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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): December 29, 2021

 

Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   001-40267   98-1576914

(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)

 

(Commission File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

4022 E. Conant St.
Long Beach, California

  90808
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(562) 388-4400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

N/A

(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, $0.0001 par value per share   VORB   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Warrants to purchase common stock   VORBW   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

 

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

   

Emerging growth company

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, “we,” “us,” “our,” “Virgin Orbit” and the “Company” refer to Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (f/k/a NextGen Acquisition Corp. II, a Cayman Islands exempted company), and its consolidated subsidiaries following the Domestication and Closing. Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “NextGen” refer to NextGen Acquisition Corp. II, a Cayman Islands exempted company, prior to the Domestication and Closing. All references herein to the “Board” refer to the board of directors of the Company.

 

Terms used in this Current Report on Form 8-K (this “Report”) but not defined herein, or for which definitions are not otherwise incorporated by reference herein, shall have the meaning given to such terms in the proxy statement/prospectus (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) by NextGen on December 7, 2021 in the section entitled “Frequently Used Terms” beginning on page 1 thereof, and such definitions are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Domestication and Business Combination

 

As disclosed under the sections entitled “BCA Proposal” beginning on page 88 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, NextGen entered into a merger agreement (the “Merger Agreement”), dated August 22, 2021, with Pulsar Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of NextGen (“Merger Sub”), and Vieco USA, Inc. (“Vieco USA”).

 

On December 29, 2021, as contemplated by the Merger Agreement and described in the section titled “Domestication Proposal” beginning on page 145 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, NextGen filed a notice of deregistration with the Cayman Islands Registrar of Companies, together with the necessary accompanying documents, and filed a certificate of incorporation and a certificate of corporate domestication with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, under which NextGen was domesticated and continues as a Delaware corporation, changing its name to “Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc.” (the “Domestication”).

 

As a result of and upon the effective time of the Domestication, (1) each of the then issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, of NextGen (“NextGen Class A ordinary shares”) converted automatically, on a one-for-one basis, into a share of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Virgin Orbit (the “Virgin Orbit common stock”), (2) each of the then issued and outstanding Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, of NextGen (“NextGen Class B ordinary shares”) converted automatically, on a one-for-one basis, into a share of Virgin Orbit common stock, (3) each then issued and outstanding warrant of NextGen (the “NextGen warrants”) converted automatically into a warrant to acquire one share of Virgin Orbit common stock (the “Virgin Orbit warrants”), pursuant to the Warrant Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2021, between NextGen and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the “Warrant Agreement”) and (4) each of the then issued and outstanding units of NextGen that had not been previously separated into the underlying NextGen Class A ordinary share and underlying NextGen warrant upon the request of the holder thereof (the “NextGen units”) were cancelled and entitled the holder thereof to one share of Virgin Orbit common stock and one-fifth of one Virgin Orbit warrant. No fractional Virgin Orbit warrants were issued upon separation of the NextGen units.

 

1

 

 

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and after the Domestication, Merger Sub was merged with and into Vieco USA, with Vieco USA surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Business Combination” and, together with the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the “Transactions”).

 

As previously reported on the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 28, 2021, NextGen held a special meeting of shareholders on December 28, 2021 (the “Special Meeting”), at which the NextGen shareholders considered and adopted, among other matters, a proposal to approve the Business Combination, including (a) adopting the Merger Agreement and (b) approving the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and related agreements described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

 

Immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, VO Holdings, Inc. (“VO Holdings”) merged with and into Vieco USA, with Vieco USA surviving the merger (the “Pre-Closing Restructuring”). Pursuant to the Pre-Closing Restructuring, (i) all shares of common stock of Vieco USA held by Vieco 10 Limited, a company limited by shares under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (“Vieco 10” and the “Requisite Vieco USA Stockholder”) immediately prior to such merger were cancelled in exchange for a number of shares of Vieco USA common stock equal to the number of shares of VO Holdings common stock held by Vieco USA immediately prior to such merger, (ii) the VO Holdings common stock held by all other stockholders of VO Holdings (the “Other VO Holdings Stockholders”) immediately prior to such merger were cancelled and converted into a number of shares of Vieco USA common stock equal to the number of shares of VO Holdings common stock held by the Other VO Holdings Stockholders immediately prior to such merger, (iii) the VO Holdings, Inc. 2017 Stock Incentive Plan was assumed by Vieco USA and the options to purchase shares of VO Holdings common stock outstanding prior to the Pre-Closing Restructuring issued pursuant thereto were cancelled and converted into an equal number of options to purchase shares of Vieco USA common stock prior to the Business Combination (with the same per share exercise prices) and (iv) all outstanding stock appreciation rights related to VO Holdings were cancelled and converted into a number of shares of Vieco USA common stock based on the appreciation value of such stock appreciation rights at the time of such merger, assuming the same per share price of Vieco USA common stock as that of VO Holdings common stock.

 

Pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, following the Special Meeting, on December 29, 2021 (the “Closing Date”), the Transactions were consummated (the “Closing”).

 

As a result of and upon the Closing, among other things, all outstanding shares of Vieco USA common stock as of immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, and, together with shares of Vieco USA common stock reserved in respect of options to purchase shares of Vieco USA common stock (the “Vieco USA Awards”) outstanding as of immediately prior to the Closing (exclusive of any Vieco USA Options that have an exercise price per share that is equal to or greater than the per share merger consideration of $12.50, which were cancelled without consideration) that were converted into awards based on Virgin Orbit common stock, were cancelled in exchange for the right to receive, or the reservation of, an aggregate of 310,000,000 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock (at a deemed value of $10.00 per share), which, in the case of Vieco USA Awards, were shares underlying awards based on Virgin Orbit common stock, representing a fully-diluted pre-transaction equity value of Vieco USA of $3.1 billion.

 

2

 

 

Following the Closing, Vieco 10 distributed 243,806,308 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock to VIL (as defined below) and 58,175,111 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock to Fifteenth Investment Company LLC, an affiliate of Aabar Space Inc. (“Fifteenth” and such distribution, the “post-Closing Distribution”).

 

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

 

PIPE Investments

 

As previously announced, on August 22, 2021, concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, NextGen entered into subscription agreements (the “Subscription Agreements”) with certain institutional and accredited investors (collectively, the “PIPE Investors”), pursuant to which the PIPE Investors agreed to purchase, in the aggregate, 10,000,000 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock at $10.00 per share for an aggregate commitment amount of $100,000,000 (the “Initial PIPE Investment”).

 

As previously reported, pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, if, after the deadline for Acquiror Share Redemptions (as defined in the Merger Agreement) had passed in connection with the Acquiror Shareholders’ Meeting (as defined in the Merger Agreement), the sum of (x) the amount of cash available in (i) the trust account into which substantially all of the proceeds of the registrant’s initial public offering and private placements of its warrants were deposited for the benefit of the registrant, certain of its public shareholders and the underwriters of the registrant’s initial public offering (the “Trust Account”), after deducting the amount required to satisfy the registrant’s obligations to its shareholders that exercised their rights to redeem their Class A Ordinary Shares of the registrant pursuant to NextGen’s constitutional documents, transaction expenses of the registrant or its affiliates, and any deferred underwriting commissions being held in the Trust Account (the “Trust Amount”) plus (y) the PIPE Investment Amount (as defined in the Merger Agreement), was expected to be less than $200,000,000, then, at or prior to the closing of the Transactions, Virgin Investments Limited, a company limited by shares under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (“VIL”), and its affiliates had the right (but not the obligation) to purchase up to $100,000,000 of additional shares of Acquiror Common Stock at a price per share of $10.00.

 

Pursuant to this right, on December 28, 2021, VIL entered into a subscription agreement pursuant to which VIL agreed to subscribe for 5,820,000 shares of the Acquiror Common Stock in connection with the closing of the Transactions for an aggregate cash purchase price of $58,200,000. On December 28, 2021, George N. Mattson and Gregory L. Summe, the co-chairmen of the registrant’s board of directors prior to the consummation of the Transactions, also each entered into a subscription agreement pursuant to which each of Mr. Mattson and Mr. Summe agreed to subscribe for 100,000 shares of the Acquiror Common Stock in connection with the closing of the Transactions for an aggregate cash purchase price of $1,000,000 (collectively, with VIL’s additional PIPE Investment, the “Additional PIPE Investments,” and together with the Initial PIPE Investments, the “PIPE Investments”).

 

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Third-Party PIPE Investor Warrant

 

As previously announced, concurrently with the Closing, in consideration for certain commercial arrangements between Virgin Orbit and The Boeing Company (“Boeing”), NextGen delivered to Boeing a warrant to purchase (including via cashless exercise) 500,000 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock, at $10.00 per share (the “Boeing Warrant”). The material terms of the Third-Party PIPE Investor Warrant are described in the section of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page 112 titled “BCA Proposal—Related Agreements—Third-Party PIPE Investor Warrant.”

 

Immediately after giving effect to the redemption of 31,480,291 Class A ordinary shares of NextGen in connection with the Business Combination, the PIPE Investments and the forfeiture of 765,000 Class B ordinary of NextGen by the Sponsor in connection with the Closing, there were 334,919,914 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock outstanding. Upon the consummation of the Business Combination, NextGen’s ordinary shares, warrants and units ceased trading on The Nasdaq Stock Market (the “Nasdaq”), and Virgin Orbit’s common stock and warrants began trading on December 30, 2021 on the Nasdaq under the symbols “VORB” and “VORBW,” respectively. Immediately after giving effect to the Business Combination and the PIPE Investment, (1) NextGen’s public shareholders owned approximately 2.0% of the outstanding Virgin Orbit common stock, (2) Vieco USA stockholders owned approximately 93.7% of the outstanding Virgin Orbit common stock, (3) the Sponsor and related parties collectively owned approximately 3.1% of the outstanding Virgin Orbit common stock and (4) the third party PIPE Investors owned approximately 1.2% of the outstanding Virgin Orbit common stock.

 

As noted above, an aggregate of $314.8 million was paid from the Company’s trust account to holders that properly exercised their right to have shares redeemed, and immediately prior to the Closing, approximately $67.8 million remained in the trust account. The remaining amount in the trust account was used to fund the Business Combination.

 

Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement

 

On December 29, 2021, in connection with the consummation of the Business Combination and as contemplated by the Merger Agreement, Virgin Orbit, the Sponsor and certain former stockholders of Vieco USA entered into the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). Following the post-Closing Distribution of Virgin Orbit common stock by Vieco 10 to VIL and Fifteenth, VIL and Fifteenth entered into joinders to the Registration Rights Agreement, each as a VO Holder (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) thereunder. The material terms of the Registration Rights Agreement are described in the section of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page 119 titled “BCA Proposal—Related Agreements—Registration Rights Agreement.” Such description is qualified in its entirety by the text of the Registration Rights Agreement, which is included as Exhibit 10.1 to this Report and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Stockholders’ Agreement

 

On December 29, 2021, in connection with the consummation of the Transactions and as contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the Company and Vieco 10 entered into the Stockholders’ Agreement (the “Stockholders’ Agreement”). Following the post-Closing Distribution of Virgin Orbit common stock by Vieco 10 to VIL and Fifteenth, VIL and Fifteenth entered into a joinder to the Stockholders’ Agreement, whereby Fifteenth became a Voting Party and VIL assumed the designation and consent rights granted to Vieco 10 pursuant to the Stockholders’ Agreement, except that, so long as Fifteenth continues to own at least 7.5% of the outstanding shares of Virgin Orbit common stock, it will have the right to designate one director. The material terms of the Stockholders’ Agreement are described in the section of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page 107 titled “BCA Proposal—Related Agreements—Stockholders’ Agreement.” Such description is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Stockholders’ Agreement, which is included as Exhibit 10.2 to this Report and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Trademark License Agreement

 

On December 29, 2021, in connection with the consummation of the Transactions and as contemplated by the Merger Agreement and pursuant to the deed of novation dated August 22, 2021, by and among Virgin Orbit, LLC, NextGen and Virgin Enterprises Limited, the amended and restated trademark license agreement (the “Amended TMLA”) between the Company and Virgin Enterprises Limited became effective, pursuant to which the Company was granted certain rights to use the “Virgin Orbit” name and brand and the Virgin signature logo. The material terms of the Amended TMLA are described in the section of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page 111 titled “BCA Proposal—Related Agreements—Trademark License Agreement.” Such description is qualified in its entirety by the text of the Deed of Novation and Amended TMLA, which are included as Exhibits 10.3 and 10.4 to this Report, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2.01 Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

 

The disclosure set forth above in the “Introductory Note” of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.01.

 

FORM 10 INFORMATION

 

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

 

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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

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

 

Factors that may impact such forward-looking statements include:

 

Virgin Orbit’s public securities’ potential liquidity and trading;

 

Virgin Orbit’s success in retaining or recruiting, or changes required in, its officers, key employees or directors;

 

the impact of the regulatory environment and complexities with compliance related to such environment;

 

the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic;

 

the ability of Virgin Orbit to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting;

 

the ability of Virgin Orbit to grow market share in its existing markets or any new markets it may enter;

 

the ability of Virgin Orbit to respond to general economic conditions;

 

the ability of Virgin Orbit to manage its growth effectively;

 

the ability of Virgin Orbit to achieve and maintain profitability in the future;

 

the ability of Virgin Orbit to access sources of capital, including debt financing and other sources of capital to finance operations and growth;

 

6

 

 

the ability of Virgin Orbit to maintain and enhance its products and brand, and to attract customers;

 

the ability of Virgin Orbit to execute its business model, including market acceptance of its planned products and services and achieving sufficient production volumes at acceptable quality levels and prices;

 

the success of strategic relationships with third parties; and

 

other factors detailed under the section titled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 33 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

 

Business

 

Virgin Orbit’s business is described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Information About Vieco USA” beginning on page 212, which is incorporated herein by reference.   

 

Risk Factors

 

The risks associated with Virgin Orbit’s business are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 33 and are incorporated herein by reference. A summary of the risks associated with Virgin Orbit’s business is also included beginning on page 26 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus under the heading “Risk Factors” and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Financial Information

 

The audited consolidated financial statements of Vieco USA as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on pages F-63, which are incorporated herein by reference.

 

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Vieco USA as of September 30, 2021 and for the periods ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on pages F-41, which are incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operation of Vieco USA for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 and the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Vieco USA’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” beginning on page 231, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Management’s discussion and analysis of the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk of Vieco USA for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 and the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Vieco USA’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” beginning on page 242, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Properties

 

The Company’s facilities are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Information About Vieco USA—Facilities” on page 221 and that information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of Virgin Orbit common stock following the consummation of the Business Combination and the PIPE Investment by:

 

each person who is known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of shares of Virgin Orbit common stock;

 

each of Virgin Orbit’s current named executive officers and directors; and

 

all current executive officers and directors of Virgin Orbit as a group.

 

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

 

8

 

 

Unless otherwise indicated, Virgin Orbit believes that all persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to the voting securities beneficially owned by them.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)   Shares     %  
5% Holders            
Virgin Investments Limited(2)     252,126,308       75.28  
Fifteenth Investment Company LLC(3)     60,175,111       17.97  
Directors and Executive Officers                
Dan Hart(4)     2,926,786       *  
Jim Simpson(5)     29,303       *  
Tony Gingiss(6)     18,754       *  
Brita O’Rear(7)     125,879       *  
Derrick Boston(8)     124,834       *  
Susan Helms            
Evan Lovell            
George N. Mattson(9)(10)     9,189,864       2.7  
Katharina McFarland            
Abdulla Shadid            
Gregory L. Summe(9)(11)     9,189,864       2.7  
All directors and executive officers as a group (11 individuals)(12)     12,805,420       3.82  

 

* Less than one percent
(1) Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each of those listed in the table above is 4022 East Conant Street Long Beach, CA 90808 United States.
(2) Virgin Investments Limited (“VIL”) is wholly owned by Corvina Holdings Limited, which is wholly owned by Virgin Group. Virgin Group is owned by Sir Richard Branson, and he has the ability to appoint and remove the management of Virgin Group and, as such, may indirectly control the decisions of Virgin Group, regarding the voting and disposition of securities held by Virgin Group. Therefore, Sir Richard Branson may be deemed to have indirect beneficial ownership of the shares held by Virgin Group. The address of VIL, Corvina Holdings Limited and Virgin Group is Craigmuir Chambers, Road Town, Tortola, VG1110, British Virgin Islands. The address of Sir Richard Branson is Branson Villa, Necker Beach Estate, Necker Island, VG1150, British Virgin Islands.
(3) Fifteenth Investment Company LLC is a majority-owned subsidiary of Mamoura Diversified Global Holding PJSC (“Mamoura”), a public joint stock company established under the laws of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Fifteenth and Mamoura are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (“Mubadala”), which is a public joint stock company established under the laws of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and which is wholly-owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi. The address of the principal office of Fifteenth is Mamoura A, Muroor Street, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The address of the principal office of Mamoura and Mubadala is P.O. Box 45005, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
(4) Consists of 2,926,786 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock issuable pursuant to outstanding stock options held by Mr. Hart that are exercisable or vested within 60 days of December 29, 2021.
(5) Consists of 29,303 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock issuable pursuant to outstanding stock options held by Mr. Simpson that are exercisable or vested within 60 days of December 29, 2021.
(6) Consists of 18,754 of shares of Virgin Orbit common stock issuable pursuant to outstanding stock options held by Mr. Gingiss that are exercisable or vested within 60 days of December 29, 2021.
(7) Consists of 125,879 of shares of Virgin Orbit common stock issuable pursuant to outstanding stock options held by Mrs. O’Rear that are exercisable or vested within 60 days of December 29, 2021.
(8) Consists of (i) 22,556 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock held and (ii) 102,278 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock issuable pursuant to outstanding stock options held by Mr. Boston that are exercisable or vested within 60 days of December 29, 2021.
(9) Mr. Mattson and Mr. Summe may be deemed to beneficially own securities held by NextGen Sponsor II LLC by virtue of their shared control over NextGen Sponsor II LLC. Other than Mr. Mattson and Mr. Summe, no member of Sponsor exercises voting or dispositive control over any of the NextGen II Class B Ordinary Shares held by NextGen Sponsor II LLC. The address of the entities and individuals mentioned in this footnote is 2255 Glades Road, Suite 324A, Boca Raton, FL 33431.
(10) Includes 390,000 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock purchased by Mr. Mattson in the PIPE Investments.
(11) Includes 390,000 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock purchased by Mr. Summe in the PIPE Investments.
(12) Consists of (i) 9,602,420 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock and (ii) 3,203,000 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock issuable pursuant to outstanding stock options that are exercisable or vested within 60 days of December 29, 2021.

 

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Directors and Executive Officers

 

Virgin Orbit’s directors and executive officers after the consummation of the Business Combination, are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Management of Virgin Orbit Following the Business Combination” beginning on page 223 and that information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

None of Virgin Orbit’s executive officers currently serves, or has served during the last year, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity, other than Virgin Orbit, that has one or more executive officers serving as a member of Virgin Orbit’s board of directors.

 

Director Independence

 

The independence of each director of Virgin Orbit is described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Management of Virgin Orbit Following the Business Combination —Director Independence” on page 228 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Non-Employee Director Compensation

 

Two of our non-employee directors, Katharina McFarland and Susan Helms, received compensation for services performed as members of the board of directors in 2021 as reflected in the table below. None of our other non-employee directors received compensation for services performed as members of the board of directors in 2021.

 

Name   Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash
($)(1)
    Total 
($)
 
James Cahillane            
Susan Helms     750       750  
Evan Lovell            
George N. Mattson            
Patrick McCall            
Katharina McFarland     865       865  
Abdulla Shadid            
Gregory L. Summe            
Gaston Urda            

 

(1) Amounts represent the pro-rated annual retainer earned by each of Susan Helms and Katharina McFarland pursuant to the Director Compensation Program (defined below) for service on our board in 2021 following the Closing and paid in 2022.

 

In connection with the Business Combination, we adopted and implemented a compensation program for our non-employee directors who are determined to not be affiliated with Virgin Orbit that consists of annual retainer fees and long-term equity awards (the “Director Compensation Program”).

 

The initial eligible directors participating in the Director Compensation Program are Susan Helms and Katharina McFarland. In connection with the Closing and under the Director Compensation Program, we approved the grant to each eligible non-employee director of a restricted stock unit award covering shares of Virgin Orbit common stock with a grant date value of $75,000, which will be granted effective when our Form S-8 is effective, and will vest as to one-third of the shares subject to the award on each anniversary of the Closing, subject to continued service.

 

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The Director Compensation Program also will consist of the following components:

 

Cash Compensation

 

Annual Retainer: $60,000

 

Annual Committee Chair Retainer:

 

Audit: $20,000

 

Compensation: $10,000

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance: $10,000

 

Annual Committee Member (Non-Chair) Retainer:

 

Audit: $10,000

 

Compensation: $5,000

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance: $5,000

 

The annual cash retainers will be paid in quarterly installments in arrears, and will be pro-rated for any partial calendar quarter of service.

 

Equity Compensation

 

Initial Grant to each eligible director who is initially elected or appointed to serve on our board of directors after the Closing:    restricted stock unit award with an aggregate grant date value of $75,000, which will vest as to one-third of the shares subject to the award on each anniversary of the grant date, subject to continued service.

 

Annual Grant to each eligible director who is serving on our board of directors as of the date of the annual stockholders’ meeting beginning with calendar year 2022:    restricted stock unit award with an aggregate grant date value of $100,000, which will vest in full on the earlier of the one-year anniversary of the grant date and the date of the next annual meeting following the grant date, subject to continued service.

 

In addition, each equity award granted to the eligible directors under the Director Compensation Program will vest in full immediately prior to the occurrence of a change in control (as defined in the Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc., 2021 Incentive Award Plan (the “2021 Plan”)).

 

Compensation under the Director Compensation Program will be subject to the annual limits on non-employee director compensation set forth in the 2021 Plan.

 

Executive Compensation

 

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

 

Dan Hart, Chief Executive Officer;

 

Jim Simpson, Chief Strategy Officer; and

 

Tony Gingiss, Chief Operating Officer.

 

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2021 Summary Compensation Table

 

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

 

Name and Principal Position   Year     Salary
($)
    Bonus
($)(1)
    Option
Awards ($)(2)
    Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(3)     All Other Compensation ($)(4)     Total
($)
 
Dan Hart     2021       503,000             2,093,921       300,000       44,552       2,941,443  
Chief Executive Officer     2020       449,401                   328,950       45,528       823,879  
Jim Simpson     2021       390,750             223,575       __      10,186       624,511  
Chief Strategy Officer                                                        
Tony Gingiss     2021       335,077       75,000       182,208             15,042       607,327  
Chief Operating Officer                                                        

 

 

(1) With respect to 2021, amount represents a one-time cash signing bonus for Mr. Gingiss, paid in a lump sum subject to repayment in the event that Mr. Gingiss resigns for any reason or his employment is terminated by his employer for cause, in each case prior to the one year anniversary of January 28, 2021 (his employment start date).

(2) With respect to 2021, amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of stock options to purchase shares granted under the 2017 Plan (as defined below) to the named executive officer during the applicable year, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the weighted average assumptions used in calculating the grant date fair values were as follows: (i) expected life/term (3.45 years), (ii) expected volatility (60%), (iii) risk-free interest rate (0.61%), and (iv) dividend yield (zero).

(3) With respect to 2021, the amount for Mr. Hart represents a one-time cash bonus in an amount equal to $300,000 earned upon the occurrence of the first commercial launch date (as defined below), paid in a lump sum subject to repayment in the event that Mr. Hart resigns without “good reason” or his employment is terminated by his employer with “cause” (each as defined in the employment agreement) prior to the first anniversary of the payment date. The amount of compensation payable to each named executive officer under the 2021 annual bonus program based on the attainment of pre-determined individual and company performance metrics as determined by the board of directors of VO Holdings in its discretion has not yet been determined; it is anticipated that any compensation under the 2021 annual bonus program will be determined in the first quarter of 2022 and payable in cash shortly thereafter.

 

 

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(4) Amounts for 2021 in this column include the amounts set forth in the table below:

 

Named Executive Officer   401(k) Plan Matching Contributions ($)     Health
Insurance Premiums
    Life Insurance Premiums
($)
    Charitable Contribution to the California Science Center ($)  
Dan Hart     16,918             2,604       25,000  
Jim Simpson     8,700             1,486        
Tony Gingiss     13,741             1,302        

 

2021 Salaries

 

In 2021, the named executive officers received annual base salaries to compensate them for services rendered to VO Holdings and Old Virgin Orbit prior to the Business Combination and the Company following the Closing. The base salary payable to each named executive officer is intended to provide a fixed component of compensation reflecting the executive’s skill set, experience, role and responsibilities. The annual base salaries for the named executive officers were $500,000, $390,000 and $360,000 for Messrs. Hart, Simpson and Gingiss, respectively.

 

In connection with the Closing, the base salary payable to Mr. Gingiss increased to $390,000, effective as of the Closing. Messrs. Hart’ and Simpson’s base salaries were not increased in 2021.

 

2021 Bonuses

 

In fiscal year 2021, Messrs. Hart, Simpson and Gingiss were eligible to earn annual cash bonuses targeted at 75%, 50% and 50%, respectively, of their respective base salaries. Each named executive officer was eligible to earn his bonus based on the attainment of pre-determined company and individual performance metrics, which were comprised of company key performance indicators (weighted 65% of the executive’s bonus opportunity) including safety, financial, flight, production, diversity representation and growth goals, and individual goals (weighted 35% of the executive’s bonus opportunity). Bonus payouts in respect of individual performance will be based on achievement of individual goals and be subject to a performance multiplier ranging from 0%-120% of target.

 

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The amount of the bonuses payable under the 2021 bonus program have not yet been determined; it is anticipated that the amount of such bonuses will be determined in the first quarter of 2022.

 

In connection with the Business Combination, Mr. Hart’s target bonus opportunity was increased to 100% of his base salary for 2022.

 

Equity Compensation

 

Each of our named executive officers currently hold stock options granted under the 2017 Stock Incentive Plan, or the 2017 Plan, which was terminated in connection with the Closing. In 2021, VO Holdings granted each of our named executive officers a stock option as set forth below.

 

Stock options granted to Messrs. Simpson and Gingiss under the 2017 Plan generally vest and become exercisable as to 25% of the underlying shares on the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date and thereafter as to 1/12th of the underlying shares on each quarterly anniversary of the vesting commencement date, subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date.

 

The stock option granted to Mr. Hart under the 2017 Plan in 2021 vested and became exercisable as to 33.3% of the underlying shares upon his continued employment through the last day of the calendar year in which a successful revenue-generating deployment of a satellite by Old Virgin Orbit’s small satellite launch system into its intended orbit (excluding “test” or “qualification” launches) was achieved (the date of such achievement the “first commercial launch”) and the remaining 66.7% of the underlying shares will vest and become exercisable on the last day of the first calendar year in which Virgin Orbit has conducted five successful revenue-generating deployment launches of satellites into their respective intended orbits (based on the number of such launches rather than the number of satellites launched in such calendar year (the last day of such calendar year the “multiple launch success date”), subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date. We achieved the first commercial launch on June 30, 2021.

 

The vesting of stock options under the 2017 Plan will accelerate in full in the event of a termination of employment by the Company without “cause” within 24 months following a “change in control” (each such term as defined in the 2017 Plan). The consummation of the Business Combination did not constitute a change in control for purposes of any outstanding equity awards under the 2017 Plan.

 

In connection with the Business Combination, we adopted the 2021 Plan in order to facilitate the grant of cash and equity incentives to our directors, employees (including the named executive officers) and consultants of the Company, employees of its subsidiaries and other eligible consultants and to enable us and certain of our subsidiaries and affiliates to obtain and retain services of these individuals, which is essential to our long-term success. The 2021 Plan became effective on the date immediately preceding the consummation of the Business Combination.

 

In addition, in connection with the Business Combination our board of directors approved the grant of stock options to each of our named executive officers covering a number of shares having a grant-date fair value equal to approximately $4,000,000 (Mr. Hart) or $800,000 (Messrs. Simpson and Gingiss), effective as of January 4, 2022.

 

Mr. Hart’s stock option vests and becomes exercisable as to 25% of the underlying shares on the first anniversary of the Closing, and thereafter as to the remaining 75% of the underlying shares in six substantially equal installments on each successive six-month anniversary of the Closing, subject to continued employment. In addition, Mr. Hart’s stock option will vest and become exercisable in full upon a termination of employment without “cause” or for “good reason”, each as defined in his existing employment agreement, subject to his timely execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims.

 

The stock options granted to Messrs. Simpson and Gingiss vest and become exercisable as to 25% of the underlying shares on the first anniversary of the Closing and thereafter as to 1/12th of the underlying shares on each quarterly anniversary of the Closing, subject to continued employment.

 

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Other Elements of Compensation

 

Retirement Plans

 

We maintain a 401(k) for our employees, including the named executive officers, who satisfy certain eligibility requirements. Our named executive officers will be eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan on the same terms as other full-time employees. The Internal Revenue Code allows eligible employees to defer a portion of their compensation, within prescribed limits, on a pre-tax basis through contributions to the 401(k) plan. In 2021, we made safe harbor and discretionary matching contributions, in respect of contributions made by participants in the 401(k) plan, up to a specified percentage of employee contributions, including on behalf of the named executive officers. These safe harbor and discretionary matching contributions are fully vested as of the date on which the contribution is made.

 

Employee Benefits and Perquisites

 

Health/Welfare Plans. In 2021, the named executive officers participated in our health and welfare plans, including:

 

medical, dental and vision benefits;

 

medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts;

 

health savings accounts;

 

short-term and long-term disability insurance;

 

life insurance; and

 

vacation and paid holidays.

 

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

 

No Tax Gross-Ups

 

We do not make gross-up payments to cover the named executive officers’ personal income taxes that may pertain to any of the compensation or perquisites paid or provided by us.

 

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

 

The following table summarizes the number of shares of common stock underlying outstanding equity incentive plan awards for each named executive officer as of December 31, 2021.

 

        Option Awards
Name   Vesting
Commencement Date
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable(1)
    Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
    Equity
Incentive Plan Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
    Option
Exercise
Price
($)
    Option
Expiration
Date
Dan Hart   N/A     281,490               563,826 (2)      4.41     November 20, 2027
    May 23, 2019     236,868       142,121             4.01     May 23, 2029
    N/A     378,988               378,990  (3)     3.85     November 20, 2027
    March 13,2017(4)     1,768,617                   3.85     November 20, 2027
Jim Simpson   November 2, 2020     23,443       70,329             4.41     November 2, 2030
Tony Gingiss   January 28, 2021           75,018             4.41     January 1, 2028

 

 

(1) Except as otherwise noted, each stock option vests and becomes exercisable as to 25% of the shares underlying the stock option on the one year anniversary of the vesting commencement date and thereafter as to 1/12th of the shares underlying the stock option on each quarterly anniversary of the vesting commencement date, subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date; provided that the stock option will vest in full upon a termination by the Company without “cause” within 24 months following a “change in control” (each as defined in the 2017 Plan).

(2) This stock option vested as to 33.3% of the shares underlying the stock option on December 31, 2021 and the remaining 66.7% of the shares underlying the stock option will vest on the multiple launch success date (as defined above), subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date; provided that the stock option award will vest in full upon a termination of service by the Company without “cause” within 24 months following a “change in control” (each as defined in the 2017 Plan).

(3) This stock option vested as to 50% of the shares underlying the stock option upon the first commercial launch (as defined above) and the remaining 50% of the shares underlying the stock option will vest on the multiple launch success date (as defined above), subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date; provided that the stock option award will vest in full upon a termination of service by the Company without “cause” within 24 months following a “change in control” (each as defined in the 2017 Plan).

(4) This stock option vests and becomes exercisable as to 25% of the shares underlying the stock option on the one year anniversary of the vesting commencement date and thereafter as to 1/8th of the shares underlying the stock option on each six-month anniversary of the vesting commencement date, subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date; provided that the stock option will vest in full upon a termination of service by the Company without “cause” within 24 months following a “change in control” (each as defined in the 2017 Plan).

