effect immediately prior to Executives termination of employment (or, if higher, as in effect immediately prior to reduction of Executive’s Base Salary described in clause (ii) of the definition of Good Reason), which will be paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll procedures. For the avoidance of doubt, if (A) Executive incurred a termination prior to a Change of Control that qualifies Executive for severance payments under Section 8(a)(i); and (B) a Change of Control occurs within the three (3)-month period following Executive’s termination of employment that qualifies Executive for the superior benefits under this Section 8(b)(i), then Executive shall be entitled to a lump-sum payment of the amount calculated under this Section 8(b)(i), less amounts already paid under Section 8(a)(i).

 

(ii) Bonus Severance. A lump-sum payment equal to 50% of Executive’s current annual target bonus amount.

 

(iii) Continued Employee Benefits. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, the Company will reimburse Executive for the premiums necessary to continue group health insurance benefits for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents until the earlier of (A) a period of 12 months from the date of Executive’s termination of employment, (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans or (C) the date upon which Executive ceases to be eligible for coverage under COBRA (such reimbursements, the “COC COBRA Premiums”). However, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot pay the COC COBRA Premiums without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will in lieu thereof provide to Executive a taxable monthly payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue Executive’s group health coverage in effect on the date of Executive’s termination of employment (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage and will commence on the month following Executive’s termination of employment and will end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which Executive obtains other employment or (y) the date the Company has paid an amount equal to 12 payments. For the avoidance of doubt, the taxable payments in lieu of COBRA Premiums may be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all applicable tax withholdings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under this Agreement, if at any time the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the payments contemplated by the preceding sentence without violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), Executive will not receive such payment or any further reimbursements for COBRA premiums.

 

-5-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(iv) Equity. Vesting acceleration of one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s outstanding unvested Equity Awards on the date of Executive’s termination. If, however, an outstanding Equity Award is to vest and/or the amount of the Equity Award to vest is to be determined based on the achievement of performance criteria, then the Equity Award will vest as to one hundred percent (100%) of the amount of the Equity Award assuming the performance criteria had been achieved at target levels for the relevant performance period(s).

 

(c) Voluntary Resignation; Termination for Cause. If Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates terminates (i) voluntarily by Executive (other than for Good Reason) or (ii) for Cause by the Company, then Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company’s then existing severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company.

 

(d) Disability; Death. If the Company terminates Executive’s employment as a result of Executive’s Disability, or Executive’s employment terminates due to Executive’s death, then Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company’s then existing written severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company.

 

(e) Accrued Compensation. For the avoidance of any doubt, in the event of a termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, Executive will be entitled to receive all accrued but unpaid vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any Company-provided plans, policies, and arrangements.

 

(f) Transfer between the Company and Affiliates. For purposes of this Section 8, if Executive’s employment with the Company or one of its Affiliates terminates, Executive will not be determined to have been terminated without Cause, provided Executive continues to remain employed by the Company or one of its Affiliates (e.g., upon transfer from on Affiliate to another); provided, however, that the parties understand and acknowledge that any such termination could potentially result in Executive’s ability to resign for Good Reason.

 

(g) Exclusive Remedy. In the event of a termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, the provisions of this Section 8 are intended to be and are exclusive and in lieu of any other rights or remedies to which Executive or the Company may otherwise be entitled, whether at law, tort or contract, in equity. Executive will be entitled to no benefits, compensation or other payments or rights upon termination of employment other than those benefits expressly set forth in this Section 8.

 

-6-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

9. Conditions to Receipt of Severance.

 

(a) Separation Agreement and Release of Claims. The receipt of any severance pursuant to Sections 8(a) or (b) will be subject to Executive signing and not revoking a separation agreement and release of claims in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the “Release”) and provided that such Release becomes effective and irrevocable no later than sixty (60) days following the termination date (such deadline, the “Release Deadline”). If the Release does not become effective and irrevocable by the Release Deadline, Executive will forfeit any rights to severance or benefits under this Agreement. In no event will severance payments or benefits be paid or provided until the Release becomes effective and irrevocable. Except as required by Section 9(b), any installment payments that would have been made to Executive prior to the Release becoming effective and irrevocable but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the first regularly scheduled Company payroll date following the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable, and the remaining payments will be made as provided in the Agreement.

 

(b) Section 409A.

 

(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no Deferred Payments will be paid or otherwise provided until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Similarly, no severance payable to Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement that otherwise would be exempt from Section 409A pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) will be payable until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

(ii) Any severance payments or benefits under this Agreement that would be considered Deferred Payments will be paid on, or, in the case of installments, will not commence until, the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s separation from service, or, if later, such time as required by Section 9(b)(iii). Except as required by Section 9(b)(iii), any installment payments that would have been made to Executive during the sixty (60) day period immediately following Executive’s separation from service but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s separation from service and the remaining payments shall be made as provided in this Agreement. In no event will Executive have discretion to determine the taxable year of payment for any Deferred Payments.

 

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of Executive’s separation from service (other than due to death), then the Deferred Payments that are payable within the first six (6) months following Executive’s separation from service, will, to the extent required to be delayed pursuant to Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, become payable on the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executive’s separation from service. All subsequent Deferred Payments, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following Executive’s separation from service, but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of the separation from service, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Executive’s death and all other Deferred Payments will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Each payment and benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.

 

-7-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(iv) Any amount paid under this Agreement that satisfies the requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations will not constitute Deferred Payments.

 

(v) Any amount paid under this Agreement that qualifies as a payment made as a result of an involuntary separation from service pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that does not exceed the Section 409A Limit (as defined below) will not constitute Deferred Payments.

 

(vi) The foregoing provisions and all compensation and benefits provided for under this Agreement are intended to comply with or be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities or ambiguous terms herein will be interpreted to be exempt or so comply. The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to Executive under Section 409A. In no event will the Company reimburse Executive for any taxes that may be imposed on Executive as a result of Section 409A.

 

10. Limitation on Payments. In the event that the severance and other benefits provided for in this Agreement or otherwise payable to Executive (i) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and (ii) but for this Section 10, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, then Executive’s severance benefits under Section 8 will be either:

 

(a) delivered in full, or

 

(b) delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such severance benefits being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code,

 

whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of severance benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such severance benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code. If a reduction in severance and other benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that benefits are delivered to a lesser extent, reduction will occur in the following order: (i) reduction of cash payments; (ii) cancellation of awards granted “contingent on a change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Code Section 280G); (iii) cancellation of accelerated vesting of equity awards; or (iv) reduction of employee benefits. In the event that acceleration of vesting of equity award compensation is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Executive’s equity awards.

 

-8-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section 10 will be made in writing by a nationally recognized certified professional services firm selected by the Company, the Company’s legal counsel or such other person or entity to which the parties mutually agree (the “Firm”) immediately prior to Change of Control, whose determination will be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section 10, the Firm may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and Executive will furnish to the Firm such information and documents as the Firm may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company will bear all costs the Firm may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section 10. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 10 shall not apply to payments or benefits resulting from the consummation of the Merger, whether under this Agreement or otherwise, for which the Executive is entitled to indemnification under the terms of the Indemnification Agreement entered into by the Company and Executive as of the date hereof.

 

11. Definition of Terms. The following terms referred to in this Agreement will have the following meanings:

 

(a) Affiliate. “Affiliate” means the Company and any other parent or subsidiary corporation of the Company, as such terms are defined in Section 424(e) and the Code.

 

(b) Cause. “Cause” means (i) an act of dishonesty made by Executive in connection with Executive’s responsibilities as an employee, (ii) Executive’s conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony or any crime involving fraud, embezzlement or any other act of moral turpitude, (iii) Executive’s gross misconduct, (iv) Executive’s unauthorized use or disclosure of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any other party to whom Executive owes an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of Executive’s relationship with the Company; (v) Executive’s willful breach of any obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company; or (vi) Executive’s continued failure to perform his employment duties after Executive has received a written demand of performance from the Company which specifically sets forth the factual basis for the Company’s belief that Executive has not substantially performed his duties and has failed to cure such non-performance to the Company’s satisfaction within 10 business days after receiving such notice.

 

(c) Change of Control. “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

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

 

-9-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(ii) A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this clause (ii), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change of Control; or

 

(iii) A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than fifty percent (50%) of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (iii), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (A) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (B) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (1) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (2) an entity, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (3) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (4) an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection (iii)(B)(3). For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(d) Change of Control Period. “Change of Control Period” means the period beginning on the date three (3) months prior to, and ending on the date that is twelve (12) months following, a Change of Control.

 

(e) Code. “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

-10-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(f) Deferred Payment. “Deferred Payment” means any severance pay or benefits to be paid or provided to Executive (or Executive’s estate or beneficiaries) pursuant to this Agreement and any other severance payments or separation benefits, that in each case, when considered together, are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A.

 

(g) Disability. “Disability” means that the Employee has been unable to perform Executive’s Company duties as the result of Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness, and such inability, at least twenty-six (26) weeks after its commencement or 180 days in any consecutive twelve (12) month period, is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to Executive or Executive’s legal representative (such agreement as to acceptability not to be unreasonably withheld). Termination resulting from Disability may only be effected after at least thirty (30) days’ written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate the Employee’s employment. In the event that the Employee resumes the performance of substantially all of Executive’s duties hereunder before the termination of Executive’s employment becomes effective, the notice of intent to terminate will automatically be deemed to have been revoked.

 

(h) Equity Awards. “Equity Awards” means Executive’s outstanding Company stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance stock units and any other Company equity compensation awards.

 

(i) Good Reason. “Good Reason” means Executive’s resignation within thirty (30) days following the expiration of any Company cure period (discussed below) following the occurrence of one or more of the following, without Executive’s express written consent: (i) a material diminution of Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities relative to Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such diminution; provided, however, that a reduction in the Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities solely by virtue of the Company being acquired and made part of a larger entity (for example, if the Executive is employed by the Company with substantially the same responsibilities with respect to the Company’s business that Executive had immediately prior to the Change of Control regardless of whether Executive’s title is revised to reflect Executive’s placement within the overall corporate hierarchy or whether Executive provides services to a subsidiary, affiliate, business unit or otherwise) shall not constitute Good Reason; (ii) a material reduction by the Company in the base compensation of the Executive as in effect immediately prior to such reduction, with a reduction of more than ten percent (10%) to be deemed material for such purposes; (iii) a material change in the location of Executive’s principal place of work, provided that a relocation of less than fifty five (55) miles from Executive’s then-current work location shall not be deemed material; or (iv) any other action that constitutes a material breach by the Company of its obligations to Executive under this Agreement. Executive’s resignation will not be deemed to be for Good Reason unless Executive has first provided the Company with written notice of the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for “Good Reason” within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of the grounds for “Good Reason” and a reasonable cure period of not less than thirty (30) days following the date the Company receives such notice, and such condition has not been cured during such period.

 

-11-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(j) Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. “Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement” means the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement entered into previously by the Executive and the Company.

 

(k) Section 409A. “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and any final regulations and guidance thereunder and any applicable state law equivalent, as each may be amended or promulgated from time to time.

 

(l) Section 409A Limit. “Section 409A Limit” will mean two (2) times the lesser of: (i) Executive’s annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Executive during the Executive’s taxable year preceding the Executive’s taxable year of Executive’s separation from service as determined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1) and any Internal Revenue Service guidance issued with respect thereto; or (ii) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code for the year in which Executive’s separation from service occurred.

 

12. Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. Executive agrees to continue to follow and comply with the terms and conditions of the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement.

 

13. Assignment. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of (a) the heirs, executors and legal representatives of Executive upon Executive’s death and (b) any successor of the Company. Any such successor of the Company will be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of this Agreement for all purposes. For this purpose, “successor” means any person, firm, corporation or other business entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company. None of the rights of Executive to receive any form of compensation payable pursuant to this Agreement may be assigned or transferred except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any other attempted assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits will be null and void.

 

14. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications called for hereunder will be in writing and will be deemed given (i) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, (ii) one (1) day after being sent by a well-established commercial overnight service, or (iii) four (4) days after being mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, prepaid and addressed to the parties or their successors at the following addresses, or at such other addresses as the parties may later designate in writing:

 

If to the Company:

 

Grid Dynamics International, Inc.

Attn: Yury Gryzlov, Senior Vice President of Operations

Grid Dynamics, 5000 Executive Parkway, Ste 520,

San Ramon, CA 94583, Unites States of America

 

-12-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

If to Executive:

Anil Doradla

at the last residential address known by the Company.

 

15. Severability. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement will continue in full force and effect without said provision.

 

16. Integration. This Agreement, the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement and Executive’s outstanding Equity Award agreements represents the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements whether written or oral. This Agreement may be modified only by agreement of the parties by a written instrument executed by the parties that is designated as an amendment to this Agreement.

 

17. Waiver of Breach. The waiver of a breach of any term or provision of this Agreement, which must be in writing, will not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other previous or subsequent breach of this Agreement.

 

18. Headings. All captions and section headings used in this Agreement are for convenient reference only and do not form a part of this Agreement.

 

19. Tax Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable taxes.

 

20. Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California (with the exception of its conflict of laws provisions).

 

21. Acknowledgment. Executive acknowledges that he has had the opportunity to discuss this matter with and obtain advice from his private attorney, has had sufficient time to, and has carefully read and fully understands all the provisions of this Agreement, and is knowingly and voluntarily entering into this Agreement.

 

22. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart will have the same force and effect as an original and will constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.

 

-13-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year set forth below.

 

COMPANY:  
   
GRID DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.  

 

Signature: 

/s/ Leonard Livschitz

 
By:

Leonard Livschitz

 
Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

EXECUTIVE:  

 

/s/ Anil Doradla

 

Anil Doradla

 

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT]

 

 

-14-

 

 

Exhibit 10.10

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States

Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

GRID DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) entered into by and between Grid Dynamics International, Inc. (the “Company”), and Victoria Livschitz (“Executive”) dated as of January 24, 2020, is effective as of the “closing” under that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) entered into by and among the Company, ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp., Automated Systems Holdings Limited and certain other parties thereto (with such “closing” under the Merger Agreement constituting the “Effective Date”). If the Merger Agreement is terminated without the “closing” occurring thereunder, this Agreement shall be void and of no further force and effect. This Agreement supersedes in its entirety the Employment Agreements between Grid Dynamics International, Inc. and Executive dated March 31, 2017, as amended, and November 8, 2019.

 

1. Duties and Scope of Employment.

 

(a) Positions and Duties. As of the Effective Date, Executive will serve as the Company’s Executive Vice President of Customer Success. Executive will render such business and professional services in the performance of Executive’s duties, consistent with Executive’s position within the Company, as will reasonably be assigned to him by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or his or her designee.

 

(b) Obligations. During the Employment Term (defined below), Executive will perform Executive’s duties faithfully and to the best of her ability and devote her full business efforts and time to the Company. Executive acknowledges during Executive's employment with Company, that Executive will not, without prior written approval of Company: (a) engage in any activity competitive or adverse to Company's business or welfare, whether alone, as a partner, or as an officer, director, executive, shareholder, employee, or consultant of any other entity, or (b) undertake planning for the organization of any business activity competitive with Company or combine or conspire with other employees or representatives of Company for the purposes of organizing any such competitive business. Nothing contained in this Section 1(b) shall prevent Executive from making passive personal investments, or engaging in other businesses or serving on boards of directors, which do not violate this Section 1(b) or materially interfere with the services rendered under this Agreement, as determined in the sole discretion of the Board. Executive further agrees to comply with all Company policies, including, for the avoidance of any doubt, any insider trading policies and compensation clawback policies currently in existence or that may be adopted by the Company during the Employment Term.

 

2. Term of Agreement. This Agreement will have an initial term of four (4) years commencing on the Effective Date (the “Initial Term”). Commencing on the four (4) year anniversary of the Effective Date and on each one (1) year anniversary thereafter, this Agreement will renew automatically for additional, one (1) year terms (each, an “Additional Term”) unless either party provides the other party with written notice of nonrenewal at least ninety (90) days prior to the date of automatic renewal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change of Control occurs during the Initial Term or an Additional Term, the term of this Agreement will extend automatically through the date that is twelve (12) months following the date of the Change of Control. If Executive becomes entitled to the benefits under Section 8 of this Agreement, then the Agreement will not terminate until all of the obligations of the parties hereto with respect to this Agreement have been satisfied. The period of Executive’s employment under this Agreement, including the Initial Term and each applicable Additional Term, is referred to herein as the “Employment Term.”

 

 

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

3. At-Will Employment. The parties agree that Executive’s employment with the Company will be “at-will” employment and may be terminated at any time with or without cause or notice. Executive understands and agrees that neither her job performance nor promotions, commendations, bonuses or the like from the Company give rise to or in any way serve as the basis for modification, amendment, or extension, by implication or otherwise, of her employment with the Company. However, as described in this Agreement, Executive may be entitled to severance benefits depending on the circumstances of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company.

 

4. Compensation.

 

(a) Base Salary. During the Employment Term, the Company will pay Executive an annual salary of $400,000.00 as compensation for Executive’s services (the “Base Salary”). The Base Salary will be paid periodically in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices and be subject to the usual, required withholdings. Company shall review the amount of the Base Salary from time to time, but shall not be required to increase the Base Salary.

 

(b) Bonus. Executive may be eligible to receive additional incentive-based compensation or bonuses, in Company's sole discretion, which may be subject to the financial and individual goals and other performance criteria of Company. The Company anticipates that, if Executive is awarded a full bonus based on the Company's determination of financial and individual goals, the bonus will be up to $200,000.00 annually or $50,000.00 quarterly. The Company will determine bonus eligibility each fiscal quarter, and any awarded bonus will be paid within sixty (60) days of the end of each fiscal quarter. Eligibility for any bonus is dependent upon Executive's continued employment with the Company on the date the bonus is to be paid. The Company shall review the amount of potential bonus from time to time, but shall not be required to increase the potential bonus.

 

(c) Equity.

 

(i) Initial Grants. At the first meeting of the Board following the Effective Date, it will be recommended that Executive be granted 129,500 restricted stock units, 129,500 performance-based restricted stock units and 140,000 stock options (the “Initial Awards”). Each Initial Award will vest as to 1/4th of the shares subject to the award on the one year anniversary of the vesting commencement date and 1/16th of the shares subject to the award on a quarterly basis thereafter, subject to Executive’s continued service through each vesting date. The Initial Award of performance-based restricted stock units also will be subject to vesting based on achievement of Company performance objectives to be determined by the Company. The Initial Awards will be subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”) and form of award agreement thereunder.

 

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5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(ii) Discretionary Awards. Executive also may be eligible to receive additional Company equity awards in the discretion of the Board (or the Compensation Committee of the Board, as applicable) to reward extraordinary performance or for achievement of stretch financial performance objectives under individual incentive agreements for very strong performance of the Company.

 

(iii) Change of Control. In the event the Company is subject to a Change of Control, all Equity Awards (or portions thereof) that are not assumed or substituted by the successor corporation, as determined under the Equity Plan, will become fully vested and exercisable and all restrictions on such awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units will lapse. Equity Awards will not be deemed assumed or substituted and will become fully vested and exercisable in a Change of Control if the awards are amended or modified in any manner that is adverse to the Executive (e.g., less favorable vesting terms) without Executive’s written consent.

 

5. Employee Benefits. During the Employment Term, Executive will be entitled to participate in the employee benefit plans currently and hereafter maintained by the Company of general applicability to other executives of the Company to the extent Executive meets the eligibility requirements for each individual plan or program. Such benefits currently include, but are not limited to, medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k) plan participation and supplemental medical insurance (Armada Care or similar arrangement). The Company provides no assurance as to the adoption or continuance of any particular employee benefit plan or program, and Executive’s participation in any such plan or program shall be subject to the provisions, rules and regulations applicable thereto.

 

6. Vacation. Executive will be entitled to accrue up to twenty (20) days paid annual vacation in accordance with the Company policy as effect from time to time, including eligibility for any policy subsequently adopted for Company senior executives.

 

7. Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable travel, entertainment or other expenses incurred by Executive in the furtherance of or in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy as in effect from time to time.

 

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5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

8. Severance Benefits.

 

(a) Qualified Termination Outside the Change of Control Period. If, outside the Change of Control Period, the Company or its Affiliates terminate Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, respectively, other than for Cause, death or Disability, or Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, then, subject to Section 9, Executive will receive the following severance benefits:

 

(i) Salary Severance. Continuing payments of Executive’s Base Salary, as in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination of employment (or, if higher, immediately prior to reduction of Executive’s Base Salary described in clause (ii) of the definition of Good Reason below), for 12 months from the termination date, paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll procedures.

 

(ii) Bonus Severance. A lump-sum payment equal to 50% of Executive’s current annual maximum bonus target amount.

 

(iii) Continued Employee Benefits. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, the Company will reimburse Executive for the premiums necessary to continue group health insurance benefits for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents until the earlier of (A) a period of 12 months from the date of Executive’s termination of employment, (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans or (C) the date upon which Executive ceases to be eligible for coverage under COBRA (such reimbursements, the “COBRA Premiums”). However, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot pay the COBRA Premiums without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will in lieu thereof provide to Executive a taxable monthly payment payable on the last day of a given month (except as provided by the following sentence), in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue Executive’s group health coverage in effect on the date of Executive’s termination of employment (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage and will commence on the month following Executive’s termination of employment and will end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which Executive obtains other employment or (y) the date the Company has paid an amount equal to 12 payments. For the avoidance of doubt, the taxable payments in lieu of COBRA Premiums may be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all applicable tax withholdings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under this Agreement, if at any time the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the payments contemplated by the preceding sentence without violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), Executive will not receive such payment or any further reimbursements for COBRA premiums.

 

(iv) Equity. Immediate vesting of all then-outstanding unvested Company Equity Awards that would have vested had Executive had Executive continued employment with the Company for an additional period of one year. If, however, an outstanding Equity Award is to vest and/or the amount of the Equity Award to vest during such one year period is to be determined based on the achievement of performance criteria, then the Equity Award will be deemed to vest assuming the performance criteria had been achieved at target levels for the relevant performance period(s).

 

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5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(b) Qualified Termination within the Change of Control Period. If, within the Change of Control Period, the Company or its Affiliates terminate Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, respectively, other than for Cause, death or Disability, or Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, then, subject to Section 9, Executive will receive the following severance benefits from the Company:

 

(i) Salary Severance. A lump sum severance payment equal to 12 months of Executive’s Base Salary, as in effect immediately prior to Executives termination of employment (or, if higher, as in effect immediately prior to reduction of Executive’s Base Salary described in clause (ii) of the definition of Good Reason), which will be paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll procedures. For the avoidance of doubt, if (A) Executive incurred a termination prior to a Change of Control that qualifies Executive for severance payments under Section 8(a)(i); and (B) a Change of Control occurs within the three (3)-month period following Executive’s termination of employment that qualifies Executive for the superior benefits under this Section 8(b)(i), then Executive shall be entitled to a lump-sum payment of the amount calculated under this Section 8(b)(i), less amounts already paid under Section 8(a)(i).

 

(ii) Bonus Severance. A lump-sum payment equal to 50% of Executive’s current annual target bonus amount.

 

(iii) Continued Employee Benefits. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, the Company will reimburse Executive for the premiums necessary to continue group health insurance benefits for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents until the earlier of (A) a period of 12 months from the date of Executive’s termination of employment, (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans or (C) the date upon which Executive ceases to be eligible for coverage under COBRA (such reimbursements, the “COC COBRA Premiums”). However, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot pay the COC COBRA Premiums without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will in lieu thereof provide to Executive a taxable monthly payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue Executive’s group health coverage in effect on the date of Executive’s termination of employment (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage and will commence on the month following Executive’s termination of employment and will end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which Executive obtains other employment or (y) the date the Company has paid an amount equal to 12 payments. For the avoidance of doubt, the taxable payments in lieu of COBRA Premiums may be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all applicable tax withholdings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under this Agreement, if at any time the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the payments contemplated by the preceding sentence without violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), Executive will not receive such payment or any further reimbursements for COBRA premiums.

 

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5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(iv) Equity. Vesting acceleration of one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s outstanding unvested Equity Awards on the date of Executive’s termination. If, however, an outstanding Equity Award is to vest and/or the amount of the Equity Award to vest is to be determined based on the achievement of performance criteria, then the Equity Award will vest as to one hundred percent (100%) of the amount of the Equity Award assuming the performance criteria had been achieved at target levels for the relevant performance period(s).

 

(c) Voluntary Resignation; Termination for Cause. If Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates terminates (i) voluntarily by Executive (other than for Good Reason) or (ii) for Cause by the Company, then Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company’s then existing severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company.

 

(d) Disability; Death. If the Company terminates Executive’s employment as a result of Executive’s Disability, or Executive’s employment terminates due to Executive’s death, then Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company’s then existing written severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company.

 

(e) Accrued Compensation. For the avoidance of any doubt, in the event of a termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, Executive will be entitled to receive all accrued but unpaid vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any Company-provided plans, policies, and arrangements.

 

(f) Transfer between the Company and Affiliates. For purposes of this Section 8, if Executive’s employment with the Company or one of its Affiliates terminates, Executive will not be determined to have been terminated without Cause, provided Executive continues to remain employed by the Company or one of its Affiliates (e.g., upon transfer from on Affiliate to another); provided, however, that the parties understand and acknowledge that any such termination could potentially result in Executive’s ability to resign for Good Reason.

 

(g) Exclusive Remedy. In the event of a termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, the provisions of this Section 8 are intended to be and are exclusive and in lieu of any other rights or remedies to which Executive or the Company may otherwise be entitled, whether at law, tort or contract, in equity. Executive will be entitled to no benefits, compensation or other payments or rights upon termination of employment other than those benefits expressly set forth in this Section 8.

 

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5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

9. Conditions to Receipt of Severance.

 

(a) Separation Agreement and Release of Claims. The receipt of any severance pursuant to Sections 8(a) or (b) will be subject to Executive signing and not revoking a separation agreement and release of claims in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the “Release”) and provided that such Release becomes effective and irrevocable no later than sixty (60) days following the termination date (such deadline, the “Release Deadline”). If the Release does not become effective and irrevocable by the Release Deadline, Executive will forfeit any rights to severance or benefits under this Agreement. In no event will severance payments or benefits be paid or provided until the Release becomes effective and irrevocable. Except as required by Section 9(b), any installment payments that would have been made to Executive prior to the Release becoming effective and irrevocable but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the first regularly scheduled Company payroll date following the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable, and the remaining payments will be made as provided in the Agreement.

 

(b) Section 409A.

 

(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no Deferred Payments will be paid or otherwise provided until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Similarly, no severance payable to Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement that otherwise would be exempt from Section 409A pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) will be payable until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

(ii) Any severance payments or benefits under this Agreement that would be considered Deferred Payments will be paid on, or, in the case of installments, will not commence until, the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s separation from service, or, if later, such time as required by Section 9(b)(iii). Except as required by Section 9(b)(iii), any installment payments that would have been made to Executive during the sixty (60) day period immediately following Executive’s separation from service but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s separation from service and the remaining payments shall be made as provided in this Agreement. In no event will Executive have discretion to determine the taxable year of payment for any Deferred Payments.

 

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of Executive’s separation from service (other than due to death), then the Deferred Payments that are payable within the first six (6) months following Executive’s separation from service, will, to the extent required to be delayed pursuant to Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, become payable on the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executive’s separation from service. All subsequent Deferred Payments, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following Executive’s separation from service, but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of the separation from service, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Executive’s death and all other Deferred Payments will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Each payment and benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.

 

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5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(iv) Any amount paid under this Agreement that satisfies the requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations will not constitute Deferred Payments.

 

(v) Any amount paid under this Agreement that qualifies as a payment made as a result of an involuntary separation from service pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that does not exceed the Section 409A Limit (as defined below) will not constitute Deferred Payments.

 

(vi) The foregoing provisions and all compensation and benefits provided for under this Agreement are intended to comply with or be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities or ambiguous terms herein will be interpreted to be exempt or so comply. The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to Executive under Section 409A. In no event will the Company reimburse Executive for any taxes that may be imposed on Executive as a result of Section 409A.

 

10. Limitation on Payments. In the event that the severance and other benefits provided for in this Agreement or otherwise payable to Executive (i) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and (ii) but for this Section 10, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, then Executive’s severance benefits under Section 8 will be either:

 

(a) delivered in full, or

 

(b) delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such severance benefits being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code,

 

whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of severance benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such severance benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code. If a reduction in severance and other benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that benefits are delivered to a lesser extent, reduction will occur in the following order: (i) reduction of cash payments; (ii) cancellation of awards granted “contingent on a change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Code Section 280G); (iii) cancellation of accelerated vesting of equity awards; or (iv) reduction of employee benefits. In the event that acceleration of vesting of equity award compensation is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Executive’s equity awards.

 

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5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section 10 will be made in writing by a nationally recognized certified professional services firm selected by the Company, the Company’s legal counsel or such other person or entity to which the parties mutually agree (the “Firm”) immediately prior to Change of Control, whose determination will be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section 10, the Firm may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and Executive will furnish to the Firm such information and documents as the Firm may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company will bear all costs the Firm may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section 10. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 10 shall not apply to payments or benefits resulting from the consummation of the Merger, whether under this Agreement or otherwise, for which the Executive is entitled to indemnification under the terms of the Indemnification Agreement entered into by the Company and Executive as of the date hereof.

 

11. Definition of Terms. The following terms referred to in this Agreement will have the following meanings:

 

(a) Affiliate. “Affiliate” means the Company and any other parent or subsidiary corporation of the Company, as such terms are defined in Section 424(e) and the Code.

 

(b) Cause. “Cause” means (i) an act of dishonesty made by Executive in connection with Executive’s responsibilities as an employee, (ii) Executive’s conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony or any crime involving fraud, embezzlement or any other act of moral turpitude, (iii) Executive’s gross misconduct, (iv) Executive’s unauthorized use or disclosure of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any other party to whom Executive owes an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of Executive’s relationship with the Company; (v) Executive’s willful breach of any obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company; or (vi) Executive’s continued failure to perform his employment duties after Executive has received a written demand of performance from the Company which specifically sets forth the factual basis for the Company’s belief that Executive has not substantially performed his duties and has failed to cure such non-performance to the Company’s satisfaction within 10 business days after receiving such notice.

 

(c) Change of Control. “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

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

 

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5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(ii) A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this clause (ii), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change of Control; or

 

(iii) A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than fifty percent (50%) of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (iii), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (A) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (B) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (1) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (2) an entity, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (3) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (4) an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection (iii)(B)(3). For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(d) Change of Control Period. “Change of Control Period” means the period beginning on the date three (3) months prior to, and ending on the date that is twelve (12) months following, a Change of Control.

 

(e) Code. “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

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5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(f) Deferred Payment. “Deferred Payment” means any severance pay or benefits to be paid or provided to Executive (or Executive’s estate or beneficiaries) pursuant to this Agreement and any other severance payments or separation benefits, that in each case, when considered together, are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A.

 

(g) Disability. “Disability” means that the Employee has been unable to perform Executive’s Company duties as the result of Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness, and such inability, at least twenty-six (26) weeks after its commencement or 180 days in any consecutive twelve (12) month period, is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to Executive or Executive’s legal representative (such agreement as to acceptability not to be unreasonably withheld). Termination resulting from Disability may only be effected after at least thirty (30) days’ written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate the Employee’s employment. In the event that the Employee resumes the performance of substantially all of Executive’s duties hereunder before the termination of Executive’s employment becomes effective, the notice of intent to terminate will automatically be deemed to have been revoked.

 

(h) Equity Awards. “Equity Awards” means Executive’s outstanding Company stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance stock units and any other Company equity compensation awards.

 

(i) Good Reason. “Good Reason” means Executive’s resignation within thirty (30) days following the expiration of any Company cure period (discussed below) following the occurrence of one or more of the following, without Executive’s express written consent: (i) a material diminution of Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities relative to Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such diminution; provided, however, that a reduction in the Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities solely by virtue of the Company being acquired and made part of a larger entity (for example, if the Executive is employed by the Company with substantially the same responsibilities with respect to the Company’s business that Executive had immediately prior to the Change of Control regardless of whether Executive’s title is revised to reflect Executive’s placement within the overall corporate hierarchy or whether Executive provides services to a subsidiary, affiliate, business unit or otherwise) shall not constitute Good Reason; (ii) a material reduction by the Company in the base compensation of the Executive as in effect immediately prior to such reduction, with a reduction of more than ten percent (10%) to be deemed material for such purposes; (iii) a material change in the location of Executive’s principal place of work, provided that a relocation of less than fifty five (55) miles from Executive’s then-current work location shall not be deemed material; or (iv) any other action that constitutes a material breach by the Company of its obligations to Executive under this Agreement. Executive’s resignation will not be deemed to be for Good Reason unless Executive has first provided the Company with written notice of the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for “Good Reason” within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of the grounds for “Good Reason” and a reasonable cure period of not less than thirty (30) days following the date the Company receives such notice, and such condition has not been cured during such period.