 

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Executive Compensation Arrangements

 

Dan Hart Employment Agreement

 

On February 13, 2017, Dan Hart entered into an employment agreement, which was amended effective June 1, 2021 to serve as President. Mr. Hart was appointed as Chief Executive Officer on July 3, 2017. Mr. Hart’s employment pursuant to the agreement will continue until terminated in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

 

Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Hart’s initial base salary was $380,000 per year (in 2021, it was $500,000); in addition, he is eligible to receive an annual performance bonus targeted at a percentage of his base salary (initially Mr. Hart’s annual performance bonus was targeted at up to 50% of his base salary; in 2020 Mr. Hart’s annual performance bonus was targeted at 75% of his base salary and, in connection with the Closing, it was increased to 100% for 2022), to be paid based on the achievement of company and individual performance goals, subject to Mr. Hart’s employment through the payment date.

 

Mr. Hart was paid a one-time cash bonus equal to $300,000 following the first commercial launch date (as defined above), subject to repayment in the event that Mr. Hart resigns without “good reason” or his employment is terminated by his employer with “cause” (each as defined in the employment agreement) prior to the first anniversary of such payment date. The employment agreement, as amended, provides that Mr. Hart will be eligible to receive a one-time cash bonus equal to $500,000 following the fifth successful revenue generating deployment of a satellite by the company’s small satellite launch system into its intended orbit, subject to his continued employment.

 

The employment agreement also provides that Mr. Hart is eligible to participate in the health and welfare benefit plans and programs maintained for the benefit of our senior level executives or employees and that Mr. Hart will be entitled to 25 days of paid vacation annually, subject to applicable company policy. Pursuant to the employment agreement, during each year in which Mr. Hart is actively serving on the board of the California Science Center, the Company will make an annual contribution of $25,000 to the California Science Center; Mr. Hart continues to serve on the board of California Science Center as of the date hereof.

 

Under his employment agreement, if Mr. Hart’s employment is terminated by us without “cause” or due to his resignation for “good reason”, then, subject to his timely execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims, return of Company materials and continued compliance with restrictive covenants, he will be entitled to receive (i) continued payment of his base salary for a period of (a) 12 months, if such termination occurs prior to the multiple launch success date (as defined above), or (b) six months, if such termination occurs following the multiple launch success date, and (ii) provided that he timely elects COBRA, an amount equal to his COBRA premiums until the earlier to occur of (a) the 6-month anniversary of his termination date or (b) the date on which he receives health benefits from another employer.

 

Mr. Hart’s employment agreement contains customary confidentiality, non-solicitation and intellectual property assignment provisions.

 

None of our other named executive officers are employed or compensated pursuant to any employment arrangements.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

Certain relationships and related party transactions of Virgin Orbit are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” beginning on page 260 and that information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Legal Proceedings

 

Reference is made to the disclosure regarding legal proceedings in the section of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus titled “Information About Vieco USA—Legal Proceedings” beginning on page 222, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

 

Shares of Virgin Orbit’s common stock and Virgin Orbit’s warrants commenced trading on the Nasdaq under the symbols “VORB” and “VORBW,” respectively, on December 30, 2021, in lieu of the Class A ordinary shares, warrants and units of NextGen. Virgin Orbit has not paid any cash dividends on its shares of common stock to date. It is the present intention of the Board to retain all earnings, if any, for use in Virgin Orbit’s business operations and, accordingly, Virgin Orbit’s board does not anticipate declaring any dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of cash dividends in the future will be dependent upon Virgin Orbit’s revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements and general financial condition. The payment of any cash dividends is within the discretion of the Board. Further, the ability of Virgin Orbit to declare dividends may be limited by the terms of financing or other agreements entered into by it or its subsidiaries from time to time.

 

Information respecting NextGen’s Class A ordinary shares, warrants and units and related stockholder matters are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Market Price and Dividend Information” on page 32 and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

Reference is made to the disclosure set forth under Item 3.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K concerning the issuance and sale by Virgin Orbit of certain unregistered securities, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Description of Registrant’s Securities

 

The description of Virgin Orbit’s securities is contained in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Description of Virgin Orbit Securities” beginning on page 266 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Indemnification of Directors and Officers

 

Virgin Orbit’s Certificate of Incorporation limits the liability of Virgin Orbit’s directors to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, and the Bylaws provide that Virgin Orbit will indemnify them to the fullest extent permitted by such law. The Company has entered or will enter 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 10.5 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Item 3.02. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

 

At the Closing, NextGen consummated the PIPE Investments and issued the Boeing Warrant. The disclosure set forth above in the “Introductory Note” of this Current Report on Form 8-K relating to the PIPE Investments and Boeing Warrant is incorporated into this Item 3.02 by reference.

 

Virgin Orbit issued the foregoing securities under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) as a transaction not requiring registration under Section 5 of the Securities Act.

 

Item 4.01. Changes in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant.

 

For accounting purposes, the Transactions are treated as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with GAAP and, as such, the historical financial statements of the accounting acquirer, Virgin Orbit, which have been audited by KPMG LLP, will become the historical financial statements of the Company. In a reverse recapitalization, a change of accountants is presumed to have occurred unless the same accountant audited the pre-transaction financial statements of both the legal acquirer and the accounting acquirer, and such change is generally presumed to occur on the date the reverse recapitalization is completed.

 

(a) Dismissal of independent registered public accounting firm.

 

On January 5, 2022, the Audit Committee of the Board dismissed Marcum LLP (“Marcum”), NextGen’s independent registered public accounting firm prior to the business combination, as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.

 

The report of Marcum on NextGen’s, the Company’s legal predecessor, balance sheet as of January 18, 2021 and the statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and the period from January 11, 2021 (inception) to September 30, 2021, did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainties, audit scope or accounting principles.   

 

During the period from January 11, 2021 (inception) to September 30, 2021 and subsequent interim period through January 5, 2022, there were no disagreements between the Company and Marcum on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Marcum, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in its reports on NextGen’s financial statements for such period.

 

During the period from January 11, 2021 (inception) to September 30, 2021 and subsequent interim period through January 5, 2022, there were no “reportable events” (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act), except for the previously disclosed material weaknesses identified in NextGen’s internal control over financial reporting related to (i) the classification of warrants issued by NextGen in connection with NextGen’s initial public offering in March 2021 and (ii) the improper classification of a portion of NextGen’s Class A ordinary shares as permanent equity on NextGen’s balance sheet. The Audit Committee of the board of directors of NextGen discussed each of the reportable events with Marcum, and NextGen authorized Marcum to respond fully to inquiries of the successor accountant (described below) concerning the reportable events.

 

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The Company has provided Marcum with a copy of the foregoing disclosures and has requested that Marcum furnish the Company with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether it agrees with the statements made by the Company set forth above. A copy of Marcum’s letter, dated January 5, 2022, is filed as Exhibit 16.1 to this Report.

 

(b) Disclosures regarding the new independent auditor.

 

On January 5, 2022, the Board approved the engagement of KPMG LLP (“KPMG”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ending December 31, 2021. KPMG served as independent registered public accounting firm of Vieco USA prior to the Business Combination. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and subsequent interim period through January 5, 2022, neither the Company nor anyone on the Company’s behalf consulted with KPMG with respect to (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to the Company that KPMG concluded was an important factor considered by us in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue, or (ii) any other matter that was the subject of a disagreement or a reportable event (each as defined above).

 

Item 5.01. Changes in Control of Registrant.

 

The information set forth under the “Introductory Note” in this Current Report on Form 8-K and Item 2.01 of this Current Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

 

Executive Officers and Directors

 

The disclosure set forth in the Sections entitled “Directors and Executive Officers” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in Item 2.01 of this Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and documents related thereto, and in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, each executive officer of NextGen ceased serving in such capacities, and Patrick T. Ford, Melina E. Higgins, Jeffrey M. Moslow and Josef H. von Rickenbach ceased serving on NextGen’s board of directors.

 

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Dan Hart, Susan Helms, Evan Lovell, George N. Mattson, Katharina McFarland, Abdulla Shadid and Gregory L. Summe were appointed as directors of Virgin Orbit, to serve until the end of their respective terms and until their successors are elected and qualified. George N. Mattson, Katharina McFarland and Gregory L. Summe were appointed to serve on Virgin Orbit’s audit committee with Gregory L. Summe serving as the chair and qualifying as an audit committee financial expert, as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K. Susan Helms, Evan Lovell and Abdulla Shadid were appointed to serve on Virgin Orbit’s safety committee with Susan Helms serving as the chair. Susan Helms, Evan Lovell, Abdulla Shadid and Gregory L. Summe were appointed to serve on Virgin Orbit’s compensation committee with Evan Lovell serving as the chair. George N. Mattson and Katharina McFarland were appointed to serve on Virgin Orbit’s nominating and governance committee with George N. Mattson serving as the chair.

 

Dan Hart was appointed as Virgin Orbit’s Chief Executive Officer, Brita O’Rear was appointed as Virgin Orbit’s Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Jim Simpson was appointed as Virgin Orbit’s Chief Strategy Officer, Tony Gingiss was appointed as Virgin Orbit’s Chief Operating Officer and Derrick Boston was appointed as Virgin Orbit’s Chief Legal Officer.

 

Reference is also made to the disclosure described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Management of Virgin Orbit Following the Business Combination” beginning on page 223 for biographical information about each of the directors and officers following the Business Combination, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Compensatory Arrangements for Executives

 

Dan Hart

 

In connection with the Business Combination, Mr. Hart will be granted a non-qualified stock option award with a grant-date fair value of approximately $4,000,000 effective as of January 4, 2022. The stock option award vests with respect to 25% of the shares subject thereto on the Closing Date, and 12.5% of the shares subject thereto shall vest on each six-month anniversary of the Closing Date thereafter, subject to Mr. Hart’s continued service with Virgin Orbit through each such vesting date.

 

Jim Simpson, Tony Gingiss, Derrick Boston and Brita O’Rear

 

In connection with the Business Combination, subject to the approval of the Virgin Orbit board of directors, Jim Simpson, Tony Gingiss, Derrick Boston and Brita O’Rear will each be granted a non-qualified stock option award with a grant-date fair value of approximately $800,000 effective as of January 4, 2022. The stock option award vests with respect to 25% of the shares subject thereto on the first anniversary of the grant date, and 1/12th of the shares subject thereto shall vest on each quarterly anniversary of the grant date thereafter, subject to the grantee’s continued employment or service, as applicable, with Virgin Orbit through each such vesting date.

 

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2017 Stock Incentive Plan

 

In connection with the Business Combination, the Virgin Orbit board of directors amended and restated the Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. 2017 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”) to reflect the Business Combination and the termination of the 2017 Plan, and to provide that any outstanding awards granted under the 2017 Plan will remain outstanding, subject to the terms of the 2017 Plan and applicable award agreement.

 

2021 Incentive Award Plan

 

At the Special Meeting, the NextGen stockholders considered and approved the Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. 2021 Incentive Award Plan (the “Incentive Award Plan”). The Incentive Award Plan was previously approved, subject to stockholder approval, by NextGen’s board of directors. The Incentive Award Plan became effective immediately upon the Closing. A total of 33,491,991 shares of Virgin Orbit’s common stock were reserved under the Incentive Award Plan.

 

A summary of the terms of the Incentive Award Plan is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Incentive Award Plan Proposal” beginning on page 165 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference. Such summary and the foregoing description are qualified in their entirety by reference to the text of the Incentive Award Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.9 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

At the Special Meeting, the NextGen stockholders considered and approved the Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). The ESPP was previously approved, subject to stockholder approval, by NextGen’s board of directors. The ESPP became effective immediately upon the Closing. A total of 6,698,398 shares of Virgin Orbit’s common stock were reserved under the ESPP.

 

A summary of the terms of the ESPP is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “ESPP Proposal” beginning on page 170 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference. Such summary and the foregoing description are qualified in their entirety by reference to the text of the ESPP, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.11 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Item 5.05. Amendments to the Registrant’s Code of Ethics, or Waiver of a Provision of the Code of Ethics.   

 

In connection with the Business Combination, on December 29, 2021, Virgin Orbit’s board of directors approved and adopted a new Code of Conduct applicable to all employees, officers and directors of Virgin Orbit. The above description of the Code of Conduct does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Code of Conduct, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 14.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference. A copy of the Code of Conduct can also be found at www.investors.virginorbit.com under the link “Code of Conduct.”

 

Item 5.06. Change in Shell Company Status.

 

As a result of the Business Combination, the Company ceased being a shell company. Reference is made to the disclosure in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “BCA Proposal” beginning on page 88, which is incorporated herein by reference. Further, the information set forth under the “Introductory Note” in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 5, 2022 and Item 2.01 of this Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 8.01. Other Events.

 

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

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(a) Financial statements of businesses acquired.

 

The audited consolidated financial statements of Vieco USA as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on pages F-63, of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which are incorporated herein by reference.

 

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Vieco USA as of September 30, 2021 and for the periods ended September 30, 2021 are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on pages F-41, of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which are incorporated herein by reference.

 

(b) Pro forma financial information.

 

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

 

23

 

 

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit

No.

  Description
2.1+   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 22, 2021, by and among the Registrant, Pulsar Merger Sub, Inc., and NextGen Acquisition Corp. II (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-259574) filed on September 16, 2021).
3.1   Certificate of Domestication of NextGen Acquisition Corp. II.
3.2   Certificate of Incorporation of Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc.
3.3   Bylaws of Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc.
4.1   Warrant Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2021, between NextGen Acquisition Corp. II and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-259574) filed on September 16, 2021).
4.2   Specimen Common Stock Certificate of Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc.
4.3   Specimen Warrant Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-259574) filed on September 16, 2021).
10.1(a)   Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 29, 2021, by and among Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc., NextGen Sponsor II LLC and certain former stockholders of Vieco USA, Inc.
10.1(b)   VIL and Fifteenth joinder agreement, dated December 29, 2021, to the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement.
10.2(a)   Stockholders’ Agreement, dated December 29, 2021, by and between Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. and Vieco 10 Limited.
10.2(b)   VIL and Fifteenth joinder agreement, dated December 29, 2021, to the Stockholders’ Agreement.
10.3+   Deed of Novation, Amendment and Restatement, dated August 22, 2021, by and among Virgin Enterprises Limited, Virgin Orbit, LLC and NextGen Acquisition Corp. II (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-259574) filed on September 16, 2021).
10.4†   Amended and restated trademark license agreement in the form attached as an annex to the Deed of Novation, Amendment and Restatement entered into by and among Virgin Enterprises Limited, Virgin Orbit, LLC and the Registrant, dated August 22, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-259574) filed on September 16, 2021).
10.5   Form of Indemnification Agreement.
10.6#   Director Compensation Program.
10.7#   Employment Agreement by and between LauncherOne, LLC and Dan Hart, dated February 13, 2017, as amended, effective June 1, 20213.
10.8#   Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. Amended and Restated 2017 Stock Incentive Plan.
10.9#   Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. 2021 Incentive Award Plan.
10.9(a)#   Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. 2021 Incentive Award Plan.
10.9(b)#   Stock Option Agreement, by and between the Company and Daniel Hart under the Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. 2021 Incentive Award Plan.
10.10(c)#   Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. 2021 Incentive Award Plan.
10.11#   Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
10.12   Form of Subscription Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 23, 2021).
10.13   Form of Additional Subscription Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2022).
10.14   Stockholder Support Agreement, dated August 22, 2021, by and among the Registrant, Vieco USA, Inc. and Vieco 10 Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-259574) filed on September 16, 2021).
10.15   VIL joinder agreement, dated December 29, 2021, to the Stockholder Support Agreement.
10.16   Fifteenth joinder agreement, dated December 29, 2021, to the Stockholder Support Agreement.
14.1   Code of Conduct of Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc.
16.1   Letter from Marcum LLP to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
21.1   List of Subsidiaries.
99.1   Unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of NextGen Acquisition Corp. II and Vieco USA as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and for the year ended December 31, 2020.
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

+ Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the SEC upon request.
Certain portions of this exhibit (indicated by “[***]”) have been omitted pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item (601)(b)(10)

# Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan.

 

 

3 Note to VO: We will want to file Dan’s employment agreement including the updated release. Please let us know if you would like us to compile.

 

24

 

 

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.

   

  VIRGIN ORBIT HOLDINGS, INC.
     
Date: January 5, 2022 By: /s/ Dan Hart
  Name:   Dan Hart
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

25

 

Exhibit 3.1 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 3.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 3.3

 

Bylaws

 

of

 

Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc.

 

(a Delaware corporation)

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

      Page
       
Article I - Corporate Offices   1
       
1.1 Registered Office   1
1.2 Other Offices   1
       
Article II - Meetings of Stockholders   1
       
2.1 Place of Meetings   1
2.2 Annual Meeting   1
2.3 Special Meeting   1
2.4 Notice of Business to be Brought before a Meeting.   2
2.5 Notice of Nominations for Election to the Board of Directors.   6
2.6 Additional Requirements for Valid Nomination of Candidates to Serve as Director and, if Elected, to be Seated as Directors.   8
2.7 Notice of Stockholders’ Meetings   10
2.8 Quorum   10
2.9 Adjourned Meeting; Notice   11
2.10 Conduct of Business   11
2.11 Voting   12
2.12 Record Date for Stockholder Meetings and Other Purposes   12
2.13 Proxies   13
2.14 List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote   13
2.15 Inspectors of Election   14
2.16 Delivery to the Corporation.   14
       
Article III – Directors   15
       
3.1 Powers   15
3.2 Number of Directors   15
3.3 Election, Qualification and Term of Office of Directors   15
3.4 Resignation and Vacancies   15
3.5 Place of Meetings; Meetings by Telephone   16
3.6 Regular Meetings   16
3.7 Special Meetings; Notice   16
3.8 Quorum   17
3.9 Board Action without a Meeting   17
3.10 Fees and Compensation of Directors   17
       
Article IV - Committees   17
       
4.1 Committees of Directors   17
4.2 Meetings and Actions of Committees   18
4.3 Subcommittees.   18
       
Article V – Officers   18
       
5.1 Officers   18
5.2 Appointment of Officers   19
5.3 Subordinate Officers   19
5.4 Removal and Resignation of Officers   19
5.5 Vacancies in Offices   19

 

i

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

      Page
       
5.6 Representation of Shares of Other Corporations   19
5.7 Authority and Duties of Officers   19
5.8 Compensation.   20
       
Article VI - Records   20
       
Article VII - General Matters   20
       
7.1 Execution of Corporate Contracts and Instruments   20
7.2 Stock Certificates   20
7.3 Special Designation of Certificates.   21
7.4 Lost Certificates   21
7.5 Shares Without Certificates   21
7.6 Construction; Definitions   21
7.7 Dividends   22
7.8 Fiscal Year   22
7.9 Seal   22
7.10 Transfer of Stock   22
7.11 Stock Transfer Agreements   22
7.12 Lock-Up.   22
7.13 Registered Stockholders   25
7.14 Waiver of Notice   25
       
Article VIII - Notice   25
       
8.1 Delivery of Notice; Notice by Electronic Transmission   25
       
Article IX - Indemnification   25
       
9.1 Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings other than Those by or in the Right of the Corporation   25
9.2 Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings by or in the Right of the Corporation   26
9.3 Authorization of Indemnification   26
9.4 Good Faith Defined   26
9.5 Indemnification by a Court   27
9.6 Expenses Payable in Advance   27
9.7 Nonexclusivity of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses   27
9.8 Insurance   28
9.9 Certain Definitions   28
9.10 Survival of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses   28
9.11 Limitation on Indemnification   28
9.12 Indemnification of Employees and Agents   29
9.13 Primacy of Indemnification   29
9.14 Amendments   29
       
Article X - Amendments   29
       
Article XI - Definitions   30

 

ii

 

 

Bylaws

of

Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc.

 

 

 

Article I - Corporate Offices

 

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

 

1.2 Other Offices. The Corporation may have additional offices at any place or places, within or outside the State of Delaware, as the Corporation’s board of directors (the “Board”) may from time to time establish or as the business of the Corporation may require.

 

Article II - Meetings of Stockholders

 

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

 

2.2 Annual Meeting. The Board shall designate the date and time of the annual meeting. At the annual meeting, directors shall be elected and other proper business properly brought before the meeting in accordance with Section 2.4 of these bylaws may be transacted. Subject to Section 211(b) and (c) of the DGCL, the Board may postpone, reschedule or cancel any previously scheduled annual meeting of stockholders.

 

2.3 Special Meeting. Special meetings of the stockholders may be called, postponed, rescheduled or cancelled only by such persons and only in such manner as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

No business may be transacted at any special meeting of stockholders other than the business specified in the notice of such meeting (or any supplement thereto).

 

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2.4 Notice of Business to be Brought before a Meeting

 

(i) At an annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting. To be properly brought before an annual meeting, business (other than nominations for election to the Board, which must comply with the provisions of Section 2.5) must be (a) specified in a notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board, (b) if not specified in a notice of meeting, otherwise brought before the meeting by the Board or the Chairperson of the Board or (c) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by a stockholder present in person who (A) (1) was a record owner of shares of the Corporation both at the time of giving the notice provided for in this Section 2.4 and at the time of the meeting, (2) is entitled to vote at the meeting, and (3) has complied with this Section 2.4 in all applicable respects or (B) properly made such proposal in accordance with Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (as so amended and inclusive of such rules and regulations, the “Exchange Act”). The foregoing clause (c) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to propose business to be brought before an annual meeting of the stockholders. For purposes of this Section 2.4, “present in person” shall mean that the stockholder proposing that the business be brought before the annual meeting of the Corporation, or a qualified representative of such proposing stockholder, appear at such annual meeting. A “qualified representative” of such proposing stockholder shall be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or any other person authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting of stockholders and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting of stockholders. Stockholders seeking to nominate persons for election to the Board must comply with Section 2.5 and Section 2.6, and this Section 2.4 shall not be applicable to nominations except as expressly provided in Section 2.5 and Section 2.6.

 

(ii) Without qualification, for business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to Section 2.4(i), the stockholder must (a) provide Timely Notice (as defined below) thereof in writing and in proper form to the Secretary of the Corporation and (b) provide any updates or supplements to such notice at the times and in the forms required by this Section 2.4. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the one-year anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting (which, in the case of the first annual meeting of stockholders following the Effective Time (as defined in the Corporation’s Certification of Incorporation), the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting shall be deemed to be June 15, 2021); provided, however, that if the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered, or mailed and received, not later than the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or, if later, the 10th day following the day on which public disclosure of the date of such annual meeting was first made by the Corporation (such notice within such time periods, “Timely Notice”). In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting or the announcement thereof commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of Timely Notice as described above.

 

2

 

 

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

 

(a) As to each Proposing Person (as defined below), (1) the name and address of such Proposing Person (including, if applicable, the name and address that appear on the Corporation’s books and records); and (2) the class or series and number of shares of the Corporation that are, directly or indirectly, owned of record or beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) by such Proposing Person, except that such Proposing Person shall in all events be deemed to beneficially own any shares of any class or series of the Corporation as to which such Proposing Person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time in the future (the disclosures to be made pursuant to the foregoing clauses (1) and (2) are referred to as “Stockholder Information”);

 

(b) As to each Proposing Person, (1) the full notional amount of any securities that, directly or indirectly, underlie any “derivative security” (as such term is defined in Rule 16a-1(c) under the Exchange Act) that constitutes a “call equivalent position” (as such term is defined in Rule 16a-1(b) under the Exchange Act) (“Synthetic Equity Position”) and that is, directly or indirectly, held or maintained by such Proposing Person with respect to any shares of any class or series of shares of the Corporation; provided that, for the purposes of the definition of “Synthetic Equity Position,” the term “derivative security” shall also include any security or instrument that would not otherwise constitute a “derivative security” as a result of any feature that would make any conversion, exercise or similar right or privilege of such security or instrument becoming determinable only at some future date or upon the happening of a future occurrence, in which case the determination of the amount of securities into which such security or instrument would be convertible or exercisable shall be made assuming that such security or instrument is immediately convertible or exercisable at the time of such determination; and, provided, further, that any Proposing Person satisfying the requirements of Rule 13d-1(b)(1) under the Exchange Act (other than a Proposing Person that so satisfies Rule 13d-1(b)(1) under the Exchange Act solely by reason of Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E)) shall not be deemed to hold or maintain the notional amount of any securities that underlie a Synthetic Equity Position held by such Proposing Person as a hedge with respect to a bona fide derivatives trade or position of such Proposing Person arising in the ordinary course of such Proposing Person’s business as a derivatives dealer, (2) any rights to dividends on the shares of any class or series of shares of the Corporation owned beneficially by such Proposing Person that are separated or separable from the underlying shares of the Corporation, (3) any material pending or threatened legal proceeding in which such Proposing Person is a party or material participant involving the Corporation or any of its officers or directors, or any affiliate of the Corporation, (4) any other material relationship between such Proposing Person, on the one hand, and the Corporation or any affiliate of the Corporation, on the other hand, (5) any direct or indirect material interest in any material contract or agreement of such Proposing Person with the Corporation or any affiliate of the Corporation (including, in any such case, any employment agreement, collective bargaining agreement or consulting agreement), (6) a representation that such Proposing Person intends or is part of a group which intends to deliver a proxy statement or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s outstanding capital stock required to approve or adopt the proposal or otherwise solicit proxies from stockholders in support of such proposal, (7) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding with respect to the nomination or proposal and/or the voting of shares of any class or series of stock of the Corporation between or among the Proposing Persons, (8) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (including without limitation any contract to purchase or sell, acquisition or grant of any option, right or warrant to purchase or sell, swap or other instrument) to which any Proposing Person is a party, the intent or effect of which may be (i) to transfer to or from any Proposing Person, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any security of the Corporation, (ii) to increase or decrease the voting power of any Proposing Person with respect to shares of any class or series of stock of the Corporation and/or (iii) to provide any Proposing Person, directly or indirectly, with the opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from, or to otherwise benefit economically from, any increase or decrease in the value of any security of the Corporation and (9) any other information relating to such Proposing Person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies or consents by such Proposing Person in support of the business proposed to be brought before the meeting pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act (the disclosures to be made pursuant to the foregoing clauses (1) through (9) are referred to as “Disclosable Interests”); provided, however, that Disclosable Interests shall not include any such disclosures with respect to the ordinary course business activities of any broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee who is a Proposing Person solely as a result of being the stockholder directed to prepare and submit the notice required by these bylaws on behalf of a beneficial owner; and

 

3

 

 

(c) As to each item of business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting, (1) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting and any material interest in such business of each Proposing Person, (2) the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend the bylaws of the Corporation, the language of the proposed amendment), (3) a reasonably detailed description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings (whether written or oral) (x) between or among any of the Proposing Persons or (y) between or among any Proposing Person and any other record or beneficial holder(s) or persons(s) who have a right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time in the future of the shares of any class or series of the Corporation or any other person or entity (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder; and (4) any other information relating to such item of business that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies in support of the business proposed to be brought before the meeting pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act; provided, however, that the disclosures required by this paragraph (c) shall not include any disclosures with respect to any broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee who is a Proposing Person solely as a result of being the stockholder directed to prepare and submit the notice required by these bylaws on behalf of a beneficial owner.

 

For purposes of this Section 2.4, the term “Proposing Person” shall mean (i) the stockholder providing the notice of business proposed to be brought before an annual meeting, (ii) the beneficial owner or beneficial owners, if different, on whose behalf the notice of the business proposed to be brought before the annual meeting is made, and (iii) any participant (as defined in paragraphs (a)(ii)-(vi) of Instruction 3 to Item 4 of Schedule 14A) with such stockholder in such solicitation.

 

4

 

 

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

 

(v) Notwithstanding anything in these bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at an annual meeting that is not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with this Section 2.4; provided, however, that once business has been properly brought before an 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. The Board or chairperson of the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine that the business was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with this Section 2.4, and if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare to the meeting and any such business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.4, if the Proposing Person (or a qualified representative of the Proposing Person) does not appear at the annual meeting to present the proposed business, such proposed business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such matter may have been received by the Corporation.

 

(vi) This Section 2.4 is expressly intended to apply to any business proposed to be brought before an annual meeting of stockholders other than any proposal made in accordance with Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act and included in the Corporation’s proxy statement. In addition to the requirements of this Section 2.4 with respect to any business proposed to be brought before an annual meeting, each Proposing Person shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act with respect to any such business. Nothing in this Section 2.4 shall be deemed to affect the rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.4, so long as the Corporation qualifies as a “controlled company” under Section 5615 of the Nasdaq Listing Rules (a “Controlled Company”), any holder of record of at least 25% in voting power of the outstanding capital of the Corporation entitled to vote in an election of directors generally shall not be subject to the notice procedures set forth in the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.4 and may bring any business before an annual meeting of stockholders in person at the annual meeting, without prior notice.

 

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(vii) For purposes of these bylaws, “public disclosure” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by a national news service, in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Sections 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or by such other means as is reasonably designed to inform the public or securityholders of the Corporation in general of such information including, without limitation, posting on the Corporation’s investor relations website.

 

2.5 Notice of Nominations for Election to the Board of Directors

 

(i) Subject in all respects to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, nominations of any person for election to the Board at an annual meeting or at a special meeting (but only if the election of directors is a matter specified in the notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the person calling such special meeting) may be made at such meeting only (x) by or at the direction of the Board, including by any committee or persons authorized to do so by the Board or these bylaws, or (y) by a stockholder present in person (A) who was a record owner of shares of the Corporation both at the time of giving the notice provided for in this Section 2.5 and at the time of the meeting, (B) is entitled to vote at the meeting, and (C) has complied with this Section 2.5 and Section 2.6 as to such notice and nomination. For purposes of this Section 2.5, “present in person” shall mean that the stockholder proposing that the business be brought before the meeting of the Corporation, or a qualified representative of such stockholder, appear at such meeting. A “qualified representative” of such proposing stockholder shall be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or any other person authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting of stockholders and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting of stockholders. Except as may be otherwise provided by the terms of one or more series of Preferred Stock with respect to the rights of holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, the foregoing clause (y) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make any nomination of a person or persons for election to the Board at an annual meeting or special meeting.

 

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

 

(iii) Without qualification, if the election of directors is a matter specified in the notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the person calling a special meeting in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation, then for a stockholder to make any nomination of a person or persons for election to the Board at a special meeting, the stockholder must (1) provide timely notice thereof in writing and in proper form to the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, (2) provide the information with respect to such stockholder and its candidate for nomination as required by this Section 2.5 and Section 2.6 and (3) provide any updates or supplements to such notice at the times and in the forms required by this Section 2.5. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice for nominations to be made at a special meeting must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the 90th day prior to such special meeting or, if later, the 10th day following the day on which public disclosure (as defined in Section 2.4) of the date of such special meeting was first made.

 

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

 

(v) In no event may a Nominating Person provide notice with respect to a greater number of director candidates than are subject to election by stockholders at the applicable meeting. If the Corporation shall, subsequent to such notice, increase the number of directors subject to election at the meeting, such notice as to any additional nominees shall be due on the later of (i) (x) in the case of an annual meeting, the conclusion of the time period for Timely Notice or (y) in the case of a special meeting, the conclusion of the time period for timely notice as set forth in Section 2.5(iii), or (iii) the 10th day following the date of public disclosure (as defined in Section 2.4) of such increase.

 

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

 

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

 

(b) As to each Nominating Person, any Disclosable Interests (as defined in Section 2.4(iii)(b), except that for purposes of this Section 2.5 the term “Nominating Person” shall be substituted for the term “Proposing Person” in all places it appears in Section 2.4(iii)(b) and the disclosure with respect to the business to be brought before the meeting in Section 2.4(iii)(b) shall be made with respect to the election of directors at the meeting); and

 

(c) As to each candidate whom a Nominating Person proposes to nominate for election as a director, (A) all information with respect to such candidate for nomination that would be required to be set forth in a stockholder’s notice pursuant to this Section 2.5 and Section 2.6 if such candidate for nomination were a Nominating Person, (B) all information relating to such candidate for nomination that is required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14(a) under the Exchange Act (including such candidate’s written consent to being named in the Corporation’s proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected), (C) a description of any direct or indirect material interest in any material contract or agreement between or among any Nominating Person, on the one hand, and each candidate for nomination or his or her respective associates or any other participants in such solicitation, on the other hand, including, without limitation, all information that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 under Regulation S-K if such Nominating Person were the “registrant” for purposes of such rule and the candidate for nomination were a director or executive officer of such registrant (the disclosures to be made pursuant to the foregoing clauses (A) through (C) are referred to as “Nominee Information”), and (D) a completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement as provided in Section 2.6(i).

 

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For purposes of this Section 2.5, the term “Nominating Person” shall mean (i) the stockholder providing the notice of the nomination proposed to be made at the meeting, (ii) the beneficial owner or beneficial owners, if different, on whose behalf the notice of the nomination proposed to be made at the meeting is made, and (iii) any other participant in such solicitation.