 

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5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(j) Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. “Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement” means the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement entered into previously by the Executive and the Company.

 

(k) Section 409A. “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and any final regulations and guidance thereunder and any applicable state law equivalent, as each may be amended or promulgated from time to time.

 

(l) Section 409A Limit. “Section 409A Limit” will mean two (2) times the lesser of: (i) Executive’s annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Executive during the Executive’s taxable year preceding the Executive’s taxable year of Executive’s separation from service as determined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1) and any Internal Revenue Service guidance issued with respect thereto; or (ii) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code for the year in which Executive’s separation from service occurred.

 

12. Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. Executive agrees to continue to follow and comply with the terms and conditions of the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement.

 

13. Assignment. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of (a) the heirs, executors and legal representatives of Executive upon Executive’s death and (b) any successor of the Company. Any such successor of the Company will be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of this Agreement for all purposes. For this purpose, “successor” means any person, firm, corporation or other business entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company. None of the rights of Executive to receive any form of compensation payable pursuant to this Agreement may be assigned or transferred except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any other attempted assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits will be null and void.

 

14. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications called for hereunder will be in writing and will be deemed given (i) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, (ii) one (1) day after being sent by a well-established commercial overnight service, or (iii) four (4) days after being mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, prepaid and addressed to the parties or their successors at the following addresses, or at such other addresses as the parties may later designate in writing:

 

If to the Company:

 

Grid Dynamics International, Inc.

Attn: Yury Gryzlov, Senior Vice President of Operations

Grid Dynamics, 5000 Executive Parkway, Ste 520,

San Ramon, CA 94583, Unites States of America

 

-12-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

If to Executive:

 

Victoria Livschitz

 

at the last residential address known by the Company.

 

15. Severability. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement will continue in full force and effect without said provision.

 

16. Integration. This Agreement, the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement and Executive’s outstanding Equity Award agreements represents the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements whether written or oral. This Agreement may be modified only by agreement of the parties by a written instrument executed by the parties that is designated as an amendment to this Agreement.

 

17. Waiver of Breach. The waiver of a breach of any term or provision of this Agreement, which must be in writing, will not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other previous or subsequent breach of this Agreement.

 

18. Headings. All captions and section headings used in this Agreement are for convenient reference only and do not form a part of this Agreement.

 

19. Tax Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable taxes.

 

20. Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California (with the exception of its conflict of laws provisions).

 

21. Acknowledgment. Executive acknowledges that he has had the opportunity to discuss this matter with and obtain advice from his private attorney, has had sufficient time to, and has carefully read and fully understands all the provisions of this Agreement, and is knowingly and voluntarily entering into this Agreement.

 

22. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart will have the same force and effect as an original and will constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.

 

-13-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year set forth below.

 

COMPANY:  
   
GRID DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.  

 

Signature: 

/s/ Leonard Livschitz

 
By:

Leonard Livschitz

 
Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

EXECUTIVE:  

 

/s/ Victoria Livschitz

 

Victoria Livschitz

 

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT]

 

 

-14-

 

 

Exhibit 10.11

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States

Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

GRID DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) entered into by and between Grid Dynamics International, Inc. (the “Company”), and Maxim Martynov (“Executive”) dated as of January 24, 2020, is effective as of the “closing” under that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) entered into by and among the Company, ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp., Automated Systems Holdings Limited and certain other parties thereto (with such “closing” under the Merger Agreement constituting the “Effective Date”). If the Merger Agreement is terminated without the “closing” occurring thereunder, this Agreement shall be void and of no further force and effect. This Agreement supersedes in its entirety the Employment Agreements between Grid Dynamics International, Inc. and Executive dated March 31, 2017, as amended, and November 8, 2019.

 

1. Duties and Scope of Employment.

 

(a) Positions and Duties. As of the Effective Date, Executive will serve as the Company’s Chief Technology Officer. Executive will render such business and professional services in the performance of Executive’s duties, consistent with Executive’s position within the Company, as will reasonably be assigned to him by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or his or her designee.

 

(b) Obligations. During the Employment Term (defined below), Executive will perform Executive’s duties faithfully and to the best of his ability and devote his full business efforts and time to the Company. Executive acknowledges during Executive's employment with Company, that Executive will not, without prior written approval of Company: (a) engage in any activity competitive or adverse to Company's business or welfare, whether alone, as a partner, or as an officer, director, executive, shareholder, employee, or consultant of any other entity, or (b) undertake planning for the organization of any business activity competitive with Company or combine or conspire with other employees or representatives of Company for the purposes of organizing any such competitive business. Nothing contained in this Section 1(b) shall prevent Executive from making passive personal investments, or engaging in other businesses or serving on boards of directors, which do not violate this Section 1(b) or materially interfere with the services rendered under this Agreement, as determined in the sole discretion of the Board. Executive further agrees to comply with all Company policies, including, for the avoidance of any doubt, any insider trading policies and compensation clawback policies currently in existence or that may be adopted by the Company during the Employment Term.

 

2. Term of Agreement. This Agreement will have an initial term of four (4) years commencing on the Effective Date (the “Initial Term”). Commencing on the four (4) year anniversary of the Effective Date and on each one (1) year anniversary thereafter, this Agreement will renew automatically for additional, one (1) year terms (each, an “Additional Term”) unless either party provides the other party with written notice of nonrenewal at least ninety (90) days prior to the date of automatic renewal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change of Control occurs during the Initial Term or an Additional Term, the term of this Agreement will extend automatically through the date that is twelve (12) months following the date of the Change of Control. If Executive becomes entitled to the benefits under Section 8 of this Agreement, then the Agreement will not terminate until all of the obligations of the parties hereto with respect to this Agreement have been satisfied. The period of Executive’s employment under this Agreement, including the Initial Term and each applicable Additional Term, is referred to herein as the “Employment Term.”

 

 

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

3. At-Will Employment. The parties agree that Executive’s employment with the Company will be “at-will” employment and may be terminated at any time with or without cause or notice. Executive understands and agrees that neither his job performance nor promotions, commendations, bonuses or the like from the Company give rise to or in any way serve as the basis for modification, amendment, or extension, by implication or otherwise, of his employment with the Company. However, as described in this Agreement, Executive may be entitled to severance benefits depending on the circumstances of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company.

 

4. Compensation.

 

(a) Base Salary. During the Employment Term, the Company will pay Executive an annual salary of $250,000.00 as compensation for Executive’s services (the “Base Salary”). The Base Salary will be paid periodically in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices and be subject to the usual, required withholdings. Company shall review the amount of the Base Salary from time to time, but shall not be required to increase the Base Salary.

 

(b) Bonus. Executive may be eligible to receive additional incentive-based compensation or bonuses, in Company's sole discretion, which may be subject to the financial and individual goals and other performance criteria of Company. The Company anticipates that, if Executive is awarded a full bonus based on the Company's determination of financial and individual goals, the bonus will be up to $100,000.00 annually or $25,000.00 quarterly. The Company will determine bonus eligibility each fiscal quarter, and any awarded bonus will be paid within sixty (60) days of the end of each fiscal quarter. Eligibility for any bonus is dependent upon Executive's continued employment with the Company on the date the bonus is to be paid. The Company shall review the amount of potential bonus from time to time, but shall not be required to increase the potential bonus.

 

(c) Equity.

 

(i) Initial Grants. At the first meeting of the Board following the Effective Date, it will be recommended that Executive be granted 129,500 restricted stock units, 129,500 performance-based restricted stock units and 140,000 stock options (the “Initial Awards”). Each Initial Award will vest as to 1/4th of the shares subject to the award on the one year anniversary of the vesting commencement date and 1/16th of the shares subject to the award on a quarterly basis thereafter, subject to Executive’s continued service through each vesting date. The Initial Award of performance-based restricted stock units also will be subject to vesting based on achievement of Company performance objectives to be determined by the Company. The Initial Awards will be subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”) and form of award agreement thereunder.

 

-2-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(ii) Discretionary Awards. Executive also may be eligible to receive additional Company equity awards in the discretion of the Board (or the Compensation Committee of the Board, as applicable) to reward extraordinary performance or for achievement of stretch financial performance objectives under individual incentive agreements for very strong performance of the Company.

 

(iii) Change of Control. In the event the Company is subject to a Change of Control, all Equity Awards (or portions thereof) that are not assumed or substituted by the successor corporation, as determined under the Equity Plan, will become fully vested and exercisable and all restrictions on such awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units will lapse. Equity Awards will not be deemed assumed or substituted and will become fully vested and exercisable in a Change of Control if the awards are amended or modified in any manner that is adverse to the Executive (e.g., less favorable vesting terms) without Executive’s written consent.

 

5. Employee Benefits. During the Employment Term, Executive will be entitled to participate in the employee benefit plans currently and hereafter maintained by the Company of general applicability to other executives of the Company to the extent Executive meets the eligibility requirements for each individual plan or program. Such benefits currently include, but are not limited to, medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k) plan participation and supplemental medical insurance (Armada Care or similar arrangement). The Company provides no assurance as to the adoption or continuance of any particular employee benefit plan or program, and Executive’s participation in any such plan or program shall be subject to the provisions, rules and regulations applicable thereto.

 

6. Vacation. Executive will be entitled to accrue up to twenty (20) days paid annual vacation in accordance with the Company policy as effect from time to time, including eligibility for any policy subsequently adopted for Company senior executives.

 

7. Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable travel, entertainment or other expenses incurred by Executive in the furtherance of or in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy as in effect from time to time.

 

-3-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

8. Severance Benefits.

 

(a) Qualified Termination Outside the Change of Control Period. If, outside the Change of Control Period, the Company or its Affiliates terminate Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, respectively, other than for Cause, death or Disability, or Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, then, subject to Section 9, Executive will receive the following severance benefits:

 

(i) Salary Severance. Continuing payments of Executive’s Base Salary, as in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination of employment (or, if higher, immediately prior to reduction of Executive’s Base Salary described in clause (ii) of the definition of Good Reason below), for 12 months from the termination date, paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll procedures.

 

(ii) Bonus Severance. A lump-sum payment equal to 50% of Executive’s current annual maximum bonus target amount.

 

(iii) Continued Employee Benefits. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, the Company will reimburse Executive for the premiums necessary to continue group health insurance benefits for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents until the earlier of (A) a period of 12 months from the date of Executive’s termination of employment, (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans or (C) the date upon which Executive ceases to be eligible for coverage under COBRA (such reimbursements, the “COBRA Premiums”). However, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot pay the COBRA Premiums without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will in lieu thereof provide to Executive a taxable monthly payment payable on the last day of a given month (except as provided by the following sentence), in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue Executive’s group health coverage in effect on the date of Executive’s termination of employment (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage and will commence on the month following Executive’s termination of employment and will end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which Executive obtains other employment or (y) the date the Company has paid an amount equal to 12 payments. For the avoidance of doubt, the taxable payments in lieu of COBRA Premiums may be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all applicable tax withholdings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under this Agreement, if at any time the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the payments contemplated by the preceding sentence without violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), Executive will not receive such payment or any further reimbursements for COBRA premiums.

 

(iv) Equity. Immediate vesting of all then-outstanding unvested Company Equity Awards that would have vested had Executive had Executive continued employment with the Company for an additional period of one year. If, however, an outstanding Equity Award is to vest and/or the amount of the Equity Award to vest during such one year period is to be determined based on the achievement of performance criteria, then the Equity Award will be deemed to vest assuming the performance criteria had been achieved at target levels for the relevant performance period(s).

 

-4-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(b) Qualified Termination within the Change of Control Period. If, within the Change of Control Period, the Company or its Affiliates terminate Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, respectively, other than for Cause, death or Disability, or Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, then, subject to Section 9, Executive will receive the following severance benefits from the Company:

 

(i) Salary Severance. A lump sum severance payment equal to 12 months of Executive’s Base Salary, as in effect immediately prior to Executives termination of employment (or, if higher, as in effect immediately prior to reduction of Executive’s Base Salary described in clause (ii) of the definition of Good Reason), which will be paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll procedures. For the avoidance of doubt, if (A) Executive incurred a termination prior to a Change of Control that qualifies Executive for severance payments under Section 8(a)(i); and (B) a Change of Control occurs within the three (3)-month period following Executive’s termination of employment that qualifies Executive for the superior benefits under this Section 8(b)(i), then Executive shall be entitled to a lump-sum payment of the amount calculated under this Section 8(b)(i), less amounts already paid under Section 8(a)(i).

 

(ii) Bonus Severance. A lump-sum payment equal to 50% of Executive’s current annual target bonus amount.

 

(iii) Continued Employee Benefits. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, the Company will reimburse Executive for the premiums necessary to continue group health insurance benefits for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents until the earlier of (A) a period of 12 months from the date of Executive’s termination of employment, (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans or (C) the date upon which Executive ceases to be eligible for coverage under COBRA (such reimbursements, the “COC COBRA Premiums”). However, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot pay the COC COBRA Premiums without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will in lieu thereof provide to Executive a taxable monthly payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue Executive’s group health coverage in effect on the date of Executive’s termination of employment (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage and will commence on the month following Executive’s termination of employment and will end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which Executive obtains other employment or (y) the date the Company has paid an amount equal to 12 payments. For the avoidance of doubt, the taxable payments in lieu of COBRA Premiums may be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all applicable tax withholdings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under this Agreement, if at any time the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the payments contemplated by the preceding sentence without violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), Executive will not receive such payment or any further reimbursements for COBRA premiums.

 

-5-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(iv) Equity. Vesting acceleration of one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s outstanding unvested Equity Awards on the date of Executive’s termination. If, however, an outstanding Equity Award is to vest and/or the amount of the Equity Award to vest is to be determined based on the achievement of performance criteria, then the Equity Award will vest as to one hundred percent (100%) of the amount of the Equity Award assuming the performance criteria had been achieved at target levels for the relevant performance period(s).

 

(c) Voluntary Resignation; Termination for Cause. If Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates terminates (i) voluntarily by Executive (other than for Good Reason) or (ii) for Cause by the Company, then Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company’s then existing severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company.

 

(d) Disability; Death. If the Company terminates Executive’s employment as a result of Executive’s Disability, or Executive’s employment terminates due to Executive’s death, then Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company’s then existing written severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company.

 

(e) Accrued Compensation. For the avoidance of any doubt, in the event of a termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, Executive will be entitled to receive all accrued but unpaid vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any Company-provided plans, policies, and arrangements.

 

(f) Transfer between the Company and Affiliates. For purposes of this Section 8, if Executive’s employment with the Company or one of its Affiliates terminates, Executive will not be determined to have been terminated without Cause, provided Executive continues to remain employed by the Company or one of its Affiliates (e.g., upon transfer from on Affiliate to another); provided, however, that the parties understand and acknowledge that any such termination could potentially result in Executive’s ability to resign for Good Reason.

 

(g) Exclusive Remedy. In the event of a termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, the provisions of this Section 8 are intended to be and are exclusive and in lieu of any other rights or remedies to which Executive or the Company may otherwise be entitled, whether at law, tort or contract, in equity. Executive will be entitled to no benefits, compensation or other payments or rights upon termination of employment other than those benefits expressly set forth in this Section 8.

 

-6-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

9. Conditions to Receipt of Severance.

 

(a) Separation Agreement and Release of Claims. The receipt of any severance pursuant to Sections 8(a) or (b) will be subject to Executive signing and not revoking a separation agreement and release of claims in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the “Release”) and provided that such Release becomes effective and irrevocable no later than sixty (60) days following the termination date (such deadline, the “Release Deadline”). If the Release does not become effective and irrevocable by the Release Deadline, Executive will forfeit any rights to severance or benefits under this Agreement. In no event will severance payments or benefits be paid or provided until the Release becomes effective and irrevocable. Except as required by Section 9(b), any installment payments that would have been made to Executive prior to the Release becoming effective and irrevocable but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the first regularly scheduled Company payroll date following the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable, and the remaining payments will be made as provided in the Agreement.

 

(b) Section 409A.

 

(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no Deferred Payments will be paid or otherwise provided until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Similarly, no severance payable to Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement that otherwise would be exempt from Section 409A pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) will be payable until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

(ii) Any severance payments or benefits under this Agreement that would be considered Deferred Payments will be paid on, or, in the case of installments, will not commence until, the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s separation from service, or, if later, such time as required by Section 9(b)(iii). Except as required by Section 9(b)(iii), any installment payments that would have been made to Executive during the sixty (60) day period immediately following Executive’s separation from service but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s separation from service and the remaining payments shall be made as provided in this Agreement. In no event will Executive have discretion to determine the taxable year of payment for any Deferred Payments.

 

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of Executive’s separation from service (other than due to death), then the Deferred Payments that are payable within the first six (6) months following Executive’s separation from service, will, to the extent required to be delayed pursuant to Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, become payable on the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executive’s separation from service. All subsequent Deferred Payments, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following Executive’s separation from service, but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of the separation from service, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Executive’s death and all other Deferred Payments will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Each payment and benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.

 

-7-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(iv) Any amount paid under this Agreement that satisfies the requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations will not constitute Deferred Payments.

 

(v) Any amount paid under this Agreement that qualifies as a payment made as a result of an involuntary separation from service pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that does not exceed the Section 409A Limit (as defined below) will not constitute Deferred Payments.

 

(vi) The foregoing provisions and all compensation and benefits provided for under this Agreement are intended to comply with or be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities or ambiguous terms herein will be interpreted to be exempt or so comply. The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to Executive under Section 409A. In no event will the Company reimburse Executive for any taxes that may be imposed on Executive as a result of Section 409A.

 

10. Limitation on Payments. In the event that the severance and other benefits provided for in this Agreement or otherwise payable to Executive (i) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and (ii) but for this Section 10, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, then Executive’s severance benefits under Section 8 will be either:

 

(a) delivered in full, or

 

(b) delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such severance benefits being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code,

 

whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of severance benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such severance benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code. If a reduction in severance and other benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that benefits are delivered to a lesser extent, reduction will occur in the following order: (i) reduction of cash payments; (ii) cancellation of awards granted “contingent on a change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Code Section 280G); (iii) cancellation of accelerated vesting of equity awards; or (iv) reduction of employee benefits. In the event that acceleration of vesting of equity award compensation is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Executive’s equity awards.

 

-8-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section 10 will be made in writing by a nationally recognized certified professional services firm selected by the Company, the Company’s legal counsel or such other person or entity to which the parties mutually agree (the “Firm”) immediately prior to Change of Control, whose determination will be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section 10, the Firm may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and Executive will furnish to the Firm such information and documents as the Firm may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company will bear all costs the Firm may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section 10. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 10 shall not apply to payments or benefits resulting from the consummation of the Merger, whether under this Agreement or otherwise, for which the Executive is entitled to indemnification under the terms of the Indemnification Agreement entered into by the Company and Executive as of the date hereof.

 

11. Definition of Terms. The following terms referred to in this Agreement will have the following meanings:

 

(a) Affiliate. “Affiliate” means the Company and any other parent or subsidiary corporation of the Company, as such terms are defined in Section 424(e) and the Code.

 

(b) Cause. “Cause” means (i) an act of dishonesty made by Executive in connection with Executive’s responsibilities as an employee, (ii) Executive’s conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony or any crime involving fraud, embezzlement or any other act of moral turpitude, (iii) Executive’s gross misconduct, (iv) Executive’s unauthorized use or disclosure of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any other party to whom Executive owes an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of Executive’s relationship with the Company; (v) Executive’s willful breach of any obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company; or (vi) Executive’s continued failure to perform his employment duties after Executive has received a written demand of performance from the Company which specifically sets forth the factual basis for the Company’s belief that Executive has not substantially performed his duties and has failed to cure such non-performance to the Company’s satisfaction within 10 business days after receiving such notice.

 

(c) Change of Control. “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

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

 

-9-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(ii) A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this clause (ii), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change of Control; or

 

(iii) A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than fifty percent (50%) of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (iii), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (A) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (B) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (1) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (2) an entity, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (3) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (4) an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection (iii)(B)(3). For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(d) Change of Control Period. “Change of Control Period” means the period beginning on the date three (3) months prior to, and ending on the date that is twelve (12) months following, a Change of Control.

 

(e) Code. “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

-10-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(f) Deferred Payment. “Deferred Payment” means any severance pay or benefits to be paid or provided to Executive (or Executive’s estate or beneficiaries) pursuant to this Agreement and any other severance payments or separation benefits, that in each case, when considered together, are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A.

 

(g) Disability. “Disability” means that the Employee has been unable to perform Executive’s Company duties as the result of Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness, and such inability, at least twenty-six (26) weeks after its commencement or 180 days in any consecutive twelve (12) month period, is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to Executive or Executive’s legal representative (such agreement as to acceptability not to be unreasonably withheld). Termination resulting from Disability may only be effected after at least thirty (30) days’ written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate the Employee’s employment. In the event that the Employee resumes the performance of substantially all of Executive’s duties hereunder before the termination of Executive’s employment becomes effective, the notice of intent to terminate will automatically be deemed to have been revoked.

 

(h) Equity Awards. “Equity Awards” means Executive’s outstanding Company stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance stock units and any other Company equity compensation awards.

 

(i) Good Reason. “Good Reason” means Executive’s resignation within thirty (30) days following the expiration of any Company cure period (discussed below) following the occurrence of one or more of the following, without Executive’s express written consent: (i) a material diminution of Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities relative to Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such diminution; provided, however, that a reduction in the Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities solely by virtue of the Company being acquired and made part of a larger entity (for example, if the Executive is employed by the Company with substantially the same responsibilities with respect to the Company’s business that Executive had immediately prior to the Change of Control regardless of whether Executive’s title is revised to reflect Executive’s placement within the overall corporate hierarchy or whether Executive provides services to a subsidiary, affiliate, business unit or otherwise) shall not constitute Good Reason; (ii) a material reduction by the Company in the base compensation of the Executive as in effect immediately prior to such reduction, with a reduction of more than ten percent (10%) to be deemed material for such purposes; (iii) a material change in the location of Executive’s principal place of work, provided that a relocation of less than fifty five (55) miles from Executive’s then-current work location shall not be deemed material; or (iv) any other action that constitutes a material breach by the Company of its obligations to Executive under this Agreement. Executive’s resignation will not be deemed to be for Good Reason unless Executive has first provided the Company with written notice of the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for “Good Reason” within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of the grounds for “Good Reason” and a reasonable cure period of not less than thirty (30) days following the date the Company receives such notice, and such condition has not been cured during such period.

 

-11-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(j) Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. “Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement” means the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement entered into previously by the Executive and the Company.

 

(k) Section 409A. “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and any final regulations and guidance thereunder and any applicable state law equivalent, as each may be amended or promulgated from time to time.

 

(l) Section 409A Limit. “Section 409A Limit” will mean two (2) times the lesser of: (i) Executive’s annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Executive during the Executive’s taxable year preceding the Executive’s taxable year of Executive’s separation from service as determined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1) and any Internal Revenue Service guidance issued with respect thereto; or (ii) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code for the year in which Executive’s separation from service occurred.

 

12. Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. Executive agrees to continue to follow and comply with the terms and conditions of the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement.

 

13. Assignment. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of (a) the heirs, executors and legal representatives of Executive upon Executive’s death and (b) any successor of the Company. Any such successor of the Company will be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of this Agreement for all purposes. For this purpose, “successor” means any person, firm, corporation or other business entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company. None of the rights of Executive to receive any form of compensation payable pursuant to this Agreement may be assigned or transferred except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any other attempted assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits will be null and void.

 

14. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications called for hereunder will be in writing and will be deemed given (i) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, (ii) one (1) day after being sent by a well-established commercial overnight service, or (iii) four (4) days after being mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, prepaid and addressed to the parties or their successors at the following addresses, or at such other addresses as the parties may later designate in writing:

 

If to the Company:

 

Grid Dynamics International, Inc.

Attn: Yury Gryzlov, Senior Vice President of Operations

Grid Dynamics, 5000 Executive Parkway, Ste 520,

San Ramon, CA 94583, Unites States of America

 

-12-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

If to Executive:

Maxim Martynov

 

at the last residential address known by the Company.

 

15. Severability. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement will continue in full force and effect without said provision.

 

16. Integration. This Agreement, the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement and Executive’s outstanding Equity Award agreements represents the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements whether written or oral. This Agreement may be modified only by agreement of the parties by a written instrument executed by the parties that is designated as an amendment to this Agreement.

 

17. Waiver of Breach. The waiver of a breach of any term or provision of this Agreement, which must be in writing, will not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other previous or subsequent breach of this Agreement.

 

18. Headings. All captions and section headings used in this Agreement are for convenient reference only and do not form a part of this Agreement.

 

19. Tax Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable taxes.

 

20. Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California (with the exception of its conflict of laws provisions).

 

21. Acknowledgment. Executive acknowledges that he has had the opportunity to discuss this matter with and obtain advice from his private attorney, has had sufficient time to, and has carefully read and fully understands all the provisions of this Agreement, and is knowingly and voluntarily entering into this Agreement.

 

22. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart will have the same force and effect as an original and will constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.

 

-13-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year set forth below.

 

COMPANY:  
   
GRID DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.  

 

Signature: 

/s/ Leonard Livschitz

 
By:

Leonard Livschitz

 
Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

EXECUTIVE:  

 

/s/ Maxim Martynov

 

Maxim Martynov

 

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT]

 

 

-14-

 

 

Exhibit 10.12

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States

Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

GRID DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) entered into by and between Grid Dynamics International, Inc. (the “Company”), and Yury Gryzlov (“Executive”) dated as of January 24, 2020, is effective as of the “closing” under that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) entered into by and among the Company, ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp., Automated Systems Holdings Limited and certain other parties thereto (with such “closing” under the Merger Agreement constituting the “Effective Date”). If the Merger Agreement is terminated without the “closing” occurring thereunder, this Agreement shall be void and of no further force and effect. This Agreement supersedes in its entirety the Employment Agreements between Grid Dynamics International, Inc. and Executive dated March 31, 2017, as amended, and November 8, 2019.

 

1. Duties and Scope of Employment.

 

(a) Positions and Duties. As of the Effective Date, Executive will serve as the Company’s Senior Vice President of Operations. Executive will render such business and professional services in the performance of Executive’s duties, consistent with Executive’s position within the Company, as will reasonably be assigned to him by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or his or her designee.

 

(b) Obligations. During the Employment Term (defined below), Executive will perform Executive’s duties faithfully and to the best of his ability and devote his full business efforts and time to the Company. Executive acknowledges during Executive's employment with Company, that Executive will not, without prior written approval of Company: (a) engage in any activity competitive or adverse to Company's business or welfare, whether alone, as a partner, or as an officer, director, executive, shareholder, employee, or consultant of any other entity, or (b) undertake planning for the organization of any business activity competitive with Company or combine or conspire with other employees or representatives of Company for the purposes of organizing any such competitive business. Nothing contained in this Section 1(b) shall prevent Executive from making passive personal investments, or engaging in other businesses or serving on boards of directors, which do not violate this Section 1(b) or materially interfere with the services rendered under this Agreement, as determined in the sole discretion of the Board. Executive further agrees to comply with all Company policies, including, for the avoidance of any doubt, any insider trading policies and compensation clawback policies currently in existence or that may be adopted by the Company during the Employment Term.

 

2. Term of Agreement. This Agreement will have an initial term of four (4) years commencing on the Effective Date (the “Initial Term”). Commencing on the four (4) year anniversary of the Effective Date and on each one (1) year anniversary thereafter, this Agreement will renew automatically for additional, one (1) year terms (each, an “Additional Term”) unless either party provides the other party with written notice of nonrenewal at least ninety (90) days prior to the date of automatic renewal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change of Control occurs during the Initial Term or an Additional Term, the term of this Agreement will extend automatically through the date that is twelve (12) months following the date of the Change of Control. If Executive becomes entitled to the benefits under Section 8 of this Agreement, then the Agreement will not terminate until all of the obligations of the parties hereto with respect to this Agreement have been satisfied. The period of Executive’s employment under this Agreement, including the Initial Term and each applicable Additional Term, is referred to herein as the “Employment Term.”

 

 

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

3. At-Will Employment. The parties agree that Executive’s employment with the Company will be “at-will” employment and may be terminated at any time with or without cause or notice. Executive understands and agrees that neither his job performance nor promotions, commendations, bonuses or the like from the Company give rise to or in any way serve as the basis for modification, amendment, or extension, by implication or otherwise, of his employment with the Company. However, as described in this Agreement, Executive may be entitled to severance benefits depending on the circumstances of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company.

 

4. Compensation.

 

(a) Base Salary. During the Employment Term, the Company will pay Executive an annual salary of $250,000.00 as compensation for Executive’s services (the “Base Salary”). The Base Salary will be paid periodically in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices and be subject to the usual, required withholdings. Company shall review the amount of the Base Salary from time to time, but shall not be required to increase the Base Salary.

 

(b) Bonus. Executive may be eligible to receive additional incentive-based compensation or bonuses, in Company's sole discretion, which may be subject to the financial and individual goals and other performance criteria of Company. The Company anticipates that, if Executive is awarded a full bonus based on the Company's determination of financial and individual goals, the bonus will be up to $125,000.00 annually or $31,250.00 quarterly. The Company will determine bonus eligibility each fiscal quarter, and any awarded bonus will be paid within sixty (60) days of the end of each fiscal quarter. Eligibility for any bonus is dependent upon Executive's continued employment with the Company on the date the bonus is to be paid. The Company shall review the amount of potential bonus from time to time, but shall not be required to increase the potential bonus.

 

(c) Equity.

 

(i) Initial Grants. At the first meeting of the Board following the Effective Date, it will be recommended that Executive be granted 129,500 restricted stock units, 129,500 performance-based restricted stock units and 140,000 stock options (the “Initial Awards”). Each Initial Award will vest as to 1/4th of the shares subject to the award on the one year anniversary of the vesting commencement date and 1/16th of the shares subject to the award on a quarterly basis thereafter, subject to Executive’s continued service through each vesting date. The Initial Award of performance-based restricted stock units also will be subject to vesting based on achievement of Company performance objectives to be determined by the Company. The Initial Awards will be subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”) and form of award agreement thereunder.

 

-2-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(ii) Discretionary Awards. Executive also may be eligible to receive additional Company equity awards in the discretion of the Board (or the Compensation Committee of the Board, as applicable) to reward extraordinary performance or for achievement of stretch financial performance objectives under individual incentive agreements for very strong performance of the Company.

 

(iii) Change of Control. In the event the Company is subject to a Change of Control, all Equity Awards (or portions thereof) that are not assumed or substituted by the successor corporation, as determined under the Equity Plan, will become fully vested and exercisable and all restrictions on such awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units will lapse. Equity Awards will not be deemed assumed or substituted and will become fully vested and exercisable in a Change of Control if the awards are amended or modified in any manner that is adverse to the Executive (e.g., less favorable vesting terms) without Executive’s written consent.

 

5. Employee Benefits. During the Employment Term, Executive will be entitled to participate in the employee benefit plans currently and hereafter maintained by the Company of general applicability to other executives of the Company to the extent Executive meets the eligibility requirements for each individual plan or program. Such benefits currently include, but are not limited to, medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k) plan participation and supplemental medical insurance (Armada Care or similar arrangement). The Company provides no assurance as to the adoption or continuance of any particular employee benefit plan or program, and Executive’s participation in any such plan or program shall be subject to the provisions, rules and regulations applicable thereto.

 

6. Vacation. Executive will be entitled to accrue up to twenty (20) days paid annual vacation in accordance with the Company policy as effect from time to time, including eligibility for any policy subsequently adopted for Company senior executives.

 

7. Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable travel, entertainment or other expenses incurred by Executive in the furtherance of or in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy as in effect from time to time.

 

-3-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

8. Severance Benefits.

 

(a) Qualified Termination Outside the Change of Control Period. If, outside the Change of Control Period, the Company or its Affiliates terminate Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, respectively, other than for Cause, death or Disability, or Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, then, subject to Section 9, Executive will receive the following severance benefits:

 

(i) Salary Severance. Continuing payments of Executive’s Base Salary, as in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination of employment (or, if higher, immediately prior to reduction of Executive’s Base Salary described in clause (ii) of the definition of Good Reason below), for 12 months from the termination date, paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll procedures.

 

(ii) Bonus Severance. A lump-sum payment equal to 50% of Executive’s current annual maximum bonus target amount.

 

(iii) Continued Employee Benefits. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, the Company will reimburse Executive for the premiums necessary to continue group health insurance benefits for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents until the earlier of (A) a period of 12 months from the date of Executive’s termination of employment, (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans or (C) the date upon which Executive ceases to be eligible for coverage under COBRA (such reimbursements, the “COBRA Premiums”). However, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot pay the COBRA Premiums without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will in lieu thereof provide to Executive a taxable monthly payment payable on the last day of a given month (except as provided by the following sentence), in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue Executive’s group health coverage in effect on the date of Executive’s termination of employment (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage and will commence on the month following Executive’s termination of employment and will end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which Executive obtains other employment or (y) the date the Company has paid an amount equal to 12 payments. For the avoidance of doubt, the taxable payments in lieu of COBRA Premiums may be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all applicable tax withholdings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under this Agreement, if at any time the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the payments contemplated by the preceding sentence without violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), Executive will not receive such payment or any further reimbursements for COBRA premiums.

 

(iv) Equity. Immediate vesting of all then-outstanding unvested Company Equity Awards that would have vested had Executive had Executive continued employment with the Company for an additional period of one year. If, however, an outstanding Equity Award is to vest and/or the amount of the Equity Award to vest during such one year period is to be determined based on the achievement of performance criteria, then the Equity Award will be deemed to vest assuming the performance criteria had been achieved at target levels for the relevant performance period(s).

 

-4-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(b) Qualified Termination within the Change of Control Period. If, within the Change of Control Period, the Company or its Affiliates terminate Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, respectively, other than for Cause, death or Disability, or Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, then, subject to Section 9, Executive will receive the following severance benefits from the Company:

 

(i) Salary Severance. A lump sum severance payment equal to 12 months of Executive’s Base Salary, as in effect immediately prior to Executives termination of employment (or, if higher, as in effect immediately prior to reduction of Executive’s Base Salary described in clause (ii) of the definition of Good Reason), which will be paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll procedures. For the avoidance of doubt, if (A) Executive incurred a termination prior to a Change of Control that qualifies Executive for severance payments under Section 8(a)(i); and (B) a Change of Control occurs within the three (3)-month period following Executive’s termination of employment that qualifies Executive for the superior benefits under this Section 8(b)(i), then Executive shall be entitled to a lump-sum payment of the amount calculated under this Section 8(b)(i), less amounts already paid under Section 8(a)(i).

 

(ii) Bonus Severance. A lump-sum payment equal to 50% of Executive’s current annual target bonus amount.

 

(iii) Continued Employee Benefits. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, the Company will reimburse Executive for the premiums necessary to continue group health insurance benefits for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents until the earlier of (A) a period of 12 months from the date of Executive’s termination of employment, (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans or (C) the date upon which Executive ceases to be eligible for coverage under COBRA (such reimbursements, the “COC COBRA Premiums”). However, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot pay the COC COBRA Premiums without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will in lieu thereof provide to Executive a taxable monthly payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue Executive’s group health coverage in effect on the date of Executive’s termination of employment (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage and will commence on the month following Executive’s termination of employment and will end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which Executive obtains other employment or (y) the date the Company has paid an amount equal to 12 payments. For the avoidance of doubt, the taxable payments in lieu of COBRA Premiums may be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all applicable tax withholdings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under this Agreement, if at any time the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the payments contemplated by the preceding sentence without violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), Executive will not receive such payment or any further reimbursements for COBRA premiums.

 

-5-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(iv) Equity. Vesting acceleration of one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s outstanding unvested Equity Awards on the date of Executive’s termination. If, however, an outstanding Equity Award is to vest and/or the amount of the Equity Award to vest is to be determined based on the achievement of performance criteria, then the Equity Award will vest as to one hundred percent (100%) of the amount of the Equity Award assuming the performance criteria had been achieved at target levels for the relevant performance period(s).

 

(c) Voluntary Resignation; Termination for Cause. If Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates terminates (i) voluntarily by Executive (other than for Good Reason) or (ii) for Cause by the Company, then Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company’s then existing severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company.

 

(d) Disability; Death. If the Company terminates Executive’s employment as a result of Executive’s Disability, or Executive’s employment terminates due to Executive’s death, then Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company’s then existing written severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company.

 

(e) Accrued Compensation. For the avoidance of any doubt, in the event of a termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, Executive will be entitled to receive all accrued but unpaid vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any Company-provided plans, policies, and arrangements.

 

(f) Transfer between the Company and Affiliates. For purposes of this Section 8, if Executive’s employment with the Company or one of its Affiliates terminates, Executive will not be determined to have been terminated without Cause, provided Executive continues to remain employed by the Company or one of its Affiliates (e.g., upon transfer from on Affiliate to another); provided, however, that the parties understand and acknowledge that any such termination could potentially result in Executive’s ability to resign for Good Reason.

 

(g) Exclusive Remedy. In the event of a termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, the provisions of this Section 8 are intended to be and are exclusive and in lieu of any other rights or remedies to which Executive or the Company may otherwise be entitled, whether at law, tort or contract, in equity. Executive will be entitled to no benefits, compensation or other payments or rights upon termination of employment other than those benefits expressly set forth in this Section 8.

 

-6-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

9. Conditions to Receipt of Severance.

 

(a) Separation Agreement and Release of Claims. The receipt of any severance pursuant to Sections 8(a) or (b) will be subject to Executive signing and not revoking a separation agreement and release of claims in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the “Release”) and provided that such Release becomes effective and irrevocable no later than sixty (60) days following the termination date (such deadline, the “Release Deadline”). If the Release does not become effective and irrevocable by the Release Deadline, Executive will forfeit any rights to severance or benefits under this Agreement. In no event will severance payments or benefits be paid or provided until the Release becomes effective and irrevocable. Except as required by Section 9(b), any installment payments that would have been made to Executive prior to the Release becoming effective and irrevocable but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the first regularly scheduled Company payroll date following the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable, and the remaining payments will be made as provided in the Agreement.

 

(b) Section 409A.

 

(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no Deferred Payments will be paid or otherwise provided until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Similarly, no severance payable to Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement that otherwise would be exempt from Section 409A pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) will be payable until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

(ii) Any severance payments or benefits under this Agreement that would be considered Deferred Payments will be paid on, or, in the case of installments, will not commence until, the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s separation from service, or, if later, such time as required by Section 9(b)(iii). Except as required by Section 9(b)(iii), any installment payments that would have been made to Executive during the sixty (60) day period immediately following Executive’s separation from service but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s separation from service and the remaining payments shall be made as provided in this Agreement. In no event will Executive have discretion to determine the taxable year of payment for any Deferred Payments.

 

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of Executive’s separation from service (other than due to death), then the Deferred Payments that are payable within the first six (6) months following Executive’s separation from service, will, to the extent required to be delayed pursuant to Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, become payable on the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executive’s separation from service. All subsequent Deferred Payments, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following Executive’s separation from service, but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of the separation from service, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Executive’s death and all other Deferred Payments will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Each payment and benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.

 

-7-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(iv) Any amount paid under this Agreement that satisfies the requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations will not constitute Deferred Payments.

 

(v) Any amount paid under this Agreement that qualifies as a payment made as a result of an involuntary separation from service pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that does not exceed the Section 409A Limit (as defined below) will not constitute Deferred Payments.

 

(vi) The foregoing provisions and all compensation and benefits provided for under this Agreement are intended to comply with or be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities or ambiguous terms herein will be interpreted to be exempt or so comply. The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to Executive under Section 409A. In no event will the Company reimburse Executive for any taxes that may be imposed on Executive as a result of Section 409A.

 

10. Limitation on Payments. In the event that the severance and other benefits provided for in this Agreement or otherwise payable to Executive (i) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and (ii) but for this Section 10, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, then Executive’s severance benefits under Section 8 will be either:

 

(a) delivered in full, or

 

(b) delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such severance benefits being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code,

 

whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of severance benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such severance benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code. If a reduction in severance and other benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that benefits are delivered to a lesser extent, reduction will occur in the following order: (i) reduction of cash payments; (ii) cancellation of awards granted “contingent on a change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Code Section 280G); (iii) cancellation of accelerated vesting of equity awards; or (iv) reduction of employee benefits. In the event that acceleration of vesting of equity award compensation is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Executive’s equity awards.

 

-8-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section 10 will be made in writing by a nationally recognized certified professional services firm selected by the Company, the Company’s legal counsel or such other person or entity to which the parties mutually agree (the “Firm”) immediately prior to Change of Control, whose determination will be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section 10, the Firm may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and Executive will furnish to the Firm such information and documents as the Firm may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company will bear all costs the Firm may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section 10. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 10 shall not apply to payments or benefits resulting from the consummation of the Merger, whether under this Agreement or otherwise, for which the Executive is entitled to indemnification under the terms of the Indemnification Agreement entered into by the Company and Executive as of the date hereof.

 

11. Definition of Terms. The following terms referred to in this Agreement will have the following meanings:

 

(a) Affiliate. “Affiliate” means the Company and any other parent or subsidiary corporation of the Company, as such terms are defined in Section 424(e) and the Code.

 

(b) Cause. “Cause” means (i) an act of dishonesty made by Executive in connection with Executive’s responsibilities as an employee, (ii) Executive’s conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony or any crime involving fraud, embezzlement or any other act of moral turpitude, (iii) Executive’s gross misconduct, (iv) Executive’s unauthorized use or disclosure of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any other party to whom Executive owes an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of Executive’s relationship with the Company; (v) Executive’s willful breach of any obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company; or (vi) Executive’s continued failure to perform his employment duties after Executive has received a written demand of performance from the Company which specifically sets forth the factual basis for the Company’s belief that Executive has not substantially performed his duties and has failed to cure such non-performance to the Company’s satisfaction within 10 business days after receiving such notice.

 

(c) Change of Control. “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

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

 

-9-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(ii) A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this clause (ii), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change of Control; or

 

(iii) A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than fifty percent (50%) of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (iii), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (A) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (B) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (1) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (2) an entity, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (3) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (4) an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection (iii)(B)(3). For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(d) Change of Control Period. “Change of Control Period” means the period beginning on the date three (3) months prior to, and ending on the date that is twelve (12) months following, a Change of Control.

 

(e) Code. “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

-10-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(f) Deferred Payment. “Deferred Payment” means any severance pay or benefits to be paid or provided to Executive (or Executive’s estate or beneficiaries) pursuant to this Agreement and any other severance payments or separation benefits, that in each case, when considered together, are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A.

 

(g) Disability. “Disability” means that the Employee has been unable to perform Executive’s Company duties as the result of Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness, and such inability, at least twenty-six (26) weeks after its commencement or 180 days in any consecutive twelve (12) month period, is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to Executive or Executive’s legal representative (such agreement as to acceptability not to be unreasonably withheld). Termination resulting from Disability may only be effected after at least thirty (30) days’ written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate the Employee’s employment. In the event that the Employee resumes the performance of substantially all of Executive’s duties hereunder before the termination of Executive’s employment becomes effective, the notice of intent to terminate will automatically be deemed to have been revoked.

 

(h) Equity Awards. “Equity Awards” means Executive’s outstanding Company stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance stock units and any other Company equity compensation awards.

 

(i) Good Reason. “Good Reason” means Executive’s resignation within thirty (30) days following the expiration of any Company cure period (discussed below) following the occurrence of one or more of the following, without Executive’s express written consent: (i) a material diminution of Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities relative to Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such diminution; provided, however, that a reduction in the Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities solely by virtue of the Company being acquired and made part of a larger entity (for example, if the Executive is employed by the Company with substantially the same responsibilities with respect to the Company’s business that Executive had immediately prior to the Change of Control regardless of whether Executive’s title is revised to reflect Executive’s placement within the overall corporate hierarchy or whether Executive provides services to a subsidiary, affiliate, business unit or otherwise) shall not constitute Good Reason; (ii) a material reduction by the Company in the base compensation of the Executive as in effect immediately prior to such reduction, with a reduction of more than ten percent (10%) to be deemed material for such purposes; (iii) a material change in the location of Executive’s principal place of work, provided that a relocation of less than fifty five (55) miles from Executive’s then-current work location shall not be deemed material; or (iv) any other action that constitutes a material breach by the Company of its obligations to Executive under this Agreement. Executive’s resignation will not be deemed to be for Good Reason unless Executive has first provided the Company with written notice of the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for “Good Reason” within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of the grounds for “Good Reason” and a reasonable cure period of not less than thirty (30) days following the date the Company receives such notice, and such condition has not been cured during such period.

 

-11-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(j) Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. “Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement” means the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement entered into previously by the Executive and the Company.

 

(k) Section 409A. “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and any final regulations and guidance thereunder and any applicable state law equivalent, as each may be amended or promulgated from time to time.

 

(l) Section 409A Limit. “Section 409A Limit” will mean two (2) times the lesser of: (i) Executive’s annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Executive during the Executive’s taxable year preceding the Executive’s taxable year of Executive’s separation from service as determined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1) and any Internal Revenue Service guidance issued with respect thereto; or (ii) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code for the year in which Executive’s separation from service occurred.

 

12. Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. Executive agrees to continue to follow and comply with the terms and conditions of the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement.

 

13. Assignment. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of (a) the heirs, executors and legal representatives of Executive upon Executive’s death and (b) any successor of the Company. Any such successor of the Company will be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of this Agreement for all purposes. For this purpose, “successor” means any person, firm, corporation or other business entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company. None of the rights of Executive to receive any form of compensation payable pursuant to this Agreement may be assigned or transferred except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any other attempted assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits will be null and void.

 

14. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications called for hereunder will be in writing and will be deemed given (i) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, (ii) one (1) day after being sent by a well-established commercial overnight service, or (iii) four (4) days after being mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, prepaid and addressed to the parties or their successors at the following addresses, or at such other addresses as the parties may later designate in writing:

 

If to the Company:

 

Grid Dynamics International, Inc.

Attn: Leonard Livschitz, Chief Executive Officer

Grid Dynamics, 5000 Executive Parkway, Ste 520,

San Ramon, CA 94583, Unites States of America

 

-12-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

If to Executive:

Yury Gryzlov

 

at the last residential address known by the Company.

 

15. Severability. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement will continue in full force and effect without said provision.

 

16. Integration. This Agreement, the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement and Executive’s outstanding Equity Award agreements represents the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements whether written or oral. This Agreement may be modified only by agreement of the parties by a written instrument executed by the parties that is designated as an amendment to this Agreement.

 

17. Waiver of Breach. The waiver of a breach of any term or provision of this Agreement, which must be in writing, will not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other previous or subsequent breach of this Agreement.

 

18. Headings. All captions and section headings used in this Agreement are for convenient reference only and do not form a part of this Agreement.

 

19. Tax Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable taxes.

 

20. Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California (with the exception of its conflict of laws provisions).

 

21. Acknowledgment. Executive acknowledges that he has had the opportunity to discuss this matter with and obtain advice from his private attorney, has had sufficient time to, and has carefully read and fully understands all the provisions of this Agreement, and is knowingly and voluntarily entering into this Agreement.

 

22. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart will have the same force and effect as an original and will constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.

 

-13-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year set forth below.

 

COMPANY:  
   
GRID DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.  

 

Signature: 

/s/ Leonard Livschitz

 
By:

Leonard Livschitz

 
Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

EXECUTIVE:  

 

/s/ Yury Gryzlov

 

Yury Gryzlov

 

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT]

 

 

-14-

 

 

Exhibit 10.13

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States

Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

GRID DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) entered into by and between Grid Dynamics International, Inc. (the “Company”), and Vadim Kozyrkov (“Executive”) dated as of January 24, 2020, is effective as of the “closing” under that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) entered into by and among the Company, ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp., Automated Systems Holdings Limited and certain other parties thereto (with such “closing” under the Merger Agreement constituting the “Effective Date”). If the Merger Agreement is terminated without the “closing” occurring thereunder, this Agreement shall be void and of no further force and effect. This Agreement supersedes in its entirety the Employment Agreement between Grid Dynamics International, Inc. and Executive dated March 31, 2017, as amended, and November 8, 2019.

 

1. Duties and Scope of Employment.

 

(a) Positions and Duties. As of the Effective Date, Executive will serve as the Company’s Senior Vice President of Engineering. Executive will render such business and professional services in the performance of Executive’s duties, consistent with Executive’s position within the Company, as will reasonably be assigned to him by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or his or her designee.

 

(b) Obligations. During the Employment Term (defined below), Executive will perform Executive’s duties faithfully and to the best of his ability and devote his full business efforts and time to the Company. Executive acknowledges during Executive's employment with Company, that Executive will not, without prior written approval of Company: (a) engage in any activity competitive or adverse to Company's business or welfare, whether alone, as a partner, or as an officer, director, executive, shareholder, employee, or consultant of any other entity, or (b) undertake planning for the organization of any business activity competitive with Company or combine or conspire with other employees or representatives of Company for the purposes of organizing any such competitive business. Nothing contained in this Section 1(b) shall prevent Executive from making passive personal investments, or engaging in other businesses or serving on boards of directors, which do not violate this Section 1(b) or materially interfere with the services rendered under this Agreement, as determined in the sole discretion of the Board. Executive further agrees to comply with all Company policies, including, for the avoidance of any doubt, any insider trading policies and compensation clawback policies currently in existence or that may be adopted by the Company during the Employment Term.

 

2. Term of Agreement. This Agreement will have an initial term of four (4) years commencing on the Effective Date (the “Initial Term”). Commencing on the four (4) year anniversary of the Effective Date and on each one (1) year anniversary thereafter, this Agreement will renew automatically for additional, one (1) year terms (each, an “Additional Term”) unless either party provides the other party with written notice of nonrenewal at least ninety (90) days prior to the date of automatic renewal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change of Control occurs during the Initial Term or an Additional Term, the term of this Agreement will extend automatically through the date that is twelve (12) months following the date of the Change of Control. If Executive becomes entitled to the benefits under Section 8 of this Agreement, then the Agreement will not terminate until all of the obligations of the parties hereto with respect to this Agreement have been satisfied. The period of Executive’s employment under this Agreement, including the Initial Term and each applicable Additional Term, is referred to herein as the “Employment Term.”

 

 

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

3. At-Will Employment. The parties agree that Executive’s employment with the Company will be “at-will” employment and may be terminated at any time with or without cause or notice. Executive understands and agrees that neither his job performance nor promotions, commendations, bonuses or the like from the Company give rise to or in any way serve as the basis for modification, amendment, or extension, by implication or otherwise, of his employment with the Company. However, as described in this Agreement, Executive may be entitled to severance benefits depending on the circumstances of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company.

 

4. Compensation.

 

(a) Base Salary. During the Employment Term, the Company will pay Executive an annual salary of $250,000.00 as compensation for Executive’s services (the “Base Salary”). The Base Salary will be paid periodically in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices and be subject to the usual, required withholdings. Company shall review the amount of the Base Salary from time to time, but shall not be required to increase the Base Salary.

 

(b) Bonus. Executive may be eligible to receive additional incentive-based compensation or bonuses, in Company's sole discretion, which may be subject to the financial and individual goals and other performance criteria of Company. The Company anticipates that, if Executive is awarded a full bonus based on the Company's determination of financial and individual goals, the bonus will be up to $100,000.00 annually or $25,000.00 quarterly. The Company will determine bonus eligibility each fiscal quarter, and any awarded bonus will be paid within sixty (60) days of the end of each fiscal quarter. Eligibility for any bonus is dependent upon Executive's continued employment with the Company on the date the bonus is to be paid. The Company shall review the amount of potential bonus from time to time, but shall not be required to increase the potential bonus.

 

(c) Equity.

 

(i) Initial Grants. At the first meeting of the Board following the Effective Date, it will be recommended that Executive be granted 129,500 restricted stock units, 129,500 performance-based restricted stock units and 140,000 stock options (the “Initial Awards”). Each Initial Award will vest as to 1/4th of the shares subject to the award on the one year anniversary of the vesting commencement date and 1/16th of the shares subject to the award on a quarterly basis thereafter, subject to Executive’s continued service through each vesting date. The Initial Award of performance-based restricted stock units also will be subject to vesting based on achievement of Company performance objectives to be determined by the Company. The Initial Awards will be subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”) and form of award agreement thereunder.

 

-2-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(ii) Discretionary Awards. Executive also may be eligible to receive additional Company equity awards in the discretion of the Board (or the Compensation Committee of the Board, as applicable) to reward extraordinary performance or for achievement of stretch financial performance objectives under individual incentive agreements for very strong performance of the Company.

 

(iii) Change of Control. In the event the Company is subject to a Change of Control, all Equity Awards (or portions thereof) that are not assumed or substituted by the successor corporation, as determined under the Equity Plan, will become fully vested and exercisable and all restrictions on such awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units will lapse. Equity Awards will not be deemed assumed or substituted and will become fully vested and exercisable in a Change of Control if the awards are amended or modified in any manner that is adverse to the Executive (e.g., less favorable vesting terms) without Executive’s written consent.

 

5. Employee Benefits. During the Employment Term, Executive will be entitled to participate in the employee benefit plans currently and hereafter maintained by the Company of general applicability to other executives of the Company to the extent Executive meets the eligibility requirements for each individual plan or program. Such benefits currently include, but are not limited to, medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k) plan participation and supplemental medical insurance (Armada Care or similar arrangement). The Company provides no assurance as to the adoption or continuance of any particular employee benefit plan or program, and Executive’s participation in any such plan or program shall be subject to the provisions, rules and regulations applicable thereto.

 

6. Vacation. Executive will be entitled to accrue up to twenty (20) days paid annual vacation in accordance with the Company policy as effect from time to time, including eligibility for any policy subsequently adopted for Company senior executives.

 

7. Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable travel, entertainment or other expenses incurred by Executive in the furtherance of or in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy as in effect from time to time.

  

-3-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

8. Severance Benefits.

 

(a) Qualified Termination Outside the Change of Control Period. If, outside the Change of Control Period, the Company or its Affiliates terminate Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, respectively, other than for Cause, death or Disability, or Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, then, subject to Section 9, Executive will receive the following severance benefits:

 

(i) Salary Severance. Continuing payments of Executive’s Base Salary, as in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination of employment (or, if higher, immediately prior to reduction of Executive’s Base Salary described in clause (ii) of the definition of Good Reason below), for 12 months from the termination date, paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll procedures.

 

(ii) Bonus Severance. A lump-sum payment equal to 50% of Executive’s current annual maximum bonus target amount.

 

(iii) Continued Employee Benefits. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, the Company will reimburse Executive for the premiums necessary to continue group health insurance benefits for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents until the earlier of (A) a period of 12 months from the date of Executive’s termination of employment, (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans or (C) the date upon which Executive ceases to be eligible for coverage under COBRA (such reimbursements, the “COBRA Premiums”). However, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot pay the COBRA Premiums without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will in lieu thereof provide to Executive a taxable monthly payment payable on the last day of a given month (except as provided by the following sentence), in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue Executive’s group health coverage in effect on the date of Executive’s termination of employment (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage and will commence on the month following Executive’s termination of employment and will end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which Executive obtains other employment or (y) the date the Company has paid an amount equal to 12 payments. For the avoidance of doubt, the taxable payments in lieu of COBRA Premiums may be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all applicable tax withholdings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under this Agreement, if at any time the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the payments contemplated by the preceding sentence without violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), Executive will not receive such payment or any further reimbursements for COBRA premiums.

 

(iv) Equity. Immediate vesting of all then-outstanding unvested Company Equity Awards that would have vested had Executive had Executive continued employment with the Company for an additional period of one year. If, however, an outstanding Equity Award is to vest and/or the amount of the Equity Award to vest during such one year period is to be determined based on the achievement of performance criteria, then the Equity Award will be deemed to vest assuming the performance criteria had been achieved at target levels for the relevant performance period(s).

 

-4-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(b) Qualified Termination within the Change of Control Period. If, within the Change of Control Period, the Company or its Affiliates terminate Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, respectively, other than for Cause, death or Disability, or Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, then, subject to Section 9, Executive will receive the following severance benefits from the Company:

 

(i) Salary Severance. A lump sum severance payment equal to 12 months of Executive’s Base Salary, as in effect immediately prior to Executives termination of employment (or, if higher, as in effect immediately prior to reduction of Executive’s Base Salary described in clause (ii) of the definition of Good Reason), which will be paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll procedures. For the avoidance of doubt, if (A) Executive incurred a termination prior to a Change of Control that qualifies Executive for severance payments under Section 8(a)(i); and (B) a Change of Control occurs within the three (3)-month period following Executive’s termination of employment that qualifies Executive for the superior benefits under this Section 8(b)(i), then Executive shall be entitled to a lump-sum payment of the amount calculated under this Section 8(b)(i), less amounts already paid under Section 8(a)(i).

 

(ii) Bonus Severance. A lump-sum payment equal to 50% of Executive’s current annual target bonus amount.

 

(iii) Continued Employee Benefits. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, the Company will reimburse Executive for the premiums necessary to continue group health insurance benefits for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents until the earlier of (A) a period of 12 months from the date of Executive’s termination of employment, (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans or (C) the date upon which Executive ceases to be eligible for coverage under COBRA (such reimbursements, the “COC COBRA Premiums”). However, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot pay the COC COBRA Premiums without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will in lieu thereof provide to Executive a taxable monthly payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue Executive’s group health coverage in effect on the date of Executive’s termination of employment (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage and will commence on the month following Executive’s termination of employment and will end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which Executive obtains other employment or (y) the date the Company has paid an amount equal to 12 payments. For the avoidance of doubt, the taxable payments in lieu of COBRA Premiums may be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all applicable tax withholdings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under this Agreement, if at any time the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the payments contemplated by the preceding sentence without violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), Executive will not receive such payment or any further reimbursements for COBRA premiums.

 

-5-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(iv) Equity. Vesting acceleration of one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s outstanding unvested Equity Awards on the date of Executive’s termination. If, however, an outstanding Equity Award is to vest and/or the amount of the Equity Award to vest is to be determined based on the achievement of performance criteria, then the Equity Award will vest as to one hundred percent (100%) of the amount of the Equity Award assuming the performance criteria had been achieved at target levels for the relevant performance period(s).

 

(c) Voluntary Resignation; Termination for Cause. If Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates terminates (i) voluntarily by Executive (other than for Good Reason) or (ii) for Cause by the Company, then Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company’s then existing severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company.

 

(d) Disability; Death. If the Company terminates Executive’s employment as a result of Executive’s Disability, or Executive’s employment terminates due to Executive’s death, then Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company’s then existing written severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company.

 

(e) Accrued Compensation. For the avoidance of any doubt, in the event of a termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, Executive will be entitled to receive all accrued but unpaid vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any Company-provided plans, policies, and arrangements.

 

(f) Transfer between the Company and Affiliates. For purposes of this Section 8, if Executive’s employment with the Company or one of its Affiliates terminates, Executive will not be determined to have been terminated without Cause, provided Executive continues to remain employed by the Company or one of its Affiliates (e.g., upon transfer from on Affiliate to another); provided, however, that the parties understand and acknowledge that any such termination could potentially result in Executive’s ability to resign for Good Reason.

 

(g) Exclusive Remedy. In the event of a termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, the provisions of this Section 8 are intended to be and are exclusive and in lieu of any other rights or remedies to which Executive or the Company may otherwise be entitled, whether at law, tort or contract, in equity. Executive will be entitled to no benefits, compensation or other payments or rights upon termination of employment other than those benefits expressly set forth in this Section 8.

 

-6-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

9. Conditions to Receipt of Severance.

 

(a) Separation Agreement and Release of Claims. The receipt of any severance pursuant to Sections 8(a) or (b) will be subject to Executive signing and not revoking a separation agreement and release of claims in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the “Release”) and provided that such Release becomes effective and irrevocable no later than sixty (60) days following the termination date (such deadline, the “Release Deadline”). If the Release does not become effective and irrevocable by the Release Deadline, Executive will forfeit any rights to severance or benefits under this Agreement. In no event will severance payments or benefits be paid or provided until the Release becomes effective and irrevocable. Except as required by Section 9(b), any installment payments that would have been made to Executive prior to the Release becoming effective and irrevocable but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the first regularly scheduled Company payroll date following the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable, and the remaining payments will be made as provided in the Agreement.

 

(b) Section 409A.

 

(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no Deferred Payments will be paid or otherwise provided until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Similarly, no severance payable to Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement that otherwise would be exempt from Section 409A pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) will be payable until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

(ii) Any severance payments or benefits under this Agreement that would be considered Deferred Payments will be paid on, or, in the case of installments, will not commence until, the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s separation from service, or, if later, such time as required by Section 9(b)(iii). Except as required by Section 9(b)(iii), any installment payments that would have been made to Executive during the sixty (60) day period immediately following Executive’s separation from service but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s separation from service and the remaining payments shall be made as provided in this Agreement. In no event will Executive have discretion to determine the taxable year of payment for any Deferred Payments.

 

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of Executive’s separation from service (other than due to death), then the Deferred Payments that are payable within the first six (6) months following Executive’s separation from service, will, to the extent required to be delayed pursuant to Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, become payable on the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executive’s separation from service. All subsequent Deferred Payments, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following Executive’s separation from service, but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of the separation from service, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Executive’s death and all other Deferred Payments will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Each payment and benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.

 

-7-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(iv) Any amount paid under this Agreement that satisfies the requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations will not constitute Deferred Payments.

 

(v) Any amount paid under this Agreement that qualifies as a payment made as a result of an involuntary separation from service pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that does not exceed the Section 409A Limit (as defined below) will not constitute Deferred Payments.

 

(vi) The foregoing provisions and all compensation and benefits provided for under this Agreement are intended to comply with or be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities or ambiguous terms herein will be interpreted to be exempt or so comply. The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to Executive under Section 409A. In no event will the Company reimburse Executive for any taxes that may be imposed on Executive as a result of Section 409A.

 

10. Limitation on Payments. In the event that the severance and other benefits provided for in this Agreement or otherwise payable to Executive (i) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and (ii) but for this Section 10, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, then Executive’s severance benefits under Section 8 will be either:

 

(a) delivered in full, or

 

(b) delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such severance benefits being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code,

 

whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of severance benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such severance benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code. If a reduction in severance and other benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that benefits are delivered to a lesser extent, reduction will occur in the following order: (i) reduction of cash payments; (ii) cancellation of awards granted “contingent on a change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Code Section 280G); (iii) cancellation of accelerated vesting of equity awards; or (iv) reduction of employee benefits. In the event that acceleration of vesting of equity award compensation is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Executive’s equity awards.

 

-8-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section 10 will be made in writing by a nationally recognized certified professional services firm selected by the Company, the Company’s legal counsel or such other person or entity to which the parties mutually agree (the “Firm”) immediately prior to Change of Control, whose determination will be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section 10, the Firm may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and Executive will furnish to the Firm such information and documents as the Firm may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company will bear all costs the Firm may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section 10. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 10 shall not apply to payments or benefits resulting from the consummation of the Merger, whether under this Agreement or otherwise, for which the Executive is entitled to indemnification under the terms of the Indemnification Agreement entered into by the Company and Executive as of the date hereof.

 

11. Definition of Terms. The following terms referred to in this Agreement will have the following meanings:

 

(a) Affiliate. “Affiliate” means the Company and any other parent or subsidiary corporation of the Company, as such terms are defined in Section 424(e) and the Code.

 

(b) Cause. “Cause” means (i) an act of dishonesty made by Executive in connection with Executive’s responsibilities as an employee, (ii) Executive’s conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony or any crime involving fraud, embezzlement or any other act of moral turpitude, (iii) Executive’s gross misconduct, (iv) Executive’s unauthorized use or disclosure of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any other party to whom Executive owes an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of Executive’s relationship with the Company; (v) Executive’s willful breach of any obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company; or (vi) Executive’s continued failure to perform his employment duties after Executive has received a written demand of performance from the Company which specifically sets forth the factual basis for the Company’s belief that Executive has not substantially performed his duties and has failed to cure such non-performance to the Company’s satisfaction within 10 business days after receiving such notice.

 

(c) Change of Control. “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

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

 

-9-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(ii) A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this clause (ii), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change of Control; or

 

(iii) A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than fifty percent (50%) of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (iii), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (A) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (B) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (1) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (2) an entity, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (3) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (4) an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection (iii)(B)(3). For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(d) Change of Control Period. “Change of Control Period” means the period beginning on the date three (3) months prior to, and ending on the date that is twelve (12) months following, a Change of Control.

 

(e) Code. “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

-10-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(f) Deferred Payment. “Deferred Payment” means any severance pay or benefits to be paid or provided to Executive (or Executive’s estate or beneficiaries) pursuant to this Agreement and any other severance payments or separation benefits, that in each case, when considered together, are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A.

 

(g) Disability. “Disability” means that the Employee has been unable to perform Executive’s Company duties as the result of Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness, and such inability, at least twenty-six (26) weeks after its commencement or 180 days in any consecutive twelve (12) month period, is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to Executive or Executive’s legal representative (such agreement as to acceptability not to be unreasonably withheld). Termination resulting from Disability may only be effected after at least thirty (30) days’ written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate the Employee’s employment. In the event that the Employee resumes the performance of substantially all of Executive’s duties hereunder before the termination of Executive’s employment becomes effective, the notice of intent to terminate will automatically be deemed to have been revoked.