 

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

 

(viii) In addition to the requirements of this Section 2.5 with respect to any nomination proposed to be made at a meeting, each Nominating Person shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act with respect to any such nominations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.5, so long as the Corporation is a Controlled Company, any holder of record of at least 25% in voting power of the outstanding capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in an election of directors generally shall not be subject to the notice procedures set forth in the foregoing notice an nomination provisions of this Section 2.5 and Section 2.6 and may nominate any person for election at an annual meeting or at a special meeting in person at the annual meeting or special meeting, without prior notice.

 

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

 

(i) To be eligible to be a candidate for election as a director of the Corporation at an annual or special meeting, a candidate must be nominated in the manner prescribed in Section 2.5 and the candidate for nomination, whether nominated by the Board or by a stockholder of record, must have previously delivered (in accordance with the time period prescribed for delivery in a notice to such candidate given by or on behalf of the Board), to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, (i) a completed written questionnaire (in a form provided by the Corporation) with respect to the background, qualifications, stock ownership and independence of such proposed nominee, and such additional information with respect to such proposed nominee as would be required to be provided by the Corporation pursuant to Schedule 14A if such proposed nominee were a participant in the solicitation of proxies by the Corporation in connection with such annual or special meeting and (ii) a written representation and agreement (in form provided by the Corporation) that such candidate for nomination (A) is not and, if elected as a director during his or her term of office, will not become a party to (1) any agreement, arrangement or understanding with, and has not given and will not give any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such proposed nominee, if elected as a director of the Corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question (a “Voting Commitment”) or (2) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such proposed nominee’s ability to comply, if elected as a director of the Corporation, with such proposed nominee’s fiduciary duties under applicable law, (B) is not, and will not become a party to, any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation or reimbursement for service as a director that has not been disclosed therein or to the Corporation, (C) if elected as a director of the Corporation, will comply with all applicable corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality, stock ownership and trading and other policies and guidelines of the Corporation applicable to directors and in effect during such person’s term in office as a director (and, if requested by any candidate for nomination, the Secretary of the Corporation shall provide to such candidate for nomination all such policies and guidelines then in effect), (D) if elected as director of the Corporation, intends to serve the entire term until the next meeting at which such candidate would face re-election and (E) 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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(ii) The Board may also require any proposed candidate for nomination as a Director to furnish such other information as may be requested by the Board in writing prior to the meeting of stockholders at which such candidate’s nomination is to be acted upon in order for the Board to determine the eligibility of such candidate for nomination to be an independent director of the Corporation in accordance with the Corporation’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Exchange Act and applicable stock exchange rules.

 

(iii) A candidate for nomination as a director shall further update and supplement the materials delivered pursuant to this Section 2.6, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided pursuant to this Section 2.6 shall be true and correct as of the record date for stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting and as of the date that is 10 business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, and such update and supplement shall be delivered to, or mailed and received by, the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation (or any other office specified by the Corporation in any public announcement) not later than five business days after the record date for stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of such record date), and not later than eight business days prior to the date for the meeting or, if practicable, any adjournment or postponement thereof (and, if not practicable, on the first practicable date prior to the date to which the meeting has been adjourned or postponed) (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of 10 business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof). For the avoidance of doubt, the obligation to update and supplement as set forth in this paragraph or any other Section of these bylaws shall not limit the Corporation’s rights with respect to any deficiencies in any notice provided by a stockholder, extend any applicable deadlines hereunder or enable or be deemed to permit a stockholder who has previously submitted notice hereunder to amend or update any proposal or to submit any new proposal, including by changing or adding nominees, matters, business or resolutions proposed to be brought before a meeting of the stockholders.

 

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(iv) No candidate shall be eligible for nomination as a director of the Corporation unless such candidate for nomination and the Nominating Person seeking to place such candidate’s name in nomination has complied with Section 2.5 and this Section 2.6, as applicable. The Board or chairperson of the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine that a nomination was not properly made in accordance with Section 2.5 and this Section 2.6, and if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare such determination to the meeting, the defective nomination shall be disregarded and any ballots cast for the candidate in question (but in the case of any form of ballot listing other qualified nominees, only the ballots cast for the nominee in question) shall be void and of no force or effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Section 2.5, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear at the meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to present the nomination, such nomination shall be disregarded, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such nomination may have been received by the Corporation.

 

(v) Notwithstanding anything in these bylaws to the contrary, no candidate for nomination shall be eligible to be seated as a director of the Corporation unless nominated and elected in accordance with Section 2.5 and this Section 2.6.

 

2.7 Notice of Stockholders’ Meetings. Unless otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, the notice of any meeting of stockholders shall be sent or otherwise given in accordance with Section 8.1 of these bylaws not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting. The notice shall specify the place, if any, date and time of the meeting, the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (if such date is different from the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting) and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called.

 

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

 

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

 

2.10 Conduct of Business. The chairperson of each annual and special meeting shall be the Chairperson of the Board or, in the absence (or inability or refusal to act) of the Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer (if he or she shall be a director) or, in the absence (or inability or refusal to act) of the Chief Executive Officer or if the Chief Executive Officer is not a director, the President (if he or she shall be a director) or, in the absence (or inability or refusal to act) of the President or if the President is not a director, such other person as shall be appointed by the Board. The date and time of the opening and the closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at a meeting shall be announced at the meeting by the chairperson of the meeting. The Board may adopt by resolution such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of stockholders as it shall deem appropriate. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board, the chairperson of the meeting of stockholders shall have the right and authority to convene and (for any or no reason) to recess and/or adjourn the meeting, to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures (which need not be in writing) and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of the chairperson of the meeting, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board or prescribed by the chairperson of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following: (i) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (ii) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present (including, without limitation, rules and procedures for removal of disruptive persons from the meeting); (iii) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the chairperson of the meeting shall determine; (iv) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; and (v) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants. The chairperson of the meeting, in addition to making any other determinations that may be appropriate to the conduct of the meeting (including, without limitation, determinations with respect to the administration and/or interpretation of any of the rules, regulations or procedures of the meeting, whether adopted by the Board or prescribed by the chairperson of the meeting), shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a matter of business was not properly brought before the meeting and if such chairperson should so determine, such chairperson shall so declare to the meeting and any such matter or business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted or considered. Unless and to the extent determined by the Board or the chairperson of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure. The secretary of each annual and special meeting of stockholders shall be the Secretary or, in the absence (or inability or refusal to act) of the Secretary, an Assistant Secretary so appointed to act by the chairperson of the meeting. In the absence (or inability or refusal to act) of the Secretary and all Assistant Secretaries, the chairperson of the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, in order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to express consent to corporate action without a meeting to the extent permitted hereunder, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which record date shall not be more than ten (10) days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board. If no record date for determining stockholders entitled to express consent to corporate action without a meeting is fixed by the Board, (i) when no prior action of the Board is required by the DGCL, the record date for such purpose shall be the first date on which a signed consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation in accordance with applicable law, and (ii) if prior action by the Board is required by the DGCL, the record date for such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution taking such prior action.

 

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

 

2.13 Proxies. Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders or to express consent or dissent to corporate action in writing without a meeting may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy authorized by an instrument in writing or by a transmission permitted by law in any manner provided under Section 212(c) of the DGCL or as otherwise provided under applicable law and filed in accordance with the procedure established for the meeting, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. The revocability of a proxy that states on its face that it is irrevocable shall be governed by the provisions of Section 212 of the DGCL. A proxy may be in the form of an electronic transmission that sets forth or is submitted with information from which it can be determined that the transmission was authorized by the stockholder.

 

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

 

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2.15 Inspectors of Election. Before any meeting of stockholders, the Corporation shall appoint an inspector or inspectors of election to act at the meeting or its adjournment and make a written report thereof. The Corporation may designate one or more persons as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. If any person appointed as inspector or any alternate fails to appear or fails or refuses to act, then the person presiding over the meeting shall appoint a person to fill that vacancy. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, inspectors may be officers, employees or agents of the Corporation.

 

Such inspectors shall:

 

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

 

(ii) count all votes and ballots;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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Article III - Directors

 

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

 

3.2 Number of Directors. Subject to the Certificate of Incorporation or any certificate of designation with respect to any series of Preferred Stock, the total number of directors constituting the Board shall not be less than one, the exact number of which shall be determined from time to time by resolution of the Board. Except as otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, no reduction of the authorized number of directors shall have the effect of removing any director before that director’s term of office expires.

 

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

 

3.4 Resignation, Removal and Vacancies. Any director may resign at any time upon notice given in writing or by electronic transmission to the Corporation. The resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein or upon the happening of an event specified therein, and if no time or event is specified, at the time of its receipt. When one or more directors so resigns and the resignation is effective at a future date or upon the happening of an event to occur on a future date, a majority of the directors then in office, including those who have so resigned, shall have power to fill such vacancy or vacancies, the vote thereon to take effect when such resignation or resignations shall become effective, and each director so chosen shall hold office as provided in Section 3.3.

 

Subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, the Board or any individual director may be removed from office at any time but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of voting stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at an election of directors.

 

Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, except as otherwise provided by applicable law, vacancies resulting from the death, resignation, disqualification or removal of any director, and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors shall be filled (i) following such time as the Corporation is no longer a Controlled Company, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, even though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director and (ii) so long as the Corporation is a Controlled Company, only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of voting stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at an election of directors.

 

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3.5 Place of Meetings; Meetings by Telephone. The Board may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or outside the State of Delaware.

 

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

 

3.6 Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board may be held within or outside the State of Delaware and at such time and at such place as which has been designated by the Board and communicated among all directors, either orally or in writing, by telephone, including a voice-messaging system or other system designed to record and communicate messages, facsimile, telegraph or telex, or by electronic mail or other means of electronic transmission. No further notice shall be required for regular meetings of the Board.

 

3.7 Special Meetings; Notice. Special meetings of the Board for any purpose or purposes may be held within or outside the State of Delaware and called at any time by the Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Secretary or a majority of the total number of directors constituting the Board.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(iii) sent by facsimile or electronic mail; or

 

(iv) sent by other means of electronic transmission,

 

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

 

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

 

3.8 Quorum. At all meetings of the Board, unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, a majority of the total number of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The vote of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by statute, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws. If a quorum is not present at any meeting of the Board, then the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting of the time and place of the adjourned meeting, until a quorum is present.

 

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

 

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

 

Article IV - Committees

 

4.1 Committees of Directors. The Board may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation. The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Each committee of the Board may fix its own rules of procedure and shall hold its meetings as provided by such rules, except as may otherwise be provided by a resolution of the Board designating such committee. Unless otherwise provided in such a resolution, the presence of at least a majority of the members of the committee shall be necessary to constitute a quorum unless the committee shall consist of one or two members, in which event one member shall constitute a quorum; and all matters shall be determined by a majority vote of the members present at a meeting of the committee at which a quorum is present. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board or in these bylaws, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers that may require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority to (i) approve or adopt, or recommend to the stockholders, any action or matter (other than the election or removal of directors) expressly required by the DGCL to be submitted to stockholders for approval, or (ii) adopt, amend or repeal any bylaw of the Corporation.

 

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

 

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

 

(ii) Section 3.6 (regular meetings);

 

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

 

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

 

(v) Section 7.14 (waiver of notice),

 

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

 

4.3 Subcommittees. Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, these bylaws, the resolutions of the Board designating the committee or the charter of such committee adopted by the Board, a committee may create one or more subcommittees, each subcommittee to consist of one or more members of the committee, and delegate to a subcommittee any or all of the powers and authority of the committee.

 

Article V - Officers

 

5.1 Officers. The officers of the Corporation shall include a Chief Executive Officer, a President and a Secretary. The Corporation may also have, at the discretion of the Board, a Chairperson of the Board, a Vice Chairperson of the Board, a Chief Financial Officer, a Treasurer, one or more Vice Presidents, one or more Assistant Vice Presidents, one or more Assistant Treasurers, one or more Assistant Secretaries, and any such other officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws. Any number of offices may be held by the same person. No officer need be a stockholder or, except in the case of a Chairperson of the Board or a Vice Chairperson of the Board, a director of the Corporation.

 

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5.2 Appointment of Officers. The Board shall appoint the officers of the Corporation, except such officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.3 of these bylaws.

 

5.3 Subordinate Officers. The Board may appoint, or empower the Chief Executive Officer or, in the absence of a Chief Executive Officer, the President, to appoint, such other officers and agents as the business of the Corporation may require. Each of such officers and agents shall hold office for such period, have such authority, and perform such duties as are provided in these bylaws or as the Board may from time to time determine.

 

5.4 Removal and Resignation of Officers. Any officer may be removed at any time, either with or without cause, by the Board or, except in the case of an officer chosen by the Board, by any officer upon whom such power of removal may be conferred by the Board.

 

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

 

5.5 Vacancies in Offices. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled as provided in Section 5.2 or Section 5.3, as applicable.

 

5.6 Representation of Shares of Other Corporations. The Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President of this Corporation, or any other person authorized by the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President, is authorized to vote, represent and exercise on behalf of this Corporation all rights incident to any and all shares or voting securities of any other corporation or other person standing in the name of this Corporation. The authority granted herein may be exercised either by such person directly or by any other person authorized to do so by proxy or power of attorney duly executed by such person having the authority.

 

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

 

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

 

Article VI - Records

 

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

 

Article VII - General Matters

 

7.1 Execution of Corporate Contracts and Instruments. The Board, except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, may authorize any officer or officers, or agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation; such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

 

7.2 Stock Certificates. The shares of the Corporation shall be uncertificated, provided that the Board by resolution may provide that some or all of the shares of any class or series of stock of the Corporation shall be certificated. Certificates for the shares of stock, if any, shall be in such form as is consistent with the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law. Every holder of stock represented by a certificate shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by, any two officers authorized to sign stock certificates representing the number of shares registered in certificate form. The Chairperson or Vice Chairperson of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Corporation shall be specifically authorized to sign stock certificates. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate has ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he or she were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

 

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

 

7.4 Lost Certificates. Except as provided in this Section 7.4, no new certificates for shares shall be issued to replace a previously issued certificate unless the latter is surrendered to the Corporation and cancelled at the same time. The Corporation may issue a new certificate of stock or uncertificated shares in the place of any certificate theretofore issued by it, alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, and the Corporation may, in addition to any other requirements as may be imposed by the Corporation, require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or such owner’s legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate or uncertificated shares.

 

7.5 Shares Without Certificates  The Corporation may adopt a system of issuance, recordation and transfer of its shares of stock by electronic or other means not involving the issuance of certificates, provided the use of such system by the Corporation is permitted in accordance with applicable law.

 

7.6 Construction; Definitions. Unless the context requires otherwise, the general provisions, rules of construction and definitions in the DGCL shall govern the construction of these bylaws. Without limiting the generality of this provision, the singular number includes the plural and the plural number includes the singular.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

7.10 Transfer of Stock. Subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 7.12, shares of stock of the Corporation shall be transferred on the books of the Corporation only by the holder of record thereof or by such holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing, upon surrender to the Corporation of the certificate or certificates representing such shares endorsed by the appropriate person or persons (or by delivery of duly executed instructions with respect to uncertificated shares), with such evidence of the authenticity of such endorsement or execution, transfer, authorization and other matters as the Corporation may reasonably require, and accompanied by all necessary stock transfer stamps. No transfer of stock shall be valid as against the Corporation for any purpose until it shall have been entered in the stock records of the Corporation by an entry showing the names of the persons from and to whom it was transferred.

 

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

 

7.12 Lock-Up.

 

(i) Subject to Section 7.12(ii), the holders of the common stock of the Corporation (other than those holders who are party to that certain Stockholder Support Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2021, by and among the Corporation and the other parties thereto) (the “Lock-Up Holders”) issued (a) as consideration pursuant to the merger of Pulsar Merger Sub, Inc. (“Merger Sub”), with and into Vieco USA Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Virgin Orbit”), with Virgin Orbit surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation (the “Virgin Orbit Transaction”) or (b) to directors, officers and employees of the Corporation upon the settlement or exercise of restricted stock units, stock options or other equity awards outstanding as of immediately following the closing of the Virgin Orbit Transaction in respect of awards of Virgin Orbit outstanding immediately prior to the closing of the Virgin Orbit Transaction (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, the Acquiror Warrants (as defined in the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 22, 2021, by and among the Corporation (f/k/a NextGen Acquisition Corp. II, a Cayman Islands exempted company), Merger Sub, and Virgin Orbit (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”))) (such shares referred to in this Section 7.12(i)(b), the “Virgin Orbit Equity Award Shares”), may not Transfer any Lock-up Shares until the end of the Lock-up Period (the “Lock-up”). Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, the foregoing Lock-up restriction shall not apply to Transfers of shares of Common Stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock pursuant to a broker-assisted sale, in either case, in order to satisfy applicable exercise price and/or tax withholding obligations that arise with respect to the Virgin Orbit Equity Award Shares; provided that, in each case, such Transfer is made in accordance with applicable law and is permitted pursuant to the terms and conditions of (I) the applicable equity incentive plan and any award agreement evidencing the Virgin Orbit Equity Award Shares and (II) the Corporation’s insider trading or other applicable policy.

 

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(ii) Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in Section 7.12(i), the Lock-up Holders or their respective Permitted Transferees may Transfer the Lock-up Shares during the Lock-up Period (a) to (i) the Corporation’s officers or directors, (ii) any affiliates or family members of the Corporation’s officers or directors, or (iii) the other Lock-up Holders or any direct or indirect partners, members or equity holders of the Lock-up Holders, any affiliates of the Lock-up Holders or any related investment funds or vehicles controlled or managed by such persons or entities or their respective affiliates; (b) in the case of an individual, by gift to a member of the individual’s immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is a member of the individual’s immediate family or an affiliate of such person or entity, or to a charitable organization; (c) in the case of an individual, by virtue of laws of descent and distribution upon death of the individual; (d) in the case of an individual, pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order; (e) in connection with any bona fide mortgage, encumbrance or pledge to a financial institution in connection with any bona fide loan or debt transaction or enforcement thereunder, including foreclosure thereof; (f) to the Corporation; (g) by virtue of the laws of the State of Delaware or the Corporation’s certificate of incorporation upon dissolution of the Corporation; (h) in connection with a liquidation, merger, stock exchange, reorganization, tender offer approved by the Board or a duly authorized committee thereof or other similar transaction which results in all of the Corporation’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of common stock for cash, securities or other property subsequent to the closing date of the Virgin Orbit Transaction (the “Closing Date”).

 

(iii) Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in Section 7.12(i), if (A) at least 120 days have elapsed since the Closing Date and (B) the Lock-up Period is scheduled to end during a Blackout Period or within five Trading Days prior to a Blackout Period (such period, the “Specified Period”), the Lock-up Period shall end 10 Trading Days prior to the commencement of the Blackout Period (the “Blackout-Related Release”); provided that the Corporation shall announce the date of the expected Blackout-Related Release through a major news service, or on a Form 8-K, at least two Trading Days in advance of the Blackout-Related Release; and provided further that the Blackout-Related Release shall not occur unless the Corporation shall have publicly released its earnings results for the quarterly period during which the Closing occurred. For the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall the Lock-up Period end earlier than 120 days after the Closing Date pursuant to the Blackout-Related Release.

 

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(iv) Notwithstanding the other provisions set forth in this Section 7.12, the Board may, in its sole discretion, determine to waive, amend, or repeal the Lock-up obligations set forth herein.

 

(v) For purposes of this Section 7.12:

 

(a) the term “Blackout Period” means a broadly applicable and regularly scheduled period during which trading in the Corporation’s securities would not be permitted under the Corporation’s insider trading policy;

 

(b) the term “Lock-up Period” means: the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending at 8:00 am Eastern Time on the date that is 180 days after the Closing Date;

 

(c) the term “Lock-up Shares” means the shares of common stock held by the Lock-up Holders immediately following the closing of the Virgin Orbit Transaction (other than shares of common stock acquired in the public market or pursuant to a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to a subscription agreement where the issuance of common stock occurs on or after the closing of the Virgin Orbit Transaction) and the Virgin Orbit Equity Award Shares (determined as if, with respect to any Virgin Orbit Equity Award Shares that are net settled, such Virgin Orbit Equity Award Shares were instead cash settled); provided, that, for clarity, shares of common stock issued in connection with the PIPE Investment (as defined in the Merger Agreement) shall not constitute Lock-up Shares;

 

(d) the term “Permitted Transferees” means, prior to the expiration of the Lock-up Period, any person or entity to whom such Lock-up Holder is permitted to transfer such shares of common stock prior to the expiration of the Lock-up Period pursuant to Section 7.12(ii);

 

(e) the term “Trading Day” means any day on which shares of common stock of the Corporation are actually traded on the principal securities exchange or securities market on which shares of common stock of the Corporation are then traded; and

 

(f) the term “Transfer” means the (a) sale or assignment of, offer to sell, contract or agreement to sell, hypothecation, pledge, grant of any option to purchase, or other disposition of or agreement to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or the establishment or increase of a put equivalent position or liquidation with respect to or decrease of a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to, any security, (b) entry into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any security, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, or (c) public announcement of any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (a) or (b).

 

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7.13 Registered Stockholders

 

The Corporation:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Article VIII - Notice

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Article IX - Indemnification

 

9.1 Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings other than Those by or in the Right of the Corporation. Subject to Section 9.3, the Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation), by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or 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, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such person’s conduct was unlawful.

 

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9.2 Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings by or in the Right of the Corporation. Subject to Section 9.3, the Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or 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, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation; except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

 

9.3 Authorization of Indemnification. Any indemnification under this Article IX (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the present or former director or officer is proper in the circumstances because such person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 9.1 or Section 9.2, as the case may be. Such determination shall be made, with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such determination, (i) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (ii) by a committee of such directors designated by a majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (iii) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (iv) by the stockholders. Such determination shall be made, with respect to former directors and officers, by any person or persons having the authority to act on the matter on behalf of the Corporation. To the extent, however, that a present or former director or officer of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding described above, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith, without the necessity of authorization in the specific case.

 

9.4 Good Faith Defined. For purposes of any determination under Section 9.3, a person shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, or, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, to have had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful, if such person’s action is based on the records or books of account of the Corporation or another enterprise, or on information supplied to such person by the officers of the Corporation or another enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Corporation or another enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Corporation or another enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Corporation or another enterprise. The provisions of this Section 9.4 shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the circumstances in which a person may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 9.1 or 9.2, as the case may be.

 

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9.5 Indemnification by a Court. Notwithstanding any contrary determination in the specific case under Section 9.3, and notwithstanding the absence of any determination thereunder, any director or officer may apply to the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any other court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Delaware for indemnification to the extent otherwise permissible under Section 9.1 or 9.2. The basis of such indemnification by the Corporation shall be a determination by such court that indemnification of the director or officer is proper in the circumstances because such person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 9.1 or Section 9.2, as the case may be. Neither a contrary determination in the specific case under Section 9.3 nor the absence of any determination thereunder shall be a defense to such application or create a presumption that the director or officer seeking indemnification has not met any applicable standard of conduct. Notice of any application for indemnification pursuant to this Article IX shall be given to the Corporation promptly upon the filing of such application. If successful, in whole or in part, the director or officer seeking indemnification shall also be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such application.

 

9.6 Expenses Payable in Advance. Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by a present or former director or officer in appearing at, participating in or defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding in advance of its final disposition or in connection with a proceeding brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification or advancement of expenses under this Article IX shall be paid by the Corporation upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article IX. Such expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by employees and agents of the Corporation or by persons acting at the request of the Corporation as directors, officers, employees or agents of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the Corporation deems appropriate.

 

9.7 Nonexclusivity of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses. The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Article IX shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under the Certificate of Incorporation, these bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, it being the policy of the Corporation that indemnification of the persons specified in Section 9.1 or 9.2 shall be made to the fullest extent permitted by law. The provisions of this Article IX shall not be deemed to preclude the indemnification of any person who is not specified in Section 9.1 or Section 9.2 but whom the Corporation has the power or obligation to indemnify under the provisions of the DGCL, or otherwise.

 

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9.8 Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was a director or officer of the Corporation serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power or the obligation to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Article IX.

 

9.9 Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Article IX, references to “the Corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors or officers, so that any person who is or was a director or officer of such constituent corporation, or is or was a director or officer of such constituent corporation serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Article IX with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued. The term “another enterprise” as used in this Article IX shall mean any other corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which such person is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent. For purposes of this Article IX, references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to “serving at the request of the Corporation” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director or officer with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation” as referred to in this Article IX.

 

9.10 Survival of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses. The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Article IX shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified as provided in this Article IX, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

 

9.11 Limitation on Indemnification. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article IX to the contrary, except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification (which shall be governed by Section 9.5), the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify any present or former director or officer (or his or her heirs, executors or personal or legal representatives) or advance expenses in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized or consented to by the Board of the Corporation.

 

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9.12 Indemnification of Employees and Agents. The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board, provide rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to employees and agents of the Corporation and to persons serving at the request of the Corporation as directors, officers, employees and agents of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise similar to those conferred in this Article IX to directors and officers of the Corporation.

 

9.13 Primacy of Indemnification. Notwithstanding that a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation (collectively, the “Covered Persons”) may have certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by other persons (collectively, the “Other Indemnitors”), with respect to the rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance set forth herein, the Corporation: (i) shall be the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., its obligations to Covered Persons are primary and any obligation of the Other Indemnitors to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same expenses or liabilities incurred by Covered Persons are secondary); and (ii) shall be required to advance the full amount of expenses incurred by Covered Persons and shall be liable for the full amount of all liabilities, without regard to any rights Covered Persons may have against any of the Other Indemnitors. No advancement or payment by the Other Indemnitors on behalf of Covered Persons with respect to any claim for which Covered Persons have sought indemnification from the Corporation shall affect the immediately preceding sentence, and the Other Indemnitors shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of Covered Persons against the Corporation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the obligations of the Corporation under this Section 9.13 shall only apply to Covered Persons in their capacity as Covered Persons.

 

9.14 Amendments. Any repeal or amendment of this Article IX by the Board or the stockholders of the Corporation or by changes in applicable law, or the adoption of any other provision of these bylaws inconsistent with this Article IX, 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.

 

Article X - Amendments

 

The Board is expressly empowered to adopt, amend or repeal the bylaws of the Corporation. Subject to that certain Stockholders’ Agreement of the Corporation as in effect from time to time, by and among the Corporation and the VO Holder (as defined in such Stockholders’ Agreement), the stockholders also shall have power to adopt, amend or repeal the bylaws of the Corporation; provided, however, that such action by stockholders shall require, in addition to any other vote required by the Certificate of Incorporation or applicable law, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds (66 2/3%) of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of voting stock of the Corporation with the power to vote generally in an election of directors, voting together as a single class.

 

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Article XI - Definitions

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]

 

 

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Exhibit 4.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.1(a)

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of December 29, 2021, is made and entered into by and among Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) (formerly known as NextGen Acquisition Corp. II, a Cayman Islands exempted company limited by shares prior to its domestication as a Delaware corporation), NextGen Sponsor II LLC, a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Sponsor”), certain former stockholders of Vieco USA, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Vieco USA”), identified on the signature pages hereto (such stockholders, the “VO Holders” and, collectively with the Sponsor, the VO Holders, and any person or entity who hereafter becomes a party to this Agreement pursuant to Section 5.2 or Section 5.10 of this Agreement, the “Holders” and each, a “Holder”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Sponsor are party to that certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2021 (the “Original RRA”);

 

WHEREAS, the Company has entered into that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 22, 2021, (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”), by and among the Company, Pulsar Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and Vieco USA;

 

WHEREAS, on the date hereof, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the VO Holders received shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), of the Company;

 

WHEREAS, on the date hereof, certain investors, including certain Holders party hereto, (such investors, collectively, the “PIPE Investors”) purchased an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock (the “Investor Shares”) in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to the respective Subscription Agreement, each dated as of August 22, 2021, entered into by and between the Company and each of the PIPE Investors (each, a “Subscription Agreement” and, collectively, the “Subscription Agreements”);

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 5.5 of the Original RRA, the provisions, covenants and conditions set forth therein may be amended or modified upon the written consent of the Company and the Holders (as defined in the Original RRA) of at least a majority-in-interest of the Registrable Securities (as defined in the Original RRA) at the time in question, and the Sponsor is the Holder of at least a majority-in-interest of the Registrable Securities as of the date hereof; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Sponsor desire to amend and restate the Original RRA in its entirety and enter into this Agreement, pursuant to which the Company shall grant the Holders certain registration rights with respect to certain securities of the Company, as set forth in this Agreement.

 

 

 

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the representations, covenants and agreements contained herein, and certain other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

 

1.1 Definitions. The terms defined in this Article I shall, for all purposes of this Agreement, have the respective meanings set forth below:

 

Additional Holder” shall have the meaning given in Section 5.10.

 

Additional Holder Common Stock” shall have the meaning given in Section 5.10.

 

Adverse Disclosure” shall mean any public disclosure of material non-public information, which disclosure, in the good faith judgment of the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, after consultation with counsel to the Company, (i) would be required to be made in any Registration Statement or Prospectus in order for the applicable Registration Statement or Prospectus not to contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein (in the case of any prospectus and any preliminary prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, (ii) would not be required to be made at such time if the Registration Statement were not being filed, declared effective or used, as the case may be, and (iii) the Company has a bona fide business purpose for not making such information public.

 

Agreement” shall have the meaning given in the Preamble hereto.

 

Block Trade” shall have the meaning given in Section 2.4.1.

 

Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

Closing” shall have the meaning given in the Merger Agreement.

 

Closing Date” shall have the meaning given in the Merger Agreement.

 

Commission” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Common Stock” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.

 

Company” shall have the meaning given in the Preamble hereto and includes the Company’s successors by recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, reorganization or similar transaction.

 

Company Holder Support Agreement” shall mean that certain Stockholder Support Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2021, by and among Vieco USA and Vieco 10 Limited.

 

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Competing Registration Rights” shall have the meaning given in Section 5.7.

 

Demanding Holder” shall have the meaning given in Section 2.1.4.

 

Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

Form S-1 Shelf” shall have the meaning given in Section 2.1.1.

 

Form S-3 Shelf” shall have the meaning given in Section 2.1.1.

 

Holder Information” shall have the meaning given in Section 4.1.2.

 

Holders” shall have the meaning given in the Preamble hereto, for so long as such person or entity holds any Registrable Securities.

 

Insider Letter” means that certain letter agreement, dated as of March 22, 2021, by and among the Company, the Sponsor and certain of the Company’s current and former officers and directors.

 

Investor Shares” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.

 

Joinder” shall have the meaning given in Section 5.10.

 

Maximum Number of Securities” shall have the meaning given in Section 2.1.5.

 

Merger Agreement” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.

 

Minimum Takedown Threshold” shall have the meaning given in Section 2.1.4.

 

Misstatement” shall mean an untrue statement of a material fact or an omission to state a material fact required to be stated in a Registration Statement or Prospectus or necessary to make the statements in a Registration Statement or Prospectus (in the case of a Prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading.

 

Original RRA” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.

 

Other Coordinated Offering” shall have the meaning given in Section 2.4.1.

 

Permitted Transferees” shall (a) with respect to the Sponsor and its respective Permitted Transferees, have the meaning given in the Sponsor Support Agreement and (b) with respect to the VO Holders and their respective Permitted Transferees, have the meaning given in the Bylaws of the Company or the Company Holder Support Agreement, as applicable to such VO Holder.

 

Piggyback Registration” shall have the meaning given in Section 2.2.1.

 

Prospectus” shall mean the prospectus included in any Registration Statement, as supplemented by any and all prospectus supplements and as amended by any and all post-effective amendments and including all material incorporated by reference in such prospectus.