 

(h) Equity Awards. “Equity Awards” means Executive’s outstanding Company stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance stock units and any other Company equity compensation awards.

 

(i) Good Reason. “Good Reason” means Executive’s resignation within thirty (30) days following the expiration of any Company cure period (discussed below) following the occurrence of one or more of the following, without Executive’s express written consent: (i) a material diminution of Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities relative to Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such diminution; provided, however, that a reduction in the Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities solely by virtue of the Company being acquired and made part of a larger entity (for example, if the Executive is employed by the Company with substantially the same responsibilities with respect to the Company’s business that Executive had immediately prior to the Change of Control regardless of whether Executive’s title is revised to reflect Executive’s placement within the overall corporate hierarchy or whether Executive provides services to a subsidiary, affiliate, business unit or otherwise) shall not constitute Good Reason; (ii) a material reduction by the Company in the base compensation of the Executive as in effect immediately prior to such reduction, with a reduction of more than ten percent (10%) to be deemed material for such purposes; (iii) a material change in the location of Executive’s principal place of work, provided that a relocation of less than fifty five (55) miles from Executive’s then-current work location shall not be deemed material; or (iv) any other action that constitutes a material breach by the Company of its obligations to Executive under this Agreement. Executive’s resignation will not be deemed to be for Good Reason unless Executive has first provided the Company with written notice of the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for “Good Reason” within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of the grounds for “Good Reason” and a reasonable cure period of not less than thirty (30) days following the date the Company receives such notice, and such condition has not been cured during such period.

 

-11-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(j) Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. “Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement” means the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement entered into previously by the Executive and the Company.

 

(k) Section 409A. “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and any final regulations and guidance thereunder and any applicable state law equivalent, as each may be amended or promulgated from time to time.

 

(l) Section 409A Limit. “Section 409A Limit” will mean two (2) times the lesser of: (i) Executive’s annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Executive during the Executive’s taxable year preceding the Executive’s taxable year of Executive’s separation from service as determined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1) and any Internal Revenue Service guidance issued with respect thereto; or (ii) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code for the year in which Executive’s separation from service occurred.

 

12. Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. Executive agrees to continue to follow and comply with the terms and conditions of the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement.

 

13. Assignment. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of (a) the heirs, executors and legal representatives of Executive upon Executive’s death and (b) any successor of the Company. Any such successor of the Company will be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of this Agreement for all purposes. For this purpose, “successor” means any person, firm, corporation or other business entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company. None of the rights of Executive to receive any form of compensation payable pursuant to this Agreement may be assigned or transferred except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any other attempted assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits will be null and void.

 

14. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications called for hereunder will be in writing and will be deemed given (i) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, (ii) one (1) day after being sent by a well-established commercial overnight service, or (iii) four (4) days after being mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, prepaid and addressed to the parties or their successors at the following addresses, or at such other addresses as the parties may later designate in writing:

 

If to the Company:

 

Grid Dynamics International, Inc.

Attn: Yury Gryzlov, Senior Vice President of Operations

Grid Dynamics, 5000 Executive Parkway, Ste 520,

San Ramon, CA 94583, Unites States of America

 

-12-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

If to Executive:

 

Vadim Kozyrkov

 

at the last residential address known by the Company.

 

15. Severability. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement will continue in full force and effect without said provision.

 

16. Integration. This Agreement, the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement and Executive’s outstanding Equity Award agreements represents the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements whether written or oral. This Agreement may be modified only by agreement of the parties by a written instrument executed by the parties that is designated as an amendment to this Agreement.

 

17. Waiver of Breach. The waiver of a breach of any term or provision of this Agreement, which must be in writing, will not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other previous or subsequent breach of this Agreement.

 

18. Headings. All captions and section headings used in this Agreement are for convenient reference only and do not form a part of this Agreement.

 

19. Tax Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable taxes.

 

20. Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California (with the exception of its conflict of laws provisions).

 

21. Acknowledgment. Executive acknowledges that he has had the opportunity to discuss this matter with and obtain advice from his private attorney, has had sufficient time to, and has carefully read and fully understands all the provisions of this Agreement, and is knowingly and voluntarily entering into this Agreement.

 

22. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart will have the same force and effect as an original and will constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.

 

-13-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year set forth below.

 

COMPANY:  
   
GRID DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.  

 

Signature: 

/s/ Leonard Livschitz

 
By:

Leonard Livschitz

 
Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

EXECUTIVE:  

 

/s/ Vadim Kozyrkov

 

Vadim Kozyrkov

 

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT]

 

 

-14-

 

 

Exhibit 10.14

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States

Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

GRID DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) entered into by and between Grid Dynamics International, Inc. (the “Company”), and Stan Klimoff (“Executive”) dated as of January 24, 2020, is effective as of the “closing” under that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) entered into by and among the Company, ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp., Automated Systems Holdings Limited and certain other parties thereto (with such “closing” under the Merger Agreement constituting the “Effective Date”). If the Merger Agreement is terminated without the “closing” occurring thereunder, this Agreement shall be void and of no further force and effect. This Agreement supersedes in its entirety the Employment Agreements between Grid Dynamics International, Inc. and Executive dated March 31, 2017, as amended and November 8, 2019.

 

1. Duties and Scope of Employment.

 

(a) Positions and Duties. As of the Effective Date, Executive will serve as the Company’s Vice President, Corporate Development. Executive will render such business and professional services in the performance of Executive’s duties, consistent with Executive’s position within the Company, as will reasonably be assigned to him by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or his or her designee.

 

(b) Obligations. During the Employment Term (defined below), Executive will perform Executive’s duties faithfully and to the best of his ability and devote his full business efforts and time to the Company. Executive acknowledges during Executive's employment with Company, that Executive will not, without prior written approval of Company: (a) engage in any activity competitive or adverse to Company's business or welfare, whether alone, as a partner, or as an officer, director, executive, shareholder, employee, or consultant of any other entity, or (b) undertake planning for the organization of any business activity competitive with Company or combine or conspire with other employees or representatives of Company for the purposes of organizing any such competitive business. Nothing contained in this Section 1(b) shall prevent Executive from making passive personal investments, or engaging in other businesses or serving on boards of directors, which do not violate this Section 1(b) or materially interfere with the services rendered under this Agreement, as determined in the sole discretion of the Board. Executive further agrees to comply with all Company policies, including, for the avoidance of any doubt, any insider trading policies and compensation clawback policies currently in existence or that may be adopted by the Company during the Employment Term.

 

2. Term of Agreement. This Agreement will have an initial term of four (4) years commencing on the Effective Date (the “Initial Term”). Commencing on the four (4) year anniversary of the Effective Date and on each one (1) year anniversary thereafter, this Agreement will renew automatically for additional, one (1) year terms (each, an “Additional Term”) unless either party provides the other party with written notice of nonrenewal at least ninety (90) days prior to the date of automatic renewal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change of Control occurs during the Initial Term or an Additional Term, the term of this Agreement will extend automatically through the date that is twelve (12) months following the date of the Change of Control. If Executive becomes entitled to the benefits under Section 8 of this Agreement, then the Agreement will not terminate until all of the obligations of the parties hereto with respect to this Agreement have been satisfied. The period of Executive’s employment under this Agreement, including the Initial Term and each applicable Additional Term, is referred to herein as the “Employment Term.”

 

 

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

3. At-Will Employment. The parties agree that Executive’s employment with the Company will be “at-will” employment and may be terminated at any time with or without cause or notice. Executive understands and agrees that neither his job performance nor promotions, commendations, bonuses or the like from the Company give rise to or in any way serve as the basis for modification, amendment, or extension, by implication or otherwise, of his employment with the Company. However, as described in this Agreement, Executive may be entitled to severance benefits depending on the circumstances of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company.

 

4. Compensation.

 

(a) Base Salary. During the Employment Term, the Company will pay Executive an annual salary of $250,000.00 as compensation for Executive’s services (the “Base Salary”). The Base Salary will be paid periodically in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices and be subject to the usual, required withholdings. Company shall review the amount of the Base Salary from time to time, but shall not be required to increase the Base Salary.

 

(b) Bonus. Executive may be eligible to receive additional incentive-based compensation or bonuses, in Company's sole discretion, which may be subject to the financial and individual goals and other performance criteria of Company. The Company anticipates that, if Executive is awarded a full bonus based on the Company's determination of financial and individual goals, the bonus will be up to $100,000.00 annually or $25,000.00 quarterly. The Company will determine bonus eligibility each fiscal quarter, and any awarded bonus will be paid within sixty (60) days of the end of each fiscal quarter. Eligibility for any bonus is dependent upon Executive's continued employment with the Company on the date the bonus is to be paid. The Company shall review the amount of potential bonus from time to time, but shall not be required to increase the potential bonus.

 

(c) Equity.

 

(i) Initial Grants. At the first meeting of the Board following the Effective Date, it will be recommended that Executive be granted 129,500 restricted stock units, 129,500 performance-based restricted stock units and 140,000 stock options (the “Initial Awards”). Each Initial Award will vest as to 1/4th of the shares subject to the award on the one year anniversary of the vesting commencement date and 1/16th of the shares subject to the award on a quarterly basis thereafter, subject to Executive’s continued service through each vesting date. The Initial Award of performance-based restricted stock units also will be subject to vesting based on achievement of Company performance objectives to be determined by the Company. The Initial Awards will be subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”) and form of award agreement thereunder.

 

-2-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(ii) Discretionary Awards. Executive also may be eligible to receive additional Company equity awards in the discretion of the Board (or the Compensation Committee of the Board, as applicable) to reward extraordinary performance or for achievement of stretch financial performance objectives under individual incentive agreements for very strong performance of the Company.

 

(iii) Change of Control. In the event the Company is subject to a Change of Control, all Equity Awards (or portions thereof) that are not assumed or substituted by the successor corporation, as determined under the Equity Plan, will become fully vested and exercisable and all restrictions on such awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units will lapse. Equity Awards will not be deemed assumed or substituted and will become fully vested and exercisable in a Change of Control if the awards are amended or modified in any manner that is adverse to the Executive (e.g., less favorable vesting terms) without Executive’s written consent.

 

5. Employee Benefits. During the Employment Term, Executive will be entitled to participate in the employee benefit plans currently and hereafter maintained by the Company of general applicability to other executives of the Company to the extent Executive meets the eligibility requirements for each individual plan or program. Such benefits currently include, but are not limited to, medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k) plan participation and supplemental medical insurance (Armada Care or similar arrangement). The Company provides no assurance as to the adoption or continuance of any particular employee benefit plan or program, and Executive’s participation in any such plan or program shall be subject to the provisions, rules and regulations applicable thereto.

 

6. Vacation. Executive will be entitled to accrue up to twenty (20) days paid annual vacation in accordance with the Company policy as effect from time to time, including eligibility for any policy subsequently adopted for Company senior executives.

 

7. Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable travel, entertainment or other expenses incurred by Executive in the furtherance of or in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy as in effect from time to time.

 

-3-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

8. Severance Benefits.

 

(a) Qualified Termination Outside the Change of Control Period. If, outside the Change of Control Period, the Company or its Affiliates terminate Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, respectively, other than for Cause, death or Disability, or Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, then, subject to Section 9, Executive will receive the following severance benefits:

 

(i) Salary Severance. Continuing payments of Executive’s Base Salary, as in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination of employment (or, if higher, immediately prior to reduction of Executive’s Base Salary described in clause (ii) of the definition of Good Reason below), for 12 months from the termination date, paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll procedures.

 

(ii) Bonus Severance. A lump-sum payment equal to 50% of Executive’s current annual maximum bonus target amount.

 

(iii) Continued Employee Benefits. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, the Company will reimburse Executive for the premiums necessary to continue group health insurance benefits for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents until the earlier of (A) a period of 12 months from the date of Executive’s termination of employment, (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans or (C) the date upon which Executive ceases to be eligible for coverage under COBRA (such reimbursements, the “COBRA Premiums”). However, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot pay the COBRA Premiums without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will in lieu thereof provide to Executive a taxable monthly payment payable on the last day of a given month (except as provided by the following sentence), in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue Executive’s group health coverage in effect on the date of Executive’s termination of employment (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage and will commence on the month following Executive’s termination of employment and will end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which Executive obtains other employment or (y) the date the Company has paid an amount equal to 12 payments. For the avoidance of doubt, the taxable payments in lieu of COBRA Premiums may be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all applicable tax withholdings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under this Agreement, if at any time the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the payments contemplated by the preceding sentence without violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), Executive will not receive such payment or any further reimbursements for COBRA premiums.

 

(iv) Equity. Immediate vesting of all then-outstanding unvested Company Equity Awards that would have vested had Executive had Executive continued employment with the Company for an additional period of one year. If, however, an outstanding Equity Award is to vest and/or the amount of the Equity Award to vest during such one year period is to be determined based on the achievement of performance criteria, then the Equity Award will be deemed to vest assuming the performance criteria had been achieved at target levels for the relevant performance period(s).

 

-4-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(b) Qualified Termination within the Change of Control Period. If, within the Change of Control Period, the Company or its Affiliates terminate Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, respectively, other than for Cause, death or Disability, or Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, then, subject to Section 9, Executive will receive the following severance benefits from the Company:

 

(i) Salary Severance. A lump sum severance payment equal to 12 months of Executive’s Base Salary, as in effect immediately prior to Executives termination of employment (or, if higher, as in effect immediately prior to reduction of Executive’s Base Salary described in clause (ii) of the definition of Good Reason), which will be paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll procedures. For the avoidance of doubt, if (A) Executive incurred a termination prior to a Change of Control that qualifies Executive for severance payments under Section 8(a)(i); and (B) a Change of Control occurs within the three (3)-month period following Executive’s termination of employment that qualifies Executive for the superior benefits under this Section 8(b)(i), then Executive shall be entitled to a lump-sum payment of the amount calculated under this Section 8(b)(i), less amounts already paid under Section 8(a)(i).

 

(ii) Bonus Severance. A lump-sum payment equal to 50% of Executive’s current annual target bonus amount.

 

(iii) Continued Employee Benefits. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, the Company will reimburse Executive for the premiums necessary to continue group health insurance benefits for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents until the earlier of (A) a period of 12 months from the date of Executive’s termination of employment, (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans or (C) the date upon which Executive ceases to be eligible for coverage under COBRA (such reimbursements, the “COC COBRA Premiums”). However, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot pay the COC COBRA Premiums without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will in lieu thereof provide to Executive a taxable monthly payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue Executive’s group health coverage in effect on the date of Executive’s termination of employment (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage and will commence on the month following Executive’s termination of employment and will end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which Executive obtains other employment or (y) the date the Company has paid an amount equal to 12 payments. For the avoidance of doubt, the taxable payments in lieu of COBRA Premiums may be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all applicable tax withholdings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under this Agreement, if at any time the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the payments contemplated by the preceding sentence without violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), Executive will not receive such payment or any further reimbursements for COBRA premiums.

 

-5-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(iv) Equity. Vesting acceleration of one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s outstanding unvested Equity Awards on the date of Executive’s termination. If, however, an outstanding Equity Award is to vest and/or the amount of the Equity Award to vest is to be determined based on the achievement of performance criteria, then the Equity Award will vest as to one hundred percent (100%) of the amount of the Equity Award assuming the performance criteria had been achieved at target levels for the relevant performance period(s).

 

(c) Voluntary Resignation; Termination for Cause. If Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates terminates (i) voluntarily by Executive (other than for Good Reason) or (ii) for Cause by the Company, then Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company’s then existing severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company.

 

(d) Disability; Death. If the Company terminates Executive’s employment as a result of Executive’s Disability, or Executive’s employment terminates due to Executive’s death, then Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company’s then existing written severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company.

 

(e) Accrued Compensation. For the avoidance of any doubt, in the event of a termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, Executive will be entitled to receive all accrued but unpaid vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any Company-provided plans, policies, and arrangements.

 

(f) Transfer between the Company and Affiliates. For purposes of this Section 8, if Executive’s employment with the Company or one of its Affiliates terminates, Executive will not be determined to have been terminated without Cause, provided Executive continues to remain employed by the Company or one of its Affiliates (e.g., upon transfer from on Affiliate to another); provided, however, that the parties understand and acknowledge that any such termination could potentially result in Executive’s ability to resign for Good Reason.

 

(g) Exclusive Remedy. In the event of a termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates, the provisions of this Section 8 are intended to be and are exclusive and in lieu of any other rights or remedies to which Executive or the Company may otherwise be entitled, whether at law, tort or contract, in equity. Executive will be entitled to no benefits, compensation or other payments or rights upon termination of employment other than those benefits expressly set forth in this Section 8.

 

-6-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

9. Conditions to Receipt of Severance.

 

(a) Separation Agreement and Release of Claims. The receipt of any severance pursuant to Sections 8(a) or (b) will be subject to Executive signing and not revoking a separation agreement and release of claims in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the “Release”) and provided that such Release becomes effective and irrevocable no later than sixty (60) days following the termination date (such deadline, the “Release Deadline”). If the Release does not become effective and irrevocable by the Release Deadline, Executive will forfeit any rights to severance or benefits under this Agreement. In no event will severance payments or benefits be paid or provided until the Release becomes effective and irrevocable. Except as required by Section 9(b), any installment payments that would have been made to Executive prior to the Release becoming effective and irrevocable but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the first regularly scheduled Company payroll date following the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable, and the remaining payments will be made as provided in the Agreement.

 

(b) Section 409A.

 

(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no Deferred Payments will be paid or otherwise provided until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Similarly, no severance payable to Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement that otherwise would be exempt from Section 409A pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) will be payable until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

(ii) Any severance payments or benefits under this Agreement that would be considered Deferred Payments will be paid on, or, in the case of installments, will not commence until, the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s separation from service, or, if later, such time as required by Section 9(b)(iii). Except as required by Section 9(b)(iii), any installment payments that would have been made to Executive during the sixty (60) day period immediately following Executive’s separation from service but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s separation from service and the remaining payments shall be made as provided in this Agreement. In no event will Executive have discretion to determine the taxable year of payment for any Deferred Payments.

 

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of Executive’s separation from service (other than due to death), then the Deferred Payments that are payable within the first six (6) months following Executive’s separation from service, will, to the extent required to be delayed pursuant to Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, become payable on the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executive’s separation from service. All subsequent Deferred Payments, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following Executive’s separation from service, but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of the separation from service, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Executive’s death and all other Deferred Payments will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Each payment and benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.

 

-7-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(iv) Any amount paid under this Agreement that satisfies the requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations will not constitute Deferred Payments.

 

(v) Any amount paid under this Agreement that qualifies as a payment made as a result of an involuntary separation from service pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that does not exceed the Section 409A Limit (as defined below) will not constitute Deferred Payments.

 

(vi) The foregoing provisions and all compensation and benefits provided for under this Agreement are intended to comply with or be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities or ambiguous terms herein will be interpreted to be exempt or so comply. The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to Executive under Section 409A. In no event will the Company reimburse Executive for any taxes that may be imposed on Executive as a result of Section 409A.

 

10. Limitation on Payments. In the event that the severance and other benefits provided for in this Agreement or otherwise payable to Executive (i) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and (ii) but for this Section 10, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, then Executive’s severance benefits under Section 8 will be either:

 

(a) delivered in full, or

 

(b) delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such severance benefits being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code,

 

whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of severance benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such severance benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code. If a reduction in severance and other benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that benefits are delivered to a lesser extent, reduction will occur in the following order: (i) reduction of cash payments; (ii) cancellation of awards granted “contingent on a change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Code Section 280G); (iii) cancellation of accelerated vesting of equity awards; or (iv) reduction of employee benefits. In the event that acceleration of vesting of equity award compensation is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Executive’s equity awards.

 

-8-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section 10 will be made in writing by a nationally recognized certified professional services firm selected by the Company, the Company’s legal counsel or such other person or entity to which the parties mutually agree (the “Firm”) immediately prior to Change of Control, whose determination will be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section 10, the Firm may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and Executive will furnish to the Firm such information and documents as the Firm may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company will bear all costs the Firm may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section 10. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 10 shall not apply to payments or benefits resulting from the consummation of the Merger, whether under this Agreement or otherwise, for which the Executive is entitled to indemnification under the terms of the Indemnification Agreement entered into by the Company and Executive as of the date hereof.

 

11. Definition of Terms. The following terms referred to in this Agreement will have the following meanings:

 

(a) Affiliate. “Affiliate” means the Company and any other parent or subsidiary corporation of the Company, as such terms are defined in Section 424(e) and the Code.

 

(b) Cause. “Cause” means (i) an act of dishonesty made by Executive in connection with Executive’s responsibilities as an employee, (ii) Executive’s conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony or any crime involving fraud, embezzlement or any other act of moral turpitude, (iii) Executive’s gross misconduct, (iv) Executive’s unauthorized use or disclosure of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any other party to whom Executive owes an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of Executive’s relationship with the Company; (v) Executive’s willful breach of any obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company; or (vi) Executive’s continued failure to perform his employment duties after Executive has received a written demand of performance from the Company which specifically sets forth the factual basis for the Company’s belief that Executive has not substantially performed his duties and has failed to cure such non-performance to the Company’s satisfaction within 10 business days after receiving such notice.

 

(c) Change of Control. “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

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

 

-9-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(ii) A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this clause (ii), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change of Control; or

 

(iii) A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than fifty percent (50%) of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (iii), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (A) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (B) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (1) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (2) an entity, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (3) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (4) an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection (iii)(B)(3). For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(d) Change of Control Period. “Change of Control Period” means the period beginning on the date three (3) months prior to, and ending on the date that is twelve (12) months following, a Change of Control.

 

(e) Code. “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

-10-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(f) Deferred Payment. “Deferred Payment” means any severance pay or benefits to be paid or provided to Executive (or Executive’s estate or beneficiaries) pursuant to this Agreement and any other severance payments or separation benefits, that in each case, when considered together, are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A.

 

(g) Disability. “Disability” means that the Employee has been unable to perform Executive’s Company duties as the result of Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness, and such inability, at least twenty-six (26) weeks after its commencement or 180 days in any consecutive twelve (12) month period, is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to Executive or Executive’s legal representative (such agreement as to acceptability not to be unreasonably withheld). Termination resulting from Disability may only be effected after at least thirty (30) days’ written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate the Employee’s employment. In the event that the Employee resumes the performance of substantially all of Executive’s duties hereunder before the termination of Executive’s employment becomes effective, the notice of intent to terminate will automatically be deemed to have been revoked.

 

(h) Equity Awards. “Equity Awards” means Executive’s outstanding Company stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance stock units and any other Company equity compensation awards.

 

(i) Good Reason. “Good Reason” means Executive’s resignation within thirty (30) days following the expiration of any Company cure period (discussed below) following the occurrence of one or more of the following, without Executive’s express written consent: (i) a material diminution of Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities relative to Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such diminution; provided, however, that a reduction in the Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities solely by virtue of the Company being acquired and made part of a larger entity (for example, if the Executive is employed by the Company with substantially the same responsibilities with respect to the Company’s business that Executive had immediately prior to the Change of Control regardless of whether Executive’s title is revised to reflect Executive’s placement within the overall corporate hierarchy or whether Executive provides services to a subsidiary, affiliate, business unit or otherwise) shall not constitute Good Reason; (ii) a material reduction by the Company in the base compensation of the Executive as in effect immediately prior to such reduction, with a reduction of more than ten percent (10%) to be deemed material for such purposes; (iii) a material change in the location of Executive’s principal place of work, provided that a relocation of less than fifty five (55) miles from Executive’s then-current work location shall not be deemed material; or (iv) any other action that constitutes a material breach by the Company of its obligations to Executive under this Agreement. Executive’s resignation will not be deemed to be for Good Reason unless Executive has first provided the Company with written notice of the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for “Good Reason” within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of the grounds for “Good Reason” and a reasonable cure period of not less than thirty (30) days following the date the Company receives such notice, and such condition has not been cured during such period.

 

-11-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

(j) Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. “Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement” means the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement entered into previously by the Executive and the Company.

 

(k) Section 409A. “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and any final regulations and guidance thereunder and any applicable state law equivalent, as each may be amended or promulgated from time to time.

 

(l) Section 409A Limit. “Section 409A Limit” will mean two (2) times the lesser of: (i) Executive’s annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Executive during the Executive’s taxable year preceding the Executive’s taxable year of Executive’s separation from service as determined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1) and any Internal Revenue Service guidance issued with respect thereto; or (ii) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code for the year in which Executive’s separation from service occurred.

 

12. Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. Executive agrees to continue to follow and comply with the terms and conditions of the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement.

 

13. Assignment. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of (a) the heirs, executors and legal representatives of Executive upon Executive’s death and (b) any successor of the Company. Any such successor of the Company will be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of this Agreement for all purposes. For this purpose, “successor” means any person, firm, corporation or other business entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company. None of the rights of Executive to receive any form of compensation payable pursuant to this Agreement may be assigned or transferred except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any other attempted assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits will be null and void.

 

14. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications called for hereunder will be in writing and will be deemed given (i) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, (ii) one (1) day after being sent by a well-established commercial overnight service, or (iii) four (4) days after being mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, prepaid and addressed to the parties or their successors at the following addresses, or at such other addresses as the parties may later designate in writing:

 

If to the Company:

 

Grid Dynamics International, Inc.

Attn: Yury Gryzlov, Senior Vice President of Operations

Grid Dynamics, 5000 Executive Parkway, Ste 520,

San Ramon, CA 94583, Unites States of America

 

-12-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

If to Executive:

 

Stan Klimoff

 

at the last residential address known by the Company.

 

15. Severability. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement will continue in full force and effect without said provision.

 

16. Integration. This Agreement, the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement and Executive’s outstanding Equity Award agreements represents the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements whether written or oral. This Agreement may be modified only by agreement of the parties by a written instrument executed by the parties that is designated as an amendment to this Agreement.

 

17. Waiver of Breach. The waiver of a breach of any term or provision of this Agreement, which must be in writing, will not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other previous or subsequent breach of this Agreement.

 

18. Headings. All captions and section headings used in this Agreement are for convenient reference only and do not form a part of this Agreement.

 

19. Tax Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable taxes.

 

20. Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California (with the exception of its conflict of laws provisions).

 

21. Acknowledgment. Executive acknowledges that he has had the opportunity to discuss this matter with and obtain advice from his private attorney, has had sufficient time to, and has carefully read and fully understands all the provisions of this Agreement, and is knowingly and voluntarily entering into this Agreement.

 

22. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart will have the same force and effect as an original and will constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.

 

-13-

 

 

5000 Executive Parkway,
Ste 520, San Ramon,
CA 94583, United States
Tel: 650.523.5000
www.griddynamics.com

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year set forth below.

 

COMPANY:  
   
GRID DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.  

 

Signature: 

/s/ Leonard Livschitz

 
By:

Leonard Livschitz

 
Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

EXECUTIVE:  

 

/s/ Stan Klimoff

 

Stan Klimoff

 

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT]

 

 

-14-

 

 

Exhibit 10.15

 

GRID DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL, Inc.

 

Indemnification Agreement

 

This Indemnification Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made as of ______, _____ by and between Grid Dynamics International, Inc., a California corporation (the “Company”), and _______, an individual (“Indemnitee”).

 

RECITALS

 

The Company has entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (“Merger Agreement”) by and among CS Merger Sub 1, Inc., a California corporation (“Merger Sub 1”), ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), CS Merger Sub 2, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Merger Sub 2”), the Company and Automated Systems Holdings Limited, a company incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability, solely in its capacity as representative of the Securityholders (as defined in the Merger Agreement), pursuant to which (a) Merger Sub 1 will be merged with and into the Company, (the “Initial Merger”), with the Company surviving the Initial Merger on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, and (b) as part of the same overall transactions, immediately following the Initial Merger, the Company will be merged with and into Merger Sub 2, with Merger Sub 2 surviving on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement (the “Merger”). The Company acknowledges that Indemnitee may incur certain tax liabilities under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) related to payments or benefits received pursuant to the Merger (such tax liabilities, whether under Code Section 409A, Code Section 4999, Code Section 280G, or any other Section of the Code, and liabilities relating to ineffective 83(b) elections, but excluding liabilities for income, payroll and capital gain taxes incurred by Indemnitee in the ordinary course as a result payments received in the Merger or otherwise, are referred to as the “Tax Liabilities”), and Indemnitee would not continue in the employment of the Company upon consummation of the Merger without assurances from the Company that the Company will indemnify the Indemnitee as a result of any such Tax Liabilities incurred by the Indemnitee as a result of the Merger. By entering into this Agreement with the Indemnitee, the Company seeks to assure the Indemnitee that the Company will indemnify the Indemnitee for any Tax Liabilities incurred by the Indemnitee as a result of the Merger.

 

AGREEMENT

 

In consideration of the mutual promises made in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company and Indemnitee hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Indemnification.

 

(a) In the event it will be determined that any payment or distribution by the Company or other amount with respect to the Company to or for the benefit of Indemnitee that is contingent upon or results from the consummation of the Merger, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Employment Agreement entered into by and between the Company and the Indemnitee, or otherwise, but determined without regard to any additional payments required under this Agreement (a “Payment”), results in a Tax Liability, or any interest or penalties are (or will be) incurred by Indemnitee with respect to any Tax Liability (the Tax Liability, together with any interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Excess Tax”), Indemnitee will be entitled to receive an additional cash payment (a “Gross-Up Payment”) from the Company in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Excess Tax and (ii) an amount sufficient to pay the cumulative Excess Tax and all cumulative federal, state and local income and employment taxes (including any interest and penalties imposed with respect to such taxes) relating to the Gross-Up Payment so the net amount retained by Indemnitee is equal to the Payment (excluding any Gross-Up Payment) less federal, state and local income and employment taxes imposed with respect to the Payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Indemnitee understands that the Company’s obligations hereunder are subject to the limitations set forth in the Company’s Merger Indemnification policy, a copy of which has been provided to Indemnitee.

 

 

 

 

(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 1(c) below, all determinations required to be made under this Section 1, including whether and when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at the determination, will be made by a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm selected by the Company with the consent of Indemnitee, which should not unreasonably be withheld (the “Accounting Firm”) which will provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and Indemnitee within thirty (30) days after the receipt of notice from Indemnitee that there has been a Payment, or such earlier time as is requested by the Company.  All fees and Expenses (as defined below) of the Accounting Firm will be borne solely by the Company.  The Company and Indemnitee will furnish such information and documentations as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section 1. The Company, as determined in accordance with this Section 1, will pay any Gross-Up Payment to Indemnitee within five (5) days after the receipt of the Accounting Firm’s determination.  If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excess Tax is payable by Indemnitee, it will so indicate to Indemnitee in writing.  Any determination by the Accounting Firm will be binding upon the Company and Indemnitee; provided, however, that as a result of uncertainty in the application of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Accounting Firm, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments that the Company should have made will not have been made (an “Underpayment”), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder.  In the event the Company exhausts its remedies in accordance with Section 1(c), or elects not to exercise such remedies, and Indemnitee thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excess Tax, the Accounting Firm will determine the amount of Underpayment that has occurred and the Underpayment will be promptly paid by the Company to or for the benefit of Indemnitee. If the actual Excess Tax imposed is less than the amount that was taken into account in determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, the Indemnitee shall repay the Company at the time that the amount of the reduced Excess Tax is finally determined the portion of the Gross-Up Payment attributable to that reduction (plus the portion of the Gross-Up Payment attributable to the Excess Tax and federal, state and local income and employment taxes imposed on the portion of the Gross-Up Payment being repaid by the Indemnitee, to the extent the repayment results in a reduction in or refund of the Excess Tax, federal, state and local income and employment taxes).

 

(c) Indemnitee will notify the Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require a Gross-Up Payment (that has not already been paid by the Company).  The notification will be given as soon as practicable but no later than ten (10) business days after Indemnitee is informed in writing of the claim and will apprise the Company of the nature of the claim and the date on which the claim is requested to be paid.  Indemnitee will not pay the claim prior to the expiration of the 30-day period following the date on which Indemnitee gives notice to the Company or any shorter period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with respect to the claim is due.  If the Company notifies Indemnitee in writing prior to the expiration of the 30-day or shorter period that it desires to contest the claim, Indemnitee will:

 

(i) give the Company any information reasonably requested by the Company relating to the claim;

 

(ii) take any action in connection with contesting the claim as the Company will reasonably request in writing from time to time, including, without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to the claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Company;

 

2 

 

 

(iii) cooperate with the Company in good faith in order effectively to contest the claim; and

 

(iv) permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to the claim.

 

(d) The Company will bear and pay directly all costs and Expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with the contest and will indemnify and hold Indemnitee harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excess Tax or income tax (including interest and penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result of the representation and payment of costs and Expenses.  Without limitation of the forgoing provisions of this Section 1, the Company will control all proceedings taken in connection with the contest and, at its sole option, may pursue or forego any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings, and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of the claim and may, at its sole option, either direct Indemnitee to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and Indemnitee agrees to prosecute the contest to a determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as the Company will determine.  If the Company directs Indemnitee to pay the claim and sue for a refund, the Company will advance the amount of the payment to Indemnitee, on an interest-free basis, and will indemnify and hold Indemnitee harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any Excess Tax or income tax (including interest or penalties with respect thereto) imposed with respect to the advance or with respect to any imputed income with respect to the advance; and any extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of taxes for the taxable year of Indemnitee with respect to which the contested amount is claimed to be due will be limited solely to the contested amount.  The Company’s control of the contest will be limited to issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and Indemnitee will be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.

 

(e) If, after the receipt by Indemnitee of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 1(d), Indemnitee becomes entitled to receive any refund with respect to the claim, Indemnitee will, subject to the Company’s compliance with the requirements of Section 1(d), promptly pay to the Company the amount of the refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes applicable thereto).  If, after the receipt by Indemnitee of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to this Section 1(d), a determination is made that Indemnitee will not be entitled to any refund with respect to the claim and the Company does not notify Indemnitee in writing of its intent to contest the denial of refund prior to the expiration of thirty (30) days after the determination, then the advance will be forgiven and will not be required to be repaid and the amount of the advance will offset, to the extent thereof, the amount of Gross-Up Payment required to be paid.

 

(f) Should the Company elect not to contest the Internal Revenue Service claim in accordance with the foregoing provisions of Section 1(c) or otherwise not provide Indemnitee with written notice of its intention to contest such claim within the applicable thirty (30) day or shorter notice period provided in Section 1(c), then the Company will promptly thereafter pay Indemnitee the applicable Gross-Up Payment attributable to such claim.

 

2. Interest on Unpaid Amounts. If any payment to be made by the Company to Indemnitee hereunder is delayed by more than ninety (90) days from the date the duly prepared request for such payment is received by the Company, interest shall be paid by the Company to Indemnitee at the legal rate under California law for amounts which the Company indemnifies or is obligated to indemnify for the period commencing with the date on which Indemnitee actually incurs such Expense or pays such judgment, fine or amount in settlement and ending with the date on which such payment is made to Indemnitee by the Company.

 

3 

 

 

3. 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. 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 and Third-Party Indemnitors to the full 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.

 

4. Defined Terms and Phrases. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a) “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, and 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, trustee, general partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any 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.

 

(b) “Expenses” shall include all direct and indirect costs, fees and expenses of any type or nature whatsoever, including all attorneys’ fees and costs, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, fees of private investigators and professional advisors, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payment under this Agreement (including taxes that may be imposed upon the actual or deemed receipt of payments under this Agreement with respect to the imposition of federal, state, local or foreign taxes), fax transmission charges, secretarial services and all other disbursements, obligations or expenses in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, settlement or appeal of, or otherwise participating in a proceeding. Expenses also shall include any of the forgoing expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any proceeding, including the principal, premium, security for, and other costs relating to any costs bond, supersedes bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent. Expenses also shall include any and all liabilities of any type whatsoever (including, but not limited to, judgments, fines, penalties, ERISA (or other benefit plan related) excise taxes or penalties, and amounts paid in settlement and all interest, taxes, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of any such judgments, fines, ERISA (or other benefit plan related) excise taxes or penalties, or amounts paid in settlement). Expenses also shall include any interest, assessment or other charges imposed thereon and costs incurred in preparing statements in support of payment requests hereunder. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.

 

4 

 

 

5. Attorneys’ Fees. In the event that any action or proceeding is instituted by Indemnitee under this Agreement to enforce or interpret any of the terms hereof, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with such action or proceeding, unless a court of competent jurisdiction determines that each of the material assertions made by Indemnitee as a basis for such action or proceeding were not made in good faith or were frivolous. In the event of an action or proceeding instituted by or in the name of the Company under this Agreement or to enforce or interpret any of the terms of this Agreement, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with such action or proceeding (including with respect to Indemnitee’s counterclaims and cross-claims made in such action), unless a court of competent jurisdiction determines that each of Indemnitee’s material defenses to such action were made in bad faith or were frivolous. Notwithstanding any provisions herein contained, Indemnitee understands that all fees and Expenses (including but not limited to the attorneys’ fee, accounting firm’s fees) which shall be born by the Company hereunder are subject to the limitations set forth in the Company’s Merger Indemnification policy, a copy of which has been provided to Indemnitee.

 

6. 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 California, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.

 

(b) Entire Agreement; Binding Effect. Without limiting any of the rights of Indemnitee described herein, this Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and merges all prior discussions and supersedes any and all previous agreements between them covering the subject matter herein. The indemnification provided under this Agreement applies with respect to events occurring before or after the effective date of this Agreement, and shall continue to apply even after Indemnitee has ceased to serve the Company in any and all indemnified capacities.

 

(c) Amendments and Waivers. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the parties to 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) Notices. All notices given pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon the earlier of actual receipt or: (a) personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent, if sent by electronic mail or facsimile during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not sent during normal business hours, then on the recipient’s next business day, (c) ten (10) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, from one country to another country, or three (3) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, within the same country, or (d) five (5) business days after deposit with an internationally recognized express courier, freight prepaid, with written verification of receipt, from one country to another country, or one (1) business day after deposit with an internationally recognized express courier, freight prepaid, with written verification of receipt, within the same country. All communications shall be sent to the respective parties at their address as set forth on the signature page, or to such e-mail address, facsimile number or address as subsequently modified by written notice given in accordance with this Section.

 

(e) 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.

 

(f) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company) and assigns, and inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee’s heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives and assigns. The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/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.

 

5 

 

 

(g) Company Position. The Company shall be precluded from asserting, in any action or proceeding brought for purposes of establishing, enforcing or interpreting any right to indemnification under this Agreement, that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement and is precluded from making any assertion to the contrary.

 

(h) 409A. The Gross-Up Payment and any other tax reimbursement payments under this Agreement are intended to comply with or be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and any final Treasury regulations and official guidance thereunder and any applicable state law equivalent (“Section 409A”) such that none of the payments or benefits will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities or ambiguous terms in this Agreement will be interpreted to be so exempt or otherwise comply with Section 409A. Any tax gross-up payment (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(1)(v)) that is payable under this Agreement shall be made no later than the end of the Indemnitee’s taxable year next following Indemnitee’s taxable year during which the related taxes are remitted to the taxing authorities by or on behalf of the Indemnitee. Each payment or benefit hereunder is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2).

 

[signature pages follow]

 

6 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this Indemnification Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

  company:
     
  GRID DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL,Inc.

 

  Signature:    
  By:  
  Title:  
     
  Address: 5000 Executive Parkway, Suite 520
    San Ramon, CA 94583

 

7 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this Indemnification Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

AGREED AND ACCEPTED:  
   
INDEMNITEE:  
   
[NAME]  
   
   
(Signature)  
   
Address:  

 

8 

 

 

Grid Dynamics International, Inc.

Merger Indemnification Policy

 

In connection with the execution of the Agreement and Plan of Merger (“Merger Agreement”) by and among Grid Dynamics International, Inc., a California corporation (the “Company”), CS Merger Sub 1, Inc., a California corporation, ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation, CS Merger Sub 2, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Automated Systems Holdings Limited, a company incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability, solely in its capacity as representative of the Securityholders (as defined in the Merger Agreement), the Company has agreed to enter into Indemnification Agreements (the “Indemnification Agreements”) with certain Company executives (the “Indemnitees”). Pursuant to the terms of the Indemnification Agreements, the Company has agreed, by resolution adopted by the Company’s Board of Director’s on January 9, 2020, to indemnify the Indemnitees against certain Tax Liabilities (as defined in the Indemnification Agreements), provided the Company’s aggregate liability to the Indemnitees and any fees and expenses under such Indemnification Agreements shall in no event exceed $14.0 million.

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Grid Dynamics International, Inc.

 

Opinion on the financial statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Grid Dynamics International, Inc. (a California corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019, and 2018, the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Adoption of New Accounting Standard

 

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for revenue in fiscal year 2019 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”.

 

Basis for opinion

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

 

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

 

San Francisco, California

March 9, 2020

   

 

 

  

GRID DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands except share data)

 

    As of December 31,  
    2019     2018  
Assets            
Current Assets            
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 42,189     $ 17,862  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $20 as of December 31, 2019 and 2018     13,893       13,008  
Unbilled receivables     5,036       4,314  
Prepaid income taxes     308       429  
Deferred transaction costs     1,878        
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     2,711       1,610  
Total current assets     66,015       37,223  
Property and equipment, net     4,024       3,169  
Goodwill           139  
Intangible assets, net     18       146  
Deferred income taxes     1,474       1,049  
Total assets   $ 71,531     $ 41,726  
                 
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity                
Current liabilities                
Accounts payable   $ 768     $ 467  
Accrued liabilities     1,188       1,513  
Accrued compensation and benefits     5,337       3,913  
Dividends payable           2,000  
Accrued income taxes     869       157  
Other current liabilities     138       297  
Total liabilities     8,300       8,347  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)                
Convertible preferred stock, no par value, 622,027 and 0 shares authorized and outstanding as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively (Note 6)     9,187        
                 
Shareholders’ equity                
Common stock, no par value, 18,244,054 shares authorized and 12,847,462 outstanding as of December 31, 2019; 17,000,000 shares authorized and 12,000,000 outstanding as of December 31, 2018     8,117        
Additional paid-in capital     10,535       8,794  
Retained earnings     35,392       24,585  
Total shareholders’ equity (Note 7)     54,044       33,379  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 71,531     $ 41,726  

 

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

 

F-2

 

 

GRID DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands except per share data)

 

    For the years ended December 31,  
   

 

2019

    2018     2017  
Revenue   $ 118,326     $ 91,865     $ 70,684  
Cost of revenue     70,090       52,559       40,637  
Gross profit     48,236       39,306       30,047  
                         
Operating expenses                        
Engineering, research, and development     4,346       2,643       1,975  
Sales and marketing     6,947       5,200       2,353  
General and administrative     21,318       17,634       12,612  
Total operating expenses     32,611       25,477       16,940  
                         
Income from operations     15,625       13,829       13,107  
                         
Other income/(expenses), net     (176 )     (746 )     1  
                         
Income before income taxes     15,449       13,083       13,108  
Provision/(benefit) for income taxes     4,642       3,855       (76 )
Net income and comprehensive income   $ 10,807     $ 9,228     $ 13,184  
                         
Earnings per share                        
Basic   $ 0.83     $ 0.77     $ 0.82  
Diluted   $ 0.83     $ 0.77     $ 0.78  
Weighted average shares outstanding                        
Basic     12,535       12,000       9,362  
Diluted     12,946       12,000       9,788  

 

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

 

F-3

 

 

GRID DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL, INC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)

 

    Temporary Equity     Permanent Equity  
    Convertible
Preferred Stock
    Common Stock     Additional
paid-in
    Shareholder
note
    Retained     Total
shareholders’
 
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     capital     receivable     earnings     equity  
Balance at January 1, 2017     9,969     $ 3,317       1,801     $ 1,362     $ 1,374     $ (7 )   $ 7,207     $ 9,936  
Issuance of preferred stock upon exercise of warrant     114       90                                      
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options                 116       139                         139  
Dividends paid                                         (3,034 )     (3,034 )
Repayment of shareholder
note
                                  7             7  
Stock-based compensation                             756                   756  
Cancellation of common stock and preferred stock in connection with the ASL acquisition     (10,083 )     (3,407 )     (1,917 )     (1,501 )     4,908                   3,407  
Issuance of common stock in connection with the ASL acquisition                 12,000                                
Net income                                         13,184       13,184  
Balance at December 31, 2017                 12,000             7,038           17,357       24,395  
Dividends declared                                         (2,000 )     (2,000 )
Stock-based compensation                             1,756                   1,756  
Net income                                         9,228       9,228  
Balance at December 31, 2018                 12,000             8,794             24,585       33,379  
Stock-based compensation                             2,441                   2,441  
Issuance of common and preferred stock, net of $96 issuance costs     622       9,187       622       5,717                         5,717  
Exercise of stock options                 225       2,400       (700 )                 1,700  
Net income                                         10,807       10,807  
Balance at December 31, 2019     622       9,187       12,847     $ 8,117     $ 10,535     $     $ 35,392     $ 54,044  

   

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

 

F-4

 

 

GRID DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

 

    For the years ended December 31,  
    2019     2018     2017  
Cash flows from operating activities                        
Net income   $ 10,807     $ 9,228     $ 13,184  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                  
Depreciation and amortization     2,311       1,312       660  
Impairment of goodwill     139              
Deferred income taxes     (425 )     (566 )     394  
Stock-based compensation     2,441       1,756       756  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                        
Accounts receivable     (885 )     (1,402 )     (4,077 )
Unbilled receivables     (722 )     (3,607 )     42  
Prepaid income taxes     121       1,917       (4,281 )
Deferred transaction costs     (1,878 )            
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     (1,101 )     (564 )     (562 )
Accounts payable     301       219       (92 )
Accrued liabilities     (552 )     524       (1,214 )
Accrued compensation and benefits     1,424       1,722       426  
Accrued income taxes     712       (36 )     228  
Other current liabilities     (159 )     81       76  
Net cash provided by operating activities     12,534       10,584       5,540  
                         
Cash flows from investing activities                        
Purchase of property and equipment     (2,811 )     (3,079 )     (1,058 )
Net cash used in investing activities     (2,811 )     (3,079 )     (1,058 )
                         
Cash flows from financing activities                        
Sales of common and preferred stock     14,904              
Payments of notes payable                 (1,917 )
Proceeds from payment of shareholder note receivable                 7  
Payments of dividends     (2,000 )           (3,034 )
Proceeds from exercises of preferred stock warrant                 90  
Proceeds from exercises of stock options     1,700             139  
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities     14,604             (4,715 )
                         
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     24,327       7,505       (233 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     17,862       10,357       10,590  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $ 42,189     $ 17,862     $ 10,357  
                         
Cash paid for income taxes   $ 3,195     $ 1,482     $ 2,684  
                         
Non-cash investing activities                  
Accrued software implementation costs   $ 227     $     $  
Non-cash financing activities                        
Dividends declared   $     $ 2,000     $  

 

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

 

F-5

 

 

GRID DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 — Nature of operations

 

Grid Dynamics International, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated as Grid Dynamics Consulting Services, Inc., a California corporation in September 2006. In June 2011, the Company changed its name to Grid Dynamics International, Inc. The Company provides enterprise-level digital transformation in the areas of search, analytics, and release automation to Fortune 500 companies. The Company’s headquarters and principal place of business is in San Ramon, California.

 

On April 7, 2017 the Company was acquired through a merger agreement and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Automated Systems Holdings Limited (“ASL”). The acquisition was made through GDD International Merger Company (“Merger Sub”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ASL.

 

As part of the acquisition by ASL, the Company elected not to apply pushdown accounting and continued to reflect the assets and liabilities on its historical basis prior to the ASL acquisition. Effective April 7, 2017, the Company’s preferred and common stock outstanding were canceled, retired, and ceased to exist. The Merger Sub was issued 100 shares of common stock with no par value effective April 7, 2017. The issuance of 100 shares was treated as a reverse-stock split for purposes of calculating earnings per share and presented as such in the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity as a retrospective adjustment. In addition, the Company effected a 120,000:1 stock split to the shares of the Company in August 2018. The 120,000:1 stock split was also retrospectively adjusted in the financial statements. Refer to Note 7 for details regarding the Company’s stock split.

 

Note 2 — Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies

 

Principles of consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation. The Company and its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates are listed below:

 

Grid Dynamics International, Inc. (CA) (formed in 2006)

 

Grid Dynamics, LLC (Russia) (formed in 2012)

 

Grid Dynamics Poland, LLC (Poland) (formed in 2014)

 

PE Taraday — 2014 (Ukraine) (formed in 2007)

 

GD Ukraine, LLC (formed in 2014)

 

Grid Dynamics Ukraine, LLC (Ukraine) (formed 2013)

 

Tonomi, Inc. (Delaware) (formed in 2010, liquidated in 2019)

 

Cometera RUS, LLC (Russia) (formed in 2013)

 

Cometera Ukraine, LLC (formed in 2013)

 

GDI Serbia (formed in 2018)

 

F-6

 

 

The Company provides services to its customers utilizing its own personnel as well as personnel from subcontractors. The most significant subcontractor is GD Ukraine, LLC (Grid-Ukraine) along with P.E. Taraday, a third-party contractor in the Ukraine (together the “Affiliates”). The Affiliates perform services and support exclusively on behalf of the Company and its customers. The Company has no ownership in the Affiliates. The Company is required to apply accounting standards which address how a business enterprise should evaluate whether it has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity (“VIE”) through means other than voting rights and accordingly should determine whether or not to consolidate the entity. The Company has determined that it is required to consolidate the Affiliates because the Company has the power to direct the VIE’s most significant activities and is the primary beneficiary of the Affiliates. The assets and liabilities of the Affiliates primarily consist of inter-company balances and transactions all of which have been eliminated in consolidation. The net income of the Affiliates was not material for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017.

 

Use of estimates

 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates and such differences could be material. Significant estimates include useful lives and recoverability of property and equipment, allowances for receivables, calculation of accrued liabilities, capitalization of internally developed software, stock-based compensation, and uncertain tax positions.

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

The Company considers cash equivalents to be highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. At times, cash deposits with banks may exceed federally insured limits.

 

Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts

 

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts, reflect the net realizable value of receivables and approximate fair value. The Company maintains an allowance against accounts receivable for the estimated probable losses on uncollectible accounts. The valuation reserve is based upon historical loss experience, current economic conditions within the industries the Company serves as well as determination of the specific risk related to certain customers. Accounts receivable are charged off against the reserve when, in management’s estimation, further collection efforts would not result in a reasonable likelihood of receipt.

 

Unbilled receivables

 

Generally, the Company will not bill customers until the services have been completed. From time-to-time, a service period may overlap with a period-end and the unbilled receivables represent amounts for services performed through period-end, but not yet billed. The unbilled receivable represents the amount expected to be billed and collected for services performed through period-end in accordance with contract terms. The unbilled receivables balances were $5.0 million and $4.3 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Property and equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, generally 2 to 7 years. Leasehold improvements and property under capital leases are amortized over the shorter of estimated useful lives of the assets or the lease term. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred.

 

F-7

 

 

Software development costs

 

The Company capitalizes costs incurred during the application development and implementation stages for computer software developed or obtained for internal use that are specifically identifiable, have determinable lives and relate to probable future economic benefits. Capitalized computer software costs are included in property and equipment, net in the consolidated balance sheets. Average useful life of such costs is two years.

  

During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company capitalized $1.0 million and $1.5 million of internally developed software costs, respectively. The Company did not have any capitalized software for the year ended December 31, 2017. The unamortized amount of internally developed software costs was $1.1 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. Amortization of internally developed software is recorded within sales and marketing expense as the software is developed for purposes of supporting internal sales and marketing activities. Costs associated with minor enhancements and maintenance or costs incurred during the preliminary project stage, and costs for training, data conversion, and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Management evaluates the useful lives of these assets on an annual basis and tests for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances occur that could impact the recoverability of these assets. Internally developed software did not have any impairment for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017

 

Business Combinations

 

The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, Business Combinations, recording any assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values. Any excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair value of the assets acquired less liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. The Company uses management estimates based on historically similar transactions to assist in establishing the acquisition date fair values of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and contingent consideration granted, if any. These estimates and valuations require the Company to make significant assumptions, including projections of future events and operating performance.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill is not subject to amortization but is tested for impairment annually as of December 31 and when events or circumstances indicate that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit may no longer exceed its carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

 

The Company uses the discounted cash flow method of the income approach and market approach to determine the fair value of the reporting unit and test for impairment as the Company’s management believes this is the most direct approach to incorporate the specific economic attributes and risk profiles of the reporting unit into the valuation model.

 

The Company determined that due to the decline in operations for Tonomi, Inc., which was acquired in 2015, indicators for impairment were present and performed a fair value assessment. As a result of the assessment, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $0.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2018, the Company determined that there were no indicators of impairment. Therefore, there was no goodwill as of December 31, 2019, and $0.1 million as of December 31, 2018.

 

Intangible assets

 

Finite-lived intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed on the straight-line basis over the asset’s useful lives ranging between 3 and 5 years. The Company recorded $0.1 million of amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2019, and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. The Company evaluates the recoverability of identifiable intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an intangible assets’ carrying amount may not be recoverable. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were no indicators of carrying values exceeding estimated amounts to be recovered.

 

F-8

 

 

Fair value

 

Financial instruments are required to be categorized within a valuation hierarchy based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are measured and classified in accordance with a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the observability of the inputs available in the market used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1 — Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

 

Level 2 — Inputs that are based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant inputs are observable in the market or can be derived from observable market data.

 

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activities. Where applicable, these models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using market-based observable inputs including interest rate curves, foreign exchange rates, and credit ratings.

 

Concentrations of credit risk and significant customers

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and accounts receivable. The Company’s cash is held with high-quality financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may, at times, exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. The Company also has cash deposited with commercial banks outside the United States, including countries such as Russia and Ukraine, in which banking and other financial systems are less developed and regulated. Bank deposits made by corporate entities in less developed markets such as these are not insured. As of December 31, 2019, $1.0 million of total cash was held in Russia and $0.1 million was held in Ukraine. In these regions, and particularly in Russia, a banking crisis, bankruptcy or insolvency of banks that process or hold the Company’s funds, may result in the loss of the Company’s deposits or adversely affect the Company’s ability to complete banking transactions, which could adversely affect the Company’s business and financial condition.

 

Accounts receivable and unbilled receivables are generally dispersed across the Company’s customers in proportion to their revenue. There were three customers individually exceeding 10% of the Company’s accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2019 and 2018. Two customers individually exceeded 10% of the unbilled receivables at December 31, 2019 and three customers individually exceeded 10% of the unbilled receivables balance at December 31, 2018.

 

Three customers accounted for 51% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 and individually accounted for 13%, 15%, and 23% of revenue, respectively. Three customers accounted for greater than 10% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018. The three customers comprised 55% of total revenue and individually accounted for 12%, 20%, and 23% of revenues, respectively. Two customers accounted for 47% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 and individually accounted for 22% and 25% of revenue, respectively.

 

The Company has not experienced any losses on its cash and cash equivalents and minimal losses on its accounts receivable. The Company performs ongoing evaluations of its customers’ financial condition.

 

Foreign currency risks

 

The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. The Company only generates revenues in U.S. dollars. The international subsidiaries convert the U.S. dollars to their respective local currencies to fund operations such as labor and materials required for the entity to operate. The Company’s international subsidiaries’ accounting records are denominated in their respective local currencies. The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate changes that could impact remeasurement of foreign denominated monetary assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars with the remeasurement impact recorded to income. The Company is also exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates related to cash outflows for expenditures in foreign currencies. The net loss on foreign currency transactions was $0.3 million, $0.2 million, and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The Company has not entered into any foreign exchange forward contracts, derivatives, or similar financial instruments to hedge against the risk of foreign exchange rate fluctuations.

 

F-9

 

 

Revenue recognition

 

The Company accounts for a contract with a customer when 1) the parties to the contract have approved the contract and are committed to performing their respective obligations, 2) the contract identifies each party’s rights regarding the goods or services to be transferred, 3) the contract identifies the payment terms for the goods or services to be transferred, 4) the contract has commercial substance, and 5) collection of substantially all consideration pursuant to the contract is probable.

 

The Company derives its revenue from offering a suite of digital engineering and information technology (“IT”) consulting services, including digital transformation strategy, emerging technology, lean labs and legacy system replatforming. For most contracts, the Company uses master agreements to govern the overall relevant terms and conditions of the business arrangement between the Company and its customers. When the Company and a customer enter into a Master Services Agreement (“MSA”), purchases are generally made by the customer via a statement of work (“SOW”) which explicitly references the MSA and specifies the services to be delivered. Fees for these contracts may be in the form of time-and-materials or fixed-fee arrangements. The majority of the Company’s revenues are generated under time-and-material contracts which are billed using hourly rates to determine the amounts to be charged directly to the customer. Fees are billed and collected as stipulated in the contract, and revenue is recognized as services are performed. If there is an uncertainty about the receipt of payment for the services, revenue is recognized to the extent that a significant reversal of revenue would not be probable.

 

Consulting services revenue is a single performance obligation earned through a series of distinct daily services and may include services such as those described above. The Company recognizes revenue for services over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits as the Company performs IT consulting services. For time-and-materials contracts, the customer derives value from the Company providing daily consulting services, and the value derived corresponds to the labor hours expended. Therefore, the Company measures the progress and recognizes revenue using an effort-based input method. For fixed-fee contracts, revenue is recognized ratably over the contract term.

 

For time-and-material contracts, the Company applies the variable consideration allocation exception. Therefore, instead of allocating the variable consideration to the entire performance obligation, the Company determined the variable consideration should be allocated to each distinct service to which the variable consideration relates, which is providing the customer daily consulting services. The Company also offers volume discounts or early settlement discounts. Volume discounts apply once the customer reaches certain contractual spend thresholds. Early settlement discounts are issued contingent upon the timing of the payment from the customer. If the consideration promised in a contract includes a variable amount, the Company only includes estimated amounts of consideration in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. These estimates may require management to make subjective judgments and to make estimates about the effects of matters inherently uncertain. The determination of whether to constrain consideration in the transaction price are based on information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to the Company, taking into consideration the type of customer, the type of transaction and the specific facts and circumstances of each arrangement. Although the Company believes that its approach in developing estimates and its reliance on certain judgments and underlying inputs is reasonable, actual results may differ from management’s estimates, judgments and assumptions. These estimates have historically not been material to the consolidated financial statements.

 

The Company reports gross reimbursable “out-of-pocket” expenses incurred as both revenues and cost of revenues in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

 

Disaggregation of Total Revenues:

 

The following table shows the disaggregation of the Company’s revenues by contract type for the year ended December 31, 2019 (in thousands): 

 

Contract Type      
Time-and-material   $ 116,825  
Fixed-fee     1,501  
Total Revenues   $ 118,326  

 

F-10

 

 

Remaining performance obligation

 

ASC 606 requires that the Company discloses the aggregate amount of transaction price that is allocated to performance obligations that have not yet been satisfied as of December 31, 2019. This disclosure is not required for:

 

1) contracts with an original duration of one year or less, including contracts that can be terminated for convenience without a substantive penalty,
2) contracts for which the Company recognizes revenues based on the right to invoice for services performed,
3) variable consideration allocated entirely to a wholly unsatisfied performance obligation or to a wholly unsatisfied promise to transfer a distinct good or service that forms part of a single performance obligation in accordance with ASC 606-10-25-14(b), for which the criteria in ASC 606-10-32-40 have been met, or
4) variable consideration in the form of a sales-based or usage-based royalty promised in exchange for a license of intellectual property.

 

All of the Company’s contracts met one or more of these exemptions as of December 31, 2019.

 

Cost of revenue

 

Cost of revenue primarily consists of compensation for professional staff generating revenues for the Company. Compensation includes salary, benefits, performance bonuses, retention bonuses, stock compensation expense, and travel expenses. The Company allocates a portion of depreciation and amortization to cost of revenue.

 

Engineering, research and development

 

Engineering, research, and development expenses primarily include compensation for professional staff performing research and development related activities that are not directly attributable to generating revenues for the Company. Research and development activities relate to building and scaling the next generation ecommerce platform solutions for customers. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Engineering, research, and development expenses also include depreciation and amortization costs and retention bonuses.

 

Selling and marketing

 

Selling and marketing expenses are those expenses associated with promoting and selling the Company’s services and include such items as sales and marketing personnel salaries, stock compensation expense and related benefits, travel, advertising, depreciation and amortization, retention bonuses, and other promotional activities.

 

General and administrative

 

General and administrative expenses include other operating items such as officers’ and administrative personnel salaries, stock compensation expense and benefits, legal and audit expenses, public company related expenses, insurance, facility costs, retention bonuses, depreciation and amortization, including amortization of purchased intangibles and operating lease expenses.

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

Stock-based compensation expense is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the share-based awards. Forfeitures are recognized as incurred. The Company estimates grant-date fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The model requires management to make a number of key assumptions including the fair value of common stock, expected volatility, expected term, risk-free interest rate, and expected dividends. The Company evaluates the assumptions used to value its share-based awards on each grant date. The Company amortizes the grant-date fair value of all share-based compensation awards over the employee’s requisite service period for the entire award on a straight-line basis, which is generally the vesting period. For an award with graded vesting that is subject only to a service condition (e.g., time-based vesting), the Company uses the straight-line attribution method under ASC 718 under which they recognize compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the total requisite service period for the entire award (i.e., over the requisite service period of the last separately-vesting tranche of the award). Additionally, the Company applies the “floor” concept so that the amount of compensation cost that is recognized as of any date is at least equal the grant-date fair value of the vested portion of the award on that date. That is, if the straight-line expense recognized to date is less than the grant date fair value of the award that is legally vested at that date, the company will increase its recognized expense to at least equal the fair value of the vested amount. Refer to Note 8 — Stock-based compensation for additional information.

 

F-11

 

 

Income taxes

 

The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of the assets and liabilities. The determination of the provision for income taxes requires significant judgment, the use of estimates and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. The provision for income taxes reflects a combination of income earned and taxed in the various U.S. federal and state, international and other jurisdictions. Jurisdictional tax law changes, increases or decreases in permanent differences between book and tax items, accruals or adjustments of accruals for tax contingencies or valuation allowances, and the change in the mix of earnings from these taxing jurisdictions all affect the overall effective tax rate.

 

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more-likely-than-not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, in determining whether a valuation allowance is required. Such evidence includes prior earnings history, the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, carryback and carryforward periods of tax attributes, and tax planning strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of realization of a deferred tax asset in making this assessment. The weight given to the positive and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified.

 

The Company evaluates for uncertain tax positions at each balance sheet date. When it is more likely than not that a position will be sustained upon examination by a tax authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information, the Company measures the amount of tax benefit from the position and records the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized after settlement with a tax authority. The Company’s policy for interest and/or penalties related to underpayments of income taxes is to include interest and penalties in income tax expense. The Company identified and recorded approximately $0.4 million and $0.1 million of liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Earnings per share

 

The Company accounts for earnings per share in accordance with ASC Topic 260, Earnings per Share. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common and potential dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Under U.S. GAAP, companies are required to include certain option grants granted to employees and convertible preferred stock in the diluted earnings per share calculation, except in cases where the effect of the inclusion of options and convertible preferred stock would be antidilutive.

 

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

 

Changes to U.S. GAAP are established by the FASB, in the form of Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”), to the FASB’s ASC. The Company has elected not to opt out of the extended transition period and thus when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard.

 

The Company transitioned to ASC Topic 606, Revenue From Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”, the “New Standard”), from ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition on January 1, 2019. The New Standard was applied to all contracts that were not complete as of the date of adoption, using the modified retrospective transition method. The transition to ASC 606 represents a change in accounting principle. The Company’s consolidated financial statements reflect the adoption of ASC 606 beginning in 2019, while the Company’s consolidated financial statements prior to 2019 were prepared under the guidance of ASC 605. The new standard did not materially affect the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, balance sheets, or cash flows, and prior periods were not impacted as a result of the adoption of the standard. The new standard resulted in insignificant changes to the timing of recognition of revenues for certain volume discounts.

 

The Company elected to early adopt ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting effective as of January 1, 2019. The new standard simplifies aspects of accounting for share-based compensation issued to nonemployees by aligning it with the accounting for employee share-based compensation, with certain exceptions. The adoption of the new standard did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the Company does not currently have any share-based payment awards issued to nonemployees.

 

F-12

 

 

The Company elected to early adopt ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles, Goodwill, and Other - Internal Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s accounting for implementation costs incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a service contract as of January 1, 2019. The amendments in this ASU align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). Accordingly, the amendments require an entity (customer) in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract to follow the guidance in Subtopic 350-40 to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as an asset related to the service contract and which costs to expense. The new standard did not materially affect the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, balance sheets, or cash flows were not impacted as a result of the adoption of the standard.