 

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Registrable Security” shall mean (a) any outstanding shares of Common Stock or any other equity security (including warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock and shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise of any other equity security) of the Company held by a Holder immediately following the Closing (including any securities distributable pursuant to the Merger Agreement and any Investor Shares); (b) any outstanding shares of Common Stock or any other equity security (including warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock and shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise of any other equity security) of the Company acquired by a Holder following the date hereof to the extent that such securities are “restricted securities” (as defined in Rule 144) or are otherwise held by an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company; (c) any Additional Holder Common Stock; and (d) any other equity security of the Company or any of its subsidiaries issued or issuable with respect to any securities referenced in clause (a), (b) or (c) above by way of a stock dividend or stock split or in connection with a recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, reorganization or similar transaction; provided, however, that, as to any particular Registrable Security, such securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities upon the earliest to occur of: (A) a Registration Statement with respect to the sale of such securities shall have become effective under the Securities Act and such securities shall have been sold, transferred, disposed of or exchanged in accordance with such Registration Statement by the applicable Holder; (B) (i) such securities shall have been otherwise transferred, (ii) new certificates for such securities not bearing (or book entry positions not subject to) a legend restricting further transfer shall have been delivered by the Company, and (iii) subsequent public distribution of such securities shall not require registration under the Securities Act; (C) such securities shall have ceased to be outstanding; (D) such securities may be sold without registration pursuant to Rule 144 or any successor rule promulgated under the Securities Act (but with no volume or other restrictions or limitations including as to manner or timing of sale); and (E)  such securities have been sold to, or through, a broker, dealer or underwriter in a public distribution or other public securities transaction.

 

Registration” shall mean a registration, including any related Shelf Takedown, effected by preparing and filing a registration statement, Prospectus or similar document in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act, and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and such registration statement becoming effective.

 

Registration Expenses” shall mean the documented, out-of-pocket expenses of a Registration, including, without limitation, the following:

 

(A) all registration and filing fees (including fees with respect to filings required to be made with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.) and any national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed;

 

(B) fees and expenses of compliance with securities or blue sky laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of outside counsel for the Underwriters in connection with blue sky qualifications of Registrable Securities);

 

(C) printing, messenger, telephone and delivery expenses;

 

(D) reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company;

 

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(E) reasonable fees and disbursements of all independent registered public accountants of the Company incurred specifically in connection with such Registration;

 

(F) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of any Registrable Securities on each national securities exchange on which the shares of Common Stock is then listed;

 

(G) the fees and expenses incurred by the Company in connection with any Underwritten Offering, Block Trade, Other Coordinated Offering or other offering involving an Underwriter or a broker, placement agent or sales agent;

 

(H) reasonable fees and expenses of one (1) legal counsel selected by the majority-in-interest of Registrable Securities held by the Demanding Holders participating in the applicable Underwritten Offering, Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering; and

 

(I) all expenses with respect to a road show that the Company is obligated to participate in pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

Registration Statement” shall mean any registration statement under the Securities Act that covers Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including the Prospectus included in such registration statement, amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to such registration statement, and all exhibits to and all material incorporated by reference in such registration statement.

 

Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.

 

Shelf” shall mean the Form S-1 Shelf, the Form S-3 Shelf or any Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement, as the case may be.

 

Shelf Registration” shall mean a registration of securities pursuant to a registration statement filed with the Commission in accordance with and pursuant to Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor rule then in effect).

 

Shelf Takedown” shall mean an Underwritten Shelf Takedown or any proposed transfer or sale using a Registration Statement, including a Piggyback Registration, a Block Trade or an Other Coordinated Offering.

 

Sponsor” shall have the meaning given in the Preamble hereto.

 

Sponsor Support Agreement” shall mean that certain Sponsor Support Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2021, by and among the Company, the Sponsor and Vieco USA.

 

Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement” shall have the meaning given in Section 2.1.2.

 

Transfer” shall mean the (a) sale or assignment of, offer to sell, contract or agreement to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant of any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agreement to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or establishment or increase of a put equivalent position or liquidation with respect to or decrease of a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to, any security, (b) entry into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any security, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, or (c) public announcement of any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (a) or (b).

 

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Underwriter” shall mean a securities dealer who purchases any Registrable Securities as principal in an Underwritten Offering and not as part of such dealer’s market-making activities.

 

Underwritten Offering” shall mean a Registration in which securities of the Company are sold to an Underwriter in a firm commitment underwriting for distribution to the public.

 

Underwritten Shelf Takedown” shall have the meaning given in Section 2.1.4.

 

Vieco USA” shall have the meaning given in the Preamble hereto.

 

VO Holders” shall have the meaning given in the Preamble hereto.

 

Withdrawal Notice” shall have the meaning given in Section 2.1.6.

 

ARTICLE II

REGISTRATIONS AND OFFERINGS

 

2.1 Shelf Registration.

 

2.1.1 Filing. Within thirty (30) calendar days following the Closing Date, the Company shall submit to or file with the Commission a Registration Statement for a Shelf Registration on Form S-1 (the “Form S-1 Shelf”) or a Registration Statement for a Shelf Registration on Form S-3 (the “Form S-3 Shelf”), if the Company is then eligible to use a Form S-3 Shelf, in each case, covering the resale of all the Registrable Securities (determined as of two (2) business days prior to such submission or filing) on a delayed or continuous basis and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have such Shelf declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, but no later than the earlier of (a) the ninetieth (90th) calendar day following the filing date thereof if the Commission notifies the Company that it will “review” the Registration Statement and (b) the tenth (10th) business day after the date the Company is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the Commission that the Registration Statement will not be “reviewed” or will not be subject to further review. Such Shelf shall provide for the resale of the Registrable Securities included therein pursuant to any method or combination of methods legally available to, and requested by, any Holder named therein. The Company shall maintain a Shelf in accordance with the terms hereof, and shall prepare and file with the Commission such amendments, including post-effective amendments, and supplements as may be necessary to keep a Shelf continuously effective, available for use to permit the Holders named therein to sell their Registrable Securities included therein and in compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act until such time as there are no longer any Registrable Securities. In the event the Company files a Form S-1 Shelf, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to convert the Form S-1 Shelf (and any Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement) to a Form S-3 Shelf as soon as practicable after the Company is eligible to use Form S-3. The Company’s obligation under this Section 2.1.1, shall, for the avoidance of doubt, be subject to Section 3.4.

 

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2.1.2 Subsequent Shelf Registration. If any Shelf ceases to be effective under the Securities Act for any reason at any time while Registrable Securities are still outstanding, the Company shall, subject to Section 3.4, use its commercially reasonable efforts to as promptly as is reasonably practicable cause such Shelf to again become effective under the Securities Act (including using its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the prompt withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of such Shelf), and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to as promptly as is reasonably practicable amend such Shelf in a manner reasonably expected to result in the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of such Shelf or file an additional registration statement as a Shelf Registration (a “Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement”) registering the resale of all Registrable Securities (determined as of two (2) business days prior to such filing), and pursuant to any method or combination of methods legally available to, and requested by, any Holder named therein. If a Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement is filed, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to (i) cause such Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement to become effective under the Securities Act as promptly as is reasonably practicable after the filing thereof (it being agreed that the Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement shall be an automatic shelf registration statement (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act) if the Company is a well-known seasoned issuer (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act) at the most recent applicable eligibility determination date) and (ii) keep such Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective, available for use to permit the Holders named therein to sell their Registrable Securities included therein and in compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act until such time as there are no longer any Registrable Securities. Any such Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement shall be on Form S-3 to the extent that the Company is eligible to use such form. Otherwise, such Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement shall be on another appropriate form. The Company’s obligation under this Section 2.1.2, shall, for the avoidance of doubt, be subject to Section 3.4.

 

2.1.3 Additional Registrable Securities. Subject to Section 3.4, in the event that any Holder holds Registrable Securities that are not registered for resale on a delayed or continuous basis, the Company, upon written request of the Sponsor or a VO Holder, shall promptly use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the resale of such Registrable Securities to be covered by either, at the Company’s option, any then available Shelf (including by means of a post-effective amendment) or by filing a Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement and cause the same to become effective as soon as practicable after such filing and such Shelf or Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement shall be subject to the terms hereof; provided, however, that the Company shall only be required to cause such Registrable Securities to be so covered twice per calendar year for each of the Sponsor and the VO Holders.

 

2.1.4 Requests for Underwritten Shelf Takedowns. Subject to Section 3.4, at any time and from time to time when an effective Shelf is on file with the Commission, the Sponsor or a VO Holder (any of the Sponsor or a VO Holder being in such case, a “Demanding Holder”) may request to sell all or any portion of its Registrable Securities in an Underwritten Offering that is registered pursuant to the Shelf (each, an “Underwritten Shelf Takedown”); provided that the Company shall only be obligated to effect an Underwritten Shelf Takedown if such offering shall include Registrable Securities proposed to be sold by the Demanding Holder, either individually or together with other Demanding Holders, with a total offering price reasonably expected to exceed, in the aggregate, $50 million (the “Minimum Takedown Threshold”). All requests for Underwritten Shelf Takedowns shall be made by giving written notice to the Company, which shall specify the approximate number of Registrable Securities proposed to be sold in the Underwritten Shelf Takedown. Subject to Section 2.4.4, the Company shall have the right to select the Underwriters for such offering (which shall consist of one or more reputable nationally recognized investment banks), subject to the initial Demanding Holder’s prior approval (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). The Sponsor may demand not more than one (1) Underwritten Shelf Takedown and the VO Holders may demand, in the aggregate, not more than four (4) Underwritten Shelf Takedowns pursuant to this Section 2.1.4 in any twelve (12) month period. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company may effect any Underwritten Offering pursuant to any then effective Registration Statement, including a Form S-3, that is then available for such offering.

 

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2.1.5 Reduction of Underwritten Offering. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in an Underwritten Shelf Takedown, in good faith, advises the Company, the Demanding Holders and the Holders requesting piggy back rights pursuant to this Agreement with respect to such Underwritten Shelf Takedown (the “Requesting Holders”) (if any) in writing that the dollar amount or number of Registrable Securities that the Demanding Holders and the Requesting Holders (if any) desire to sell, taken together with all other shares of Common Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell and all other shares of Common Stock or other equity securities, if any, that have been requested to be sold in such Underwritten Offering pursuant to separate written contractual piggy-back registration rights held by any other stockholders, exceeds the maximum dollar amount or maximum number of equity securities that can be sold in the Underwritten Offering without adversely affecting the proposed offering price, the timing, the distribution method, or the probability of success of such offering (such maximum dollar amount or maximum number of such securities, as applicable, the “Maximum Number of Securities”), then the Company shall include in such Underwritten Offering, before including any shares of Common Stock or other equity securities proposed to be sold by Company or by other holders of Common Stock or other equity securities, the Registrable Securities of the Demanding Holders and the Requesting Holders (if any) (pro rata based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Demanding Holder and Requesting Holder (if any) has requested be included in such Underwritten Shelf Takedown and the aggregate number of Registrable Securities that the Demanding Holders and Requesting Holders have requested be included in such Underwritten Shelf Takedown) that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities.

 

2.1.6 Withdrawal. Prior to the filing of the applicable “red herring” prospectus or prospectus supplement used for marketing such Underwritten Shelf Takedown, a majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders initiating an Underwritten Shelf Takedown shall have the right to withdraw from such Underwritten Shelf Takedown for any or no reason whatsoever upon written notification (a “Withdrawal Notice”) to the Company and the Underwriter or Underwriters (if any) of their intention to withdraw from such Underwritten Shelf Takedown; provided that the Sponsor or a VO Holder may elect to have the Company continue an Underwritten Shelf Takedown if the Minimum Takedown Threshold would still be satisfied by the Registrable Securities proposed to be sold in the Underwritten Shelf Takedown by the Sponsor, the VO Holders or any of their respective Permitted Transferees, as applicable. If withdrawn, a demand for an Underwritten Shelf Takedown shall constitute a demand for an Underwritten Shelf Takedown by the withdrawing Demanding Holder for purposes of Section 2.1.4, unless either (i) such Demanding Holder has not previously withdrawn any Underwritten Shelf Takedown or (ii) such Demanding Holder reimburses the Company for all Registration Expenses with respect to such Underwritten Shelf Takedown (or, if there is more than one Demanding Holder, a pro rata portion of such Registration Expenses based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Demanding Holder has requested be included in such Underwritten Shelf Takedown); provided that, if the Sponsor or a VO Holder elects to continue an Underwritten Shelf Takedown pursuant to the proviso in the immediately preceding sentence, such Underwritten Shelf Takedown shall instead count as an Underwritten Shelf Takedown demanded by the Sponsor or such VO Holder, as applicable, for purposes of Section 2.1.4. Following the receipt of any Withdrawal Notice, the Company shall promptly forward such Withdrawal Notice to any other Holders that had elected to participate in such Shelf Takedown. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with a Shelf Takedown prior to its withdrawal under this Section 2.1.6, other than if a Demanding Holder elects to pay such Registration Expenses pursuant to clause (ii) of the second sentence of this Section 2.1.6.

 

2.2 Piggyback Registration.

 

2.2.1 Piggyback Rights. Subject to Section 2.4.3, if the Company or any Holder proposes to conduct a registered offering of, or if the Company proposes to file a Registration Statement under the Securities Act with respect to the Registration of, equity securities, or securities or other obligations exercisable or exchangeable for, or convertible into equity securities, for its own account or for the account of stockholders of the Company (or by the Company and by the stockholders of the Company, including, without limitation, an Underwritten Shelf Takedown pursuant to Section 2.1), other than a Registration Statement (or any registered offering with respect thereto) (i) filed in connection with any employee stock option or other benefit plan, (ii) pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (or similar form that relates to a transaction subject to Rule 145 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto), (iii) for an offering of debt that is convertible into equity securities of the Company, (iv) for a dividend reinvestment plan, (v) a Block Trade or (vi) an Other Coordinated Offering, then the Company shall give written notice of such proposed offering to all of the Holders of Registrable Securities as soon as practicable but not less than ten (10) days before the anticipated filing date of such Registration Statement or, in the case of an Underwritten Offering pursuant to a Shelf Registration, the applicable “red herring” prospectus or prospectus supplement used for marketing such offering, which notice shall (A) describe the amount and type of securities to be included in such offering, the intended method(s) of distribution, and the name of the proposed managing Underwriter or Underwriters, if any, in such offering, and (B) offer to all of the Holders of Registrable Securities the opportunity to include in such registered offering such number of Registrable Securities as such Holders may request in writing within five (5) days after receipt of such written notice (such registered offering, a “Piggyback Registration”). Subject to Section 2.2.2, the Company shall, in good faith, cause such Registrable Securities to be included in such Piggyback Registration and, if applicable, shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the managing Underwriter or Underwriters of such Piggyback Registration to permit the Registrable Securities requested by the Holders pursuant to this Section 2.2.1 to be included therein on the same terms and conditions as any similar securities of the Company included in such registered offering and to permit the sale or other disposition of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method(s) of distribution thereof. The inclusion of any Holder’s Registrable Securities in a Piggyback Registration shall be subject to such Holder agreement to enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the Underwriter(s) selected for such Underwritten Offering.

 

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2.2.2 Reduction of Piggyback Registration. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in an Underwritten Offering that is to be a Piggyback Registration, in good faith, advises the Company and the Holders of Registrable Securities participating in the Piggyback Registration in writing that the dollar amount or number of shares of Common Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell, taken together with (i) the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities, if any, as to which Registration or a registered offering has been demanded pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with persons or entities other than the Holders of Registrable Securities hereunder, (ii) the Registrable Securities as to which registration has been requested pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof, and (iii) the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities, if any, as to which Registration or a registered offering has been requested pursuant to separate written contractual piggy-back registration rights of persons or entities other than the Holders of Registrable Securities hereunder, exceeds the Maximum Number of Securities, then:

 

(a) if the Registration or registered offering is undertaken for the Company’s account, the Company shall include in any such Registration or registered offering (A) first, the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; (B) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (A), the Registrable Securities of Holders exercising their rights to register their Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 2.2.1, pro rata, based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Holder has requested be included in such Underwritten Offering and the aggregate number of Registrable Securities that the Holders have requested to be included in such Underwritten Offering, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and (C) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities, if any, as to which Registration or a registered offering has been requested pursuant to separate written contractual piggy-back registration rights of persons or entities other than the Holders of Registrable Securities hereunder, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities;

 

(b) if the Registration or registered offering is pursuant to a demand by persons or entities other than the Holders of Registrable Securities, then the Company shall include in any such Registration or registered offering (A) first, the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities, if any, of such requesting persons or entities, other than the Holders of Registrable Securities, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; (B) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (A), the Registrable Securities of Holders exercising their rights to register their Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 2.2.1, pro rata, based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Holder has requested be included in such Underwritten Offering and the aggregate number of Registrable Securities that the Holders have requested to be included in such Underwritten Offering, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; (C) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and (D) fourth, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A), (B) and (C), the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities, if any, as to which Registration or a registered offering has been requested pursuant to separate written contractual piggy-back registration rights of persons or entities other than the Holders of Registrable Securities hereunder, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and

 

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(c) if the Registration or registered offering and Underwritten Shelf Takedown is pursuant to a request by Holder(s) of Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof, then the Company shall include in any such Registration or registered offering securities in the priority set forth in Section 2.1.5.

 

2.2.3 Piggyback Registration Withdrawal. Any Holder of Registrable Securities (other than a Demanding Holder, whose right to withdraw from an Underwritten Shelf Takedown, and related obligations, shall be governed by Section 2.1.6) shall have the right to withdraw from a Piggyback Registration for any or no reason whatsoever upon written notification to the Company and the Underwriter or Underwriters (if any) of his, her or its intention to withdraw from such Piggyback Registration prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement filed with the Commission with respect to such Piggyback Registration or, in the case of a Piggyback Registration pursuant to a Shelf Registration, the filing of the applicable “red herring” prospectus or prospectus supplement with respect to such Piggyback Registration used for marketing such transaction. The Company (whether on its own good faith determination or as the result of a request for withdrawal by persons or entities pursuant to separate written contractual obligations) may withdraw a Registration Statement filed with the Commission in connection with a Piggyback Registration (which, in no circumstance, shall include a Shelf) at any time prior to the effectiveness of such Registration Statement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement (other than Section 2.1.6), the Company shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with the Piggyback Registration prior to its withdrawal under this Section 2.2.3.

 

2.2.4 Unlimited Piggyback Registration Rights. For purposes of clarity, subject to Section 2.1.6, any Piggyback Registration effected pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof shall not be counted as a demand for an Underwritten Shelf Takedown under Section 2.1.4 hereof.

 

2.3 Market Stand-off. In connection with any Underwritten Offering of equity securities of the Company (other than a Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering), if requested by the managing Underwriters, each Holder that is an executive officer, director or Holder in excess of five percent (5%) of the outstanding Common Stock that participates and sells Registrable Securities in such Underwritten Offering (and for which it is customary for such a Holder to agree to a lock-up) agrees that it shall not Transfer any shares of Common Stock or other equity securities of the Company (other than those included in such offering pursuant to this Agreement), without the prior written consent of the Company, during the ninety (90)-day period (or such shorter time agreed to by the managing Underwriters) beginning on the date of pricing of such offering, except as expressly permitted by such lock-up agreement or in the event the managing Underwriters otherwise agree by written consent. Each such Holder that participates and sells Registrable Securities in such Underwritten Offering agrees to execute a customary lock-up agreement in favor of the Underwriters to such effect (in each case on substantially the same terms and conditions as all such Holders that execute a lock-up agreement).

 

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2.4 Block Trades; Other Coordinated Offerings.

 

2.4.1 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article II, but subject to Section 3.4, at any time and from time to time when an effective Shelf is on file with the Commission, if a Demanding Holder wishes to engage in (a) an underwritten registered offering not involving a “roadshow,” an offer commonly known as a “block trade” (a “Block Trade”) or (b) an “at the market” or similar registered offering through a broker, sales agent or distribution agent, whether as agent or principal, (an “Other Coordinated Offering”), in each case, with a total offering price reasonably expected to exceed, in the aggregate, either (x) $50 million or (y) all remaining Registrable Securities held by the Demanding Holder, then such Demanding Holder only needs to notify the Company of the Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering at least five (5) business days prior to the day such offering is to commence and the Company shall as expeditiously as possible use its commercially reasonable efforts to facilitate such Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering; provided that the Demanding Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Securities wishing to engage in the Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering shall use commercially reasonable efforts to work with the Company and any Underwriters, brokers, sales agents or placement agents prior to making such request in order to facilitate preparation of the registration statement, prospectus and other offering documentation related to the Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering.

 

2.4.2 Prior to the filing of the applicable “red herring” prospectus or prospectus supplement used in connection with a Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering, a majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders initiating such Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering shall have the right to submit a Withdrawal Notice to the Company, the Underwriter or Underwriters (if any) and any brokers, sale agents or placement agents (if any) of their intention to withdraw from such Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with a Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering prior to its withdrawal under this Section 2.4.2.

 

2.4.3 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Section 2.2 shall not apply to a Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering initiated by a Demanding Holder pursuant to Section 2.4 of this Agreement.

 

2.4.4 The Demanding Holder in a Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering shall have the right to select the Underwriters and any brokers, sale agents or placement agents (if any) for such Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering (in each case, which shall consist of one or more reputable nationally recognized investment banks).

 

2.4.5 A Holder in the aggregate may demand no more than two (2) Block Trades or Other Coordinated Offerings pursuant to this Section 2.4 in any twelve (12) month period. For the avoidance of doubt, any Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering effected pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall not be counted as a demand for an Underwritten Shelf Takedown pursuant to Section 2.1.4 hereof.

 

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ARTICLE III

COMPANY PROCEDURES

 

3.1 General Procedures. In connection with any Shelf and/or Shelf Takedown, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect such Registration to permit the sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended plan of distribution thereof, and pursuant thereto the Company shall, as expeditiously as possible:

 

3.1.1 prepare and file with the Commission as soon as practicable a Registration Statement with respect to such Registrable Securities, which Registration Statement shall include a plan of distribution that includes any method of distribution that a Holder may reasonably request prior to the filing of such Registration Statement (including a distribution of Registrable Securities to its members, limited partners or stockholders), and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective in accordance with Section 2.1, including filing a replacement Registration Statement, if necessary, and remain effective until all Registrable Securities have ceased to be Registrable Securities;

 

3.1.2 prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and post-effective amendments to the Registration Statement, and such supplements to the Prospectus, as may be reasonably requested by any Holder that holds at least five percent (5%) of the Registrable Securities registered on such Registration Statement or any Underwriter of Registrable Securities or as may be required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable to the registration form used by the Company or by the Securities Act or rules and regulations thereunder to keep the Registration Statement effective until all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement are sold in accordance with the intended plan of distribution set forth in such Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus;

 

3.1.3 prior to filing a Registration Statement or Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, furnish without charge to the Underwriters, if any, and the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration, and such Holders’ legal counsel, copies of such Registration Statement as proposed to be filed, each amendment and supplement to such Registration Statement (in each case including all exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein), the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement (including each preliminary Prospectus), and such other documents as the Underwriters and the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration or the legal counsel for any such Holders may request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Holders;

 

3.1.4 prior to any public offering of Registrable Securities, use its commercially reasonable efforts to (i) register or qualify the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement under such securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions in the United States as the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement (in light of their intended plan of distribution) may request (or provide evidence satisfactory to such Holders that the Registrable Securities are exempt from such registration or qualification) and (ii) take such action necessary to cause such Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental authorities as may be necessary by virtue of the business and operations of the Company and do any and all other acts and things that may be necessary or advisable to enable the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities in such jurisdictions; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify or take any action to which it would be subject to general service of process or taxation in any such jurisdiction where it is not then otherwise so subject;

 

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3.1.5 cause all such Registrable Securities to be listed on each national securities exchange on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed;

 

3.1.6 provide a transfer agent or warrant agent, as applicable, and registrar for all such Registrable Securities no later than the effective date of such Registration Statement;

 

3.1.7 advise each seller of such Registrable Securities, promptly after it shall receive notice or obtain knowledge thereof, of the issuance of any stop order by the Commission suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose and promptly use its commercially reasonable efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or to obtain its withdrawal if such stop order should be issued;

 

3.1.8 at least five (5) days prior to the filing of any Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement or Prospectus (or such shorter period of time as may be (a) necessary in order to comply with the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Act or Exchange Act, as applicable or (b) advisable in order to reduce the number of days that sales are suspended pursuant to Section 3.4), furnish a copy thereof to each seller of such Registrable Securities or its counsel (excluding any exhibits thereto and any filing made under the Exchange Act that is to be incorporated by reference therein);

 

3.1.9 notify the Holders at any time when a Prospectus relating to such Registration Statement is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event as a result of which the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes a Misstatement, and then to correct such Misstatement as set forth in Section 3.4;

 

3.1.10 in the event of an Underwritten Offering, a Block Trade, an Other Coordinated Offering, or sale by a broker, placement agent or sales agent pursuant to such Registration, in each of the following cases to the extent customary for a transaction of its type, permit a representative of the Holders (such representative to be selected by a majority of the Holders), the Underwriters or other financial institutions facilitating such Underwritten Offering, Block Trade, Other Coordinated Offering or other sale pursuant to such Registration, if any, and any attorney, consultant or accountant retained by such Holders or Underwriter to participate, at each such person’s or entity’s own expense, in the preparation of the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, and cause the Company’s officers, directors and employees to supply all information reasonably requested by any such representative, Underwriter, financial institution, attorney, consultant or accountant in connection with the Registration; provided, however, that such representatives, Underwriters or financial institutions agree to confidentiality arrangements in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company, prior to the release or disclosure of any such information;

 

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3.1.11 obtain a “cold comfort” letter from the Company’s independent registered public accountants in the event of an Underwritten Offering, a Block Trade, an Other Coordinated Offering or sale by a broker, placement agent or sales agent pursuant to such Registration (subject to such broker, placement agent or sales agent providing such certification or representation reasonably requested by the Company’s independent registered public accountants and the Company’s counsel) in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by “cold comfort” letters for a transaction of its type as the managing Underwriter may reasonably request, and reasonably satisfactory to a majority-in-interest of the participating Holders;

 

3.1.12 in the event of an Underwritten Offering, a Block Trade, an Other Coordinated Offering or sale by a broker, placement agent or sales agent pursuant to such Registration, on the date the Registrable Securities are delivered for sale pursuant to such Registration, to the extent customary for a transaction of its type, obtain an opinion, dated such date, of counsel representing the Company for the purposes of such Registration, addressed to the participating Holders, the broker, placement agents or sales agent, if any and the Underwriters, if any, covering such legal matters with respect to the Registration in respect of which such opinion is being given as the participating Holders, broker, placement agent, sales agent or Underwriter may reasonably request and as are customarily included in such opinions and negative assurance letters;

 

3.1.13 in the event of an Underwritten Offering or a Block Trade, or an Other Coordinated Offering, to the extent reasonably requested by the Underwriter, broker, placement agent or sales agent engaged for such offering, allow the Underwriter, broker, placement agent or sales agent to conduct customary “underwriter’s due diligence” with respect to the Company;

 

3.1.14 in the event of any Underwritten Offering, a Block Trade, an Other Coordinated Offering or sale by a broker, placement agent or sales agent pursuant to such Registration, enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting or other purchase or sales agreement, in usual and customary form, with the managing Underwriter or the broker, placement agent or sales agent of such offering or sale;

 

3.1.15 make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement covering the period of at least twelve (12) months beginning with the first day of the Company’s first full calendar quarter after the effective date of the Registration Statement which satisfies the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder (or any successor rule then in effect);

 

3.1.16 with respect to an Underwritten Offering pursuant to Section 2.1.4, use its commercially reasonable efforts to make available senior executives of the Company to participate in customary “road show” presentations that may be reasonably requested by the Underwriter in such Underwritten Offering; and

 

3.1.17 otherwise, in good faith, cooperate reasonably with, and take such customary actions as may reasonably be requested by the participating Holders, consistent with the terms of this Agreement, in connection with such Registration.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be required to provide any documents or information to an Underwriter or broker, sales agent or placement agent if such Underwriter or broker, sales agent or placement agent has not then been named with respect to the applicable Underwritten Offering or other offering involving a registration as an Underwriter or broker, sales agent or placement agent, as applicable.

 

3.2 Registration Expenses. The Registration Expenses of all Registrations shall be borne by the Company. It is acknowledged by the Holders that the Holders shall bear all incremental selling expenses relating to the sale of Registrable Securities, such as Underwriters’ commissions and discounts, brokerage fees, Underwriter marketing costs and, other than as set forth in the definition of “Registration Expenses,” all fees and expenses of any legal counsel representing the Holders (as well as of any attorney, consultants or consultant retained by the Holders under Section 3.1.10).

 

3.3 Requirements for Participation in Registration Statement in Offerings. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if any Holder does not provide the Company with its requested Holder Information, the Company may exclude such Holder’s Registrable Securities from the applicable Registration Statement or Prospectus if the Company determines, based on the advice of counsel, that such information is necessary to effect the registration and such Holder continues thereafter to withhold such information. No person or entity may participate in any Underwritten Offering or other offering for equity securities of the Company pursuant to a Registration initiated by the Company hereunder unless such person or entity (i) agrees to sell such person’s or entity’s securities on the basis provided in any underwriting, sales, distribution or placement arrangements approved by the Company and (ii) completes and executes all customary questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, lock-up agreements, underwriting or other agreements and other customary documents as may be reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting, sales, distribution or placement arrangements. The exclusion of a Holder’s Registrable Securities as a result of this Section 3.3 shall not affect the registration of the other Registrable Securities to be included in such Registration.

 

3.4 Suspension of Sales; Adverse Disclosure; Restrictions on Registration Rights.

 

3.4.1 Upon receipt of written notice from the Company that a Registration Statement or Prospectus contains a Misstatement, each of the Holders shall forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities until it has received copies of a supplemented or amended Prospectus correcting the Misstatement (it being understood that the Company hereby covenants to prepare and file such supplement or amendment as soon as practicable after the time of such notice), or until it is advised in writing by the Company that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed.

 

3.4.2 Subject to Section 3.4.4, if the filing, initial effectiveness or continued use of a Registration Statement in respect of any Registration at any time would (a) require the Company to make an Adverse Disclosure, (b) require the inclusion in such Registration Statement of financial statements that are unavailable to the Company for reasons beyond the Company’s control or (c) in the good faith judgment of the majority of the Board such Registration, upon the advice of external legal counsel, be seriously detrimental to the Company and the majority of the Board concludes as a result that it is essential to defer such filing, initial effectiveness or continued use at such time, the Company may, upon giving prompt written notice of such action to the Holders (which notice shall not specify the nature of the event giving rise to such delay or suspension), delay the filing or initial effectiveness of, or suspend use of, such Registration Statement for the shortest period of time determined in good faith by the Company to be necessary for such purpose. In the event the Company exercises its rights under this Section 3.4.2, the Holders agree to suspend, immediately upon their receipt of the notice referred to above, their use of the Prospectus relating to any Registration in connection with any sale or offer to sell Registrable Securities until such Holder receives written notice from the Company that such sales or offers of Registrable Securities may be resumed, and in each case maintain the confidentiality of such notice and its contents. The Company shall as promptly as practical notify the Holders of the expiration of any period during which it exercised its rights under this Section 3.4.

 

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3.4.3 Subject to Section 3.4.4, during the period starting with the date thirty (30) days prior to the Company’s good faith estimate of the date of the filing of, and ending on a date ninety (90) days (or such shorter time as the managing Underwriters may agree) after the effective date of, a Company-initiated Registration and provided that the Company continues to actively employ, in good faith, all reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the applicable Shelf Registration Statement, or (b) if, pursuant to Section 2.1.4, Holders have requested an Underwritten Shelf Takedown and the Company and Holders are unable to obtain the commitment of underwriters to firmly underwrite such offering, the Company may, upon giving prompt written notice of such action to the Holders, delay any other registered offering pursuant to Section 2.1.4 or 2.4.

 

3.4.4 The right to delay or suspend any filing, initial effectiveness or continued use of a Registration Statement pursuant to Section 3.4.2 or a registered offering pursuant to Section 3.4.3 shall be exercised by the Company, in the aggregate, for not more than ninety (90) consecutive calendar days or more than one hundred and twenty (120) total calendar days in each case during any twelve (12)-month period.

 

3.5 Reporting Obligations. As long as any Holder shall own Registrable Securities, the Company, at all times while it shall be a reporting company under the Exchange Act, covenants to file timely (or obtain extensions in respect thereof and file within the applicable grace period) all reports required to be filed by the Company after the date hereof pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and to promptly furnish the Holders with true and complete copies of all such filings; provided that any documents publicly filed or furnished with the Commission pursuant to the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System shall be deemed to have been furnished or delivered to the Holders pursuant to this Section 3.5. The Company further covenants that it shall take such further action as any Holder may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such Holder to resell or otherwise dispose of shares of Common Stock held by such Holder without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor rule then in effect), including providing any customary legal opinions. Upon the request of any Holder, the Company shall deliver to such Holder a written certification of a duly authorized officer as to whether it has complied with such requirements.