 

Recently issued accounting pronouncements

 

The Company considered the applicability and impact of all ASUs. ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to put most leases on their balance sheet while recognizing expense in a manner similar to existing accounting. ASU 2016-02 states that a lessee would recognize a lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments and a right-to-use asset for the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The standard allows for two methods of adoption to recognize and measure leases: retrospectively to each prior period presented in the financial statements with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented or retrospectively at the beginning of the period of adoption with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the beginning of the period in which the guidance is first applied. Both adoption methods include a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply. The Company will adopt the standard retrospectively at the beginning of the period of adoption with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the beginning of the period in which the guidance is first applied. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-10, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842), delaying the effective implementation date for ASC 842 by one year for entities that have not yet adopted the standard. The new accounting guidance is effective for the Company for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. The Company has not yet determined the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326) — Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. Topic 326 was subsequently amended by ASU 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses and ASU 2019-05, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief. These ASUs replace the current incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments, including loans, held-to-maturity debt securities, net investments in leases, and off-balance sheet credit exposures. In November 2019 the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-10, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842), delaying the effective implementation date for Topic 326 by one year for entities that have not yet adopted the standard. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods with fiscal years after December 15, 2022. The Company has not yet determined the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which amends ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement. ASU 2018-13 modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by removing, modifying or adding certain disclosures. The accounting standard update will be effective beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, with removed and modified disclosures to be adopted on a retrospective basis, and new disclosures to be adopted on a prospective basis. The Company has not yet determined the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-17, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities”. The new standard changes how entities evaluate decision-making fees under the variable interest entity guidance. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period after issuance. The standard should be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings at the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company has not yet determined the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-13

 

 

In December 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (ASU 2019-12), which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles and also simplification of areas such as franchise taxes, step-up in tax basis goodwill, separate entity financial statements and interim recognition of enactment of tax laws or rate changes. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods with fiscal years after December 15, 2022 on a prospective basis, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements.

 

Note 3 — Property and equipment, net

 

Property and equipment consist of the following (amounts in the table below are presented in thousands):

 

    Estimated
Useful Life
  As of December 31,  
    (In Years)   2019     2018  
Computers and equipment   3   $ 5,470     $ 4,237  
Machinery and automobiles   5     129       68  
Furniture and fixtures   3     544       326  
Software   2     407       15  
Leasehold improvements   7     119       58  
          6,669       4,704  
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization         (3,784 )     (2,675 )
          2,885       2,029  
Capitalized software development costs   2     2,478       1,486  
Less: Accumulated amortization         (1,339 )     (346 )
          1,139       1,140  
Property and equipment, net       $ 4,024     $ 3,169  

 

Property and equipment depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 was $2.2 million, $1.1 million, and $0.5 million, respectively.

 

Note 4 — Accrued liabilities

 

The components of accrued liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

 

    As of December 31,  
    2019     2018  
Accrued customer discounts   $ 298     $ 477  
Accrued retention bonus     648       694  
Other accrued liabilities     242       342  
Total accrued liabilities   $ 1,188     $ 1,513  

 

F-14

 

 

In connection with the April 7, 2017 ASL merger described above in Note 1, the Company established a retention bonus plan. The retention bonus plan provides for bonus payment opportunities to key personnel, management, and sales personnel. Each participant in the plan has the opportunity to receive their individual retention bonus amount, as approved by the Board of Directors, in eight equal semi-annual payments. A portion of the retention bonus is subject to profit-before-tax performance metrics. Of the $10.0 million payout, $2.7 million is subject to earnout conditions based on the Company’s ability to achieve profit before tax growth targets. The retention bonus is payable as follows:

 

i) Initial 24 months: Each participant is entitled to receive each semi-annual payment so long as he or she remains an employee or consultant of the Company in good standing on the respective six-month anniversary date.

 

ii) Second 24 months (participants not subject to earnout conditions): Each participant not subject to earnout conditions is entitled to receive each semi-annual payment so long as he or she remains an employee or consultant of the Company in good standing on the respective six-month anniversary date.

 

iii) Second 24 months (participants subject to earnout conditions): Each participant subject to earnout conditions is entitled to receive each semi-annual payment so long as he or she remains an employee or consultant of the company in good standing on the respective six-month anniversary date; and for the six-month period then-ended the profit before tax of the Company during the corresponding six-month period of the immediately preceding year equals or exceeds the target set forth in the agreement.

 

Total retention bonus expenses recognized for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 was $2.5 million, $2.5 million, and $1.9 million, respectively. The retention bonuses are allocated to cost of revenue, engineering, research and development, sales and marketing, and general and administrative expense. Retention bonus expenses were allocated as follows (in thousands):

 

    For the years ended December 31,  
    2019     2018     2017  
Cost of revenue   $ 1,026     $ 1,026     $ 702  
Engineering, research, and development     380       380       263  
Sales and marketing     320       320       198  
General and administrative     782       782       712  
Total   $ 2,508     $ 2,508     $ 1,875  

  

Note 5 — Income taxes

 

Income before provision for income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

    For the years ended December 31,  
    2019     2018     2017  
United States   $ 13,486     $ 9,460     $ 10,899  
International     1,963       3,623       2,209  
    $ 15,449     $ 13,083     $ 13,108  

  

The federal and state income tax provision (benefit) is summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

    For the years ended December 31,  
    2019     2018     2017  
Current                        
Federal   $ 3,799     $ 2,841     $ (797 )
State     599       623       (97 )
International     669       936       424  
Total current tax expense     5,067       4,400       (470 )
Deferred                        
Federal     (375 )     (484 )     422  
State     (50 )     (61 )     (28 )
International                  
Total deferred tax expense     (425 )     (545 )     394  
Total tax expense/(benefit)   $ 4,642     $ 3,855     $ (76 )

 

F-15

 

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of (a) temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, and (b) operating losses and tax credit carryforwards.

 

The tax effects of significant items comprising the Company’s deferred taxes as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows (in thousands):

 

    As of December 31,  
    2019     2018  
Deferred tax assets                
Accrued compensation   $ 401     $ 369  
Bad debt     5       5  
State tax accrual     165       109  
Stock-based compensation     906       515  
Net operating loss     111       177  
Total deferred tax assets     1,588       1,175  
Deferred tax liabilities                
Fixed asset basis     (114 )     (126 )
Total deferred tax liabilities     (114 )     (126 )
Net deferred taxes   $ 1,474     $ 1,049  

 

ASC 740 requires that the tax benefit of net operating losses, temporary differences and credit carryforwards be recorded as an asset to the extent that management assesses that realization is “more likely than not.” Realization of the future tax benefits is dependent on the Company’s ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carryforward period.

 

The Company’s provision for income taxes does not include provisions for foreign withholding taxes associated with the repatriation of undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that the Company intends to reinvest indefinitely in its foreign subsidiaries.

 

Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2019 are as follows (in thousands): 

 

    Amount     Expiration
years
Net operating losses, federal   $ 404     2032 – 2035
Net operating losses, state   $ 383     2032 – 2035

 

F-16

 

 

The effective tax rate of the Company’s provision (benefit) for income taxes differs from the federal statutory rate as follows:

 

    For the years ended December 31,  
    2019     2018     2017  
Statutory rate     21.00 %     21.00 %     34.00 %
State tax     2.53 %     3.31 %     (0.53 )%
Permanent items     3.17 %     4.68 %     (3.41 )%
Stock-based compensation deductions     1.19 %     %     (29.71 )%
R&D credits     (0.70 )%     (0.86 )%     (1.72 )%
Foreign rate differential     2.86 %     1.33 %     (2.50 )%
Change in deferred – tax reform           %     1.47 %
Transition tax on foreign deferred income           %     1.82 %
Total     30.05 %     29.46 %     (0.58 )%

  

As of December 31, 2019, the Company has approximately $0.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits. Approximately all of the unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. A reconciliation of the amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

 

Balance at January 1, 2019   $ 74  
Increases related to prior year tax positions     124  
Increases related to current year tax positions     159  
Balance at December 31, 2019   $ 357  

 

Unrecognized tax benefits may change during the next twelve months for items that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not anticipate a material change to its unrecognized tax benefits over the next twelve months.

 

The Company’s policy is to recognize interest expense and penalties related to income tax matters as tax expense.

 

The Company is subject to income taxes in U.S. federal and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions.  The tax years ended from December 2012 to December 2018 remain open to examination due to the carryover of unused net operating losses or tax credits. 

 

Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income

 

In January 2018, the FASB released guidance on the accounting for tax on the global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) provisions of the Act. The GILTI provisions impose a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. The guidance indicates that either accounting for deferred taxes related to GILTI inclusions or treating any taxes on GILTI inclusions as period cost are both acceptable methods subject to an accounting policy election. The Company will elect to treat any potential GILTI inclusions as a period cost.

  

Note 6 — Preferred stock

 

As discussed in Note 1 above, on April 7, 2017, the Company was acquired by ASL. Prior to the date of the acquisition, the Company had convertible preferred stock outstanding during the period January 1, 2017 through April 6, 2017. The Company had preferred stock outstanding classified as Series A-1, A-2, and B. The Company’s convertible preferred stock was not redeemable at the option of the holder. The Company determined that its preferred stock was contingently redeemable due to the existence of deemed liquidation provisions contained in its Articles of Incorporation, as amended, and therefore classified the preferred stock outside of permanent equity.

 

F-17

 

 

On April 7, 2017, all of the Company’s preferred stock outstanding at the time of the ASL acquisition was converted into common shares and subsequently retired, canceled, and ceased to exist.

 

On May 6, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors amended the Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized common shares for issuance to 18,244,054 shares; and authorized 622,027 no par value shares of preferred stock for issuance. Additionally, on May 6, 2019 the Company entered into a Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (“Purchase Agreement”). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company issued 622,027 shares of Common Stock at an initial price of $9.25 and 622,027 shares of Series A Preferred Stock at a price of $14.8647 to BGV Opportunity Fund L.P. (“BGV”), a related party through the Company’s securityholder representative as part of the ASL acquisition described in Note 1 above, for an aggregate purchase price of $15.0 million. In connection with the issuance of the Common Stock and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, the Company incurred direct and incremental expenses of $0.1 million, related to legal fees, printing costs, financial advisory fees, closing costs, and other offering-related expenses. These expenses have been recorded as a reduction of proceeds from common stock and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

The significant features of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock are as follows:

 

Redemption rights — The Company’s convertible preferred stock is not redeemable at the option of the holder. The Company has determined that its Series A Preferred stock is contingently redeemable due to the existence of deemed liquidation provisions contained in its Articles of Incorporation, as amended, and therefore classifies the Series A Preferred Stock outside of permanent equity.

 

Liquidation preference — In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation as defined by the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended, the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive the greater of $24.1147 per share plus any dividends declared but unpaid, or such amount per share as would have been payable had all shares of Series A Preferred Stock been converted into common stock. If funds are insufficient for this distribution, the assets available will be distributed ratably among the preferred shareholders.

 

Dividend provisions — The holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to dividends, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, on an as-converted basis. Dividends are not cumulative.

 

Conversion rights — Each outstanding share of Series A Preferred Stock is convertible into one fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock at the option of the holder. Each share of convertible preferred stock shall automatically have been converted into fully paid and nonassessable shares of common stock upon a qualified initial public offering or acquisition by a special purpose acquisition company, as defined in the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended; or upon majority vote of the holders of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock.

 

Voting rights — The holders of each share of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to the number of votes equal to the number of shares of common stock into which such share is convertible at the record date.

 

Note 7 — Shareholders’ equity

 

In January, February, and March of 2017, approximately 116,000 employee stock options, adjusted for stock splits, were exercised under the 2011 Stock Plan as defined and discussed in Note 8 below.

 

On July 8, 2013, the Company entered into a warrant agreement with Bridge Bank for the right to purchase 114,758 shares of Series A-1 preferred stock at a purchase price of $0.784 per share (adjusted for stock splits). On February 17, 2017, Bridge Bank exercised the warrants to purchase the Series A-1 preferred stock.

 

On April 7, 2017, in connection with the ASL acquisition as described in Note 1 above, the Company retired and canceled all outstanding shares of common and preferred stock. The Company’s Board of Directors subsequently approved the issuance of 100 common shares with no par-value (not adjusted for the 120,000:1 stock split further described below).

 

On August 28, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors executed an amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of common shares authorized for issuance to 17,000,000.

 

On August 31, 2018, the Company effected a 120,000:1 forward stock split of its common shares. As a result of the stock split, the Company’s common shares issued and outstanding increased to 12,000,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018. All share information presented in the financial statements and related note have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock split.

 

F-18

 

 

On May 6, 2019, the Company’s Board of Director’s amended the Articles of Incorporation and issued 622,047 shares of common stock, as discussed further above in Note 6.

 

In May and June of 2019, approximately 225,435 employee stock options were exercised under the 2018 Stock Plan as defined and discussed in Note 8 below.

 

Note 8 — Stock-based compensation

 

Effective November 9, 2018, the Board of Directors approved a stock plan (the “2018 Stock Plan”). The 2018 Stock Plan permits the Company to grant up to 5,000,000 Incentive Stock Options (“ISOs”) or Nonstatutory Stock Options (“NSOs”) at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. ISOs may only be granted to employees. An individual employee may receive up to a fair value of $0.1 million of ISOs, with the excess fair value of the options treated as NSOs. Fair value is defined as:

 

1)      If at the grant date the Company’s stock is listed on a national exchange, the fair value shall be equal to the closing price of the stock as quoted on the NASDAQ.

 

2)      If at the grant date, the Company’s stock is not listed on a national exchange, the fair value of the option(s) granted will be determined in good faith by the Board of Directors as described further below.

 

The options granted under the 2018 Stock Plan generally vest over a period of approximately 3 years. If ISOs are granted to individuals owning at least 10% of the total combined voting power of the Company, then the ISOs will have a 5-year exercise term. ISOs and NSOs that contain, (i) a performance-based vesting requirement and (ii) are granted to non-directors, non-officers, and non-consultants of the Company, are exercisable at a rate of at least 20% over a 5-year period from the effective date of the grant. All options except for the ISOs described above have approximately a 10-year exercise term. Once options are vested, the recipients have the right to purchase the Company’s stock at a fixed and specified exercise price that varies depending on each stock option’s issuance date. Options are subject to time and performance vesting requirements as determined by the Board of Directors at the grant date. The Board of Directors may at its sole discretion provide acceleration of exercisability and vesting as it deems appropriate within the option recipient’s award agreement, or in the event of a change in control of the Company.

 

The Company has granted 2,982,339 options as of December 31, 2019 subject to time and performance-based vesting requirements. Unvested exercised options are treated as restricted shares that have voting and dividend rights and become fully unrestricted upon vesting. Dividends are not forfeitable as it relates to unvested exercised options that are canceled or forfeited prior to the respective date of vesting. The vesting provisions for the options granted are as set forth in the table below:

 

Grant Date   Options Granted   Vesting Conditions
November 12, 2018   2,250,000   -     The options vest as follows: 25% on the date of grant and 25% annually on the respective anniversaries as defined in the award agreement
March 27, 2019   20,000   -   The options vest as follows: 25% annually on the respective anniversaries as defined in the award agreement
May 22, 2019   166,118  

-  

A portion of the options vest as follows: 50% of the option shares vested on the date of grant and 25% vest annually on the anniversaries as defined in the award agreement.

        -   The remaining options vest as follows: 25% annually on the respective anniversaries as defined in the award agreement
       

-  

A portion of the options vest as follows: 75% of the option shares are vested on the Initial Vesting Date (as defined below); and 25% on the anniversaries as defined in the award agreement.

May 22, 2019   416,221   - A portion of the options vest as follows: 50% of the option shares are vested on the Initial Vesting Date (as defined below); and 25% on the anniversaries as defined in the award agreement.
        - The remaining options vest as follows: 25% of the option shares are vested on the Initial Vesting Date (as defined below), 25%; and 25% on the anniversaries as defined in the award agreement.
August 30, 2019   120,000   - The options vest as follows: 25% annually on the respective anniversaries as defined in the award agreement
November 6, 2019   10,000   - The options vest as follows: 25% annually on the respective anniversaries as defined in the award agreement

 

F-19

 

 

The Initial Vesting Date is defined as the closing date of a merger or consolidation by a special purpose acquisition company (ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp. or its wholly-owned subsidiary) and the Company and ASL.

 

Of the 732,339 options granted for the year ended December 31, 2019, 674,670 options remain outstanding that have a right to early exercise, net of forfeitures and options exercised. No options have been exercised early to date.

 

The grant-date fair value of each option award was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, as determined by the Board of Directors. The key assumptions for 2019 grants are provided in the following table. The Company used a zero percent dividend yield assumption for all Black-Scholes stock option-pricing calculations. Since the Company’s shares are not publicly traded and its shares are rarely traded privately, expected volatility is estimated based on the average historical volatility of similar entities with publicly traded shares. The risk-free rate for the expected term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the date of grant. Expected term is estimated using the simplified method, which takes into account vesting and contractual term. The simplified method is being used to calculate expected term instead of historical experience due to a lack of relevant historical data resulting from changes in option vesting schedules and changes in the pool of employees receiving option grants.

 

    2019   2018
Dividend yield   0%   0%
Expected volatility   40%   40%
Risk-free interest rates   1.42% – 2.23%   2.90% – 3.07%
Expected term in years   5.20 – 6.25   5.48 – 5.79
Grant date fair value of common stock   $7.54 – 7.55   $7.54

  

The stock option activity under the 2018 Stock Plan during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is as follows (in thousands except exercise price):

 

          Options outstanding  
   

Options
available for
grant

    Number of
options
outstanding
    Weighted-
average
exercise
price
    Weighted-
average
remaining
contractual
term
    Aggregate
intrinsic
value
 
Balances at December 31, 2017               $             $  
Options authorized to grant     5,000                            
Options granted     (2,250 )     2,250       7.54       9.87        
Options exercised                                
Options canceled/forfeited                                
Options expired                                
Balances at December 31, 2018     2,750       2,250     $ 7.54       9.87     $ 0  
Vested at December 31, 2018           563     $ 7.54       9.87     $ 0  
Exercisable at December 31, 2018           2,213     $ 7.54       9.87     $ 0  

 

F-20

 

  

          Options outstanding  
    Options
available for
grant
    Number of
options
outstanding
    Weighted-
average
exercise
price
    Weighted-
average
remaining
contractual
term
    Aggregate
intrinsic
value
 
Balances at December 31, 2018     2,750       2,250     $ 7.54       9.87     $  
Options granted     (732 )     732       7.55       9.44        
Options exercised           (225 )     7.54              
Options canceled/forfeited     23       (23 )                  
Options expired                              
Balances at December 31, 2019     2,041       2,734             9.01     $ 0  
Vested at December 31, 2019           1,202     $ 7.54       8.90     $ 0  
Exercisable at December 31, 2019           2,678     $ 7.54       9.00     $ 0  

 

The total fair value of the underlying shares for the options that vested during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $4.8 million and $4.2 million, respectively. The Company had 2,734,327 options outstanding at December 31, 2019. The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the difference between the Company’s most recent valuation at March 31, 2019, and the exercise price of each in-the-money option on the last day of the period presented.

 

The Company had previously adopted a stock plan in 2011 (the “2011 Stock Plan”). On December 8, 2016, in contemplation of the impeding April 7, 2017, acquisition by ASL, the Company modified its 2011 Stock Plan by providing for the acceleration of vesting of the stock options upon a change in control. On the date of closing, the vesting of options held by eligible option grantees were accelerated in full, by an additional 18 months, or by an additional 12 months, respectively, with 45 total employees affected by the modification. Under the terms of the 2011 Stock Plan and the merger agreement with ASL, any remaining unvested options on the transaction date were canceled for no consideration, and all vested but unexercised options as of the transaction date were paid in cash as part of the merger consideration. See Note 1 above for additional details. There was no incremental compensation cost attributable to the incremental fair value of the modified options compared to the original options on the modification date. On the date of closing, the acceleration of vesting for 705,492 stock options resulted in a stock compensation charge and corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital of $0.8 million. The remaining 155,383 stock options were canceled for no consideration. After the date of closing, the Company did not have any options outstanding under the 2011 Stock Plan.

 

Total compensation expense related to the Company’s stock-based expense plans was $2.4 million, $1.8 million, and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The Company classifies awards issued under the stock-based plans as equity.

 

Employee stock-based compensation recognized was as follows (in thousands):

 

    For the years ended December 31,  
    2019     2018     2017  
Cost of revenue   $ 148     $ 84     $ 162  
Engineering, research, and development     175       103       41  
Sales and marketing     53       40       53  
General and administrative     2,065       1,529       500  
Total stock-based compensation   $ 2,441     $ 1,756     $ 756  

 

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there was approximately $5.0. million and $5.3 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense. All of the unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 related to the 2018 Stock Plan and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.19 years.

 

F-21

 

 

Note 9 — Earnings per share

 

For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2017, the Company computed earnings per share (“EPS”) in conformity with the two-class method required for participating securities. Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities are subtracted from net income in determining net income attributable to common stockholders. The Company allocated income between its common and preferred shareholders only for the period the preferred stock was outstanding, which for the year ended 2019 was May 6, 2019 to December 31, 2019. For the year ended 2017 the Company had preferred stock outstanding from January 1, 2017 to April 6, 2017. Earnings for the periods January 1, 2019 to May 6, 2019 and April 7, 2017 to December 31, 2017 were allocated entirely to common shareholders.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018, basic EPS was calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. All participating securities are excluded from basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period increased to include the number of additional shares of common stock that would have been outstanding if the potentially dilutive securities had been issued. Potentially dilutive securities include outstanding stock options. The dilutive effect of potentially dilutive securities is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method.

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share of common stock as follows (in thousands except per share data):

 

    For the years ended December 31,  
   

2019

    2018     2017  
Numerator for basic earnings per share                  
Net income   $ 10,807     $ 9,228     $ 13,184  
Less: Income attributable to preferred shareholders     (377 )           (2,744 )
Less: Dividends declared to preferred shareholders                 (2,758 )
Net income available to common shareholders     10,430       9,228       7,682  
                         
Denominator for basic earnings per share                        
Weighted-average shares outstanding – basic     12,535       12,000       9,362  
Basic earnings per share   $ 0.83     $ 0.77     $ 0.82  
                         
Numerator for diluted earnings per share                        
Net income available to common shareholders   $ 10,430     $ 9,228     $ 7,682  
Add-back: Income allocated to preferred shareholders assumed converted     377              
Net income available to common shareholders     10,807       9,228       7,682  
                         
Denominator for diluted earnings per share                        
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding     12,535       12,000       9,362  
Add: Preferred stock assumed converted into common stock     409              
Add: Dilutive impact of options in the money     2             426  
Weighted-average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share     12,946       12,000       9,788  
Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.83     $ 0.77     $ 0.78  

 

F-22

 

 

The denominator used in the calculation of EPS has been retrospectively adjusted for the reverse stock split of the transaction and 120,000:1 stock split as further described in Note 1 and Note 7, respectively. The years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 exclude 716,904, 2,250,000 and 16,600, respectively, employee stock options as their effect would be antidilutive. The year ended December 31, 2017 excludes 10,083,537 convertible preferred Series A-1, A-2, and B stock as their effect would be antidilutive.

 

Note 10 — Segment and geographic information

 

In accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting, the Company has determined it has one operating segment and one reportable segment. The chief operating decision maker assesses the Company’s performance and allocates resources based on the Company’s consolidated financial information. The Company’s business activities have similar economic characteristics and are similar in all of the following areas: the nature of services, the type or class of customer for which they provide their services, and the methods used to provide their services.

 

The Company’s revenues are generated within the United States. Long-lived assets include property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization and is summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

    As of December 31,  
    2019     2018  
Long-lived assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization            
United States   $ 885     $ 440  
Russia     1,386       1,475  
Ukraine     773       681  
Poland     577       512  
Serbia     403       61  

 

Note 11 — Related party transactions

 

One of the Company’s minority shareholders is a member of the Board of Directors of one of the Company’s customers. Total revenue recorded from the related party for the year ended December 31, 2019 was approximately $1.0 million. Accounts receivable from the related party was $0.5 million as of December 31, 2019. Revenue and accounts receivable from the related party were not material in the prior periods.

 

On November 28, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.17 per common share, or $2.0 million, to the Company’s sole shareholder ASL. The dividends were paid in 2019.

 

As discussed further in Note 2, the Company provides services to its customers utilizing personnel from GD-Ukraine. GD-Ukraine performs services and support exclusively on behalf of the Company and its customers, however, the Company has no ownership in the sub-contractor. GD-Ukraine’s equity holder is an employee of the Company.

 

Note 12 — Benefit plans

 

The Company maintains a 401(k) defined contribution savings and retirement plan for substantially all of its U.S. employees. Subject to Code limitations, an employee may elect to contribute an amount up to 60% of compensation during each plan year. The Company is not required to make contributions to the plan but can make discretionary contributions. The Company has not made any contributions to the 401(k) plan for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017.

 

F-23

 

 

Note 13 — Commitments and contingencies

 

Operating leases

 

The Company leases its vehicles and facilities under non-cancelable operating leases expiring between March 2020 and June 2022. Rent expense related to the Company’s operating leases was approximately $4.8 million, $3.8 million, and $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

 

Future minimum payments under non-cancelable leases are as follows (in thousands):

 

Years ending December 31,      
2020   $ 3,347  
2021     919  
2022     480  
Total   $ 4,746  

 

Software subscription services agreement

 

The Company entered into a software subscription services agreement (the “SSA”) effective as of June 1, 2019. The SSA is non-cancelable for a term of five years from the effective date and renewable at the election of the Company. Payments under the terms of the SSA are due quarterly in advance. Total future minimum payments under the non-cancelable SSA are as follows (in thousands):

 

Years ending December 31,      
2020   $ 479  
2021     479  
2022     345  
2023     300  
2024     75  
Total   $ 1,678  

 

Litigation

 

The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Management evaluates each claim and provides for potential loss when the claim is probable to be paid and reasonably estimable. While adverse decisions in certain of these litigation matters, claims and administrative proceedings could have a material effect on a particular period’s results of operations, subject to the uncertainties inherent in estimating future costs for contingent liabilities, management believes that any future accruals with respect to these currently known contingencies would not have a material effect on the financial condition, liquidity or cash flows of the Company. There are no amounts required to be reflected in these consolidated financial statements related to contingencies.

   

Note 14 — Line of credit

 

In October 2017, the Company entered into a loan agreement for a revolving line of credit facility (“Line of Credit”) with a borrowing capacity of $0.5 million. The Line of Credit is secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets and was secured in order to provide credit support for a letter of credit facility and balances under the Company’s credit cards.

 

Borrowings under the Line of Credit are subject to a variable interest rate, based on changes in the Prime Rate, as calculated published by the Wall Street Journal. There were no borrowings on the Line of Credit as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

Note 15 — Subsequent events

 

Management of the Company evaluated its December 31, 2019 consolidated financial statements for subsequent events through March 9, 2019, the date the financial statements were available to be issued.

 

On February 13, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors resolved that an aggregate of $3.8 million bonuses shall be paid out by the Company if the closing of a business combination with ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp. occurs on or before April 1, 2020 provided that payment is made within the same month of the closing of the business combination.

 

 

F-24

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.2

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Defined terms included below shall have the same meaning as terms defined and included elsewhere in the Current Report on Form 8-K (the “Form 8-K”). Unless the context otherwise requires, the “Company” refers to Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries after the Closing, and ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp. prior to the Closing.

 

Introduction

 

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 assumes that the Business Combination occurred on December 31, 2019. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 presents the pro forma effect of the Business Combination as if it had been completed on January 1, 2019.

 

The pro forma combined financial statements do not necessarily reflect what the Company’s financial condition or results of operations would have been had the acquisition occurred on the dates indicated. The pro forma combined financial information also may not be useful in predicting the future financial condition and results of operations of the Company. The actual financial position and results of operations may differ significantly from the pro forma amounts reflected herein due to a variety of factors.

 

The historical financial information of ChaSerg was derived from the audited financial statements of ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp. as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019. The historical financial information of Grid Dynamics was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of Grid Dynamics as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019, which is included elsewhere in this Form 8-K. This information should be read together with ChaSerg’s and Grid Dynamics’ audited financial statements and related notes. The section titled “Grid Dynamics Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and other financial information included elsewhere in this Form 8-K. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of ChaSerg is incorporated by reference.

 

The Business Combination was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded, in accordance with GAAP. Under this method of accounting, ChaSerg was treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the Business Combination was treated as the equivalent of Grid Dynamics issuing stock for the net assets of ChaSerg, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of ChaSerg were stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded. Operations prior to the Business Combination are those of Grid Dynamics.

 

Grid Dynamics was determined to be the accounting acquirer based on evaluation of the following facts and circumstances:

 

Grid Dynamics holds executive management roles for the Company and those individuals are responsible for the day-to-day operations;

 

Grid Dynamics is currently a subsidiary of ASL, and ASL holds the largest minority voting interest in the combined entity;

 

From a revenue and business operation standpoint, Grid Dynamics is the larger entity in terms of relative size;

 

Grid Dynamics’ San Ramon, CA headquarters are the headquarters of the Company;

 

The Company has assumed Grid Dynamics’ name and is called Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc.; and

 

The intended strategy of the Company will continue Grid Dynamics’ current strategy of driving enterprise-level digital transformation in the Fortune 1000 companies.

 

 

 

 

Description of the Business Combination

 

The aggregate consideration for the Business Combination was $400.0 million, payable in the form of cash and shares of the Company’s Common Stock valued at $10.00 per share. The cash portion of the consideration was an aggregate amount equal to $129.9 million. The remainder of $270.1 million was in the form of 27,006,251 shares of the Company’s Common Stock valued at $10.00 per share. The share consideration is subject to a post-Closing adjustment capped at 857,143 shares of the Company’s Common Stock which was placed in escrow at closing. The following represents the aggregate consideration at closing:

 

(in thousands, except for share amounts)      
Shares transferred at Closing     27,006,251  
Value per share (1)     10.00  
Total Share Consideration   $ 270,063  
Plus: Cash Transferred     129,894  
Total Cash and Share Consideration – at closing   $ 399,957  

 

 

(1) Value per share was calculated using a $10.00 reference price. The closing share price on the date of the consummation of the transaction was $12.00. As the business combination was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization, the value per share is disclosed for informational purposes only in order to indicate the fair value of shares transferred.

 

The following summarizes the pro forma Common Stock shares outstanding. As the pro forma financial statements are prepared as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019, the pro forma Common Stock shares outstanding are presented as of December 31, 2019. However, the actual Common Stock shares outstanding at closing differed due to changes in facts and circumstances as presented below:

 

    December 31, 2019     At Closing  
    Shares     %     Shares     %  
ASL     19,340,049               19,490,295          
BGV     2,078,701               2,094,850          
Grid Dynamics Management Shares     5,409,707               5,421,106          
Total Grid Dynamics shares (1), (2)     26,828,457       49.9 %     27,006,251       50.1 %
Common shares held by current ChaSerg shareholders     21,948,285               21,948,285          
Founder Shares (3), (4)     4,970,000               4,993,000          
Total ChaSerg Shares     26,918,285       50.1 %     26,941,285       49.9 %
Pro Forma Common Stock - at Closing     53,746,742       100.0 %     53,947,536       100 %

 

 

(1) Includes an Estimated Closing Adjustment of 1,294,261 shares calculated based on a signing price of $10.19 and cash as of the balance sheet date. The Estimated Closing Adjustment calculated at closing was 1,472,031. These shares were allocated proportionately between ASL, BGV, and Grid Dynamics’ management.
(2) Includes a redemption share adjustment of 10,386 shares calculated based on the cash in the Trust Account as of the balance sheet date. The redemption share adjustment calculated at closing was 10,410. These shares were allocated proportionately.
(3) Excludes 1,090,000 Earnout Shares that are owned by the Sponsor and 110,000 Earnout Shares that are owned by Cantor and held in escrow as specified in the Side Letter. The Earnout Shares converted to the Company’s Common Stock upon the closing of the Business Combination. The release of the Earnout Shares is subject to achieving the price thresholds as set per the terms of the Side Letter. The Earnout Shares are not included as part of the capitalization table as the Sponsor and Cantor did not have possession of their Earnout Shares at closing. However, while the Earnout Shares are held in escrow, the Sponsor and Cantor shall have full ownership rights to their Earnout Shares, including the right to vote such shares and to receive dividends and distributions thereon.
(4) Includes the conversion of the unsecured convertible promissory note with the Sponsor into 30,000 additional shares. The balance of the promissory note increased to $0.5 million subsequent to the balance sheet date resulting in 23,000 additional shares being issued at closing.

 

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 and the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 are based on the historical financial statements of ChaSerg and Grid Dynamics. The unaudited pro forma adjustments are based on information currently available, and assumptions and estimates underlying the unaudited pro forma adjustments are described in the accompanying notes. Actual results may differ materially from the assumptions used to present the accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.