 

ARTICLE IV

INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION

 

4.1 Indemnification.

 

4.1.1 The Company agrees to indemnify, to the extent permitted by law, each Holder of Registrable Securities, its officers, directors, employees, advisors, representatives, members and agents and each person or entity who controls such Holder (within the meaning of the Securities Act), against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and out-of-pocket expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable outside attorneys’ fees) resulting from any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in or incorporated by reference in any Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as the same are caused by or contained in any information or affidavit so furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder expressly for use therein. The Company shall indemnify the Underwriters, their officers and directors and each person or entity who controls such Underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided in the foregoing with respect to the indemnification of the Holder.

 

4.1.2 In connection with any Registration Statement in which a Holder of Registrable Securities is participating, such Holder shall furnish (or cause to be furnished) to the Company in writing such information and affidavits as the Company reasonably requests for use in connection with any such Registration Statement or Prospectus (the “Holder Information”) and, to the extent permitted by law, shall indemnify the Company, its directors, officers and agents and each person or entity who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and out-of-pocket expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable outside attorneys’ fees) resulting from any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained or incorporated by reference in any Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but only to the extent that such untrue statement is contained in (or not contained in, in the case of an omission) any information or affidavit so furnished in writing by or on behalf of such Holder expressly for use therein; provided, however, that the obligation to indemnify shall be several, not joint and several, among such Holders of Registrable Securities, and the liability of each such Holder of Registrable Securities shall be in proportion to and limited to the net proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement. The Holders of Registrable Securities shall indemnify the Underwriters, their officers, directors and each person or entity who controls such Underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided in the foregoing with respect to indemnification of the Company.

 

4.1.3 Any person or entity entitled to indemnification herein shall (i) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification (provided that the failure to give prompt notice shall not impair any person’s or entity’s right to indemnification hereunder to the extent such failure has not materially prejudiced the indemnifying party) and (ii) unless in such indemnified party’s reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such indemnified and indemnifying parties may exist with respect to such claim or there may be reasonable defenses available to the indemnified party that are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party, permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. If such defense is assumed, the indemnifying party shall not be subject to any liability for any settlement made by the indemnified party without its consent (but such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). An indemnifying party who is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim shall not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel (and one local counsel in each applicable jurisdiction) for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying party with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim. No indemnifying party shall, without the consent of the indemnified party, consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which cannot be settled in all respects by the payment of money (and such money is so paid by the indemnifying party pursuant to the terms of such settlement) or which settlement includes a statement or admission of fault and culpability on the part of such indemnified party or which settlement does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation.

 

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4.1.4 The indemnification provided for under this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the indemnified party or any officer, director, employee, advisor, agent, representative, member or controlling person or entity of such indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of securities. The Company and each Holder of Registrable Securities participating in an offering also agrees to make such provisions as are reasonably requested by any indemnified party for contribution to such party in the event the Company’s or such Holder’s indemnification is unavailable for any reason.

 

4.1.5 If the indemnification provided under Section 4.1 from the indemnifying party is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and out-of-pocket expenses referred to herein, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying the indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and out-of-pocket expenses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, was made by (or not made by, in the case of an omission), or relates to information supplied by (or not supplied by in the case of an omission), such indemnifying party or such indemnified party, and the indemnifying party’s and indemnified party’s relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action; provided, however, that the liability of any Holder under this Section 4.1.5 shall be limited to the amount of the net proceeds received by such Holder in such offering giving rise to such liability. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses or other liabilities referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 4.1.1, 4.1.2 and 4.1.3 above, any legal or other fees, charges or out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with any investigation or proceeding. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 4.1.5 were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation, which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this Section 4.1.5. No person or entity guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution pursuant to this Section 4.1.5 from any person or entity who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

 

ARTICLE V

MISCELLANEOUS

 

5.1 Notices. Any notice or communication under this Agreement must be in writing and given by (i) deposit in the United States mail, addressed to the party to be notified, postage prepaid and registered or certified with return receipt requested, (ii) delivery in person or by courier service providing evidence of delivery, or (iii) transmission by hand delivery, electronic mail or facsimile. Each notice or communication that is mailed, delivered, or transmitted in the manner described above shall be deemed sufficiently given, served, sent, and received, in the case of mailed notices, on the third business day following the date on which it is mailed and, in the case of notices delivered by courier service, hand delivery, electronic mail or facsimile, at such time as it is delivered to the addressee (with the delivery receipt or the affidavit of messenger) or at such time as delivery is refused by the addressee upon presentation. Any notice or communication under this Agreement must be addressed, if to the Company, to: Vieco USA Inc., 65 Bleeker Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10012, Attention: Legal Department, Email: james.cahillane@virgin.com, and, if to any Holder, at such Holder’s address, electronic mail address or facsimile number as set forth in the Company’s books and records. Any party may change its address for notice at any time and from time to time by written notice to the other parties hereto, and such change of address shall become effective thirty (30) days after delivery of such notice as provided in this Section 5.1.

 

5.2 Assignment; No Third Party Beneficiaries.

 

5.2.1 This Agreement and the rights, duties and obligations of the Company hereunder may not be assigned or delegated by the Company in whole or in part.

 

5.2.2 Subject to Section 5.2.4 and Section 5.2.5, this Agreement and the rights, duties and obligations of a Holder hereunder may be assigned in whole or in part to such Holder’s Permitted Transferees; provided that with respect to the VO Holders and the Sponsor, the rights hereunder that are personal to such Holders may not be assigned or delegated in whole or in part, except that (x) each of the VO Holders shall be permitted to transfer its rights hereunder as a VO Holder to one or more affiliates or any direct or indirect partners, members or equity holders of such VO Holder (it being understood that no such transfer shall reduce any rights of such VO Holder or such transferees), including Permitted Transferees identified in clause (i)(C) thereof, and (y) the Sponsor shall be permitted to transfer its rights hereunder as the Sponsor to one or more of its affiliates or any direct or indirect partners, members or equity holders of the Sponsor (it being understood that no such transfer shall reduce any rights of the Sponsor or such transferees).

 

17

 

 

5.2.3 This Agreement and the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of each of the parties and its successors and the permitted assigns of the Holders, which shall include Permitted Transferees.

 

5.2.4 This Agreement shall not confer any rights or benefits on any persons or entities that are not parties hereto, other than as expressly set forth in this Agreement and Section 5.2.

 

5.2.5 No assignment by any party hereto of such party’s rights, duties and obligations hereunder shall be binding upon or obligate the Company unless and until the Company shall have received (i) written notice of such assignment as provided in Section 5.1 hereof and (ii) the written agreement of the assignee, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement (which may be accomplished by an addendum or certificate of joinder to this Agreement). Any transfer or assignment made other than as provided in this Section 5.2 shall be null and void.

 

5.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts (including facsimile or PDF counterparts), each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute the same instrument, but only one of which need be produced.

 

5.4 Governing Law; Venue. NOTWITHSTANDING THE PLACE WHERE THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE EXECUTED BY ANY OF THE PARTIES HERETO, THE PARTIES EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT (1) THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND (2) THE VENUE FOR ANY ACTION TAKEN WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT IN NEW YORK COUNTY IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

5.5 TRIAL BY JURY. EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND, THEREFORE, EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT TO ANY ACTION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT.

 

5.6 Amendments and Modifications. Upon the written consent of (a) the Company and (b) the Holders of a majority of the total Registrable Securities, compliance with any of the provisions, covenants and conditions set forth in this Agreement may be waived, or any of such provisions, covenants or conditions may be amended or modified; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, any amendment hereto or waiver hereof shall also require the written consent of the Sponsor so long as the Sponsor and its affiliates hold, in the aggregate, at least five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company; provided, further, that notwithstanding the foregoing, any amendment hereto or waiver hereof shall also require the written consent of each VO Holder so long as such VO Holder and its affiliates hold, in the aggregate, at least five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company; and provided, further, that any amendment hereto or waiver hereof that adversely affects one Holder, solely in its capacity as a holder of the shares of capital stock of the Company, in a manner that is materially different from the other Holders (in such capacity) shall require the consent of the Holder so affected. No course of dealing between any Holder or the Company and any other party hereto or any failure or delay on the part of a Holder or the Company in exercising any rights or remedies under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of any rights or remedies of any Holder or the Company. No single or partial exercise of any rights or remedies under this Agreement by a party shall operate as a waiver or preclude the exercise of any other rights or remedies hereunder or thereunder by such party.

 

18

 

 

5.7 Other Registration Rights. Other than (i) the PIPE Investors who have registration rights with respect to their Investor Shares pursuant to their respective Subscription Agreements and (ii) as provided in the Warrant Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2021, between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, the Company represents and warrants that no person or entity, other than a Holder of Registrable Securities, has any right to require the Company to register any securities of the Company for sale or to include such securities of the Company in any Registration Statement filed by the Company for the sale of securities for its own account or for the account of any other person or entity. For so long as (a) the Sponsor and its affiliates hold, in the aggregate, at least five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company, the Company hereby agrees and covenants that it will not grant rights to register any Common Stock (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock) pursuant to the Securities Act that are more favorable, pari passu or senior to those granted to the Holders hereunder (such rights “Competing Registration Rights”) without the prior written consent of the Sponsor, and (b) a VO Holder and its affiliates hold, in the aggregate, at least five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company, the Company hereby agrees and covenants that it will not grant Competing Registration Rights without the prior written consent of such VO Holder. Further, the Company represents and warrants that this Agreement supersedes any other registration rights agreement or agreement with similar terms and conditions and in the event of a conflict between any such agreement or agreements and this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail; for the avoidance of doubt, in the event of any conflict, this Agreement shall supersede Section 7 of the Subscription Agreement of any Holder that is also a PIPE Investor with respect to such Holder’s Investor Shares.

 

5.8 Term. This Agreement shall terminate with respect to any Holder, on the date that such Holder no longer holds any Registrable Securities. The provisions of Section 3.5 and Article IV shall survive any termination.

 

5.9 Holder Information. Each Holder agrees, if requested in writing, to represent to the Company the total number of Registrable Securities held by such Holder in order for the Company to make determinations hereunder.

 

5.10 Additional Holders; Joinder. In addition to persons or entities who may become Holders pursuant to Section 5.2 hereof, subject to the prior written consent of each of the Sponsor and each VO Holder (in each case, so long as such Holder and its affiliates hold, in the aggregate, at least five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company), the Company may make any person or entity who acquires Common Stock or rights to acquire Common Stock after the date hereof a party to this Agreement (each such person or entity, an “Additional Holder”) by obtaining an executed joinder to this Agreement from such Additional Holder in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto (a “Joinder”). Such Joinder shall specify the rights and obligations of the applicable Additional Holder under this Agreement. Upon the execution and delivery and subject to the terms of a Joinder by such Additional Holder, the Common Stock of the Company then owned, or underlying any rights then owned, by such Additional Holder (the “Additional Holder Common Stock”) shall be Registrable Securities to the extent provided herein and therein and such Additional Holder shall be a Holder under this Agreement with respect to such Additional Holder Common Stock.

 

5.11 Severability. It is the desire and intent of the parties that the provisions of this Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the laws and public policies applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. Accordingly, if any particular provision of this Agreement shall be adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable for any reason, such provision, as to such jurisdiction, shall be ineffective, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such provision could be more narrowly drawn so as not to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable in such jurisdiction, it shall, as to such jurisdiction, be so narrowly drawn, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

5.12 Entire Agreement; Restatement. This Agreement constitutes the full and entire agreement and understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to such subject matter. Upon the Closing, the Original RRA shall no longer be of any force or effect.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

19

 

 

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

 

  COMPANY:  
       
  Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc.
  a Delaware corporation
   
  By: /s/ Dan Hart
    Name: Dan Hart
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  SPONSOR:  
       
  NextGen Sponsor II LLC,
  a Delaware limited liability company
   
  By: /s/ George Mattson
    Name: George Mattson
    Title: Manager and President

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  VO HOLDER:
   
  Vieco 10 Limited
  a company limited by shares under the laws of the British Virgin Islands
   
  By: /s/ James Cahillane
    Name: James Cahillane
    Title: Authorized Signatory

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT JOINDER

 

The undersigned is executing and delivering this joinder (this “Joinder”) pursuant to the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 29, 2021 (as the same may hereafter be amended, the “Registration Rights Agreement”), among Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the other persons or entities named as parties therein. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings provided in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

By executing and delivering this Joinder to the Company, and upon acceptance hereof by the Company upon the execution of a counterpart hereof, the undersigned hereby agrees to become a party to, to be bound by, and to comply with the Registration Rights Agreement as a Holder of Registrable Securities in the same manner as if the undersigned were an original signatory to the Registration Rights Agreement, and the undersigned’s shares of Common Stock shall be included as Registrable Securities under the Registration Rights Agreement to the extent provided therein; provided, however, that the undersigned and its permitted assigns (if any) shall not have any rights as Holders, and the undersigned’s (and its transferees’) shares of Common Stock shall not be included as Registrable Securities, for purposes of the Excluded Sections.

 

For purposes of this Joinder, “Excluded Sections” shall mean [________].

 

Accordingly, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Joinder as of the __________ day of __________, 20__.

 

   
  Signature of Stockholder
     
   
  Print Name of Stockholder
  Its:  
     
  Address:  
     
   
   
   

 

Agreed and Accepted as of  
____________, 20__  
     
[________]    
     
By:                     
Name:    
Its:    

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.1(b)

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT JOINDER

 

Virgin Investments Limited, a company limited by shares under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (“VIL”), and Fifteenth Investment Company LLC, a limited liability company established under the laws of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (“Fifteenth”), are executing and delivering this joinder (this “Joinder”) pursuant to the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 29, 2021 (as the same may hereafter be amended, the “Registration Rights Agreement”), among Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the other persons named as parties therein. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings provided in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

By executing and delivering this Joinder to the Company, and upon acceptance hereof by the Company upon the execution of a counterpart hereof, each of VIL and Fifteenth hereby agrees to become a party to, to be bound by, and to comply with the Registration Rights Agreement as a VO Holder and each of VIL and Fifteenth hereby agrees to become a party to, be bound by, and to comply with the Registration Rights Agreement as a Holder of Registrable Securities in the same manner as if each of VIL and Fifteenth were an original signatory to the Registration Rights Agreement, and each of VIL and Fifteenth’s shares of Common Stock shall be included as Registrable Securities under the Registration Rights Agreement to the extent provided therein. The parties hereby agree that any reference to a VO Holder in the Registration Rights Agreement after the date hereof shall include both VIL and Fifteenth and any references to a Holder in the Registration Rights Agreement after the date hereof shall include VIL and Fifteenth as memorialized by this Joinder.

 

Pursuant to Section 2.1.4 of the Registration Rights Agreement, the VO Holders may collectively demand, in the aggregate, not more than four (4) Underwritten Shelf Takedowns in any twelve (12) month period. The parties hereby agree that VIL and Fifteenth may each demand not more than two (2) Underwritten Shelf Takedowns in any twelve (12) month period.

 

[Signature Pages Follow

 

 

 

 

Accordingly, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Joinder as of the 29th day of December,2021

 

  Virgin Investments Limited
   
  By: /s/ James Cahillane
  Name:  James Cahillane
  Its: Authorized Signatory

 

  Address:
   
  Virgin Investments Limited
  Craigmuir Chambers
  PO Box 71
  Road Town, Tortola, VG 1110
  British Virgin Islands

 

  with copy to:
  Virgin Management USA, Inc.
  65 Bleecker Street, 6th Floor
  New York, NY 10012

 

[Signature page to Joinder]

 

 

 

 

Accordingly, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Joinder as of the 29th day of December, 2021.

 

  Virgin Investments Limited
     
  By:          
  Name:   
  Its:  

 

  Address:
   
  Virgin Investments Limited
  Craigmuir Chambers
  PO Box 71
  Road Town, Tortola, VG 1110
  British Virgin Islands

 

  with copy to:
  Virgin Management USA, Inc.
  65 Bleecker Street, 6th Floor
  New York, NY 10012

 

  Fifteenth Investment Company LLC
     
  By: /s/ Andre Namphy
  Name:  Andre Namphy
  Its: Authorised Signatory

 

  Address:
   
  Fifteenth Investment Company LLC
  Mamoura A, Muroor Street, Abu Dhabi
  United Arab Emirates, PO Box 45005
   
  Attention: Andre Namphy

 

[Signature page to Joinder]

 

 

 

 

Agreed and Accepted as of

 

December 29, 2021

 

Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc.  
     
By: /s/ Dan Hart  
Name:  Dan Hart  
Its: Chief Executive Officer  

 

[Signature page to Joinder]

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.2(a)

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT

 

This Stockholders’ Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made as of December 29, 2021, by and among Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) (f/k/a NextGen Acquisition Corp. II, a Cayman Islands exempted company limited by shares prior to its domestication as a Delaware corporation) and Vieco 10 Limited, a company limited by shares under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (the “VO Holder” and together with any individual or entity who hereafter becomes a party to this Agreement pursuant to Section 15, the “Voting Parties” and each a “Voting Party”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Company, Vieco USA, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“VO”) and Pulsar Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 22, 2021 (as amended or modified from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other transactions, Merger Sub will merge with and into VO (the “Merger”), with VO continuing on as the surviving entity, in each case, on the terms and conditions set forth therein;

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the Merger, the Company and VO Holder are party to a Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (as it may be amended, supplemented, restated and/or modified from time to time, the “Registration Rights Agreement”);

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the Merger, the Company and the VO Holder have agreed to execute and deliver this Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, as of immediately following the closing of the Merger (the “Closing”), the VO Holder Beneficially Owns (as defined below) the number of shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company (the “Common Stock”), set forth on Annex A hereto;

 

WHEREAS, VO Holder in the aggregate Beneficially Owns (as defined below) shares of Common Stock representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding voting power of the Company;

 

WHEREAS, the number of shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned by any Voting Party may change from time to time, in accordance with the terms of (x) the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as it may be amended, supplemented and/or restated from time to time (the “Charter”), (y) the by-laws of the Company and (z) the Registration Rights Agreement, which changes shall be reported by any Voting Party in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”);

 

WHEREAS, each of the Voting Parties believes that it is in their respective best interests to qualify the Company as a “controlled company” under the listing standards of Nasdaq; and

 

WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to maintain a group and to enter into this Agreement to provide for voting agreements pursuant to which all of the Voting Parties’ shares of Common Stock will be voted together with respect to elections of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

 

 

 

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the promises and covenants contained herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

AGREEMENT

 

1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used herein but not defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Merger Agreement. In addition to the terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated when used in this Agreement with initial capital letters:

 

Affiliate” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act.

 

Liquidation Agreement” shall mean that certain Transaction Support and Liquidation Agreement, dated as of July 2, 2021, by and among the VO Holder, Aabar Space Inc. and Virgin Investments Limited.

 

Lock-Up Period” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Stockholder Support Agreement.

 

Necessary Action” means, with respect to any party and a specified result, all actions (to the extent such actions are not prohibited by applicable law, within such party’s control and do not directly conflict with any rights expressly granted to such party in this Agreement, the Merger Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Charter or the by-laws of the Company) reasonably necessary and desirable within his, her or its control to cause such result, including, without limitation (i) calling special meetings of the Board and the stockholders of the Company, (ii) voting or providing a proxy with respect to the Voting Shares beneficially owned by such party, (iii) causing the adoption of stockholders’ resolutions and amendments to the Charter or by-laws of the Company, including executing written consents in lieu of meetings, (iv) executing agreements and instruments, (v) causing members of the Board (to the extent such members were elected, nominated or designated by the party obligated to undertake such action) to act (subject to any applicable fiduciary duties) in a certain manner or causing them to be removed in the event they do not act in such a manner and (vi) making, or causing to be made, with governmental, administrative or regulatory authorities, all filings, registrations or similar actions that are required to achieve such a result.

 

Permitted Transferees” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Stockholder Support Agreement.

 

Stockholder Support Agreement” shall mean that certain Stockholder Support Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2021, by and among the Company, VO Holder and VO.

 

2

 

 

2. Agreement to Vote. During the term of this Agreement, each Voting Party shall vote or cause to be voted all securities of the Company that may be voted in the election of the Company’s directors registered in the name of, or beneficially owned (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, including by the exercise or conversion of any security exercisable or convertible for shares of Common Stock, but excluding shares of stock underlying unexercised options or warrants) (“Beneficially Owned” or “Beneficial Ownership”) by such Voting Party, including any and all securities of the Company acquired and held in such capacity subsequent to the date hereof (hereinafter referred to as the “Voting Shares”), in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, including, without limitation, voting or causing to be voted all Voting Shares Beneficially Owned by such Voting Party so that the Board is comprised of the Persons designated pursuant to Subsection 3(a). Except as explicitly provided in this Agreement, each Voting Party is free to vote or cause to be voted all Voting Shares Beneficially Owned by such Voting Party. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that Subsection 3(a) shall not limit the number of directors of the Company that may be designated or elected by VO Holder, whether pursuant to the TMLA or otherwise.

 

3. Board of Directors.

 

a. Board Representation. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Merger Agreement (including Section 7.6 (Post-Closing Directors and Officers of Acquiror) thereof), from the date of this Agreement, the Company and each Voting Party shall take all Necessary Action to cause, effective immediately following the Effective Time, the Board to be comprised of seven (7) directors or such other number of directors as the VO Holder determines, four (4) of whom (the “VO Designees” and each a “VO Designee”) have been initially designated as set forth on Exhibit 3(a) hereto and shall thereafter be designated by the VO Holder; provided, that only for so long as VO Holder Beneficially Owns a number of Voting Shares representing at least the percentage set forth below of the number of Voting Shares currently owned by VO Holder relative to the number of Voting Shares Beneficially Owned by VO Holder immediately following the Effective Time, the Company shall, and the Voting Parties shall take all Necessary Action to, include in the slate of nominees recommended by the Board for election as directors at each applicable annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Company, including at every adjournment or postponement thereof, at which directors are to be elected that number of individuals designated by VO Holder that, if elected, will result in VO Holder having designated the number of directors serving on the Board that is shown below:

 

Percentage   Number of Directors
50% or greater   4
25% or greater, up to but not including 50%   3
10% or greater, up to but not including 25%   2
5% or greater, up to but not including 10%   1
Less than 5%   0

 

b. Decrease in Designees.

 

i. Upon any decrease in the number of directors that the VO Holder is entitled to designate for nomination to the Board, the VO Holder shall take all Necessary Action to cause the appropriate number of Designees to offer to tender their resignation, effective as of the next annual meeting of stockholders of the Company. Any Designee resigning pursuant to this Section 3(b) shall be permitted to continue serving as a director until the next annual meeting of stockholders of the Company.

 

ii. If as a result of the provisions of Section 3(a) there are no seats on the Board for which VO Holder has the right to designate a director, the selection of such director shall be conducted in accordance with applicable law and with the Charter, by-laws of the Company, and the other corporate governance documents of the Company.

 

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c. Resignation; Removal; Vacancies.

 

i. Any VO Designee may resign at any time upon written notice to the Board.

 

ii. (A) VO Holder shall have the exclusive right to remove one or more of the VO Designees from the Board, and the Company and the Voting Parties shall take all Necessary Action to cause the removal of any such VO Designee(s) at the written request of VO Holder and (B) VO Holder shall have the exclusive right, in accordance with Subsection 3(a), to designate directors for election to the Board to fill vacancies created by reason of death, removal or resignation of VO Designees, and the Company and the Voting Parties shall take all Necessary Action to cause any such vacancies to be filled by replacement VO Designees as promptly as reasonably practicable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Subsection 3(c)(ii), VO Holder shall not have the right to designate a replacement VO Designee, and the Company and the Voting Parties shall not be required to take any action to cause any vacancy to be filled by any such VO Designee, to the extent that election or appointment of such VO Designee to the Board would result in a number of directors designated by VO Holder in excess of the number of directors that VO Holder is then entitled to designate for membership on the Board pursuant to this Agreement.

 

d. Committees

 

i. In accordance with the Charter, by-laws, and other corporate governance documents of the Company, the Board may from time to time by vote or resolution establish and maintain one or more committees of the Board, each committee to consist of one or more VO Designees. Subject to applicable laws, stock exchange regulations and applicable listing requirements, VO Holder shall have the right to have one VO Designee appointed to serve on each committee of the Board for so long as VO Holder is entitled to designate at least two directors to the Board. The Voting Parties and the Company shall take all Necessary Action to cause the initial composition of certain committees of the Board to be agreed between VO Holder and the Company. The Board may dissolve any committee or remove any member of a committee at any time, provided that, for so long as VO Holder is entitled to designate at least two directors to the Board, following any such removal, VO Holder shall have the right to maintain at least one VO Designee serving on such committee.

 

ii. Subject to applicable laws and stock exchange regulations and applicable listing requirements, the VO Holder shall also have the right to appoint one observer (a “Board Observer”) to attend any meeting of the Board for so long as the VO Holder has the right to designate at least one director for nomination under this Agreement. Any meeting of the Board may exclude a Board Observer from access to any meeting materials or information or meeting or portion thereof or written consent if the Board determines, in good faith, that (i) such exclusion is reasonably necessary to protect confidential proprietary information of the Company or confidential proprietary information of third parties that the Company is required to hold in confidence or (ii) such access would reasonably be expected to result in a conflict of interest with the Company; provided, that such exclusion shall be limited to the portion of the meeting materials or information or meeting or written consent that is the basis for such exclusion and shall not extend to any portion of the meeting materials or information or meeting or written consent that does not involve or pertain to such exclusion.

 

4

 

 

e. Chairperson. For so long as VO Holder is entitled to designate four directors for election to the Board in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Voting Parties and the Company shall take all Necessary Action to cause the Chairperson of the Board to be an individual chosen by the VO Holder, who shall initially be Evan Lovell. Except as otherwise set forth herein, the majority of the Board shall determine the Chairperson of the Board.

 

f. Voting. Each of the Company and the Voting Parties agree not to take, directly or indirectly, any actions (including removing directors in a manner inconsistent with this Agreement) that would frustrate, obstruct or otherwise affect the provisions of this Agreement and the intention of the parties hereto with respect to the composition of the Board as herein stated. Each Voting Party, to the extent not prohibited by the Charter, shall vote all Voting Shares held by such Voting Party in such manner as may be necessary to elect and/or maintain in office as members of the Board those individuals designated in accordance with this Section 3 and to otherwise effect the intent of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

4. Required Approvals.

 

a. From the date of this Agreement for so long as VO Holder is entitled to designate at least two directors to the Board pursuant to Subsection 3(a), in addition to any vote or consent of the Board or the stockholders of the Company required by applicable law, the Charter or by-laws of the Company, the Board may not approve, or cause the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to approve, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries may take, any action set forth on Exhibit 4(a) (whether directly or indirectly by amendment, merger, recapitalization, consolidation or otherwise), other than as explicitly contemplated by this Agreement, the Merger Agreement, the Stockholder Support Agreement or the Registration Rights Agreement, without the prior written consent of VO Holder.

 

b. From the date of this Agreement for so long as VO Holder is entitled to designate at least three directors to the Board pursuant to Section 3(a), in addition to any vote or consent of the Board or the stockholders of the Company required by applicable law, the Charter or by-laws of the Company, the Board may not approve, or cause the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to approve, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries may take, any action set forth on Exhibit 4(b) (whether directly or indirectly by amendment, merger, recapitalization, consolidation or otherwise), other than as explicitly contemplated by this Agreement, the Merger Agreement, the Stockholder Support Agreement or the Registration Rights Agreement, without the prior written consent of VO Holder.

 

c. Prior to the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, the VO Holder will first consult and discuss with the Board before (i) adopting, amending or repealing, in whole or in part, the Charter or by-laws of the Company and (ii) taking any actions by written consent as a stockholder of the Company.

 

5

 

 

5. Controlled Company

 

a. The Voting Parties agree and acknowledge that:

 

i. by virtue of this Agreement, from and after the date hereof, they are acting as a “group” within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act for the purpose of causing the Company to continue to qualify as a “controlled company” under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5615(c); and

 

ii. by virtue of the combined voting power of the Voting Parties of more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the shares of capital stock of the Company outstanding as of the date hereof, the Company will, as of the date hereof, qualify as a “controlled company” within the meaning of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5615(c).

 

b. From and after the date hereof, the Company agrees and acknowledges that, unless otherwise agreed by VO Holder, it shall elect, to the extent permitted under the Nasdaq Listing Rules, to be treated as a “controlled company” within the meaning of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5615(c).

 

6. Representations and Warranties of each Voting Party. Each Voting Party on its own behalf hereby represents and warrants to the Company and each other Voting Party, severally and not jointly, with respect to such Voting Party and such Voting Party’s ownership of his, her or its Voting Shares set forth on Annex A, as of the date of this Agreement, as follows:

 

a. Organization; Authority. If Voting Party is a legal entity, Voting Party (i) is duly incorporated or organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization and (ii) has all requisite power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. If Voting Party is a natural person, Voting Party has the legal capacity to enter into this Agreement and perform his or her obligations hereunder. If Voting Party is a legal entity, this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Voting Party. This Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Voting Party enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

 

b. No Consent.  Except as provided in this Agreement, no consent, approval or authorization of, or designation, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Authority or other Person on the part of Voting Party is required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, except where the failure to obtain such consents, approvals, authorizations or to make such designations, declarations or filings would not materially interfere with a Voting Party’s ability to perform his, her or its obligations pursuant to this Agreement. If Voting Party is a natural person, no consent of such Voting Party’s spouse is necessary under any “community property” or other laws for the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the performance of Voting Party’s obligations hereunder. If Voting Party is a trust, no consent of any beneficiary is required for the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

6

 

 

c. No Conflicts; Litigation. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance with the terms hereof, will (A) if such Voting Party is a legal entity, conflict with or violate any provision of the organizational documents of Voting Party, or (B) violate, conflict with or result in a breach of, or constitute a default (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) under any provision of, any trust agreement, loan or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease or other agreement, instrument, permit, concession, franchise, license, judgment, order, notice, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Voting Party or to Voting Party’s property or assets, except, in the case of clause (B), that would not reasonably be expected to impair, individually or in the aggregate, Voting Party’s ability to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement. As of the date of this Agreement, there is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of a Voting Party, threatened, against such Voting Party or any of Voting Party’s Affiliates or any of their respective assets or properties that would materially interfere with such Voting Party’s ability to perform his, her or its obligations pursuant to this Agreement or that would reasonably be expected to prevent, enjoin, alter or delay any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

d. Ownership of Shares.  Voting Party Beneficially Owns his, her or its Voting Shares free and clear of all Encumbrances. Except pursuant to this Agreement, the Merger Agreement, the Stockholder Support Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement and the Liquidation Agreement, there are no options, warrants or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character to which Voting Party is a party relating to the pledge, acquisition, disposition, Transfer or voting of Voting Shares and there are no voting trusts or voting agreements with respect to the Voting Shares. Voting Party does not Beneficially Own (i) any shares of capital stock of the Company other than the Voting Shares set forth on Annex A and (ii) any options, warrants or other rights to acquire any additional shares of capital stock of the Company or any security exercisable for or convertible into shares of capital stock of the Company, other than as set forth on Annex A (collectively, “Options”).

 

7. Covenants of the Company.

 

a. The Company shall: (i) take any and all action reasonably necessary to effect the provisions of this Agreement and the intention of the parties with respect to the terms of this Agreement; and (ii) not take any action that would reasonably be expected to adversely frustrate, obstruct or otherwise affect the rights of the VO Holder under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the VO Holder.

 

b. The Company shall (i) purchase and maintain in effect at all times directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in an amount and pursuant to terms determined by the Board to be reasonable and customary, (ii) for long as any VO Designee nominated pursuant to this Agreement serves as a director on the Board, maintain such coverage with respect to such VO Designee, and (iii) cause the Charter and by-laws of the Company (each as may be further amended, modified and/or supplemented) to at all times provide for the indemnification, exculpation and advancement of expenses of all directors of the Company to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law; provided, that upon removal or resignation of any VO Designee for any reason, the Company shall take all actions reasonable necessary to extend such directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage for a period of not less than six (6) years from any such event in respect of any act or omission occurring at or prior to such event.

 

7

 

 

c. The Company shall pay all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the VO Designees in connection with the performance of his or her duties as a director/observer and in connection with his or her attendance at any meeting of the Board. The Company shall enter into customary indemnification agreements with each VO Designee and officer of the Company from time to time.

 

8. No Other Voting Trusts or Other Arrangement.  Each Voting Party shall not, and shall not permit any entity under such Voting Party’s control to (i) deposit any Voting Shares or any interest in any Voting Shares in a voting trust, voting agreement or similar agreement, (ii) grant any proxies, consent or power of attorney or other authorization or consent with respect to any of the Voting Shares or (iii) subject any of the Voting Shares to any arrangement with respect to the voting of the Voting Shares, in each case, that conflicts with or prevents the implementation of this Agreement.

 

9. Additional Shares.  Each Voting Party agrees that all securities of the Company that may vote in the election of the Company’s directors that such Voting Party purchases, acquires the right to vote or otherwise acquires Beneficial Ownership of (including by the exercise or conversion of any security exercisable or convertible for shares of Common Stock) after the execution of this Agreement shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement and shall constitute Voting Shares for all purposes of this Agreement.

 

10. No Agreement as Director or Officer.  Voting Party is signing this Agreement solely in his, her or its capacity as a stockholder of the Company. No Voting Party makes any agreement or understanding in this Agreement in such Voting Party’s capacity as a director or officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (if Voting Party holds such office). Nothing in this Agreement will limit or affect any actions or omissions taken by a Voting Party in his, her or its capacity as a director or officer of the Company, and no actions or omissions taken in such Voting Party’s capacity as a director or officer shall be deemed a breach of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement will be construed to prohibit, limit or restrict a Voting Party from exercising his or her fiduciary duties as an officer or director to the Company or its stockholders.

 

11. Specific Enforcement. It is agreed and understood that monetary damages would not adequately compensate an injured party for the breach of this Agreement by any party hereto and, accordingly, that this Agreement shall be specifically enforceable, in addition to any other remedy to which such injured party is entitled at law or in equity, and that any breach of this Agreement shall be the proper subject of a temporary or permanent injunction or restraining order. Further, each party hereto waives any claim or defense that there is an adequate remedy at law for such breach or threatened breach or an award of specific performance is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at law or equity and agrees that a party’s rights would be materially and adversely affected if the obligations of the other parties under this Agreement were not carried out in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof. Each party further agrees that no party shall be required to obtain, furnish or post any bond or similar instrument in connection with or as a condition to obtain any remedy referred to in this Section 11, and each party irrevocably waives any right it may have to require the obtaining, furnishing or posting of any such bond or similar instrument.

 

8

 

 

12. Termination. Following the Closing, (a) Sections 2, 3, 4, and 7 of this Agreement shall terminate automatically (without any action by any party hereto) on the first date on which VO Holder no longer has the right to designate a director to the Board under this Agreement; provided, that the provisions in Section 7(b) shall survive such termination and shall terminate automatically (without any action by any party hereto) at such time as VO Holder is no longer entitled to any rights pursuant to such section; (b) Section 5 of this Agreement shall terminate automatically (without any action by any party hereto) on the first date on which the combined voting power of the Voting Parties no longer exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the Company then outstanding and (c) the remainder of this Agreement shall terminate automatically (without any action by any party hereto) as to each Voting Party when such Voting Party ceases to Beneficially Own any Voting Shares.

 

13. Amendments and Waivers.  Any provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived if, but only if, such amendment or waiver is in writing and is signed by the Company and the VO Holder; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, any amendment hereto or waiver hereof that adversely affects one Holder, solely in its capacity as a holder of the shares of capital stock of the Company, in a manner that is materially different from the other Holders (in such capacity) shall require the consent of the Holder so affected. No failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.

 

14. Stock Splits, Stock Dividends, etc. In the event of any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reorganization or the like, any securities issued with respect to Voting Shares held by Voting Parties shall become Voting Shares for purposes of this Agreement. During the term of this Agreement, all dividends and distributions payable in cash with respect to the Voting Shares shall be paid, as applicable, to each of the undersigned Voting Parties and all dividends and distributions payable in Common Stock or other equity or securities convertible into equity with respect to the Voting Shares shall be paid, as applicable, to each of the undersigned Voting Parties, but all dividends and distributions payable in Common Stock or other equity or securities convertible into equity shall become Voting Shares for purposes of this Agreement.

 

15. Assignment

 

a. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, duties, interests or obligations of the Company hereunder shall be assigned or delegated by the Company in whole or in part.

 

9

 

 

b. Prior to the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, no Voting Party may assign or delegate such Voting Party’s rights, duties or obligations under this Agreement, in whole or in part, except in connection with a transfer of Voting Shares by such Voting Party to a Permitted Transferee in accordance with the terms of the Stockholder Support Agreement and this Section 15; provided, that, with respect to VO Holder, the rights hereunder that are personal to VO Holder, as applicable, may not be assigned or delegated in whole or in part, except that (i) VO Holder shall be permitted to transfer rights hereunder as VO Holder to one or more Affiliates or any direct or indirect partners, members or equity holders of VO Holder, (each, a “Transferee”) and (ii) VO Holder shall be permitted to designate any Transferee as “VO Holder”, as applicable, for purposes of this Agreement as if such Transferee were an initial signatory hereto.

 

c. This Agreement and the provisions hereof shall, subject to Section 15(b), inure to the benefit of, shall be enforceable by and shall be binding upon the respective assigns and successors in interest of the Voting Parties, including with respect to any of such Voting Party’s Voting Shares that are transferred to a Permitted Transferee in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Stockholder Support Agreement.

 

d. No assignment in accordance with this Section 15 by any party hereto (including pursuant to a transfer of any Voting Party’s Voting Shares) of such party’s rights, duties and obligations hereunder shall be binding upon or obligate the Company or any other party hereto unless and until each of the other parties hereto shall have received (i) written notice of such assignment as provided in Section 22 and (ii) the executed written agreement of the assignee, in a form reasonably satisfactory to each of the other parties hereto, to be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement (which may be accomplished by an addendum or certificate of joinder to this Agreement) as fully as if it were an initial signatory hereto. Each Voting Party shall not permit the transfer of any such Voting Party’s Voting Shares to a Permitted Transferee unless and until the person to whom such securities are to be transferred has executed a written agreement as provided in clause (ii) of the preceding sentence.

 

e. Any transfer or assignment made other than as provided in this Section 15 shall be null and void.

 

f. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, for purposes of determining the number of shares of capital stock of the Company held by VO Holder, the aggregate number of shares so held by VO Holder shall include any shares of capital stock of the Company transferred or assigned to a Permitted Transferee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 15; provided, that any such Permitted Transferee has executed a written agreement agreeing to be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement as contemplated by Section 15(d) above, including agreeing to vote or cause to be voted the Voting Shares Beneficially Owned by such Permitted Transferee as required of a Voting Party hereunder.

 

16. Other Rights.  Except as provided by this Agreement, each Voting Party shall retain the full rights of a holder of shares of capital stock of the Company with respect to the Voting Shares, including the right to vote the Voting Shares subject to this Agreement.

 

10

 

 

17. Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

18. Governing Law. This Agreement, the rights and duties of the parties hereto, any disputes (whether in contract, tort or statute), and the legal relations between the parties arising hereunder shall be governed by and interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without reference to its conflicts of laws provisions.

 

19. Jurisdiction.  Any suit, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with, this Agreement shall be brought against any of the parties in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware or any Delaware state court located in Wilmington, Delaware, and each of the parties hereby consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such court (and of the appropriate appellate courts) in any such suit, action or proceeding and waives any objection to venue laid therein. Process in any such suit, action or proceeding may be served on any party anywhere in the world, whether within or without the jurisdiction of any such court.

 

20. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT.

 

21. 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.

 

22. Notices.  Any notices provided pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and given by (i) deposit in the United States mail, addressed to the party to be notified, postage prepaid and registered or certified with return receipt requested, (ii) delivery in person or by courier service providing evidence of delivery, or (iii) transmission by electronic mail.  Notices provided pursuant to this Agreement shall be provided, (x) if to the Company, in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, (y) if to any other party hereto, to the address or email address, as applicable, of such party set forth on Annex A hereto, or (z) to any other address or email address, as a party designates in writing to the other parties in accordance with this Section 22.

 

23. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the full and entire understanding and agreement among the parties, and supersedes any prior agreement or understanding among the parties, with regard to the subject matter hereof, and no party shall be liable or bound to any other party in any manner by any warranties, representations or covenants except as specifically set forth herein.

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature pages follow]

 

11

 

 

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

 

  THE COMPANY:
     
  Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc.
     
  By: /s/ Dan Hart
  Name: Dan Hart
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page to Stockholders’ Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  VO HOLDER
   
  VIECO 10 LIMITED
   
  By: /s/ James Cahillane
  Name: James Cahillane
  Title: Authorized Signatory

 

[Signature Page to Stockholders’ Agreement]

 

 

 

 

Annex A

 

Voting Shares

 

Holder Address Shares of
Common
Stock
Warrants Options Other Equity
Securities/Rights
to Acquire Equity
Securities
Vieco 10 Limited

Vieco 10 Limited

Craigmuir Chambers

PO Box 71

Road Town

Tortola

British Virgin Islands

Email: VGhl@harneys.com

 

with copies to (which shall not constitute notice):

 

Virgin Management USA, Inc.

65 Bleecker Street, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10012

Attention: James Cahillane, General Counsel

Email: James.Cahillane@virgin.com

 

Latham & Watkins LLP

885 Third Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Attention: Justin G. Hamill

Nima Movahedi

Email: justin.hamill@lw.com

nima.movahedi@lw.com

301,981,419      

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 3(a)

Initial Designees

 

1.   Evan Lovell
2.   Abdulla Shadid
3.   Susan Helms
4.   Katharina McFarland

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 4(a)

List of Matters for Required Approvals

 

1. Sale or any merger, consolidation, purchase of an equity interest, tender offer, exchange offer, other secondary acquisition, business combination or similar transaction to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party (in one transaction or a series of related transactions);

 

2. Amendment, modification or waiver of any term or condition of this Agreement or the Registration Rights Agreement, any provision of the Charter or by-laws of the Company or any organizational or governing document of any of the Subsidiaries of the Company;

 

3. Liquidation, dissolution, winding-up or causing any voluntary bankruptcy or related actions with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or

 

4. Issuance or sale of any shares of capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or securities convertible into or exercisable for any shares of capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in excess of 5% of the then-issued and outstanding shares of capital of the Company, other than issuances of shares of capital stock upon the exercise of options to purchase shares of capital stock of the Company or any Subsidiary, as the case may be, in accordance with their respective terms.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 4(b)

List of Matters for Required Approvals

 

 

1. Sale or any merger, consolidation, purchase of an equity interest, tender offer, exchange offer, other secondary acquisition, business combination or similar transaction to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party (in one transaction or a series of related transactions), having a fair market value of $10,000,000 or more;

 

2. Non-ordinary course sale, exchange, transfer, lease, disposition, surrender or abandonment of any assets of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company (in one transaction or a series of related transactions), including any equity interest in any Subsidiary of the Company, having a fair market value of $10,000,000 or more;

 

3. Acquisition of the business or assets (to the extent such acquisition of assets is non-ordinary course) of any other entity (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) having a fair market value of $10,000,000 or more;

 

4. Acquisition of an equity interest in any other entity, by merger, purchase of equity interests or otherwise (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) having a fair market value of $10,000,000 or more, other than the incorporation, formation, establishment or similar by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of a new wholly owned Subsidiary thereof;

 

5. Engagement by the Company or its Subsidiaries (but not the Board of Directors or any committee thereof) of any professional advisers, including, without limitation, investment bankers and financial advisers, for any matters set forth in this Exhibit 4(b);

 

6. Approval of any non-ordinary course investment (including capital contribution) or expenditure or execution of any agreement reasonably likely to result in costs and expenses (in one transaction or contract or a series of related transactions or contracts) having a fair market value of $10,000,000 or more (other than any investment or expenditure expressly contemplated by the annual operating budget of the Company then in effect);

 

7. Increase or decrease the size of the Board;

 

8. Issuance or sale of any shares of capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or securities convertible into or exercisable for any shares of capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, other than issuances of shares of capital stock upon the exercise of options to purchase shares of capital stock of the Company or any Subsidiary, as the case may be, in accordance with their respective terms;

 

 

 

 

9. (A) making of any dividends or other distributions to the stockholders of the Company or (B) other than (i) redemptions made pursuant to any Acquiror Share Redemptions or (ii) any redemptions, repurchases, acquisitions or similar transactions of equity securities in the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the cessation of employment or service of a Person at a price no less than the then-current fair market value thereof and pursuant to the terms and conditions of the underlying applicable purchase, grant, award or other documentation approved by the Board, any redemption, repurchase or other acquisition of (x) shares of capital stock of the Company by the Company or (y) any shares of capital stock or other equity securities in any Subsidiary of the Company by the Company or any Subsidiary thereof (other than acquisitions or equity securities of a direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company by the Company or another direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company);

 

10. (A) incurrence of indebtedness or guarantee of indebtedness of any third party other than the incurrence of indebtedness (i) pursuant to ordinary course trade payables or (ii) in an amount not to exceed $25,000,000 in aggregate principal amount in a single transaction or $100,000,000 in aggregate consolidated indebtedness for the Company, (B) amendment of the material terms of any indebtedness for borrowed money of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (C) refinance of indebtedness for borrowed money of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

 

11. Amendment, modification or waiver of any term or condition of this Agreement or the Registration Rights Agreement, any provision of the Charter or by-laws of the Company or any organizational or governing document of any of the Subsidiaries of the Company;

 

12. Liquidation, dissolution, winding-up or causing any voluntary bankruptcy or related actions with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

 

13. Entry into of a “related party transaction” under Item 404 of Regulation S-K; or

 

14. Authorization or approval, or entrance into any agreement to do any of the foregoing.

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.2(b)

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT JOINDER

 

Virgin Investments Limited, a company limited by shares under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (“VIL”), and Fifteenth Investment Company LLC, a limited liability company established under the laws of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (“Fifteenth”), are executing and delivering this joinder (this “Joinder”) pursuant to the Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of December 29, 2021 (as the same may hereafter be amended, the “Stockholders’ Agreement”), among Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the other persons named as parties therein. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings provided in the Stockholders’ Agreement.

 

By executing and delivering this Joinder to the Company, and upon acceptance hereof by the Company upon the execution of a counterpart hereof, (i) VIL hereby agrees to become a party to, to be bound by, and to comply with the Stockholders’ Agreement as the VO Holder and as a Voting Party in the same manner as if VIL were an original signatory to the Stockholders’ Agreement and (ii) Fifteenth hereby agrees to become a party to, to be bound by, and to comply with the Stockholders’ Agreement as a Voting Party in the same manner as if Fifteenth were an original signatory to the Stockholders’ Agreement. The parties hereby agree that (i) any reference to the VO Holder in the Stockholders’ Agreement after the date hereof shall be to VIL as memorialized by this Joinder and (ii) any references to Voting Party in the Stockholders’ Agreement after the date hereof shall include VIL and Fifteenth as memorialized by this Joinder.

 

Pursuant to that certain Transaction Support and Liquidation Agreement, effective as of July 2, 2021 (the “Letter Agreement”), by and among Vieco 10 Limited, VIL and Aabar Space Inc. (“ASI”), so long as ASI continues to own at least 7.5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company, VIL will assign to ASI the right to nominate one VO Designee for election to the Board. Pursuant to section 5(f) of the Letter Agreement, ASI has assigned its rights under the Letter Agreement to Fifteenth. Accordingly, the parties hereby agree that, so long as (i) VIL has the right to designate at least one VO Designee for election to the Board under the terms of the Stockholders’ Agreement and (ii) Fifteenth continues to own at least 7.5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company, Fifteenth shall have the right to nominate one VO Designee for election to the Board pursuant to the terms of the Stockholders’ Agreement.

 

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

 

 

 

Accordingly, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Joinder as of the 29th day of December, 2021

 

  Virgin Investments Limited
     
  By: /s/ James Cahillane
  Name: James Cahillane
  Its: Authorized Signatory

 

  Address:
   
 

Virgin Investments Limited

Craigmuir Chambers

  PO Box 71
 

Road Town,Tortola, VG 1110

British Virgin Islands

   
  with copy to:
 

Virgin Management USA, Inc.

65 Bleecker Street, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10012

 

[Signature page to Joinder]

 

 

 

 

Accordingly, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Joinder as of the 29th day of December, 2021.

 

  Virgin Investments Limited
     
  By:                       
  Name:  
  Its:  

 

  Address:
   
 

Virgin Investments Limited

Craigmuir Chambers

  PO Box 71
 

Road Town, Tortola, VG 1110

British Virgin Islands

   
  with copy to:
 

Virgin Management USA, Inc.

65 Bleecker Street, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10012

 

  Fifteenth Investment Company LLC
     
  By: /s/ Andre Namphy
  Name: Andre Namphy
  Its: Authorised Signatory

 

  Address:
   
 

Fifteenth Investment Company LLC

Mamoura A, Muroor Street, Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates, PO Box 45005

   
  Attention: Andre Namphy

 

[Signature page to Joinder]

 

 

 

 

Agreed and Accepted as of

December 29th, 2021

 

Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc.  
     
By: /s/ Dan Hart  
Name: Dan Hart  
Its: Chief Executive Officer  

 

[Signature page to Joinder]

 

 

Exhibit 10.5

 

Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc.

 

Indemnification and Advancement Agreement

 

This Indemnification and Advancement Agreement (“Agreement”) is made as of December 29, 2021, by and between Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) (f/k/a NextGen Acquisition Corp. II, a Cayman Islands exempted company limited by shares prior to its domestication as a Delaware corporation), and [NAME], a member of the Board of Directors or an officer of the Company (“Indemnitee”). This Agreement supersedes and replaces any and all agreements between the Indemnitee and the Company, entered into prior to the Company’s domestication as a Delaware corporation, to the extent covering the indemnification of such Indemnitee as a member of the Board of Directors or an officer of the Company.

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) believes that highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve publicly-held corporations as directors, officers, or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance or adequate indemnification and advancement of expenses against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of such corporations;

 

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that, in order to attract and retain qualified individuals, the Company will attempt to maintain on an ongoing basis, at its sole expense, liability insurance to protect persons serving the Company and its subsidiaries from certain liabilities. Although the furnishing of such insurance has been a customary and widespread practice among United States-based corporations and other business enterprises, the Company believes that, given current market conditions and trends, such insurance may be available to it in the future only at higher premiums and with more exclusions. At the same time, directors, officers, and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are being increasingly subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself. The Bylaws of the Company (the “Bylaws”) and Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company. Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”). The Bylaws, Certificate of Incorporation and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive, and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the board of directors, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification and advancement of expenses;

 

WHEREAS, the uncertainties relating to such insurance, to indemnification and to advancement of expenses may increase the difficulty of attracting and retaining such persons;

 

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

 

WHEREAS, it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company contractually to obligate itself to hold harmless and indemnify, and to advance expenses on behalf of, such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law so that they will serve or continue to serve the Company free from undue concern that they will not be so indemnified;

 

WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Bylaws, Certificate of Incorporation and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and is not a substitute therefor, nor diminishes or abrogates any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

 

WHEREAS, Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Bylaws, Certificate of Incorporation, DGCL and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, and may not be willing to serve or continue to serve as an officer or director without adequate additional protection, and the Company desires Indemnitee to serve or continue to serve in such capacity. Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that Indemnitee be so indemnified and be advanced expenses.

 

 

 

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

 

Section 1. Services to the Company. Indemnitee agrees or has agreed to serve as a director or officer of the Company. 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). This Agreement does not create any obligation on the Company to continue Indemnitee in such position and is not an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise) and Indemnitee.

 

Section 2. Definitions. As used in this Agreement:

 

(a) “Affiliate” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (as in effect on the date hereof).

 

(b) “Agent” means any person who is or was a director, officer or employee of the Company or an Enterprise or other person authorized by the Company or an Enterprise to act for or represent the interests of the Company or an Enterprise, respectively.

 

(c) A “Change in Control” occurs upon the earliest to occur after the later of (i) the Closing and (ii) the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:

 

i. Acquisition of Stock by Third Party. Any Person (as defined below) other than a Designated Person, is or becomes the Beneficial Owner (as defined below), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities unless the change in relative beneficial ownership of the Company’s securities by any Person results solely from a reduction in the aggregate number of outstanding shares of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors;

 

ii. Change in Board of Directors. During any period of two (2) consecutive years (not including any period prior to the execution of this Agreement), individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board, and any new director (other than a director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in Sections 2(c)(i), 2(c)(iii) or 2(c)(iv)) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, (the “Initial Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board (a “Board Change”); provided, however, that no change to the composition of the Initial Board shall be considered for the purposes of determining whether a Board Change has occurred to the extent such change resulted from a designation made in accordance with the Stockholders’ Agreement dated December 29, 2021 by and among the Company, Vieco 10 Limited, a company limited by shares under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (“Vieco 10”) and the other parties thereto, as may be amended from time to time;

 

iii. Corporate Transactions. The consummation by the Company (whether directly involving the Company or indirectly involving the Company through one or more intermediaries) of (x) a merger, consolidation, reorganization, or business combination, (y) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets in any single transaction or series of related transactions or (z) the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity, in each case other than a transaction: (1) which results in the Company’s voting securities outstanding immediately before the transaction continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the Company or the person that, as a result of the transaction, controls, directly or indirectly, the Company or owns, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or otherwise succeeds to the business of the Company (the Company or such person, the “Successor Entity”)) directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the combined voting power of the Successor Entity’s outstanding voting securities immediately after the transaction, and (2) after which no person or group beneficially owns voting securities representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Successor Entity; provided, however, that no person or group shall be treated for purposes of this clause (2) as beneficially owning 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Successor Entity solely as a result of the voting power held in the Company prior to the consummation of the transaction.

 

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iv. Liquidation. The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; and

 

v. Other Events. There occurs any other event of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or a response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Exchange Act (as defined below), whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement.

 

vi. For purposes of this Section 2(c), the following terms have the following meanings:

 

1 “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

 

2 “Person” has the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act; provided, however, that Person excludes (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.

 

3 “Beneficial Owner” has the meaning given to such term in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that Beneficial Owner excludes any Person otherwise becoming a Beneficial Owner by reason of the stockholders of the Company approving a merger of the Company with another entity.

 

(d) “Closing” means the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated August 22, 2021, by and among Vieco 10, Pulsar Merger Sub, Inc., and Vieco USA, Inc.

 

(e) “Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is or was acting as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary, or Agent of the Company or an Enterprise.

 

(f) “Designated Person” means Vieco 10, Aabar Space Inc. (“Aabar”) and Virgin Investments Limited (“Virgin Investments”), and any of their respective Affiliates and Related Parties.

 

(g) “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.

 

(h) “Enterprise” means any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other entity for which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or Agent.

 

(i) “Expenses” shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, all reasonable costs, disbursements or expenses incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a deponent or witness in, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding (including all reasonable attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, mediation fees, transcript costs, fees of experts and other professionals, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement and ERISA excise taxes and penalties). 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, supersede as bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent, and (ii) for purposes of Section 14(d) only, Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement, by litigation or otherwise. Expenses, however, do not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.

 

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(j) “finally adjudged” or “final adjudication” means determined by a final (not interlocutory) judgment or other adjudication of a court or arbitration or administrative body of competent jurisdiction as to which there is no further right or option of appeal or the time within which an appeal must be filed has expired without such filing (and from which there is no further right of appeal).

 

(k) “Independent Counsel” means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five (5) years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning the Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements); or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” does not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel, regardless of the manner in which such Independent Counsel was selected.

 

(l) “Potential Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the Company enters into any written or oral agreement, undertaking or arrangement, the consummation of which would result in the occurrence of a Change in Control; (ii) any Person or the Company publicly announces an intention to take or consider taking actions which if consummated would constitute a Change in Control; (iii) any Person who becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing five percent (5%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors increases his beneficial ownership of such securities by five percent (5%) or more over the percentage so owned by such Person on the date hereof; or (iv) the Board adopts a resolution to the effect that, for purposes of this Agreement, a Potential Change in Control has occurred.

 

(m) “Proceeding” shall be broadly construed and mean any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, claim, counterclaim, cross claim, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative, legislative, or investigative (formal or informal) nature, including any appeal therefrom, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party, potential party, non-party witness or otherwise by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status or by reason of any action taken by Indemnitee (or a failure to take action by Indemnitee) or of any action (or failure to act) on Indemnitee’s part while acting pursuant to Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or Expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement of Expenses can be provided under this Agreement. A Proceeding also includes a situation the Indemnitee believes in good faith may lead to or culminate in the institution of a Proceeding.

 

(n) “Related Party” means, with respect to any Person, (a) any controlling stockholder, controlling member, general partner, subsidiary, spouse or immediate family member (in the case of an individual) of such Person, (b) any estate, trust, corporation, partnership or other entity, the beneficiaries, stockholders, partners or owners of which consist solely of one or more of Vieco 10, Aabar or Virgin Investments, and each of their respective Affiliates (other than the Company and its subsidiaries) and Related Parties and/or such other Persons referred to in the immediately preceding clause (a), or (c) any executor, administrator, trustee, manager, director or other similar fiduciary of any Person referred to in the immediately preceding clause (b), acting solely in such capacity.

 

Section 3. Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings. The Company will hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 3, the Company will hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all loss and liability suffered, Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein if (a) such Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and (b) in the case of a criminal Proceeding, such Indemnitee had no reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.

 

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Section 4. Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company. The Company will hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 4, the Company will hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if applicable law so provides, the Company will not hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee for Expenses under this Section 4 related to any claim, issue or matter in a Proceeding for which Indemnitee has been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless, and only to the extent that, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any court in which the Proceeding was brought determines that such indemnification may be made.

 

Section 5. Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company will hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with any Proceeding in which Indemnitee is successful, on the merits or otherwise. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company will hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with or related to each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter to the fullest extent permitted by law. For purposes of this Section 5 and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, will be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

 

Section 6. Indemnification For Expenses of a Witness. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement and to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, the Company will hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party but to which Indemnitee, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, is a witness, deponent, interviewee, or otherwise asked to participate.

 

Section 7. Partial Indemnification. If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a portion of Expenses, but not, however, for the total amount thereof, the Company will hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled.

 

Section 8. Additional Indemnification. Notwithstanding any limitation in Sections 3, 4, or 5, the Company will hold harmless and hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law (including but not limited to, the DGCL and any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that expand the Company’s ability to hold harmless and indemnify its officers and directors) if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor), including, without limitation, all liability arising out of the negligence or active or passive wrongdoing of Indemnitee. The only limitation that shall exist upon the Company’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement shall be that the Company shall not be obligated to make any payment to Indemnitee that is finally adjudged (subject to the presumptions, set forth in Section 13) to be unlawful.

 

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Section 9. Exclusions. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company is not obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnification payment to Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding:

 

(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision, except to the extent provided in Section 16(b), and except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision; or

 

(b) for (i) an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act (as defined in Section 2(c) hereof) or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law, (ii) any reimbursement of the Company by the Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by the Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Company, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Company pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), or the payment to the Company of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act) or (iii) any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any compensation pursuant to any compensation recoupment or clawback policy adopted by the Board or the compensation committee of the Board, if any, including but not limited to any such policy adopted to comply with stock exchange listing requirements implementing Section 10D of the Exchange Act; or

 

(c) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Proceeding or part of any Proceeding is to enforce Indemnitee’s rights to indemnification or advancement, of Expenses, including a Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated pursuant to Section 14 of this Agreement, (ii) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation or (iii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law.

 

Section 10. Advances of Expenses.

 

(a) The Company will advance, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, but subject to the terms of this Agreement, all Expenses incurred by Indemnitee or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) not initiated by Indemnitee or any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee if (i) the Proceeding or part of any Proceeding is to enforce Indemnitee’s rights to obtain indemnification or advancement of Expenses from the Company or Enterprise, including a proceeding initiated pursuant to Section 14 or (ii) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation. The Company will advance the Expenses within twenty (20) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding.

 

(b) Advances will be unsecured and interest free. Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amounts advanced (without interest) to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company, thus Indemnitee qualifies for advances upon the execution of this Agreement and delivery to the Company. No other form of undertaking is required other than the execution of this Agreement. The Company will make advances without regard to Indemnitee’s ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee’s ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement.

 

Section 11. Procedure for Notification of Claim for Indemnification or Advancement.

 

(a) Indemnitee will notify the Company in writing of any Proceeding with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or advancement of Expenses hereunder as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt by Indemnitee of written notice thereof. Indemnitee will include in the written notification to the Company a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the allegations underlying the Proceeding and provide such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of such Proceeding. Indemnitee’s failure to so notify the Company will not relieve the Company from any obligation it may have to Indemnitee under this Agreement, and any delay or defect in so notifying the Company will not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights under this Agreement. The Secretary of the Company will, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification or advancement.

 

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(b) The Company will be entitled to participate in the Proceeding at its own expense, provided, that the Company will not be entitled to assume the defense of such Proceedings on Indemnitee’s behalf without Indemnitee’s prior written consent.

 

(c) The Company will not settle any Proceeding (in whole or in part) if such settlement would attribute to Indemnitee any admission of liability or impose any Expense, judgment, liability, fine, penalty or obligation or limitation on Indemnitee without Indemnitee’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

Section 12. Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification.

 

(a) Unless a Change in Control has occurred, the determination of Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification will be made:

 

i. by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board;

 

ii. by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board;

 

iii. if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by written opinion provided by Independent Counsel selected by the Board; or

 

iv. if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company.

 

(b) If a Change in Control has occurred, the determination of Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification will be made by written opinion provided by Independent Counsel selected by Indemnitee (unless Indemnitee requests such selection be made by the Board).

 

(c) The party selecting Independent Counsel pursuant to subsection (a)(iii) or (b) of this Section 12 will provide written notice of the selection to the other party. The notified party may, within ten (10) days after receiving written notice of the selection of Independent Counsel, deliver to the selecting party a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement, and the objection will set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected will act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is so made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware Court has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within thirty (30) days after the later of submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(a) hereof and the final disposition of the Proceeding, Independent Counsel has not been selected or, if selected, any objection has not been resolved, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by such court or by such other person as such court designates. Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to Section 14(a) of this Agreement, Independent Counsel will be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

 

(d) Indemnitee will 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 which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. The Company will advance and pay any Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making the indemnification determination irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom. The Company promptly will advise Indemnitee in writing of the determination that Indemnitee is or is not entitled to indemnification, including a description of any reason or basis for which indemnification has been denied and providing a copy of any written opinion provided to the Board by Independent Counsel.

 

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(e) If it is determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company will make payment to Indemnitee within ten (10) days after such determination.

 

Section 13. Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings.

 

(a) It is the intent of this Agreement to secure for Indemnitee rights of indemnity that are as favorable as may be permitted under the DGCL and public policy of the State of Delaware. In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person or persons or entity making such determination will, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, presume Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with Section 11(a) of this Agreement, and the Company will, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption by clear and convincing evidence. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, will be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

 

(b) If the determination of the Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification has not been made pursuant to Section 12 within sixty (60) days after the later of (i) receipt by the Company of Indemnitee’s request for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(a) and (ii) the final disposition of the Proceeding for which Indemnitee requested Indemnification (the “Determination Period”), the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification will, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee will be entitled to such indemnification, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law. The Determination Period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if the person, persons or entity making the determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification in good faith requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation and/or information relating thereto; and provided, further, the Determination Period may be extended an additional fifteen (15) days if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders pursuant to Section 12(a)(iv) of this Agreement.

 

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

 

(d) For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee will be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee acted based on the records or books of account of the Company, its subsidiaries, or an Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors or officers of the Company, its subsidiaries, or an Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Company, its subsidiaries, or an Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Company or an Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser, financial advisor or other expert selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Company, its subsidiaries, or an Enterprise. Further, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan, Indemnitee will be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Company,” as referred to in this Agreement. Whether or not the foregoing provisions of this Section 13(d) are satisfied, it shall in any event be presumed that Indemnitee has at all times acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence. The provisions of this Section 13(d) is not exclusive and does not limit in any way the other circumstances in which the Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

 

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(e) The knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, fiduciary, agent or employee of the Enterprise may not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining Indemnitee’s right to indemnification under this Agreement.