 

F-2

 

  

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019

 

(in thousands)

 

    As of
December 31, 2019
             

As of December 31, 2019

 
    Grid Dynamics (Historical)     ChaSerg (Historical)     Pro Forma Adjustments         Pro Forma Combined  
ASSETS                            
Current assets:                                    
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 42,189       142       (129,894 )   (A)     112,723  
                      224,016     (B)        
                      (19,185 )   (D)        
                      (268 )   (H)        
                      (3,750 )   (I)        
                      (527 )   (L)        
Accounts receivable, net     13,893       -                   13,893  
Unbilled receivables     5,036       -                   5,036  
Prepaid income taxes     308       -                   308  
Deferred transaction costs     1,878       -       (1,878 )   (D)     -  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     2,711       137                   2,848  
Total current assets   $ 66,015       279       68,514           134,808  
                                     
Cash and marketable securities held in Trust Account     -       224,016       (224,016 )   (B)     -  
Property and equipment, net     4,024       -                   4,024  
Intangible assets, net     18       -                   18  
Deferred income taxes     1,474       -                   1,474  
Total assets   $ 71,531       224,295       (155,502 )         140,324  
                                     
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                                    
Current Liabilities                                    
Accounts payable   $ 768       5,359       (5,130 )   (D)     768  
                      (229 )   (H)        
Accrued liabilities     1,188       -       (648 )   (I)     540  
Accrued compensation and benefits     5,337       -                   5,337  
Accrued income taxes     869       19       (19 )   (H)     869  
Convertible promissory note – related party     -       300       (300 )   (K)     -  
Other current liabilities     138       20       (20 )   (H)     138  
Total current liabilities   $ 8,300       5,698       (6,346 )         7,652  
                                     
Long-term liabilities                                    
Deferred underwriting fees     -       7,700       (7,700 )   (D)     -  
Total liabilities   $ 8,300       13,398       (14,046 )         7,652  
                                     
Convertible preferred stock, no par value, 622,027 shares authorized and outstanding as of December 31, 2019   $ 9,187       -       (9,187 )   (G)     -  
Common stock subject to possible redemption, 20,589,710 shares at approximately $10.00 per share as of December 31, 2019     -       205,897       (205,897 )   (C)     -  
Equity                                    
Common stock, no par value, 18,244,054 shares authorized and 12,847,462 outstanding as of December 31, 2019   $ 8,117       -       (8,117 )   (G)     -  
Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 2,050,290 issued and outstanding (excluding 20,589,710 shares subject to possible redemption) as of December 31, 2019     -       -       3     (A)     8  
                      2     (C)        
                      1     (E)        
                      2     (G)        
                      -     (K)        
                      -     (L)        
Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 5,500,000 shares issued and outstanding     -       1       (1 )   (E)     -  
Additional paid in capital     10,535       7,706       (129,894 )   (A)     106,380  
                      (3 )   (A)        
                      205,895     (C)        
                      (6,192 )   (D)        
                      (2,707 )   (F)        
                      17,302     (G)        
                      3,965     (J)        
                      300     (K)        
                      (527 )   (L)        
Retained earnings / (Accumulated deficit)     35,392       (2,707 )     (2,041 )   (D)     26,284  
                      2,707     (F)        
                      (3,102 )   (I)        
                      (3,965 )   (J)        
Total stockholders’ equity     54,044       5,000       73,628           132,672  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 71,531       224,295       (155,502 )         140,324  

 

F-3

 

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

    For the Year Ended
December 31, 2019
              For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2019
 
    Grid Dynamics
(Historical)
    ChaSerg
(Historical)
    Pro Forma
Adjustment
        Pro Forma
Combined
 
Revenue   $ 118,326       -       -           118,326  
Cost of revenue     70,090       -                   70,090  
Gross profit     48,236       -       -           48,236  
                                     
Operating expenses:                                    
Engineering, research, and development     4,346       -                   4,346  
Sales and marketing     6,947       -                   6,947  
General and administrative     21,318       7,144       (5,584 )   (AA)     23,215  
                      337     (BB)        
                                     
Total operating expenses     32,611       7,144       (5,247 )         34,508  
Income (loss) from operations     15,625       (7,144 )     5,247           13,728  
                                     
Interest (expense)/income, net     -       4,665       (4,665 )   (CC)     -  
Other (expense)/income, net     (176 )     -                   (176 )
Income before income taxes     15,449       (2,479 )     582           13,552  
                                     
Provision for income taxes     4,642       843       163     (DD)     5,648  
Net (loss) income   $ 10,807       (3,322 )     419           7,904  
                                     
Earnings per Share                                    
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic     12,535,000       -                      
Net income per share, basic   $ 0.83       -                      
                                     
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted     12,946,000       -                      
Net income per share, diluted   $ 0.83       -                      
Net income attributable to Class A shareholders, basic                                 7,731  
Weighted average number of Class A shares outstanding, basic     -       22,000,000                   53,746,742  
Net income per share, Class A – basic   $ -       0.14                   0.14  
Net income attributable to Class A shareholders, diluted                                 7,788  
Weighted average number of Class A shares outstanding, diluted     -       22,000,000                   54,619,033  
Net income per share, Class A – diluted   $ -       0.14                   0.14  
Weighted average number of Class A and Class B shares outstanding, basic and diluted     -       6,140,000                      
Net income per share, Class A and Class B – basic and diluted   $ -       (1.06 )                    

 

F-4

 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

1. Basis of Presentation

 

The Business Combination was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with GAAP. Under this method of accounting, ChaSerg was treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the Business Combination was treated as the equivalent of Grid Dynamics issuing stock for the net assets of ChaSerg, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of ChaSerg were stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded. Operations prior to the Business Combination are those of Grid Dynamics.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 assumes that the Business Combination occurred on December 31, 2019. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 presents the pro forma effect to the Business Combination as if it had been completed on January 1, 2019. These periods are presented on the basis of Grid Dynamics as the accounting acquirer.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 has been prepared using, and should be read in conjunction with, the following:

 

ChaSerg’s audited balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 and the related notes, which is incorporated by reference; and

 

Grid Dynamics’ audited consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 and the related notes, included elsewhere in the Form 8-K.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 has been prepared using, and should be read in conjunction with, the following:

 

ChaSerg’s audited statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the related notes, which is incorporated by reference; and

 

Grid Dynamics’ audited statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the related notes, included elsewhere in the Form 8-K.

 

Management has made significant estimates and assumptions in its determination of the pro forma adjustments. As the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared based on these preliminary estimates, the final amounts recorded may differ materially from the information presented.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not give effect to any anticipated synergies, operating efficiencies, tax savings or cost savings that may be associated with the Business Combination.

 

The pro forma adjustments reflecting the consummation of the Business Combination are based on certain currently available information and certain assumptions and methodologies that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The unaudited condensed pro forma adjustments, which are described in the accompanying notes, may be revised as additional information becomes available and is evaluated. Therefore, it is likely that the actual adjustments will differ from the pro forma adjustments and it is possible the difference may be material. The Company believes that its assumptions and methodologies provide a reasonable basis for presenting all of the significant effects of the Business Combination based on information available to management at this time and that the pro forma adjustments give appropriate effect to those assumptions and are properly applied in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is not necessarily indicative of what the actual results of operations and financial position would have been had the Business Combination taken place on the date indicated, nor are they indicative of the future consolidated results of operations or financial position of the Company. They should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements and notes thereto of ChaSerg and Grid Dynamics.

 

F-5

 

 

2. Accounting Policies

 

Management will perform a comprehensive review of the two entities’ accounting policies. As a result of the review, management may identify differences between the accounting policies of the two entities which, when conformed, could have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company. Based on its initial analysis, management did not identify any differences that would have a material impact on the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information. As a result, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not assume any differences in accounting policies.

 

3. Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared to illustrate the effect of the Business Combination and has been prepared for informational purposes only.

 

The historical financial statements have been adjusted in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information to give pro forma effect to events that are (1) directly attributable to the Business Combination, (2) factually supportable and (3) with respect to the statements of operations, expected to have a continuing impact on the results of the Company. Grid Dynamics and ChaSerg have not had any historical relationship prior to the Business Combination. Accordingly, no pro forma adjustments were required to eliminate activities between the companies.

 

The pro forma combined provision for income taxes does not necessarily reflect the amounts that would have resulted had the Company filed consolidated income tax returns during the periods presented.

 

The pro forma basic and diluted earnings per share amounts presented in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations are based upon the number of Grid Dynamics Holdings Inc.’s shares outstanding, assuming the Business Combination occurred on January 1, 2019.

 

Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet

 

The adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 are as follows:

 

(A) Reflects consideration of $129.9 million of cash and 26,828,457 shares of the Company’s Common Stock valued at $10.00 per share, par value $0.0001 per share. The actual shares transferred at closing were 27,006,251 and the closing share price on the date of the consummation of the transaction was $12.00.

 

(B) Reflects the reclassification of $224.0 million of cash and cash equivalents held in the Trust Account that became available to fund the Business Combination.

 

(C) Reflects the reclassification of approximately $205.9 million of common stock subject to possible redemption to permanent equity.

 

F-6

 

 

(D) Reflects transaction costs related to the Business Combination. Classification of transaction costs is as follows:

 

(in thousands)   Amount  
Deferred underwriting fees   $ 7,700 *
Costs related to issuance of equity        
Amounts previously capitalized and paid     1,878  
Amounts expected to be incurred     4,314  
Subtotal     6,192  
Transaction expenses        
Amounts incurred but not paid     5,130  
Amounts incurred and paid     454  
Amounts expected to be incurred     2,041  
Total   $ 21,517  

 

 

* Subsequent to the balance sheet date, the deferred underwriting fees were negotiated and adjusted down to $6.3 million. The full amount of the liability was settled upon consummation of the transaction.

 

(E) Reflects the conversion of ChaSerg Class B Common Stock to the Company’s Common Stock. In connection with the closing, all shares of ChaSerg Class B Common Stock were converted into shares of the Company’s Common Stock.

 

(F) Reflects the reclassification of ChaSerg’s historical accumulated deficit.

 

(G) Reflects the conversion of Grid Dynamics common stock and convertible preferred shares to the Company’s Common Stock.

 

(H) Reflects the settlement of ChaSerg’s historical liabilities that were settled prior to the consummation of the transaction.

 

(I) Reflects the settlement of retention bonuses related to the retention bonus plan established as part of the ASL Merger. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, such retention bonuses were paid by Grid Dynamics to eligible participants in the amount of $3.8 million. Of the $3.8 million payment due upon consummation of the transaction, $0.6 million was accrued as of December 31, 2019.

 

(J) Reflects the compensation cost related to the acceleration of the vesting for certain existing stock options granted to Grid Dynamics’ management and employees under Grid Dynamics’ existing equity compensation plan. Due to a change in control provision within the existing equity compensation plan, the board of directors of Grid Dynamics utilized its discretion to accelerate the vesting of unvested shares of certain employees. As a result, the unrecognized grant date fair value of the awards is recorded as compensation expense.

 

(K) Reflects the conversion of the unsecured convertible promissory note into additional shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a price of $10.00 per share upon consummation of the Business Combination. The convertible promissory note balance increased to $0.5 million subsequent to the balance sheet date resulting in 23,000 additional shares being issued at closing.

 

(L) Reflects redemptions of 51,715 ChaSerg public shares for $0.5 million at a redemption price of $10.18 per share based on a pro forma redemption date of December 31, 2019. As of the actual redemption date, the redemption price was $10.21 per share resulting in a total redemption amount of $0.5 million.

 

Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations

 

The pro forma adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 are as follows:

 

(AA) Reflects the elimination of nonrecurring transaction costs incurred and recorded by ChaSerg and Grid Dynamics that are directly attributable to the Business Combination.

 

F-7

 

 

(BB) Reflects additional compensation expenses recorded as a result of execution of employment agreements with the management team of the Company.

 

(CC) Elimination of interest income on the Trust Account.

 

(DD) Reflects adjustments to income tax expense as a result of the pro forma adjustments to income at the estimated statutory tax rate of 28%.

 

4. Earnings per Share

 

Represents the net earnings per share calculated using the historical weighted average shares outstanding and the issuance of additional shares in connection with the Business Combination, assuming the shares were outstanding since January 1, 2019. As the Business Combination and related proposed equity transactions are being reflected as if they had occurred at the beginning of the period presented, the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted net income per share assumes that the shares issuable relating to the Business Combination have been outstanding for the entire period presented.

 

    Year Ended
December 31,
2019
 
Pro Forma Basic & Diluted Earnings Per Share      
Pro Forma Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders, basic (in 000s)   $ 7,731  
Basic Shares Outstanding     53,746,742  
Pro Forma Basic Earnings Per Share   $ 0.14  
Pro Forma Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders, diluted (in 000s)     7,788  
Diluted Shares Outstanding     54,619,033  
Pro Forma Diluted Earnings Per Share   $ 0.14  
         
Pro Forma Shares Outstanding – Basic        
ASL     19,340,049  
BGV     2,078,701  
Grid Dynamics Management Shares     5,409,707  
Common shares held by current ChaSerg stockholders     21,948,285  
Founder Shares     4,970,000  
Pro Forma Shares Outstanding – Basic     53,746,742  
         
Pro Forma Shares Outstanding – Diluted (1)        
ASL     19,340,049  
BGV     2,078,701  
Grid Dynamics Management Shares     5,409,707  
Common shares held by current ChaSerg stockholders     21,948,285  
Founder Shares (2)     5,370,000  
Warrants (3)     472,291  
Pro Forma Shares Outstanding – Diluted     54,619,033  

 

 

(1) For the purposes of applying the treasury stock method for calculating diluted earnings per share, the average market price of the Company’s Common Stock was assumed to be equal to the market price upon the close of the transaction.
(2) Per the terms of the Side Letter, each of the Sponsor and Cantor are able to sell or transfer one-third of its respective Earnout Shares upon the Company’s Common Stock reaching a price of $12.00 per share. As the Company’s share price at Closing was at the $12.00 price threshold, one-third of the Earnout Shares are included in the calculation of diluted EPS.
(3) The exercise price for the Company’s warrants is $11.50 per share of the Company’s Common Stock. As the Company’s share price at Closing exceeded the exercise price, the warrants are included in the calculation of diluted EPS.

 

 

F-8

 

 

Exhibit 99.3

 

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

 

The following discussion and analysis of Grid Dynamics’ financial condition and results of operations should be read together with Grid Dynamics’ audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, together with related notes thereto, included elsewhere in this Form 8-K. The discussion and analysis should also be read together with Grid Dynamics’ pro forma financial information as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019, included elsewhere in this Form 8-K. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information.” The following discussion contains forward-looking statements. Grid Dynamics’ actual results may differ significantly from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause future results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements,” included elsewhere in this Form 8-K.

 

Overview

 

Grid Dynamics is an emerging leader in enterprise-level digital transformations in Fortune 1000 companies. For enterprises that create innovative digital products and experiences, Grid Dynamics offers close collaboration from digital consulting to early prototypes to enterprise-scale delivery of new digital platforms. Since its inception in 2006 in Menlo Park, California, as a grid and cloud consultancy firm, Grid Dynamics has been on the forefront of digital transformation, working on big ideas like cloud computing, NOSQL, DevOps, microservices, big data and artificial intelligence (“AI”), and quickly established itself as a provider of choice for technology and digital enterprise companies.

 

As a leading global digital engineering and information technology (“IT”) services provider with its headquarters in Silicon Valley and engineering centers in the United States and multiple Central and Eastern European countries, Grid Dynamics’ core business is to deliver focused and complex technical consulting, software design, development, testing and internet service operations. Grid Dynamics works in close collaboration with its clients to provide digital transformation initiatives that span strategy consulting, development of early prototypes and enterprise-scale delivery of new digital platforms. Grid Dynamics also helps organizations become more agile and create innovative digital products and experiences through its deep expertise in emerging technology, such as AI, data science, cloud computing, big data and DevOps, top global engineering talent, lean software development practices and a high-performance product culture. Grid Dynamics believes that the key to its success is a business culture that puts products over projects, client success over contract terms and real business results over pure technical innovation. By leveraging Grid Dynamics’ proprietary processes optimized for innovation, emphasis on talent development and technical expertise, Grid Dynamics has been able to achieve significant growth.

 

 

 

 

The following table sets forth a summary of Grid Dynamics’ financial results for the periods indicated:

 

    Year ended December 31,  
    2019     2018     2017  
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)         % of
revenue
          % of
revenue
          % of
revenue
 
Revenues   $ 118,326       100.0 %   $ 91,865       100.0 %   $ 70,684       100.0 %
Gross profit     48,236       40.8 %     39,306       42.8 %     30,047       42.5 %
Income from operations     15,625       13.2 %     13,829       15.1 %     13,107       18.5 %
Net income     10,807       9.1 %     9,228       10.0 %     13,184       18.7 %
Pro forma diluted net income per share, Class A(1)   $ 0.14       n/a     $ 0.17-0.19       n/a       n/a       n/a  
Non-GAAP Financial Information(2)                                                
Adjusted EBITDA     23,661       20.0 %     19,405       21.1 %     16,398       23.2 %
Adjusted Net Income     15,487       13.1 %     13,036       14.2 %     10,496       14.8 %
Adjusted Pro Forma Diluted EPS(3)   $ 0.28       n/a     $ 0.24-0.27       n/a       n/a       n/a  

 

 

(1) Pro forma diluted net income per share, Class A is calculated as described under “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information.” Assumes 54.6 million pro forma average shares outstanding for 2019, which is the pro forma number of shares outstanding assuming the consummation of the Business Combination as of December 31, 2019. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information.” The amounts reported for the year ended December 31, 2018 are consistent with amounts previously reported.
(2) Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Pro Forma Diluted EPS are non-GAAP financial measures. See “Non-GAAP Measures” below for additional information and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.
(3) Adjusted Net Income attributable to Class A shares for the period (see “Non-GAAP Measures” below) divided by the pro forma diluted average shares outstanding immediately as of the consummation of the Business Combination. The pro forma share count is used to facilitate comparability with future periods. The amounts reported for the year ended December 31, 2018 are consistent with amounts previously reported.

 

Grid Dynamics’ business has expanded rapidly since January 1, 2017, when it served 17 customers, growing to 40 customers as of December 31, 2019. This is also reflected in Grid Dynamics’ substantial revenue growth rates over the periods presented in this Form 8-K, which were accompanied by steady gross profit margins, ranging between approximately 41% and 43%. Grid Dynamics’ net income increased approximately 17% in 2019 from 2018 and decreased 30% in 2018 compared to 2017. The 2018 decrease in net income is explained by a one-time significant tax benefit in 2017 and increased stock-based compensation in 2018. Adjusted EBITDA performance (which excludes the impact of non-recurring, non-cash, and certain other charges) improved by 21.9% in 2019 compared to 2018, and 18% in 2018 compared to 2017, reflecting the underlying scalability of Grid Dynamics’ business model.

 

Grid Dynamics operates its business through a single operating and reportable segment and serves customers that operate mainly in the retail, technology & media and financial services sectors. See “Key Components of Revenue and Expenses” below for a description of Grid Dynamics’ principal income statement line-items.

 

Comparability of Financial Information

 

Grid Dynamics’ results of operations and statements of assets and liabilities may not be comparable between periods as a result of the Business Combination and the other events and transactions discussed below.

 

2

 

 

Business Combination and Public Company Costs

 

Grid Dynamics entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (“Merger Agreement”) with ChaSerg Technology Acquisition Corp. (“ChaSerg”) on November 13, 2019. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and following a favorable vote of ChaSerg’s stockholders, Grid Dynamics merged into a newly formed subsidiary of ChaSerg and ChaSerg was renamed Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc. (the “Business Combination”). Grid Dynamics is the accounting predecessor and the combined entity is the successor SEC registrant, meaning that Grid Dynamics’ financial statements for previous periods will be disclosed in the registrant’s future periodic reports filed with the SEC.

 

Referred to as a reverse recapitalization or reverse merger and under this method of accounting, ChaSerg is treated as the acquired company for financial statement reporting purposes. The most significant change in the successor’s future reported financial position and results was an increase in cash (as compared to Grid Dynamics’ balance sheet at December 31, 2019) of approximately $69.5 million. Total non-recurring transaction costs are estimated at approximately $21 million, of which Grid Dynamics expects approximately $2 million to be expensed. In addition, certain Grid Dynamics stock options were accelerated upon the closing of the Business Combination, resulting in a non-recurring expense of $4 million. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information.”

 

Grid Dynamics is the successor to an SEC-registered and NASDAQ-listed company, resulting in the need to hire additional staff and implement procedures and processes to address public company regulatory requirements and customary practices. Grid Dynamics expects to incur additional annual expenses for, among other things, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, director fees and additional internal and external accounting and legal and administrative resources, including increased audit and legal fees. Grid Dynamics currently estimates that the incremental costs related to being a public company will range between approximately $4.5 million and $6.0 million per year, as a result of which Grid Dynamics expects its operating expenses to be higher in future periods.

 

ASL Merger and Potential Future Acquisitions

 

Grid Dynamics was acquired by and merged with Automated Systems Holdings Limited (“ASL”) on April 7, 2017 (the “ASL Merger”). Grid Dynamics operated as a subsidiary of ASL until the consummation of the Business Combination. After the ASL Merger and prior to the Business Combination, Grid Dynamics and ASL operated as separate, standalone businesses. Accordingly, the companies did not share any material services or operations that would need to be replaced or optimized in connection with the Business Combination in order to permit Grid Dynamics to operate as a standalone company. In addition, and in connection with the ASL Merger, Grid Dynamics agreed to pay retention bonuses of up to $10.0 million over four years, payable semi-annually. Grid Dynamics incurred retention bonus costs of $2.5 million, $2.5 million, and $1.9 million in December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. In connection with the Business Combination, all outstanding retention bonus obligations related to the ASL Merger were accelerated and paid in full to Grid Dynamics’ personnel immediately prior to the closing of the Business Combination, which will impact Grid Dynamics’ results of operations for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020 (additional expense of approximately $3.1 million) but will not recur in future periods.

 

In addition, Grid Dynamics maintains a pipeline of, and from time to time evaluates, potential acquisitions and is likely to be acquisitive in the future. Any potentially significant future business acquisitions and the costs related to pursuing them may impact the comparability of Grid Dynamics’ results in future periods with those for periods preceding such acquisitions or attempted acquisitions.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Exposure

 

Grid Dynamics is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk and its profit margins are subject to volatility between periods due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar. Grid Dynamics’ functional currency, as well as the functional currency of all of its subsidiaries, is the U.S. dollar. Grid Dynamics contracts with customers for payment in and generates substantially all of its revenue in U.S. dollars. Its non-U.S. subsidiaries’ operations relate substantially to performing services under those contracts. Several of Grid Dynamics’ subsidiaries conduct operations and employ or contract personnel in Russia, Ukraine, Poland and Serbia, but keep their books and records in U.S. dollars. Grid Dynamics’ foreign currency transaction exposure is a result of having to convert U.S. dollars into the local currencies of the countries in which it must pay expenses, typically by transferring funds to its non-U.S. subsidiaries. These expenses are primarily comprised of compensation and benefits and other operating costs, such as rent. Subsidiary transactions executed in local currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect on the date of the transaction, in the case of asset and liability transactions, or at the average monthly exchange rate, in the case of income and expense transactions. Certain balances in local currencies, particularly cash and financial instruments, are adjusted at each balance sheet date to reflect the then-current exchange rate, which is the rate at which the related receivable or payable could be settled at that date. As a result, Grid Dynamics’ assets, liabilities, profit margins and other measures of profitability may be subject to volatility due to changes in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the currencies in which Grid Dynamics’ subsidiaries incur operating expenses, and may not be comparable between periods.

 

3

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, approximately 22%, 13%, and 12% of Grid Dynamics’ $102.7 million of combined cost of revenue and total operating expenses were denominated in the Russian ruble, Ukrainian hryvnia and Polish zloty, respectively. Comparatively, the same foreign currencies accounted for approximately 26%, 13% and 10%, respectively, of Grid Dynamics’ $78.0 million of combined cost of revenue and total operating expenses in 2018 and approximately 33%, 13% and 6%, respectively, of Grid Dynamics’ $57.6 million of combined cost of revenue and total operating expense in 2017. Grid Dynamics does not currently hedge its foreign currency exposure, although it seeks to minimize such exposure by limiting cash transfers to amounts necessary to fund subsidiary operating expenses for a short period, typically one to two weeks. When and where possible, Grid Dynamics seeks to match expenses to the U.S. dollar. For example, in Ukraine, Grid Dynamics generally pays salaries in the current hryvnia equivalent of an agreed U.S. dollar amount, consistent with local requirements. As a result, a significant portion of Grid Dynamics’ exposure to fluctuations in the value of the Ukrainian hryvnia against the U.S. dollar is naturally hedged. Management carefully evaluates its exposure to foreign currency risk and, though Grid Dynamics does not currently hedge this exposure through the use of financial instruments, it may do so in the future. See “—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk—Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk” below for more information about Grid Dynamics’ exposure to foreign currency exchange rates.

 

Seasonality

 

Grid Dynamics’ business is subject to seasonal trends that impact its revenues and profitability between quarters, largely driven by the U.S. retail cycle, which drives the behavior of a significant portion of Grid Dynamics’ customers, and the timing of holidays in the countries in which Grid Dynamics operates. Excluding the impact of growth in its book of business, Grid Dynamics has historically recorded higher revenue and gross profit in the second and third quarters of each year compared to the first and fourth quarters of each year. The Christmas holiday season in Russia and Ukraine, for example, falls in the first quarter of the calendar year, resulting in reduced activity and billable hours. In addition, many of Grid Dynamics’ retail sector customers tend to slow their discretionary spending during the holiday sale season, which typically lasts from late November (before Thanksgiving) through late December (after Christmas).

 

Key Performance Indicators and Other Factors Affecting Performance

 

Grid Dynamics uses the following key performance indicators and assesses the following other factors to analyze its business performance, to make budgets and financial forecasts and to develop strategic plans:

 

Employees by Region

 

Attracting and retaining the right employees is critical to the success of Grid Dynamics’ business and is a key factor in Grid Dynamics’ ability to meet client needs and grow its revenue base. Grid Dynamics’ revenue prospects and long-term success depend significantly on its ability to recruit and retain qualified IT professionals. A substantial majority of Grid Dynamics’ personnel is comprised of such IT professionals.

 

4

 

 

The following table shows the number of Grid Dynamics personnel (including full-time employees and contractors serving in similar capacities) by region, as of the dates indicated:

 

    As of December 31,  
    2019     2018     2017  
United States     265       218       135  
Central and Eastern Europe(1)     1,165       926       673  
Total     1,430       1,144       808  

 

 

(1) Includes Russia, Ukraine, Poland and Serbia.

 

Attrition

 

There is competition for IT professionals in the regions in which Grid Dynamics operates, and any increase in such competition may adversely impact Grid Dynamics’ business and gross profit margins. Employee retention is one of Grid Dynamics’ main priorities and is a key driver of operational efficiency. Grid Dynamics seeks to retain top talent by providing the opportunity to work on exciting, cutting-edge projects for high profile clients, a flexible work environment and training and development programs. Grid Dynamics’ management targets a voluntary attrition rate no higher than the mid-teen percentages, in line with the industry, and believes Grid Dynamics’ voluntary attrition rate was below the targeted ceiling since 2017.

 

Hours and Utilization

 

As most of Grid Dynamics’ customer projects are performed and invoiced on a time and materials basis, Grid Dynamics’ management tracks and projects billable hours as an indicator of business volume and corresponding resource needs for IT professionals. To maintain its gross profit margins, Grid Dynamics must effectively utilize its IT professionals, which depends on its ability to integrate and train new personnel, to efficiently transition personnel from completed projects to new assignments, to forecast customer demand for services and to deploy personnel with appropriate skills and seniority to projects. Grid Dynamics’ management generally tracks utilization with respect to subsets of employees, by location or by project, and calculates the utilization rate for each subset by dividing (x) the aggregate number of billable hours for a period by (y) the aggregate number of total available hours for the same period. Grid Dynamics’ management analyzes and projects utilization to measure the efficiency of its workforce and to inform management’s budget and personnel recruiting decisions.

 

Customer Concentration

 

Grid Dynamics’ ability to retain and expand its relationships with existing clients and add new clients are key indicators of its revenue potential. Grid Dynamics grew its customer base from 17 customers as of January 1, 2017 to 40 customers as of December 31, 2019. Grid Dynamics’ procurement of new customers has a direct impact on its ability to diversify its sources of revenue and replace customers that may no longer require its services. Grid Dynamics has a relatively high level of revenue concentration with certain customers. Of Grid Dynamics’ customers, Apple, Kohl’s, and Macy’s each accounted for 10% or more of Grid Dynamics’ revenue in the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. In 2017, Kohl’s and Macy’s accounted for 10% or more of Grid Dynamics’ revenue. For more information about Grid Dynamics’ customer concentration, see Note 2 (“Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies — Concentrations of credit risk and significant customers”) to the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 8-K.

 

While Grid Dynamics has diversified its customer base and decreased its revenue concentration with its top five and top ten customers through the periods discussed in this Form 8-K, it has also increased revenue from its top customers. For example, each of Grid Dynamics’ top ten customers accounted for an average of $10.3 million in revenue in 2019, up from an average of $8.7 million in 2018.

 

5

 

 

The following table shows the evolution of Grid Dynamics’ customer base and revenue concentration, as of the dates and for the periods indicated:

 

    Year ended
December 31,
 
    2019     2018     2017  
    (in percentage of total revenue, except number of customers)  
Total customers (as of period end)     40       25       26  
Of which:                        
>$5.0 million     7       7       5  
>$2.5 – 5.0 million     3       2       2  
>$1.0 – 2.5 million     5       2       3  
Revenue concentration with top 5 customers     67 %     71 %     73 %
Revenue concentration with top 10 customers     87 %     94 %     93 %

 

Grid Dynamics’ revenue retention rate substantially exceeded 100% in 2019. Revenue retention was approximately 127% and 122% in 2018 and 2017, respectively. Revenue retention rate is a metric measuring the level of recurring revenue between periods for the same set of customers. Grid Dynamics calculates revenue retention rate as total revenue from existing customers (i.e., customers from the first day of the earliest comparative period) in a given period, divided by the total revenue from the same customers for the prior comparative period.

 

Non-GAAP Measures

 

To supplement Grid Dynamics’ consolidated financial data presented on a basis consistent with GAAP, this Form 8-K contains certain non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Pro Forma Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share, or EPS. Grid Dynamics has included these non-GAAP financial measures because they are financial measures used by Grid Dynamics’ management to evaluate Grid Dynamics’ core operating performance and trends, to make strategic decisions regarding the allocation of capital and new investments and are among the factors analyzed in making performance-based compensation decisions for key personnel. These measures exclude certain expenses that are required under GAAP. Grid Dynamics excludes these items because they are non-recurring, non-core or, in the case of stock-based compensation, non-cash expenses that are determined based in part on Grid Dynamics’ underlying performance.

 

Grid Dynamics believes these supplemental performance measurements are useful in evaluating operating performance, as they are similar to measures reported by its public industry peers and those regularly used by security analysts, investors and other interested parties in analyzing operating performance and prospects. These non-GAAP financial measures are not intended to be a substitute for any GAAP financial measure and, as calculated, may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of performance of other companies in other industries or within the same industry.

 

Grid Dynamics modified its non-GAAP reporting policy for calculating Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income in comparison to the identically-titled measures in ChaSerg’s definitive proxy statement dated February 10, 2020 (the “Proxy Statement”) to exclude other transaction-related costs, which are non-core expenses that are not representative of the underlying performance of the business. Other transaction-related expenses include primarily transaction-related advisory, project and integration costs, executive recruitment costs and signing bonuses, payroll taxes on recurring personnel costs (such as retention bonuses and executive signing bonuses) and executive travel cost related to the merger transaction with ChaSerg Corporation. As a result of the addition of this adjustment, our Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income presented below are not directly comparable to identically-titled measures in the Proxy Statement, though the Company believes the differences are not material.

 

Grid Dynamics defines and calculates its non-GAAP financial measures as follows:

 

Adjusted EBITDA: net income before interest income/expense, provision for income taxes and depreciation and amortization, and further adjusted for the impact of stock-based compensation expense, transaction-related costs (which include, when applicable, professional fees, retention bonuses, and consulting, legal and advisory costs related to Grid Dynamics’ merger and acquisition and capital-raising activities), impairment of goodwill and other income/expenses, net (which includes mainly interest income and expense, foreign currency transaction losses and gains, fair value adjustments and other miscellaneous expenses).

 

6

 

 

Adjusted Net Income: Net income adjusted for the impact of stock-based compensation, transaction-related costs, impairment of goodwill, other income/expenses, net, and the tax impacts of these adjustments. In this Form 8-K, the Company presents (x) total Adjusted Net Income and (y) Adjusted Net Income attributable to Class A shares.

 

Adjusted Pro Forma Diluted EPS: Adjusted Net Income attributable to Class A shares, divided by the pro forma diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period (assuming the Business Combination was consummated on January 1, 2019). The pro forma share count is used to facilitate comparability with future periods.

 

The following table presents the reconciliation of Grid Dynamics’ Adjusted EBITDA to its consolidated net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, for the periods indicated:

 

    Year ended December 31,  
    2019     2018     2017  
    (in thousands)  
Consolidated net income   $ 10,807     $ 9,228     $ 13,184  
Adjusted for:                        
Depreciation and amortization     2,311       1,312       660  
Provision/(benefit) for income taxes     4,642       3,855       (76 )
Impairment of goodwill     139              
Stock-based compensation     2,441       1,756       756  
Transaction-related costs(1)     2,508       2,508       1,875  
Other transaction-related expenses(2)     637       * (2)     * (2)
Other (income)/ expenses, net(3)     176       746       (1 )
Adjusted EBITDA   $ 23,661     $ 19,405     $ 16,398  

 

 

(1) For the periods presented this primarily reflects retention bonuses payable pursuant to the merger agreement in respect of the ASL Merger, which are allocated proportionally across cost of revenue, engineering, research and development, sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses, and other costs related to the Business Combination and public company readiness.
(2) With respect to the year ended December 31, 2019 only, this includes primarily transaction-related advisory, project and integration costs, executive recruitment costs and signing bonuses, payroll taxes on recurring personnel costs (such as retention bonuses and executive signing bonuses) and executive travel cost related to the merger transaction with ChaSerg Corporation. Grid Dynamics’ management did not track these non-core costs prior to the year ended December 31, 2019.
(3) Other expenses consist primarily of losses on foreign currency transactions, fair value adjustments and other miscellaneous expenses and other income consists primarily of interest on cash held at banks.

 

7

 

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of Grid Dynamics’ Pro Forma Adjusted Diluted EPS and its Adjusted Net Income to its consolidated net income for the periods indicated:

 

    Year ended December 31,  
    2019     2018     2017  
    (in thousands, except per share data)  
Consolidated net income   $ 10,807     $ 9,228     $ 13,184  
Adjusted for:                        
Impairment of goodwill     139              
Stock-based compensation     2,441       1,756       756  
Transaction-related costs(1)     2,508       2,508       1,875  
Other transaction-related expenses2)     637       * (2)     * (2)
Other (income)/expenses, net(3)     176       746       (1 )
Tax impact of non-GAAP adjustments(4)     (1,221 )     (1,202 )     (5,318 )
Adjusted Net Income   $ 15,487     $ 13,036     $ 10,496  
                         
Founder Share adjustment:                        
Adjusted Net Income – Founder Shares(5)     (288 )     (378 )     n/a  
Adjusted Net Income attributable to Class A shares   $ 15,259     $ 12,658       n/a  
Pro Forma Adjusted Diluted EPS(6)   $ 0.28     $ 0.24 – 0.27       n/a  

 

 

(1) For the periods presented this primarily reflects retention bonuses payable pursuant to the merger agreement in respect of the ASL Merger, which are allocated proportionally across cost of revenue, engineering, research and development, sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses, and other costs related to the Business Combination and public company readiness.
(2) With respect to the year ended December 31, 2019 only, this includes primarily transaction-related advisory, project and integration costs, executive recruitment costs and signing bonuses, payroll taxes on recurring personnel costs (such as retention bonuses and executive signing bonuses) and executive travel cost related to the merger transaction with ChaSerg Corporation. Grid Dynamics’ management did not track these non-core costs prior to the year ended December 31, 2019.
(3) Other expenses consist primarily of losses on foreign currency transactions, fair value adjustments (for example, related to earn-outs) and other miscellaneous expenses and other income consists primarily of interest on cash held at banks.
(4) Reflects the estimated tax impact of the non-GAAP adjustments presented in the table. For 2017, this includes an adjustment related to the U.S. tax effect of stock compensation expense, as the exercise of stock options in 2017 generated a material excess tax benefit that has been reversed in the non-GAAP adjustment.
(5) Adjusted Net Income attributable to Founder Shares is calculated based on the proportion of Founder Shares outstanding as of the consummation of the Business Combination. The pro forma Founder Shares outstanding amount to 0.8 million. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information.”
(6) Adjusted Net Income attributable to Class A shares for the period divided by the pro forma diluted average shares outstanding at the close of the Business Combination, assuming the Business Combination closed on January 1, 2019. The pro forma diluted average Class A shares outstanding are 54.6 million after all redemptions. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information.” The amounts reported for December 31, 2018 are consistent with amounts previously reported.

 

8

 

 

Key Components of Revenue and Expenses

 

Revenue

 

Grid Dynamics generates revenue by providing focused and complex services in the area of software engineering, development, integration, testing, and operations of digital services. Grid Dynamics provides services mainly on a time and materials basis and, to a much lesser extent, on a fixed-fee basis. While fixed-fee contracts currently represent an immaterial portion of overall revenue for the periods presented, Grid Dynamics expects proportionate revenue from fixed-fee contracts to increase in future periods due to a recent arrangement with a significant customer. On a time and materials basis, Grid Dynamics earns and recognizes revenue as hours and costs are incurred. On its current and future fixed fee contracts, Grid Dynamics earns and recognizes revenue as the work is performed on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract with the customer. The monthly calculation of which is based upon the total fixed fee per the contract divided by the number of months in the contract. For both time and materials contracts and fixed fee contracts, hourly rates are typically determined based on the location and experience of Grid Dynamics personnel selected to perform the service and are negotiated for each contract or statement of work, as the case may be. For fixed fee contracts, the fixed fee generally remains constant for the contracted project period unless the client directs a change in scope of project work or requests additional Grid Dynamics employees in excess of those scheduled for a specific project.

 

In select cases, Grid Dynamics offers volume discounts or early settlement discounts, which are recorded as contra-revenue items. Volume discounts apply once the customer reaches certain contractual spend thresholds. Early settlement discounts are issued contingent upon the timing of the payment from the customer. If there is uncertainty about project completion or receipt of payment for services provided, revenue is deferred until the uncertainty is sufficiently resolved.

 

Costs and Expenses

 

Certain of our cost trends may be impacted by the Business Combination and other factors. See “— Comparability of Financial Information” and “— Key Performance Indicators and Other Factors Affecting Performance” above.

 

Cost of revenue.    Cost of revenue consists primarily of salaries and employee benefits, including performance bonuses and stock-based compensation, and travel expenses for client-serving personnel. Cost of revenue also includes depreciation and amortization expense related to client-serving activities.

 

Engineering, Research and Development.    Engineering, research and development expenses consist mainly of salaries and employee benefits including performance bonuses and stock-based compensation for personnel engaged in the design and development of solutions and personnel. Engineering, research and development expenses also includes depreciation and amortization expense related to such activities. Engineering, research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

 

Sales and Marketing.    Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of expenses associated with promoting and selling Grid Dynamics’ services and consists mainly of salaries and benefits, including performance bonuses and stock-based compensation, marketing events, travel, as well as depreciation and amortization expense related to such activities.

 

General and Administrative.    General and administrative expenses consist primarily of administrative personnel and officers’ salaries and benefits including performance bonuses and stock-based compensation, legal and audit expenses, insurance, operating lease expenses (mainly facilities and vehicles) and other facility costs, workforce global mobility initiatives, restructuring and employee relocations costs (not in connection with customer projects), and depreciation and amortization expense related to such activities. General and administrative expenses include a substantial majority of Grid Dynamics’ stock-based compensation costs for the financial periods discussed in this Form 8-K.

 

Provision for Income Taxes.    Grid Dynamics follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes, whereby deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of the assets and liabilities. The provision for income taxes reflects income earned and taxed in the various U.S. federal and state and non-U.S. jurisdictions. Jurisdictional tax law changes, increases or decreases in permanent differences between book and tax items, accruals or adjustments of accruals for tax contingencies or valuation allowances, and the change in the mix of earnings from these taxing jurisdictions all affect the overall effective tax rate. Grid Dynamics’ effective tax rate was 30.0%, 29.5%, and (0.6)% in the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The differences in effective tax rate between the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were attributable mainly to an increase in stock compensation deductions in the 2019 period, as well as a change in mix of taxing jurisdictions offset by a decrease in permanent item deductions. In 2017, the unusually low effective tax rate was due mainly to a stock-based compensation deduction attributable to options acceleration and exercise in connection with the ASL Merger, the impact of which was partially offset by a one-time charge related to U.S. tax reform.

 

9

 

 

Results of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2019 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2018

 

The following table sets forth a summary of Grid Dynamics’ consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated, and the changes between periods:

 

    Year ended December 31,              
(in thousands, except percentages)   2019     2018     Change  
Revenue   $ 118,326     $ 91,865     $ 26,461       28.8 %
Cost of revenue     70,090       52,559       17,531       33.4 %
Gross profit     48,236       39,306       8,930       22.7 %
Engineering, research, and development     4,346       2,643       1,703       64.4 %
Sales and marketing     6,947       5,200       1,747       33.6 %
General and administrative     21,318       17,634       3,684       20.9 %
Total operating expense     32,611       25,477       7,134       28.0 %
Income from operations     15,625       13,829       1,796       13.0 %
Other income/(expenses), net     (176 )     (746 )     570       (76.4 )%
Income before income taxes     15,449       13,083       2,366       18.1 %
Provision for income taxes     4,642       3,855       787       20.4 %
Net Income   $ 10,807     $ 9,228     $ 1,579       17.1 %

 

n.m. = not meaningful.

 

Revenue.    Revenue increased by $26.4 million, or 28.8%, to $118.3 million in 2019 from $91.9 million in 2018. Grid Dynamics’ top ten customers contributed $102.6 million and $86.6 million to revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, in the aggregate accounting for $16.0 million of the increase despite a decline in revenue from one of Grid Dynamics’ top five customers due to cost-cutting initiatives. The remainder of the increase reflected growth in revenue from new customers (i.e., customers for which Grid Dynamics performed services for the first time during the period), which accounted for an additional $6.9 million of the increase, and other existing customers. The entire revenue increase was driven primarily by increased business volume, as well as a slight increase to average rates.

 

Cost of Revenue and Gross Profit.    Cost of revenue increased by $17.5 million, or 33.4%, to $70.1 million in 2019 from $52.6 million in 2018 reflecting Grid Dynamics’ increased business volume.

 

Gross profit increased by $8.9 million, or 22.7%, to $48.2 million in 2019 from $39.3 million in 2018. Gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of revenue) decreased by 2.0 percentage points to 40.8% in the year ended December 31, 2019 from 42.8% in the year ended December 31, 2018. The gross margin decline was attributable mainly to a change in employee mix, reflecting Grid Dynamics’ expansion in Poland and an increase in the ratio of U.S.-based to non-U.S.-based personnel engaged in performing Grid Dynamics’ customer contracts. These trends reflect Grid Dynamics’ commitment to staffing its increasingly complex projects with appropriately experienced personnel. Grid Dynamics’ U.S. and Poland based employees are billed at higher hourly rates and generate more gross profit dollars per hour than professionals in other Grid Dynamics locations. However, the costs of these U.S. and Poland based employees are also higher and, therefore, they generate modestly lower gross margins.

 

Engineering, Research and Development.    Engineering, research and development expense increased by $1.7 million to $4.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2019, a 64.4% increase from $2.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2018, reflecting Grid Dynamics’ efforts to develop its solutions and expertise.

 

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Sales and Marketing.    Sales and marketing expense increased by $1.7 million, or 33.6%, to $6.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2019 from $5.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2018. Sales and marketing expense accounted for 5.9% of Grid Dynamics’ revenue in the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to 5.7% in the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of 0.2 percentage points. The increase was due mainly to the development of Grid Dynamics’ sales force personnel and ramp up in marketing events, starting in mid-2018.

 

General and Administrative.    General and administrative expense increased by $3.7 million, or 20.9%, to $21.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2019 from $17.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2018. Labor, bonus, and vacation costs accounted for approximately $1.2 million of the increase, consistent with the increase in headcount. In addition, the Company renewed certain operating leases for corporate office rent accounting for an additional $1.0 million. Stock-based compensation accounted for an additional $0.7 million. The remainder of the increase was attributable to Grid Dynamics’ relocation of personnel, increased spend on workforce global mobility initiatives, increased acquisition-related exploratory costs, an increase in other travel-related costs and HR expenses. As a result, general and administrative expense accounted for 18.0% of Grid Dynamics’ revenue in the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of 1.2 percentage points from 19.2% in the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Other income/(expenses), net.    Other net expenses decreased to $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, reflecting increased interest income and a reduction in miscellaneous expenses.

 

Provision for Income Tax.    Provision for income tax was $4.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $3.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2018. The effective tax rate increased by 0.5 percentage points between periods. See “— Key Components of Revenue and Expenses — Costs and Expenses — Provision for income tax.”

 

Net Income.    Net income increased to $10.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2019 from $9.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2018 for the reasons discussed above.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2017

 

The following table sets forth a summary of Grid Dynamics’ consolidated results of operations for the years indicated, and the changes between periods:

 

    Year ended December 31,              
(in thousands, except percentages)   2018     2017     Change  
Revenue   $ 91,865     $ 70,684     $ 21,181       30.0 %
Cost of revenue     52,559       40,637       11,922       29.3 %
Gross profit     39,306       30,047       9,259       30.8 %
Engineering, research, and development     2,643       1,975       668       33.8 %
Sales and marketing     5,200       2,353       2,847       121.0 %
General and administrative     17,634       12,612       5,022       39.8 %
Total operating expense     25,477       16,940       8,537       50.4 %
Income from operations     13,829       13,107       722       5.5 %
Other income/(expenses), net     (746 )     1       (747 )     n.m.  
Income before income taxes     13,083       13,108       (25 )     n.m.  
Provision/(benefit) for income taxes     3,855       (76 )     3,931       5,172.4 %
Net Income   $ 9,228     $ 13,184     $ (3,956 )     (30.0 )%

 

n.m. = not meaningful

 

11

 

 

Revenue.    Revenue increased by $21.2 million, or 30.0%, to $91.9 million in 2018 from $70.7 million in 2017, driven mainly by increased revenue with existing customers. Revenue from Grid Dynamics’ top five customers (of which two were new to this category) increased $14.1 million to $65.4 million in 2018 from $51.3 million in 2017, with one of these customers accounting for $9.4 million of the increase. New customers accounted for an additional $2.2 million of the increase, and other existing customers for the remainder. Business volume accounted for a substantial majority of the year-on-year revenue growth, while a modest increase in Grid Dynamics’ average rates contributed marginally.

 

Cost of Revenue and Gross Profit.    Cost of revenue increased by $11.9 million, or 29.3%, to $52.6 million in 2018 from $40.6 million in 2017, reflecting Grid Dynamics’ increased business volume.

 

Gross profit increased by $9.3 million, or 30.8%, to $39.3 million in 2018 from $30.0 million in 2017, resulting in gross margins of 42.8% and 42.5% in 2018 and 2017, respectively. The 0.3 percentage point gross margin improvement was attributable mainly to improved utilization rates, which more than offset the impact of a $0.3 million increase in transaction-related retention bonuses allocated to cost of revenue.

 

Engineering, Research and Development.    Engineering, research and development expense increased by $0.7 million, or 33.8%, to $2.6 million in 2018 from $2.0 million in 2017, reflecting Grid Dynamics’ increased investment in developing its solutions and personnel.

 

Sales and Marketing.    Sales and marketing expenses increased by $2.8 million, or 121.0%, to $5.2 million in 2018 from $2.4 million in 2017, primarily reflecting the build-out of Grid Dynamics’ sales force and ramp in marketing events. As a result, sales and marketing expense accounted for 5.7% of Grid Dynamics’ revenue in 2018, and increase of 2.4 percentage points from 3.3% in 2017.

 

General and Administrative.    General and administrative expenses increased by $5.0 million, or 39.8%, to $17.6 million in 2018 from $12.6 million in 2017. Increased stock-based compensation accounted for $1.0 million of the increase. The remainder of the increase was attributable mainly to increased staffing levels to support operational growth, initial investment in global mobility initiatives and opening of new offices in Europe and Plano, Texas. General and administrative expense accounted for 19.2% of Grid Dynamics’ revenue in 2018 and 17.8% in 2017.

 

Other income/(expenses), net.    Other expenses increased to $0.7 million in 2018, primarily reflecting higher foreign currency exchange losses.

 

Provision for Income Tax.    Provision for income tax was $3.9 million in 2018 compared to an income tax benefit of $(0.1) million in 2017, reflecting effective tax rates of 29.5% and (0.6)% in the respective years. The significant increase in Grid Dynamics’ effective tax rate in 2018 reflected the return to more normalized taxation levels. In 2017 Grid Dynamics was able to take a large stock-based compensation deduction in connection with the ASL Merger, as discussed in more detail under “— Key Components of Revenue and Expenses — Costs and Expenses — Provision for income tax.”

 

Net Income.    Net income decreased by $4.0 million, or 30.0%, to $9.2 million in 2018 from $13.2 million in 2017, for the reasons discussed above.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Grid Dynamics measures liquidity in terms of its ability to fund the cash requirements of its business operations, including working capital needs, capital expenditures, contractual obligations and other commitments with cash flows from operations and other sources of funding. Grid Dynamics’ current liquidity needs relate mainly to working capital, consisting mainly of compensation and benefits of Grid Dynamics’ employees and contractors and capital expenditures for computer hardware and office furniture. Grid Dynamics’ ability to expand and grow its business will depend on many factors including its capital expenditure needs and the evolution of its operating cash flows. Grid Dynamics may need more cash resources due to changed business conditions or other developments, including investments or acquisitions. Grid Dynamics believes that its operating cash flows are sufficient to fund its currently expected levels of operating, investing and financing expenditures for a period of twelve months from the date of this Form 8-K. However, if Grid Dynamics’ resources are insufficient to satisfy its cash requirements, it may need to seek additional equity or debt financing, which may be subject to conditions outside of Grid Dynamics’ control and may not be available on terms acceptable to Grid Dynamics’ management or at all.

 

12

 

 

As of December 31, 2019, Grid Dynamics had cash and cash equivalents amounting to $42.2 million (compared to $17.9 million at December 31, 2018 and $10.4 million at December 31, 2017). Of this amount, $2.2 million was held outside the United States, namely in Russia, Ukraine, Poland and Serbia (compared to $2.7 million as of December 31, 2018). As many of Grid Dynamics’ assets, operations and employees are located in these countries, Grid Dynamics expects that all such cash and cash equivalents will be used to fund future operating needs and Grid Dynamics’ management has no intention of repatriating the funds. If Grid Dynamics decided to remit funds from these countries to the United States in the future, whether in the form of inter-company dividends or otherwise, they may be subject to foreign withholding taxes. In addition, Grid Dynamics’ cash in banks in Russia, Ukraine, Poland and Serbia may be subject to other risks, as the banking sector in certain of these countries is subject to periodic instability, may be subject to sanctions and may be subject to capital adequacy and other banking standards that are substantially less onerous than those of the United States.

 

Grid Dynamics does not have any debt outstanding at the date of this Form 8-K and did not have any debt outstanding at any balance sheet date presented. Grid Dynamics maintains a small credit line (less than $0.5 million) as credit support for a letter of credit facility and balances under corporate credit cards issued to certain employees. A letter of credit under this facility was issued and remains outstanding in support of an office lease in Poland.

 

Upon the consummation of the Business Combination, Grid Dynamics will also assume all of ChaSerg’s outstanding obligations at that time. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information.”

 

Cash Flows

 

The following table summarizes Grid Dynamics’ cash flows for the periods indicated:

 

    Year ended December 31,  
(in thousands)   2019     2018     2017  
Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 12,534     $ 10,584     $ 5,540  
Net cash used in investing activities     (2,811 )     (3,079 )     (1,058 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     14,604             (4,715 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     24,327       7,505       (233 )
Cash, cash equivalents (beginning)     17,862       10,357       10,590  
Cash, cash equivalents (end)   $ 42,189     $ 17,862     $ 10,357  

 

Operating Activities.    Net cash provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2019 increased by $1.9 million, or 18.4%, to $12.5 million from $10.6 million in the same period in 2018, driven by higher operating profit ($2.3 million increase year-on-year) as well as higher non-cash operating costs, particularly depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation charges, offset by increases in prepaid expenses and deferred transaction costs.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2018 increased $5.0 million, or 91.0%, to $10.6 million, from $5.5 million in 2017, reflecting higher cash operating profit (excluding non-cash costs, including higher depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation expenses) and changes in operating working capital, including a decrease in prepaid income taxes.

 

Investing Activities.    Net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2019 was $2.8 million compared to $3.1 million in cash used in the same period in 2018, and in both periods reflected mainly capital expenditures for computer hardware and related equipment.

 

Net cash used in investing activities in 2018 was $3.1 million compared to $1.1 million in 2017. The increase was primarily attributable increased capital expenditures, which comprised mainly computers and related equipment in both 2018 and 2017.

 

13

 

 

Financing Activities.    Net cash provided by financing activities was $14.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2019, reflecting primarily $14.9 million in proceeds from the sale of common and preferred stock to BGV and $1.7 million in proceeds from stock option grant exercises in 2019, offset by dividends paid of $2.0 million. Grid Dynamics had substantially no cash flows from or used in financing activities in the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Grid Dynamics had no cash flows from or used in financing activities in 2018. In 2017, Grid Dynamics used net cash of $4.7 million in financing activities, reflecting mainly a $1.9 million debt repayment and a dividend payment of $3.0 million, marginally offset by proceeds from stock option grant exercises.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The following table and the information that follows summarizes Grid Dynamics’ contractual obligations as of December 31, 2019.

 

    Total     Less than
1 year
    1-3
Years
    3-5
Years
    More than
5 Years
 
    (in thousands)  
Operating lease obligations(1)   $ 4,746     $ 3,347     $ 1,399     $        
Software service agreement obligation (2)   $ 1,678     $ 479     $ 1,124     $ 75          

 

 

(1) Includes leases of facilities and vehicles. Grid Dynamics’ headquarters in San Ramon, California is under lease, expiring in December 2022. Grid Dynamics also has 12 lease agreements for facilities in Texas, Russia, Poland, Serbia and Ukraine, under leases expiring between March 31, 2020 (renewal discussions are underway) and June 30, 2022.
(2) Grid Dynamics entered into one non-cancelable software services agreement with a term of five years. Payments are due quarterly in advance beginning March 1, 2020.

 

Grid Dynamics’ outstanding operating lease obligations have not changed materially since December 31, 2019. Grid Dynamics purchases software licenses in the ordinary course of business, which are not included in the table above. These non-perpetual licenses are typically renewed annually. Grid Dynamics does not have any material obligations under contractual arrangements other than as disclosed in this Form 8-K.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Commitments

 

Except for its credit support for the letter of credit and balances on corporate credit cards described above, Grid Dynamics does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements of the kind required to be disclosed under SEC rules and does not have any off-balance sheet or contingent commitments, except as described above with respect to operating leases and in Note 13 to the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 8-K.

 

As a result of analysis related to Grid Dynamics’ functional control of subcontractor GD Ukraine, LLC, the subcontractor was determined to be a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and is therefore consolidated in Grid Dynamics’ financial statements. The assets and liabilities of this VIE consist primarily of intercompany balances and transactions, all of which have been eliminated in consolidation. See Note 2 to Grid Dynamics’ audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 8-K.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Grid Dynamics’ consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. Preparation of the financial statements requires Grid Dynamics to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that impact the reported amount of revenue and expenses, assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Grid Dynamics considers an accounting judgment, estimate or assumption to be critical when (1) an estimate or assumption is complex in nature or requires a high degree of judgment, and (2) the use of different judgments, estimates and assumptions could have a material impact on Grid Dynamics’ consolidated financial statements. Grid Dynamics’ significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 to its audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 8-K. Grid Dynamics’ critical accounting policies are described below.

 

14

 

 

Revenue

 

Grid Dynamics derives substantially all of its revenue through time and materials contracts. Fixed-fee customer contracts, although not significant historically, will comprise a more significant portion of revenue in future periods. For all contracts, Grid Dynamics uses master agreements that govern the overall relevant terms and conditions of the business arrangement and executes statements of work pursuant to such agreements to execute specific projects. Grid Dynamics recognizes revenue for services over time as hours are incurred by Grid Dynamics’ consultants. For time-and-materials contracts, the customer derives value from the Company providing daily consulting services, and the value derived corresponds to the labor hours expended. Therefore, the Company measures the progress and recognizes revenue using an effort-based input method. For fixed-fee contracts, revenue is recognized ratably over the contract term on a straight-line basis.

 

Grid Dynamics also offers volume discounts or early settlement discounts. Volume discounts apply once the customer reaches certain contractual spend thresholds. Early settlement discounts are issued contingent upon the timing of the payment from the customer. If the consideration promised in a contract includes a variable amount, Grid Dynamics only includes estimated amounts of consideration in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved.

 

Income Taxes

 

The determination of the provision for income taxes requires significant judgment, the use of estimates and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. The provision for income taxes reflects a combination of income earned and taxed in the various U.S. federal and state and non-U.S. jurisdictions. Changes in tax law, increases or decreases in permanent differences between book and tax items, accruals or adjustments of accruals for tax contingencies or valuation allowances, and the change in the mix of earnings across taxing jurisdictions all affect the overall effective tax rate.

 

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, Grid Dynamics considers whether it is more-likely-than-not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, in determining whether a valuation allowance is required, including prior earnings history, the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, carryback and carryforward periods of tax attributes and tax planning strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of realization of a deferred tax asset in making this assessment. The weight given to the positive and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified.

 

Grid Dynamics evaluates for uncertain tax positions at each balance sheet date. When it is more likely than not that a position will be sustained upon examination by a tax authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information, Grid Dynamics measures the amount of tax benefit from the position and records the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized after settlement with a tax authority. Grid Dynamics’ policy for interest and/or penalties related to underpayments of income taxes is to include interest and penalties in provision for income tax.

 

Stock-based Compensation

 

Grid Dynamics has in the past issued, currently issues and intends to continue issuing incentive stock options and non-qualifying stock options. While Grid Dynamics does not currently have any other form of stock-based awards outstanding, it may also issue restricted stock units, performance stock units and stock appreciation rights. Stock-based compensation expense is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the share-based awards. Forfeitures are recognized as incurred. Grid Dynamics estimates grant date fair value of its stock using a number of objective and subjective factors, as described in more detail below, and the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the grant date fair value of option grants. The model requires management to make a number of key assumptions, including the fair value of common stock, expected volatility, expected term, risk free interest rate and expected dividends. As Grid Dynamics’ shares have not previously been publicly traded (and have rarely traded privately), expected volatility is estimated based on the average historical volatility of similar entities with publicly traded shares. The risk free rate for the expected term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the date of grant. The expected term is estimated using the simplified method, which takes into account vesting and contractual term. Grid Dynamics’ options grants generally vest over a 3- or 5-year period and from time to time Grid Dynamics makes grants with a portion vesting at the tie of grant. Management elected to use the simplified method instead of historical experience due to a lack of relevant historical data resulting from changes in option vesting schedules and changes in the pool of employees receiving option grants. Grid Dynamics evaluates the assumptions used to value its share based awards on each grant date. Grants, and their values, are approved by Grid Dynamics’ Board.

 

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Grid Dynamics amortizes the grant date fair value of all share based compensation awards over the employee’s requisite service period for the entire award on a straight line basis, which is generally the vesting period. For an award with graded vesting that is subject only to a service condition (e.g., time-based vesting), Grid Dynamics uses the straight-line attribution method under ASC 718, under which it recognizes compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the total requisite service period for the entire award (i.e., over the requisite service period of the last separately-vesting tranche of the award). Additionally, Grid Dynamics applies the “floor” concept, so that the amount of compensation cost that is recognized as of any date is at least equal to the grant-date fair value of the vested portion of the award on that date. In other words, if the straight-line expense recognized to date is less than the grant date fair value of the award that is legally vested at that date (for example, as a result of a portion of a grant vesting at the grant date), Grid Dynamics will increase its recognized expense to at least equal the fair value of the vested amount.

 

Grid Dynamics’ management and Board considered various objective and subjective factors to determine the fair value of the company’s stock as of each grant date, including the following related to Grid Dynamics:

 

its valuation in the ASL Merger;

 

its business strategy;

 

external market conditions affecting its industry, and trends within its industry;

 

its financial position and its historical and forecasted performance and operating results;

 

the lack of an active public or private market for its stock;

 

the likelihood of achieving a liquidity event, such as a sale of the company;

 

the likelihood of an initial public offering or listing of its stock; and

 

market performance analyses, including with respect to stock price valuation, of similar companies in Grid Dynamics’ industry.

 

The assumptions underlying these valuations represent management’s best estimates, which involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if factors or expected outcomes change and Grid Dynamics’ management uses significantly different assumptions or estimates, Grid Dynamics’ stock-based compensation expense could be materially different. Upon the consummation of the Business Combination, the fair value of Grid Dynamics’ stock will be determined based on the quoted market price on the NASDAQ. For more detailed information about Grid Dynamics’ historical and outstanding grants and its valuation of its stock-based compensation and awards, see Note 8 (“Stock-based compensation”) to the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 8-K.

 

Emerging Growth Company Accounting Election

 

Section 102(b)(1) of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (“JOBS Act”) exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can choose not to take advantage of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies and any such election to not to take advantage of the extended transition period is irrevocable. ChaSerg is an “emerging growth company” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act and has elected to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period. Following the consummation of the Business Combination, the Successor is expected to remain an emerging growth company and is expected to continue to take advantage of the benefits of the extended transition period. This may make it difficult or impossible to compare the Successor’s financial results with the financial results of another public company that is either not an emerging growth company or is an emerging growth company that has chosen not to take advantage of the extended transition period exemptions for emerging growth companies because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

 

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Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

Recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements are described in Note 2 to Grid Dynamics’ audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited consolidated condensed interim financial statements, included elsewhere in this Form 8-K.

 

In particular, Grid Dynamics recently implemented Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers). Grid Dynamics adopted the standard using the modified retrospective method, where it recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with Grid Dynamics’ legacy accounting under ASC Topic 605. The implementation of the new standard did not materially affect the Company’s consolidated financial statements as discussed further in Note 2 to Grid Dynamics’ audited consolidated financial statements.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Grid Dynamics has in the past and may in the future be exposed to certain market and credit risks in the ordinary course of business, including exposure related to fluctuations in foreign currency rates, and on occasion and to a lesser extent, changes in interest rates and concentration of credit risk. In addition, Grid Dynamics’ international operations are subject to risks related to differing economic conditions, changes in political climate, differing tax structures, and other regulations and restrictions. See “Risk Factors.”

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

 

Grid Dynamics is exposed to foreign currency exchange transaction risk related to funding its non-US operations and to foreign currency translation risk related to certain of its subsidiaries’ cash balances that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, which is Grid Dynamics’ functional currency. In addition, Grid Dynamics’ profit margins are subject to volatility as a result of changes in foreign exchange rates. When and where possible, Grid Dynamics seeks to match expenses to the U.S. dollar, and believes, due to Ukrainian payroll being pegged to the U.S. dollar, that a significant portion of its foreign currency exchange rate exposure to the Ukrainian hryvnia is naturally hedged. See “Comparability of Financial Information—Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Exposure.” In future periods, Grid Dynamics may also become materially exposed to changes in the value of the Serbian dinar against the U.S. dollar, as it continues to expand its operations in Serbia.

 

In the year ended December 31, 2019, approximately 22%, 13% and 12% of Grid Dynamics’ $102.7 million of combined cost of services sold and operating expense were denominated in the Russian ruble, Ukrainian hryvnia and Polish zloty, respectively. Comparatively, the same foreign currencies accounted for approximately 26%, 13% and 10%, respectively, of Grid Dynamics’ $78.0 million of combined cost of services sold and operating expense in 2018.

 

In the year ended December 31, 2019:

 

a 10% decrease in the value of the Russian ruble against the U.S. dollar would have resulted in a $2.1 million increase in Grid Dynamics’ income from operations, while a 10% increase in the ruble’s value would have resulted in a $2.5 million decrease in income from operations; and

 

a 10% decrease in the value of the Polish zloty against the U.S. dollar would have resulted in a $1.1 million increase in Grid Dynamics’ income from operations, while a 10% increase in the zloty’s value would have resulted in a $1.3 million decrease in income from operations.

 

Grid Dynamics analyzes sensitivity to the ruble and zloty separately because, in management’s experience, fluctuations in the value of these currencies against the U.S. dollar are frequently driven by distinct macroeconomic and geopolitical factors.

 

Grid Dynamics does not currently hedge its foreign currency exposure, although it seeks minimize it by limiting cash transfers to amounts necessary to fund subsidiary operating expenses for a short period, typically one week. Grid Dynamics’ management may evaluate new hedging strategies in future periods.

 

 

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