 

(f) The Company acknowledges that a settlement or other disposition short of final judgment may be successful if it permits a party to avoid expense, delay, distraction, disruption and uncertainty. In the event that any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is a party is resolved in any manner other than by adverse judgment against Indemnitee (including, without limitation, settlement of such Proceeding with or without payment of money or other consideration) it shall be presumed that Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise in such action, suit or proceeding. Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence.

 

Section 14. Remedies of Indemnitee.

 

(a) Indemnitee may commence litigation against the Company in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware to obtain indemnification or advancement of Expenses provided by this Agreement in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) the Company does not timely advance Expenses pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement, (iii) the determination of entitlement to indemnification is not made pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement within the Determination Period, (iv) the Company does not hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee pursuant to Section 5 or 6 or the second to last sentence of Section 12(d) of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) the Company does not hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee pursuant to Section 3, 4, 7, or 8 of this Agreement within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vi) in the event that the Company or any other person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or Proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, the Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to the Indemnitee hereunder. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitee’s option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Indemnitee must commence such Proceeding seeking an adjudication or an award in arbitration within one hundred eighty (180) days following the date on which Indemnitee first has the right to commence such Proceeding pursuant to this Section 14(a); provided, however, that the foregoing clause does not apply in respect of a Proceeding brought by Indemnitee to enforce Indemnitee’s rights under Section 5 of this Agreement. The Company will not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

 

(b) If a determination is made pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 will be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee may not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 the Company will have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement of Expenses, as the case may be and will not introduce evidence of the determination made pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement.

 

(c) If a determination is made pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company will be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

 

(d) The Company is, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and will stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.

 

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(e) It is the intent of the Company that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Indemnitee not be required to incur legal fees or other Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement or to recover under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to the Indemnitee hereunder. The Company, to the fullest extent permitted by law, will (within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor) advance to Indemnitee such Expenses which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action concerning this Agreement, Indemnitee’s right to indemnification or advancement of Expenses from the Company, or concerning any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company and will hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee against any and all such Expenses, regardless of whether Indemnitee is ultimately determined to be entitled to such indemnification, unless the court determines that each of the Indemnitee’s claims in such Proceeding were made in bad faith or were frivolous.

 

Section 15. Establishment of Trust.

 

(a) In the event of a Potential Change in Control or a Change in Control, the Company will, upon written request by Indemnitee, create a trust for the benefit of Indemnitee (the “Trust”) and from time to time upon written request of Indemnitee will fund such Trust in an amount sufficient to satisfy the reasonably anticipated indemnification and advancement obligations of the Company to the Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding for which Indemnitee has demanded indemnification and/or advancement prior to the Potential Change in Control or Change in Control (the “Funding Obligation”). The trustee of the Trust (the “Trustee”) will be a bank or trust company or other individual or entity chosen by the Indemnitee and reasonably acceptable to the Company. Nothing in this Section 15 relieves the Company of any of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

(b) The amount or amounts to be deposited in the Trust pursuant to the Funding Obligation will be determined by mutual agreement of the Indemnitee and the Company or, if the Company and the Indemnitee are unable to reach such an agreement, by Independent Counsel selected in accordance with Section 12(b) of this Agreement. The terms of the Trust will provide that, except upon the consent of both the Indemnitee and the Company, upon a Change in Control: (i) the Trust may not be revoked, or the principal thereof invaded, without the written consent of the Indemnitee; (ii) the Trustee will advance Expenses, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, within two (2) business days of a request by the Indemnitee; (iii) the Company will continue to fund the Trust in accordance with the Funding Obligation; (iv) the Trustee will promptly pay to the Indemnitee all amounts for which the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise; and (v) all unexpended funds in such Trust revert to the Company upon mutual agreement by the Indemnitee and the Company or, if the Indemnitee and the Company are unable to reach such an agreement, by Independent Counsel selected in accordance with Section 12(b) of this Agreement, that the Indemnitee has been fully indemnified under the terms of this Agreement. The terms of the Trust shall provide that New York law (without regard to its conflicts of laws rules) will govern the Trust and the Trustee will consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, in accordance with Section 25 of this Agreement.

 

Section 16. Non-exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation.

 

(a) The indemnification and advancement of Expenses provided by this Agreement are not exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. The indemnification and advancement of Expenses provided by this Agreement may not be limited or restricted by any amendment, alteration or repeal of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or this Agreement in any way with respect to any action taken or omitted by Indemnitee in Indemnitee’s Corporate Status occurring prior to any such amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement of Expenses than would be afforded currently under the Bylaws, Certificate of Incorporation, or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy is cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, will not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

 

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(b) The Company hereby acknowledges that Indemnitee may have certain rights to indemnification, advancement of Expenses and/or insurance provided by one or more Persons with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated (including, without limitation, any Designated Person).

 

i. The Company hereby acknowledges and agrees:

 

1) the Company is the indemnitor of first resort with respect to any request for indemnification or advancement of Expenses made pursuant to this Agreement concerning any Proceeding arising from or related to Indemnitee’s Corporate Status with the Company;

 

2) the Company is primarily liable for all indemnification and advancement of Expenses obligations for any Proceeding arising from or related to Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, whether created by law, organizational or constituent documents, contract (including this Agreement) or otherwise;

 

3) any obligation of any other Persons with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated (including, without limitation, any Designated Person) to hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee and/or advance Expenses to Indemnitee in respect of any proceeding are secondary to the obligations of the Company’s obligations;

 

4) the Company will hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee and advance Expenses to Indemnitee hereunder to the fullest extent provided herein without regard to any rights Indemnitee may have against any other Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated (including any Designated Person) or insurer of any such Person; and

 

ii. the Company irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases (A) any other Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated (including, without limitation, any Designated Person) from any claim of contribution, subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration or indemnification, or any other recovery of any kind in respect of amounts paid by the Company to Indemnitee pursuant to this Agreement and (B) any right to participate in any claim or remedy of Indemnitee against any Designated Person(or former Designated Person), whether or not such claim, remedy or right arises in equity or under contract, statute or common law, including, without limitation, the right to take or receive from any Designated Person(or former Designated Person), directly or indirectly, in cash or other property or by set-off or in any other manner, payment or security on account of such claim, remedy or right.

 

iii. In the event any other Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated (including, without limitation, any Designated Person) or their insurers advances or extinguishes any liability or loss for Indemnitee, the payor has a right of subrogation against the Company or its insurers for all amounts so paid which would otherwise be payable by the Company or its insurers under this Agreement, and the Company shall execute all papers reasonably required and shall do all things that may be reasonably necessary to secure such rights, including the execution of such documents as may be necessary to enable such payor to bring suit to enforce such rights. The Company and the undersigned agree that such payor shall be a third-party beneficiary with respect to this Section 16(b)(iii), entitled to enforce this Section 16(b)(iii) as though such payor was a party to this Agreement. In no event will payment by any other Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated (including, without limitation, any Designated Person) or their insurers affect the obligations of the Company hereunder or shift primary liability for the Company’s obligation to hold harmless and indemnify or advance Expenses to any other Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated (including, without limitation, any Designated Person).

 

iv. Any indemnification or advancement of Expenses provided by any other Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated (including, without limitation, any Designated Person) is specifically in excess over the Company’s obligation to hold harmless and indemnify and advance Expenses or any valid and collectible insurance (including but not limited to any malpractice insurance or professional errors and omissions insurance) provided by the Company.

 

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(c) To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, officers, employees, or Agents of the Enterprise, the Company will obtain a policy or policies covering Indemnitee to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, employee or Agent under such policy or policies, including coverage in the event the Company does not or cannot, for any reason, hold harmless and indemnify or advance Expenses to Indemnitee as required by this Agreement. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to this Agreement, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company will give prompt notice of such claim or of the commencement of a Proceeding, as the case may be, to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company will thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of the Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies. Indemnitee agrees to make reasonable efforts to assist the Company’s efforts to cause the insurers to pay such amounts.

 

(d) The Company has not entered into as of the date hereof, and following the date hereof shall not enter into, any indemnification agreement or similar arrangement, or amend any existing agreement or arrangement, with any existing or future director or officer of the Company that has the effect of establishing rights of indemnification and contribution benefiting such director or officer in a manner more favorable in any respect than the rights of indemnification and contribution established in favor of the Indemnitee by this Agreement, unless, in each such case, the Indemnitee is offered the opportunity to receive the rights of indemnification and contribution of such agreement or arrangement. All such agreements and arrangements shall be in writing.

 

Section 17. Duration of Agreement. This Agreement and the obligations of the Company hereunder continues until and terminates upon the later of: (a) ten (10) years after the date that Indemnitee ceases to serve as a director or officer of the Company or (b) one (1) year after the final adjudication or final termination by settlement of any Proceeding 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 14 of this Agreement relating thereto. The indemnification and advancement of Expenses rights provided by or granted pursuant to this Agreement are binding upon and shall be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company), continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or Agent of the Company or of any other Enterprise, and inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee’s spouse, assigns, heirs, devisees, executors and administrators and other legal representatives. The Company shall require and shall cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) of all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company to, by written agreement, expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.

 

Section 18. Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) will not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; (b) such provision or provisions will be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) will be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

 

Section 19. Interpretation. Any ambiguity in the terms of this Agreement will be resolved in favor of Indemnitee and in a manner to provide the maximum indemnification and advancement of Expenses permitted by law. The Company and Indemnitee intend that this Agreement provide to the fullest extent permitted by law for indemnification in excess of that expressly provided, without limitation, by the Bylaws, Certificate of Incorporation, vote of the Company stockholders or disinterested directors, or applicable law.

 

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Section 20. Enforcement.

 

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

 

(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Bylaws, Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law, and is not a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

 

Section 21. Modification and Waiver. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement is binding unless executed in writing by the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement will be deemed or constitutes a waiver of any other provisions of this Agreement nor will any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

 

Section 22. Notice by Indemnitee. Indemnitee agrees promptly to notify the Company in writing upon being served with any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information or other document relating to any Proceeding or matter which may be subject to indemnification or advancement of Expenses covered hereunder. The failure of Indemnitee to so notify the Company does not relieve the Company of any obligation which it may have to the Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise.

 

Section 23. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given if (a) delivered by hand to the other party, (b) sent by reputable overnight courier to the other party or (c) sent by facsimile transmission or electronic mail, with receipt of oral confirmation that such communication has been received:

 

(a) If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as Indemnitee provides to the Company.

 

(b) If to the Company to:

 

Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc.
4022 E. Conant St.
Long Beach, California 90808
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
E-mail:                     

 

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company.

 

Section 24. Contribution.

 

(a) Whether or not the indemnification provided in Sections 3, 4 or 8 hereof is available, in respect of any Proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), the Company shall pay, in the first instance, the entire amount of any judgment or settlement of such Proceeding without requiring Indemnitee to contribute to such payment and the Company hereby waives and relinquishes any right of contribution it may have against Indemnitee. The Company shall not enter into any settlement of any Proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding) unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

 

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(b) Without diminishing or impairing the obligations of the Company set forth in Section 24(a), if, for any reason, Indemnitee shall elect or be required to pay all or any portion of any judgment or settlement in any Proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), the Company shall contribute to the amount of Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred and paid or payable by Indemnitee in proportion to the relative benefits received by the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, from the transaction from which such action, suit or proceeding arose; provided, however, that the proportion determined on the basis of relative benefit may, to the extent necessary to conform to law, be further adjusted by reference to the relative fault of the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company other than Indemnitee who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, in connection with the events that resulted in such expenses, judgments, fines or settlement amounts, as well as any other equitable considerations which applicable law may require to be considered. The relative fault of the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, the degree to which their actions were motivated by intent to gain personal profit or advantage, the degree to which their liability is primary or secondary and the degree to which their conduct is active or passive.

 

(c) The Company hereby agrees to fully hold harmless and indemnify and hold Indemnitee harmless from any claims of contribution which may be brought by officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who may be jointly liable with Indemnitee.

 

(d) To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, will contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses, in connection with any claim relating to an indemnifiable event under this Agreement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and/or transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and/or (ii) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and Agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transaction(s).

 

Section 25. Applicable Law and Consent to Jurisdiction. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties are governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 14(a) of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (i) agree that any action or Proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement may be brought only in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware 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 Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware for purposes of any action or Proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (iii) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or Proceeding in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, and (iv) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or Proceeding brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

 

Section 26. Identical Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together constitutes one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement.

 

Section 27. Headings. The headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute part of this Agreement or affect the construction thereof.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed as of the day and year first above written.

 

VIRGIN ORBIT HOLDINGS, INC.   INDEMNITEE
     
By:               
Name:     Name:              
Office:     Address:  
       
       

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.6

 

Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc.

 

NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION PROGRAM

 

Eligible Directors (as defined below) on the board of directors (the “Board”) of Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) shall be eligible to receive cash and equity compensation as set forth in this Non-Employee Director Compensation Program (this “Program”). The cash and equity compensation described in this Program shall be paid or be made, as applicable, automatically as set forth herein and without further action of the Board, to each member of the Board who is not an employee of the Company or any of its parents, affiliates or subsidiaries other than a person who is determined by the Board to not be eligible to receive compensation under this Program (each eligible person, an “Eligible Director”), unless such Eligible Director declines the receipt of such cash or equity compensation by written notice to the Company.

 

This Program shall become effective upon the Effective Date (as defined below) and shall remain in effect until it is revised or rescinded by further action of the Board. This Program may be amended, modified or terminated by the Board at any time in its sole discretion. No Eligible Director shall have any rights hereunder, except with respect to equity awards granted pursuant to Section 2 of this Program. For purposes of this Program, the “Effective Date” shall mean the date on which the closing of the transactions contemplated by that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among the Company and NextGen Acquisition Corp. II and certain parties thereto, dated as of August 22, 2021 (the “SPAC Merger”) are consummated.

 

1. Cash Compensation.

 

a. Annual Retainers. Each Eligible Director shall be eligible to receive an annual cash retainer of $60,000 for service on the Board.

 

b. Additional Annual Retainers. An Eligible Director shall be eligible to receive the following additional annual retainers, as applicable:

 

(i) Audit Committee. An Eligible Director serving as Chairperson of the Audit Committee shall be eligible to receive an additional annual retainer of $20,000 for such service. An Eligible Director serving as a member of the Audit Committee (other than the Chairperson) shall be eligible to receive an additional annual retainer of $10,000 for such service.

 

(ii) Compensation Committee. An Eligible Director serving as Chairperson of the Compensation Committee shall be eligible to receive an additional annual retainer of $10,000 for such service. An Eligible Director serving as a member of the Compensation Committee (other than the Chairperson) shall be eligible to receive an additional annual retainer of $5,000 for such service.

 

(iii) Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. An Eligible Director serving as Chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall be eligible to receive an additional annual retainer of $10,000 for such service. An Eligible Director serving as a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (other than the Chairperson) shall be eligible to receive an additional annual retainer of $5,000 for such service.

 

c. Payment of Retainers. The annual cash retainers described in Sections 1(a) and 1(b) shall be earned on a quarterly basis based on a calendar quarter and shall be paid by the Company in arrears not later than 30 days following the end of each calendar quarter. In the event an Eligible Director does not serve as a director, or in the applicable positions described in Section 1(b), for an entire calendar quarter, the retainer paid to such Eligible Director shall be prorated for the portion of such calendar quarter actually served as a director, or in such position, as applicable.

 

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2. Equity Compensation.

 

a. General. Eligible Directors shall be granted the equity awards described below. The awards described below shall be granted under and shall be subject to the terms and provisions of the Company’s 2021 Incentive Award Plan or any other applicable Company equity incentive plan then-maintained by the Company (such plan, as may be amended from time to time, the “Equity Plan”) and may be granted subject to the execution and delivery of award agreements, including attached exhibits, in substantially the forms approved by the Board prior to or in connection with such grants. All applicable terms of the Equity Plan apply to this Program as if fully set forth herein, and all grants of equity awards hereby are subject in all respects to the terms of the Equity Plan. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Equity Plan.

 

b. SPAC Merger Awards. Each Eligible Director serving on the Board as of immediately following the closing of the SPAC Merger automatically shall be granted a Restricted Stock Unit award with a value of $75,000 (the “SPAC Merger Award”). The number of Restricted Stock Units subject to a SPAC Merger Award will be determined by dividing the value by the closing price for the Company’s common stock on the Effective Date. Each SPAC Merger Award shall be granted upon the effectiveness of the Form S-8 with respect to the Company’s common stock issuable under the Plan (the date of such effectiveness, the “S-8 Effectiveness Date”), subject to continued service through the grant date, and shall vest as to one-third of the shares subject to the SPAC Merger Award on each anniversary of the closing of the SPAC Merger, subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date.

 

c. Initial Awards. Each Eligible Director who is initially elected or appointed to serve on the Board after the Effective Date automatically shall be granted a Restricted Stock Unit award with a value of $75,000 (each, an “Initial Award”). The number of Restricted Stock Units subject to an Initial Award will be determined by dividing the value by the closing price for the Company’s common stock on the applicable grant date. Each Initial Award shall be granted on the later of (i) the S-8 Effectiveness Date, subject to continued service through such date, and (ii) date on which such Eligible Director is appointed or elected to serve on the Board, and shall vest as to one-third of the shares subject to the Initial Award on each anniversary of the grant date, subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date.

 

d. Annual Awards. An Eligible Director who is serving on the Board as of the date of the annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) each calendar year beginning with calendar year 2022 shall be granted a Restricted Stock Unit award with a value of $100,000 (an “Annual Award”, together with the SPAC Merger Awards and the Initial Awards, the “Director Awards”). The number of Restricted Stock Units subject to an Annual Award will be determined by dividing the value by the closing price for the Company’s common stock on the applicable grant date. Each Annual Award shall vest in full on the earlier to occur of (x) the one-year anniversary of the applicable grant date and (y) the date of the next Annual Meeting following the grant date, subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date.

 

e. Accelerated Vesting Events. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Eligible Director’s Director Award(s) shall vest in full immediately prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control, to the extent outstanding and unvested at such time.

 

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3. Compensation Limits. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Program, all compensation payable under this Program will be subject to any limits on the maximum amount of non-employee Director compensation set forth in the Equity Plan, as in effect from time to time.

 

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Exhibit 10.7

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement), is made as of February 13, 2017, by and between LauncherOne, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), and Daniel Hart, an individual (the “Executive).

 

In consideration of the mutual agreements set forth below, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

1 Employment. Upon the Effective Date, the Company hereby agrees to employ Executive, and Executive hereby accepts such employment and agrees to perform Executive’s duties and responsibilities, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The “Effective Date” shall mean the date that the Executive commences employment with the Company, as confirmed by the parties in writing after the date hereof, which the parties currently anticipate to be March 1, 2017 but shall in no event be later than March 6, 2017.

 

1.1 Employment Term. The term of Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall commence as of the Effective Date, subject to the provisions of Section 4 below, and shall continue until the date that this Agreement is terminated by either party in accordance with Section 2 below (the Employment Term”).

 

1.2 Title; Duties and Responsibilities; Location.

 

1.2.1 From the Effective Date through and including ninety (90) days following the Effective Date, Executive shall serve as President of the Company and shall perform all duties and accept all responsibilities incident to such position or other appropriate duties as may be assigned to Executive by the Chief Executive Officer of Vieco 10 Ltd. from time to time. Without limiting the provisions of this Section 1.2.1 and of Section 1.2.2 below, Executive shall serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) (without additional compensation), from the Effective Date until the date, if ever, that the Company, and/or the Company’s parent company(ies), as applicable, requests that Executive resign from the Board.

 

1.2.2 From the 91st day following the Effective Date through the duration of the Employment Term, Executive shall serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and shall perform all duties and accept all responsibilities incident to such position or other appropriate duties as may be assigned to Executive by the Board from time to time.

 

1.2.3 Executive will be based in Long Beach, California, except for necessary travel for Company business in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder.

 

1.3 Extent of Service. During the Employment Term, Executive agrees to carry out the duties and responsibilities hereunder and, consistent with the other provisions of this Agreement, to devote all Executive’s business time, attention, and energy thereto.

 

 

 

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall prevent Executive from participating in charitable activities (including, without limitation, serving on the board of the California Science Center) or from managing personal investments made by him in publicly traded equity securities (provided that no such investment exceed five percent (5%) of the class of any securities of any company, without the prior written approval of the Board), so long as, in the determination of the Board, such activities and investments do not (i) interfere with his duties and responsibilities hereunder, (ii) create a conflict of interest with the Company or (iii) compete, directly or indirectly, with the Company. Without limiting the foregoing, Executive further agrees not to work either on a part-time or independent contracting basis for any other business or enterprise during the Employment Term without the prior written consent of the Board.

 

1.4 Base Salary. In consideration of the services rendered by Executive hereunder, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary (the “Base Salary) of Three Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars ($380,000) per annum. The Base Salary shall be reviewed annually commencing January 2018 and may be increased (but not decreased) at the sole discretion of the Board. The Base Salary shall be subject to all applicable statutory deductions and authorized withholdings. All sums payable pursuant to this Agreement shall be paid in arrears, and according to the payroll practice applicable to the Company’s other U.S.-based senior management, which is currently twice monthly, but may be modified by the Company at its discretion, consistent with applicable law.

 

1.5 Benefit Coverages; Vacation. During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee benefit plans and programs made available to the Company’s senior level executives as a group or to its employees generally, to the extent such plans or programs exist, and as such plans or programs may be in effect from time to time (the “Benefit Coverages”); provided, that such participation shall be subject to any required medical examinations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall obligate the Company to obtain any Benefit Coverages, or shall prevent the Company from modifying such Benefit Coverages from time to time in its discretion. Executive shall also be entitled to twenty-five (25) days paid vacation annually, which vacation is subject to approval by a representative appointed by the Board, and the scheduling of such vacation days shall be subject to the Company’s policies regarding vacation as in effect from time to time. The Company will provide Executive with computers, telephone, and other equipment necessary to perform Executive’s duties and commensurate with his position. Executive shall be reimbursed for all reasonable travel, lodging, meal, and entertainment expenses for business trips undertaken on behalf of the Company, subject to any maximum annual limit and other restrictions on such expenses set by the Company communicated to Employee in any applicable written employment policy or otherwise communicated to Executive in writing, and to such reasonable substantiation and documentation as may be requested by the Company from time to time.

 

1.6 Signing Bonus. The Company shall pay to Executive an amount which is in the aggregate equal to Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000), as follows, in each case less applicable statutory deductions and authorized withholdings; provided that, in order to be eligible for any bonus payment set forth in Sections 1.6.1, 1.6.2 and 1.6.3 hereof, Executive must remain actively employed by the Company as of the date such payment would be made:

 

1.6.1 The amount of Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($75,000), payable within sixty (60) days of the Effective Date;

 

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1.6.2 The amount of Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($75,000), payable on or about the first anniversary of the Effective Date, but in any event no later than twenty-one (21) days after the first anniversary of the Effective Date; and

 

1.6.3 The amount of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000), payable within sixty (60) days of the First Commercial Launch. For purposes of this Agreement, First Commercial Launchmeans the first successful revenue-generating deployment of a satellite by the Company’s small satellite launch system into its intended orbit (other than deployments of any such satellites pursuant to launches that are designated by the Company as “test” or “qualification” launches).

 

1.6.4 If Executive voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company (other than for Good Reason under Section 2.5 herein) or is terminated with “Cause” (as that term is defined in Section 2.3 below) at any time prior to the first anniversary of the date upon which any bonus, or any portion of a bonus, is paid to him under this Section 1.6, Executive agrees to repay the net proceeds (i.e., after applicable statutory deductions and authorized withholdings) of any such payment or payments (but, for the avoidance of doubt, excluding any payments paid to Executive more than twelve (12) months prior to such termination of employment) within thirty (30) days of any such termination of employment.

 

1.7 Annual Performance Bonus. Executive shall be eligible throughout the Employment Term to be paid an annual cash bonus depending on the Company’s performance and his performance as an individual measured against the requirements of his position as determined at the sole discretion of the Company. The maximum bonus will be up to fifty percent (50%) of Executive’s Base Salary and will be subject to annual review. No payment of an annual bonus will be made in respect of any fiscal year if, on the payment date, Executive is no longer employed by the Company for any reason. The bonus (if any) will be awarded based on key performance indicators (KPI) approved by the Board. The bonus for a fiscal year will be paid promptly in the calendar year immediately following the end of the fiscal year after the Company’s books for that year have been closed, and in any event within seventy-five (75) days of the closing of the Company’s books for that year.

 

1.8 Stock Options. Executive shall be entitled to participate in a 409A-compliant, nonqualified stock option plan (“Plan”) to be established by the Company (or by a direct parent company of the Company formed to hold one hundred percent (100%) of the ownership interest of the Company) on the terms set forth in this Section 1.8 and, with respect to Executive, in Appendix A to this Agreement, subject to the terms of the Plan, which shall govern (provided, that the Plan as it applies to Executive shall not be inconsistent with this Section 1.8 or Appendix A), and further subject to the execution of an award agreement by Executive with the Company (which award will not be inconsistent with this Section 1.8 or Appendix A); provided, that it is understood and agreed that neither this Section 1.8 nor Appendix A contain a complete summary of all of the terms and conditions that will be included in the Plan and the award agreement:

 

1.8.1 Executive will receive, subject to the vesting requirements of Sections 1.8.2 and 1.8.3 below, an allocation of options over two percent (2%) of the share capital of the Company as of the Effective Date (“Allocated Options). For purposes of determining the number of Allocated Options, the share capital of the Company as of the Effective Date shall assume that an additional Forty Million Dollars ($40,000,000) of equity was invested into the Company at a Five Hundred Million Dollar ($500,000,000) valuation prior to the Effective Date (in addition to the actual share capital of the Company as of the Effective Date).

 

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1.8.2 Time-based Vesting. Seventy percent (70%) of Allocated Options will vest over a four (4) year period, with (A) twenty-five percent (25%) thereof vesting on the first (1st) anniversary of grant date, and (B) the remainder vesting ratably on each six-month anniversary of such first anniversary.

 

1.8.3 Milestone-based Vesting. Thirty percent (30%) of Allocated Options will vest based on the achievement of milestones by the Company, as follows: (i) fifty percent (50%) of Allocated Options, under this Section 1.8.3 will vest upon the date of the First Commercial Launch, and (ii) fifty percent (50%) of Allocated Options under this Section 1.8.3 will vest at the end of the first (1st) calendar year in which the Company has conducted five successful revenue-generating deployment launches of satellites into their respective intended orbits (based on the number of such launches, and not based on the number of satellites launched) in such calendar year (the “Multiple Launch Success Date”).

 

1.9 Donation to California Science Center. To encourage Executive’s continued service on the board of the California Science Center, the Company will make an annual contribution of $20,000 per annum to the California Science Center, provided that, at the time such donation is made, the Executive is employed by the Company and is actively serving on the board of the California Science Center. Any available tax deduction or other tax benefit on the basis of any donation made pursuant to this Section 1.9 shall be claimable by the Company and not by the Executive.

 

1.10 Reimbursement of Attorney’s Fees. The Company shall reimburse Executive for the reasonable legal fees incurred by him in connection with this Agreement and the Plan and other documentation relating to the Allocated Options, not to exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) in the aggregate.

 

2 Termination. The Employment Term shall terminate upon the occurrence of any one of the following events:

 

2.1 Disability. The Company may terminate the Employment. Term in the event that Executive is deemed eligible for long-term disability benefits under the terms of the disability insurance plan covering executives of the Company from time to time. In the event that the Employment Term is terminated under this Section 2.1, the Company shall pay to Executive (i) the Base Salary earned but not paid through the date of termination, (ii) any reimbursements for expenses previously incurred pursuant to Section 1.5, and (iii) any amounts payable and/or owing to Executive in accordance with the terms of any disability insurance or plan generally offered to employees and to which Executive has participated or contributed (if any). In such event, the Company shall have no further liability or obligation to Executive for compensation under this Agreement. Executive agrees, in the event of a dispute under this Section, to submit to a physical examination by a licensed physician selected by the Board in good faith, and the determination of such physician shall be conclusive for purposes of any dispute under this Section.

 

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2.2 Death. The Employment Term shall terminate in the event of Executive’s death. In such event, the Company shall pay to Executive’s executors, legal representatives, or administrators, as applicable, an amount equal to (i) the Base Salary earned but not paid through the date of death and (ii) any reimbursements for expenses previously incurred pursuant to Section 1.5. The Company shall have no further liability or obligation under this Agreement to Executive’s executors, legal representatives, administrators, heirs, or assigns or any other person claiming under or through Executive.

 

2.3 Termination With Cause. The Company may terminate the Employment Term, at any time, for Cause (as defined below) upon written notice to Executive, in which event all payments under this Agreement shall cease, except for (x) Base Salary to the extent already earned but not yet paid, and (y) any reimbursements for expenses previously incurred pursuant to Section 1.5. For purposes of this Agreement, each of the following shall. constitute Cause”: (i) Executive is indicted for, convicted of, or enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any felony; (ii) any gross negligence or misconduct by Executive in the course of his employment which is materially detrimental to the Company; (iii) Executive otherwise breaches in any material respect any provision of or representation or warranty set forth in this Agreement, the IP Agreement or the New Employee Agreement (as those terms are defined in Section 4 below), provided that such breach has not been cured (if curable) by Executive within thirty (30) days of the receipt of written notice from the Company; and further provided that any breach of Section 4 or Section 5 of this Agreement shall not be curable; (iv) Executive commits theft, larceny, embezzlement, fraud or any act or acts of dishonesty either against the Company or which is or are materially detrimental to the Company, as determined in good faith by the Board; (v) the failure, refusal or neglect by Executive to perform his duties hereunder or pursuant to any lawful direction of the Board as required hereunder, which failure, refusal or neglect is not cured (if curable) within ten (10) calendar days after written notice is received by Executive. provided that Executive may not cure more than two (2) occurrences of such failure, refusal or neglect during his employment with the Company; (vi) any breach of any other contractual, fiduciary or other legal duty by Executive to the Company; (vii) acting in any manner or making any defamatory statements or statements that is or are materially detrimental or materially damaging to the reputation, operations, prospects or business relations of the Company; or (viii) violation of the Company’s code of conduct or harassment policies, as may be in effect from time to time and previously communicated to Executive in any applicable written employment policy or otherwise communicated to Executive in writing.

 

2.4 Termination Without Cause. The Company may terminate the Employment Term at any time upon notice to the Executive without Cause. Following the effective date of such termination, and provided a Separation occurs, the Company shall pay and provide to Executive: (i) an amouµt equal to the amount of Executive’s monthly Base Salary at the rate in effect on Executive’s termination date for the (x) twelve (12) month period following the date of termination if such termination occurs prior to the Multiple Launch Success Date (as that phrase is defined in Section 1.8.3 above), or (y) six (6) month period following the date of termination if such termination occurs on or after the Multiple Launch Success Date (as that phrase is defined in Section 1.8.3 above), which amount shall be paid according to the Company’s then-applicable payroll practice; (ii) any reimbursements for expenses previously incurred pursuant to Section 1.5; and (iii) provided, that Executive has timely elected COBRA, an amount equal to Executive’s COBRA contributions until (x) six (6) months from the date of termination, or (y) the date that Executive receives health benefits from another employer, whichever occurs earlier. Any obligation of the Company to the Executive under this Section is conditioned, however, upon (x) Executive’s signing and not revoking a General Release of Claims (substantially in the form annexed to this Agreement as Appendix B) and (y) the prior return by Executive to the Company of any and all Company Material. Executive must execute and return the release on or before the date specified by the Company in the prescribed form (the Release Deadline”). The Release Deadline will in no event be less than ten (10) days, or later than sixty (60) days, after Executive’s Separation. If Executive fails to return the release on or before the Release Deadline, or if Executive revokes the release, then Executive will not be entitled to the benefits described in this Section 2.4. The salary continuation payments will commence within thirty (30) days after the Release Deadline and, once they commence, will be retroactive to the date of Executive’s Separation. “Separation” means a “separation from service,” as defined in the regulations under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

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2.5 Termination by Executive. Executive may terminate the Employment Term at any time for any reason upon ninety (90) days prior written notice to the Company. Upon such termination, the Company shall pay and provide to Executive (i) Base Salary to the extent already earned but not yet paid, (ii) any reimbursements for expenses previously incurred pursuant to Section 1.5. Without limiting the foregoing, Executive may also terminate this Agreement for “Good Reason” in the event that (a) any payments to Executive required hereunder are not paid when due (other than good faith disputes regarding reimbursements of expenses), (b) the Company has otherwise materially breached its material obligations to Executive under this Agreement; (c) there has been, without Executive’s prior written consent, a material reduction in Executive’s duties, authority or responsibility as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, or (d) Executive is required to perform services at a location further than twenty five (25) miles from (i) Long Beach, California other than normal travel in accordance with the Company’s business requirements; provided, however, that any change to Executive’s title pursuant to the operation of Section 1.2.2 of this Agreement shall not constitute Good Reason. Further, a condition will not be considered Good Reason unless Executive gives the Company written notice of the condition within thirty (30) days after the condition comes into existence and the Company fails to remedy the condition within thirty (30) calendar days after receiving Executive’s written notice. Executive must resign within ninety (90) days after one of the conditions. constituting Good Reason has come into existence without Executive’s consent. Upon termination of this Agreement by Executive for Good Reason, provided that a Separation occurs, Executive shall be paid or provided: (I) Base Salary to the extent already earned but not yet paid, (II) an amount equal to Executive’s monthly Base Salary at the rate in effect on Executive’s termination date for the (x) twelve (12) month period following the date of termination if such termination occurs prior to the Multiple Launch Success Date, or (y) six (6) month period following the date of termination if such termination occurs on or after the Multiple Launch Success Date, which amount shall be paid according to the Company’s then applicable payroll practice; (III any reimbursements for expenses previously incurred pursuant to Section 1.5; and (N) provided that Executive has timely elected COBRA, an amount equal to Executive’s COBRA contributions until (x) six (6) months from the date of resignation, or (y) the date that Executive receives health benefits from another employer, whichever occurs earlier. Any obligation of the Company to Executive under this Section is conditioned, however, upon (x) Executive’s signing and not revoking a General Release of Claims (substantially in the form annexed to this Agreement as Exhibit A), and (y) the prior return by Executive to the Company of any and all Company Material. Executive must execute and return the release on or before Release Deadline. The Release Deadline will in no event be less than ten (10 days), or later than sixty (60) days, after Executive’s Separation. If Executive fails to return the release on or before the Release Deadline, or if Executive revokes the release, then Executive will not be entitled to the benefits described in this Section 2.5. The salary continuation payments will commence within thirty (30) days after the Release Deadline and, once they commence, will be retroactive to the date of Executive’s Separation. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 2.5 to the contrary, if any payments or benefits payable to Executive under this Section 2.5 conditional on execution of a General Release constitute deferred compensation subject to 409A and the sum of the sixty (60) day release consideration period and thirty (30) day payment period (total of ninety (90) days) begins in one calendar year and ends in a second calendar year, no such payments or benefits shall be paid until the second calendar year.

 

2.6 Compliance with Restrictive Covenants.

 

2.6.1 Executive understands and agrees that the payments to Executive following termination without Cause under Section 2.4 above and termination for Good Reason under Section 2.5 above are expressly conditioned on Executive’s (i) compliance with each and every obligation under the IP Agreement and the New Employee Agreement (as those terms are defined in Section 4 below) (the “Post-employment Obligations”) and (ii) delivery of an executed original of the Termination Certificate annexed as Exhibit C to the New Employee Agreement (as that phrase is defined in Section 4 of this Agreement).

 

2.6.2 If Executive fails to deliver an executed Termination Certificate annexed as Exhibit C to the New Employee Agreement within three (3) days following Executive’s receipt of written notice from the Company specifying this Section 2.6.2 and the consequences of failing to deliver such Termination Certificate within such time period, the Company shall have no obligation to pay any amount other than those to which Executive is entitled under Section 2.3 above.

 

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2.6.3 If Executive breaches any of the Post-employment Obligations (other than a failure to deliver the Termination Certificate, the consequences of which are addressed in Section 2.6.2) at any time following termination without Cause under Section 2.4 above and termination for Good Reason under Section 2.5 above, then the obligation of the Company to pay salary continuation and COBRA. payments to Executive under those sections shall cease as of the date of such breach, and the Company shall have no obligation to pay any amount other than those to which Executive is entitled under Section 2.3 above. To the extent that the date of Executive’s breach of any of the Post-employment Obligations precedes the receipt by Executive of any salary continuation or COBRA payment or payments under Sections 2.5 or 2.5 above, Executive agrees to repay to the Company the net proceeds (i.e., after applicable statutory deductions and authorized withholdings) of any such payment or payments upon demand by the Company. In any action to enforce the provisions of this Section 2.6.3, the Company shall, in addition to any other legal remedies available to it, be entitled to (i) equitable relief, including, without limitation, specific performance, a temporary restraining order(s), and temporary or permanent injunctive relief and (ii) liquidated damages in an amount equal to the salary continuation and COBRA payments made to Executive following the date of such breach. The parties agree that the provisions of this Section 2.6.3 may be specifically enforced, and may be used as evidence in a proceeding in which the Company alleges a breach of the Post-employment Obligations.

 

2.7 Tax Matters. All payments made under this Agreement shall be subject to reduction to reflect taxes or other charges required to be withheld by law. Executive and the Company intend for all payments under this Agreement to be either outside the scope of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) or to comply with its requirements as to timing of payments. Any payments that qualify for the “short-term deferral” exception or another exception under Section 409A of the Code shall be paid under the applicable exception. For purposes of the limitations on nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, each payment of compensation under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment of compensation for purposes of applying the Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if any amounts or benefits payable under this Agreement in the event of Executive’s termination of employment constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A, payment of such amounts and benefits shall commence when the Executive incurs a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-l(h), without regard to any of the optional provisions thereunder, from the Company and any entity that would be considered a single employer with the Company under Code Section 4 l 4(b) or 414(c) (“Separation from Service”). Such payments or benefits shall be provided in accordance writh the timing provisions of this Agreement by substituting the Agreement’s references to “termination of employment” or “termination” with Separation from Service. In addition, if at the time of Executive’s Separation from Service the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i), any amount or benefits that the constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A that becomes payable to Executive on account of the Executive’s Separation from Service will not be paid until after the earlier of (i) first business day of the seventh month following Executive’s Separation from Service, or (ii) the date of the Executive’s death (the “409A Suspension Period”). Within 14 calendar days after the end of the 409A Suspension Period, the Executive shall be paid a cash lump sum payment equal to any payments and benefits that the Company would otherwise have been required to provide under this Agreement but for the imposition of the 409A Suspension Period delayed because of the preceding sentence. Thereafter, the Executive shall receive any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement in accordance with the terms of this Section (as if there had not been any Suspension Period beforehand). All reimbursements and in-kind benefits provided under this Agreement that constitute deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A shall be made or provided in accordance with the following requirements: (1) any reimbursement is for expenses incurred during the Executive’s lifetime (or during a shorter period of time specified in this Agreement); (2) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in kind benefits provided, during a calendar year may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in kind benefits to be provided, in any other calendar year; (3) the reimbursement of an eligible expense will be made no later than the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense is incurred; and (4) the right to reimbursement or in kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

 

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3 Company Material. All Company materials including, but not limited to, Confidential Information, reports, documents, data, records, equipment, and other tangible property, whether or not pertaining to Confidential Information (collectively, “Company Material”),provided to Executive by the Company or produced by Executive or others in connection with Executive’s employment by the Company, will be and remain the sole property of the Company, and Executive will promptly return the same (including all extracts, copies and embodiments thereof) to the Company, as and when requested by the Company and in any event upon termination or expiration of this Agreement.

 

4 Confidential Information, Non-Solicitation, and IP Assignment. As a condition of employment with the Company, and subject to the provisions of Appendix C to this Agreement, Executive agrees to execute the Employment, Confidential Information, and Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement (the “IP Agreement”) in the form annexed to this Agreement as Appendix D, and the New Employee Agreement (the “New Employee Agreement”) in the form annexed to this Agreement as Appendix E. This Agreement will not be effective, and the Effective Date will not. occur, unless and until the Executive agrees to and executes the IP Agreement and the New Employee Agreement.

 

5 Certain Representations and Warranties. Executive represents and warrants to the Company that (i) he has not etttered into, and agrees that he will not enter into, any agreement, either written or oral, in conflict with Executive’s obligations under this Agreement, including, without limitation, any other agreement for personal services, (ii) the performance of his obligations under this Agreement do not and will not violate or conflict with any agreement to which Executive is a party relating to any post-employment prohibited conduct, confidentiality, non-competition or exclusive employment, and (iii) Executive has not brought, and will not bring, to the Company or use in connection with Executive’s employment by the Company any equipment, supplies, facility, confidential information, or intellectual property of any third party, including, without limitation, current or former employers or clients, unless Executive has obtained written authorization for their possession and use. Executive agrees to indemnify and save Company harmless from any liability, cost or expense, including attorneys’ fees, based upon or arising out of any violation of any representation set forth herein.

 

6 Survival. The respective rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall survive any termination of the Executive’s employment to the extent necessary to the intended preservation of such rights and obligations. Executive understands and agrees that the Company may communicate his obligations under Sections 4 and 5 to any potential or future employers.

 

7 Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder, or necessary or convenient in connection herewith, shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when hand delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail as follows (provided that notice of change of address shall be deemed given only when received):

 

If to the Company, to: LauncherOne, LLC
  4022 E. Conant Street
  Long Beach, CA 90808
   
If to Executive, to: Dan Hart
 
 

 

or to such other names or addresses as the Company or Executive shall designate by notice to each other person entitled to receive notices in the manner specified in this Section.

 

8 Governing Law; Venue and Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of California. All actions or proceedings arising in connection with this Agreement shall be exclusively brought in the state or Federal courts located in the County of Los Angeles, State of California. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO ASSERT THE DOCTRINE OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS, TO ASSERT THAT IT IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS OR TO OBJECT TO VENUE TO THE EXTENT ANY PROCEEDING IS BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION.

 

9 Further Assurances. Each party to this Agreement shall execute all instruments and documents and take all actions as may be reasonably required to effectuate this Agreement.

 

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10 Attorneys’ Fees. In the event any litigation or other proceeding (“Proceeding”) is initiated by any party to enforce, interpret, or otherwise obtain judicial or quasi-judicial relief in connection with this Agreement, the prevailing party in such Proceeding shall be entitled to recover from the unsuccessful party (a) all costs, expenses, actual attorneys’ and expert witness fees, relating to or arising out of such Proceeding (whether or not such Proceeding proceeds to judgment), and (b) any post-judgment or post-award proceeding including without limitation one to enforce any judgment or award resulting from any such Proceeding. Any such judgment or award shall contain a specific provision for the recovery of all such subsequently incurred costs, expenses, actual attorneys’ fees, and expert witness fees. The court shall determine who is the prevailing party, whether or not the dispute or controversy proceeds to final judgment.

 

11 Condition to Employment. As required by law, Executive’s employment with the Company is contingent upon his providing legal proof of his identity and eligibility for employment to work in the United States.

 

12 Counterparts; Amendments. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one document. This Agreement may be modified only by a writing executed by the parties hereto.

 

13 Headings. The headings of the various sections of this Agreement have been inserted only for convenience and shall not be deemed to modify or limit any of the provisions of this Agreement or be used in any manner in the interpretation of this Agreement.

 

14 Prior Understandings. This Agreement and the Appendices to this Agreement (including the IP Agreement and the New Employee Agreement) contain the entire agreement between the parties to this Agreement with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, is intended as a final expression of such parties’ agreement with respect to such terms as are included in• this Agreement, is intended as a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of such agreement, and supersedes all negotiations, stipulations, understandings, agreements, representations, and warranties, if any, with respect to such subject matter, which precede or accompany the execution of this Agreement; provided, however, that the SERP Indemnification Agreement between the Company and Executive dated as of the date of this Agreement and, if effective, any separation agreement and general release of claims in a form substantially similar to Appendix A of this Agreement are not merged into this Agreement and will remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement.

 

15 Partial Invalidity. Each provision of this Agreement, including the IP Agreement and the New Employee Agreement, shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law. If any provision of this Agreement, the IP Agreement or the New Employee Agreement, or the application of such provision to any person or circumstances shall, to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this such agreement, or the application of such provision to. persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected by such invalidity or unenforceability, unless such provision or such application of such provision is essential to this Agreement, the IP Agreement and the New Employee Agreement.

 

16 Successors-in-Interest and Assigns. The Company may assign its rights hereunder in whole or part. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the successors-in-interest and assigns of each party to this Agreement, except that the duties and responsibilities of Executive hereunder are of a personal nature and shall not be assignable or delegable in whole or in part by Executive. Nothing in this Section shall create any rights enforceable by any other persons not a party to this Agreement, unless such rights are expressly granted in this Agreement to other specifically identified persons. The Company’s affiliates shall be express third party beneficiaries of this Agreement.

 

17 Waiver. No delay or omission in the exercise of any right or remedy shall impair such right or remedy or be construed as a waiver. A consent to or approval of any act shall not be deemed to waive or render unnecessary consent to or approval of any other or subsequent act. Any waiver of a default under this Agreement must be in writing and shall not be a waiver of any other default concerning the same or any other provision of this Agreement.

 

18 Drafting Ambiguities. Each party to this Agreement has reviewed and revised this Agreement. Each party to this Agreement has had the opportunity to have such party’s legal counsel review and revise this Agreement. The rule of construction that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall not be employed in the interpretation of this Agreement or of any amendments or appendices to this Agreement.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, intending to be legally bound, have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

  LAUNCHERONE, LLC
   
  By: /s/ George Whilesides
    Name:  George Whilesides
    Title: CEO
   
   
    Daniel Hart

 

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EXHIBIT A

Stock Option Terms

 

1. Allocated Options will have a term of 10 years.

 

2. In event of termination of Executive by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason, Company will permit net exercise of vested Allocated Options within 90 days after termination. In all other circumstances of termination, no net exercise and vested Allocated Options will remain exercisable until earlier of (x) the end of the option term, (y) a change of control, or (z) six months following the IPO.

 

3. Company will permit net exercise of vested Allocated Options prior to any notice of termination.

 

4. Vesting on unvested Allocated Options will be accelerated upon a change of control (transfer by shareholders, whether by sale, merger, etc., of more than 50% of the aggregate equity interests in the company to an unaffiliated third party or parties or any sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the business to an unaffiliated third party).

 

5. Vesting on time-based Allocated Options will commence on the Effective Date (e.g., vesting credit for time served if grant date is after Effective Date).

 

6. Executive will have no put right on Allocated Options or shares issued upon exercise of Allocated Options. However, the Company intends, but is not obligated, to periodically offer to purchase shares issued upon exercise of options to employees at fair market value, as determined by the Board in its sole and absolute discretion. Executive would have the right to sell such shares on a pro rata basis along with all other option grantees holding shares.

 

7. Executive will receive tag-along rights in connection with a sale by existing shareholders (Virgin Group and/or aabar) (i) that results in existing shareholders owning less than a majority of the outstanding equity interests of the Company, or (ii) after the existing shareholders cease to own a majority of the outstanding equity interests of the Company. Note: existing shareholders currently hold their equity at Vieco 10 Limited, which is the 100% owner of Galactic Ventures, LLC, which in turn currently holds 100% of the units of the Company. Subject to tax structuring, the existing shareholders are currently contemplating a spin-out of the Company (or c–corp holding company - see point 9 below) directly to the existing shareholders. Until that transaction is done, the Company and/or the existing shareholders will provide for a mechanism so that, if there is a qualifying sale by existing shareholders at the Vieco 10 Limited holding company level, Executive will have an opportunity to receive corresponding liquidity for option shares.

 

8. Company will have a ROFR on shares obtained by Executive through exercise of Allocated Options. No forfeiture of or repurchase right in favor of the Company with respect to vested Allocated Options or shares issued upon exercise of Allocated Options.

 

9. Options will likely be issued by a new c–corp holding company that will hold 100% of the membership interests of the Company. This c–corp will be a wholly-owned (other than options) subsidiary of Galactic Ventures, LLC (i.e., current holder of 100% of the Company’s membership interests).

 

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APPENDIX B

General Release of Claims

[DATE]

 

Dan Hart

[insert email address]

 

Dear Dan:

 

This letter (the “Agreement and Release”) confirms our agreement with regard to the separation of your employment with Virgin Orbit, LLC and Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. (together, the “Company”) effective [DATE] (the “Separation Date”). Our complete understanding and agreement with respect to your separation from the Company is set forth below.

 

1. Final Pay. You will receive your earned but unpaid salary through the Separation Date, less applicable statutory deductions and authorized withholdings.

 

2. Paid Time Off. You will be paid for all accrued but unused paid time off as of the Separation Date, less applicable statutory deductions and authorized withholdings.

 

3. Severance. Provided that you agree to and accept the terms of this Agreement and Release and do not timely revoke your acceptance pursuant to paragraph 13 below, you will receive:

 

a. [SEVERANCE ENTITLEMENT UNDER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BASED ON TYPE OF TERMINATION AND ANY EQUITY ACCELERATION] (collectively, the “Severance”).

 

b. You will receive, under separate cover, information about your rights to elect medical and dental insurance continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”). [ADDRESS DURATION OF COBRA DEPENDING ON TYPE OF TERMINATION] You will cease to actively participate in all Company benefit plans and programs as of the end of the month in which the Separation Date occurs, except as provided in this paragraph. You retain your right to benefits that you have earned and to which you are entitled through the Separation Date under the specific terms of those plans.

 

4. Unemployment Benefits. The Company will not object to any lawful application by you to receive unemployment benefits.

 

5. No Other Compensation. Other than as set forth in this Agreement and Release, you expressly acknowledge and agree that you are not entitled to and will not receive any additional compensation, payments or benefits of any kind from the Company and the Releasees (as that term is defined in subparagraph 6.b below) and that no representations or promises to the contrary have been made to you.

 

6. Release.

 

a. As a condition of the Company’s willingness to enter into this Agreement and Release, and in consideration for the Severance and the agreements of the Company contained in this Agreement and Release, you, with the intention of binding yourself, your heirs, beneficiaries, trustees, administrators, executors, assigns and legal representatives (collectively, the “Releasors”), hereby release, waive and forever discharge the Company and the Releasees from, and hereby acknowledge full accord and satisfaction of, any and all claims, demands, causes of action, and liabilities of any kind whatsoever (upon any legal or equitable theory, whether contractual, common law or statutory, under federal, state or local law or otherwise), whether known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, by reason of any act, omission, transaction, agreement or occurrence that you ever had, now have or hereafter may have against the Company and the Releasees up to and including the date of the execution of this Agreement and Release. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else to the contrary in this Agreement and Release, the Releasors are not waiving or releasing (i) their right to enforce this Agreement and Release, (ii) any rights or claims you may have to indemnification and/or advancement of expenses under the Company’s directors and officers insurance, certificate of incorporation, bylaws or any indemnification agreement, (iii) your right, if any, to government-provided unemployment benefits, (iv) your vested account balance (if any) under the Company’s 401(k) plan, (v) your right to elect COBRA continuation coverage; (vi) any rights relating to your vested equity-based compensation awards, if any, and any equity ownership resulting from your prior or future exercise of or settlement of any equity-based compensation awards, and (vii) any claims which cannot be waived by an employee under applicable law (collectively, the “Retained Claims”).

 

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b. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Releasors hereby release and forever discharge the Company and the Releasees from (in each case excluding the Retained Claims):

 

(i) any and all claims relating to or arising from your employment with the Company, the terms and conditions of that employment, and the termination of that employment;

 

(ii) any and all claims of employment discrimination, harassment or retaliation under any federal, state or local statute or ordinance, public policy or the common law, including, without limitation, any and all claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (the “ADEA”), the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1966, the National Labor Relations Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the New York State Human Rights Law, the New York City Human Rights Law, the New York Labor Law, the New York Civil Rights Law, the New York False Claims Act, the Federal False Claims Act, the New York Constitution, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, Cal. Gov’t. Code Section 12940, the California Family Rights Act, the California Wage Theft Prevention Act, California Labor Code Sections 510, 1182.12, 226.7 and 512,226, 200-243, 227.3, 2802, 1198.5, 2751, 226.8 and 2753; the California Uniform Trade Secrets Act; the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act; the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act; and any other federal, state or local labor law, employee relations, and/or fair employment practice statute, rule or ordinance and all claims for wages, monetary or equitable relief, vacation, other employee fringe benefits, or attorneys’ fees;

 

(iii) any and all claims for employee benefits, including, without limitation, any and all claims under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended;

 

(iv) any and all claims for slander, libel, defamation, negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress, personal injury, prima facie tort, negligence, compensatory or punitive damages, or any other claim for damages or injury of any kind whatsoever; and

 

(v) any and all claims for monetary recovery, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, experts’ fees, medical fees or expenses, costs and disbursements and the like.

 

By entering into this Agreement and Release, you represent and agree that the failure of this Agreement and Release to specifically identify or enumerate above any statute or common law theory under which you release claims is not intended by you or the Company to limit, diminish or impair in any way your intended and actual release all claims, demands, causes of action, and liabilities of any kind whatsoever against the Company and the Releasees (other than the Retained Claims).

 

c. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY LEGAL COUNSEL AND ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE PROVISIONS OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL CODE SECTION 1542, WHICH PROVIDES AS FOLLOWS:

 

“A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS THAT THE CREDITOR OR RELEASING PARTY DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE AND THAT, IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER, WOULD HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR OR RELEASED PARTY.”

 

YOU, BEING AWARE OF SAID CODE SECTION, HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVE ANY RIGHTS YOU MAY HAVE THEREUNDER, AS WELL AS UNDER ANY OTHER STATUTES OR COMMON LAW PRINCIPLES OF SIMILAR EFFECT.

 

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d. Exceptions. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement and Release to the contrary, nothing contained in this Agreement and Release shall prohibit you from (i) filing a charge with, reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to, participating in any investigation by, or cooperating with any governmental agency or entity or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of applicable law or regulation and/or (ii) communicating directly with, cooperating with, or providing information (including trade secrets) in confidence to, any federal, state or local government regulator (including, but not limited to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or the U.S. Department of Justice) for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or from providing such information to your attorney or in a sealed complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other governmental proceeding. Pursuant to 18 USC Section 1833(b), (1) you will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made: (x) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (y) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal and (2) you acknowledge that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.

 

e. For purposes of this Agreement and Release, the term “the Company and the Releasees” includes Virgin Orbit, LLC and its parents, subsidiaries, predecessors, direct and indirect affiliates, related companies, successors and assigns, regardless of the jurisdiction in which such entities may be located, and all of its and their respective past, present and future owners, partners, employees, representatives and agents, whether acting as agents or in their individual capacities, and this Agreement and Release shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding and enforceable by all such entities and individuals.

 

f. OWBPA and the ADEA. You agree and acknowledge that this Agreement and Release constitutes a knowing and voluntary waiver and release of all claims you have or may have against the Company and Releasees or any of them, as set forth herein, including, but not limited to, all claims arising under the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act and the ADEA. In accordance with the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act, you are hereby advised as follows:

 

(i) you have read the terms of this Agreement and Release, and understand its terms and effects, including the fact that the you agreed to release and forever discharge the Company and the Releasees, and each of them, from any claims released in this Agreement and Release;

 

(ii) you understand that, by entering into this Agreement and Release, you do not waive any claims that may arise after the date of your execution of this Agreement and Release, including without limitation any rights or claims that you may have to secure enforcement of the terms and conditions of this Agreement and Release;

 

(iii) you have signed this Agreement and Release voluntarily and knowingly in exchange for the consideration described in this Agreement and Release, you acknowledge is adequate and satisfactory to you and which you acknowledge is in addition to any other benefits to which you are otherwise entitled;

 

(iv) the Company advises you to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement and Release;

 

(v) you have been given at least [21]1 days in which to review and consider this Agreement and Release. To the extent that you choose to sign this Agreement and Release prior to the expiration of such period, you acknowledge that the you have done so voluntarily, had sufficient time to consider the Agreement and Release, to consult with counsel and that you do not desire additional time and hereby waives the remainder of the [21]-day period; and

 

 

 

1 NTD: Use 45 days in a group termination, and include information regarding terminated positions.

 

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(vi) you may revoke this Agreement and Release within seven days from the date you sign this Agreement and Release and this Agreement and Release will become effective upon the expiration of that revocation period if you have not revoked this Agreement and Release during such seven-day period. If you revoke this Agreement and Release during such seven-day period, this Agreement and Release will be null and void and of no force or effect on either the Company or you and you will not be entitled to any of the payments or benefits which are expressly conditioned upon the execution and non-revocation of this Agreement and Release. Any revocation must be in writing and sent to [name], via electronic mail at [email address], on or before [11:59 p.m. Pacific time] on the seventh day after this Agreement and Release is executed by you.

 

7. Complete Separation. By entering into this Agreement and Release, you acknowledge and agree that your employment with the Company has been permanently and irrevocably severed. You agree that the Company shall not have any obligation at any time in the future to reemploy you, or enter into any other business arrangement of any kind with you. You further agree that if you do seek reemployment or any other business arrangement with the Company under which you would receive compensation for services performed by you, a rejection by the Company of your application or inquiry will not constitute a violation of this Agreement and Release or a violation of law in any manner whatsoever.

 

8. Return of Company Property. You agree to return to the Company, on or before the Separation Date, any computer equipment, office keys, credit and telephone cards, ID and access cards, etc., and any and all original and duplicate copies of your work product and of files, calendars, books, employee handbooks, records, notes, notebooks, manuals, computer disks, diskettes and any other magnetic and other media materials you have in your possession or under your control belonging to the Company, or containing confidential or proprietary information concerning the Company, and its partners, employees, consultants, clients, benefactors or operations. By signing this Agreement and Release, you confirm that you will not retain in your possession or under your control any of the documents or materials described in this paragraph 8, and that you will not be entitled to receive the Severance unless and until all such documents and materials are returned to the Company.

 

9. Restrictive Covenants.

 

a. You understand and agree that, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement and Release or any other agreement between you and the Company, Sections 2.6.1, 2.6.2, 2.6.3 and 4 of that certain Employment Agreement between you and the Company dated [DATE] (the “Employment Agreement”) remains in full force and effect after your employment with the Company ends, and you agree to remain bound by its provisions.

 

b. You acknowledge and agree that any breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of this paragraph 9 above would cause the Company and the Releasees irreparable harm not readily susceptible to measurement in economic terms or for which economic compensation may be inadequate. Accordingly, you agree that in the event of a breach or threatened breach by you of any of the provisions of this paragraph 9, in addition to all available relief under the Employment Agreement, the Company and the Releasees (and any potentially or actually irreparably harmed third-party beneficiaries) shall, in addition to any other legal remedies available to them, be entitled to (a) equitable relief, including, without limitation, specific performance, a temporary restraining order(s), and temporary or permanent injunctive relief and (b) liquidated damages in an amount equal to the Severance. The parties agree that this Agreement and Release may be specifically enforced, and may be used as evidence in a proceeding in which either of the parties alleges a breach of this Agreement and Release.

 

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10. Nondisparagement and References.

 

a. You agree that you will not Disparage or encourage or induce others to disparage the Company and the Releasees. For the purpose of this Agreement, “Disparage” includes, without limitation, comments or statements to any person or entity, including but not limited to the press and/or media, or any entity with whom the Company and the Releasees, or any of them, has a business relationship, including any federal, state or local government agencies, which would adversely affect in any manner (a) the conduct of the business of the Company and the Releasees or (b) the reputation of the Company and the Releasees. The foregoing does not apply to pleadings, allegations, or other statements made in connection with a claim which is not being released by this Agreement. Further, it shall not be a breach of this subparagraph 10.a for you to testify truthfully in any judicial or administrative proceeding, or to make factually accurate statements in legal filings.

 

b. The Company will refer any requests from a prospective employer for employment verification or a reference regarding you to its Human Resources Department, which will respond by (i) confirming the positions you held while employed by the Company and (ii) verifying the dates of your employment with the Company. The Company may also verify your rate of compensation while employed by the Company and state that it is the Company’s policy not to provide additional information regarding its former employees.

 

11. Consultation and Cooperation. You agree that, upon request, you will reasonably cooperate and consult with the Company and the Releasees with respect to any inquiries or other matters involving them, including pending or threatened transactions, litigation, administrative proceedings or arbitration, (a) in which you were involved, (b) concerning which you have personal knowledge, or (c) that relate to or arise out of your employment with the Company and your responsibilities with respect to the Company and the Releasees, or any of them. Such cooperation and consultation will include, without limitation, making yourself reasonably available for meetings or proceedings relating to any such inquiries, matters or proceedings, answering interrogatories, being deposed, testifying at trial or otherwise, and preparing and signing affidavits (provided, however, that the Company will pay your reasonable travel expenses for any of the foregoing). It is understood and agreed that nothing in this paragraph 11 shall require you to incur any costs, fees or expenses.

 

12. Partial Enforceability. If at any time after the date of the execution of this Agreement and Release any provision of this Agreement and Release shall be held by any court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void or unenforceable, such provision shall be of no force and effect. The illegality or unenforceability of such provision shall have no effect upon, and shall not impair the enforceability of, any other provision of this Agreement and Release, provided, however, that if paragraph 6.a is held to be illegal, void or unenforceable in whole or in part, you agree to promptly execute a valid general release and waiver in favor of the Company and the Releasees.

 

13. Knowing and Voluntary Release.

 

a. By signing this Agreement and Release, you acknowledge that:

 

(i) before signing this Agreement and Release, you were given at least twenty-one (21) days in which to review and consider it;

 

(ii) you have, in fact, carefully reviewed this Agreement and Release;

 

(iii) you are entering into this Agreement and Release voluntarily and of your own free will;

 

(iv) the Company encouraged you in writing to show and discuss this Agreement and Release with legal counsel before signing it, and that to the extent you wished to do so, you have done so;

 

(v) if you executed this Agreement and Release before the end of the 21-day period described in subparagraph (i), such early execution was completely voluntary, and you had reasonable and ample time in which to review this Agreement and Release; and

 

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(vi) different or additional facts may be discovered in addition to what is now known or believed to be true by you with respect to the matters released in this Agreement and Release, and you agree that this Agreement and Release shall be and remain in effect in all respects as a complete and final release of the matters released, notwithstanding any different or additional facts.

 

b. You agree that, for a period of seven (7) days after you sign this Agreement and Release, you have the right to revoke it by providing notice in writing delivered by certified mail, return receipt requested, to [COMPANY CONTACT]. This Agreement and Release will not become fully effective and enforceable until after the expiration of the seven-day revocation period.

 

c. You understand that the expiration of the seven-day period after you sign this Agreement and Release confirms that you did not revoke your assent to this Agreement and Release, and, therefore, that it is fully effective and enforceable.

 

14. Representations. You represent and warrant that there has been no assignment or other transfer of any interest in any claim which you may have against the Company and Releasees, or any of them, and you agree to indemnify and hold the Company and Releasees, and each of them, harmless from any liability, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees incurred by the Company and Releasees, or any of them, as the result of any such assignment or transfer or any rights or claims under any such assignment or transfer. It is the intention of the parties that this indemnity does not require payment as a condition precedent to recovery by the Company and Releasees, or any of them, against you under this indemnity.

 

15. No Action. You agree that if you hereafter commence any suit arising out of, based upon,or relating to any of the claims released hereunder or in any manner assert against by the Company and Releasees, or any of them, any of the claims released hereunder, then you agree to pay to the Company and Releasees, and each of them, in addition to any other damages caused to the Company and Releasees, or any of them, thereby, all attorneys’ fees incurred by the Company and Releasees, or any of them, in defending or otherwise responding to said suit or claim. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this provision shall not apply to any suit or claim to the extent it challenges the effectiveness of this release with respect to a claim under the ADEA.

 

16. No Admission. You understand and agree that the making of this Agreement and Release is not intended, and shall not be construed, as an admission that the Company and the Releasees, or any person now or previously employed by or associated with the Company and the Releasees, have violated any federal, state or local law, ordinance, regulation, public policy or common law rule, or have committed any wrong whatsoever against you. This Agreement and Release shall be deemed to fall within the protection afforded to settlements, compromises and offers to compromise by applicable law.

 

17. Entire Agreement. Except as provided in paragraph 9 above, this Agreement and Release represents the complete understanding between you and the Company concerning the subject matter of this Agreement and Release, and no other promises or agreements concerning the subject matter of this Agreement and Release shall be binding unless reduced to writing and signed by you and the Company. You and the Company agree that this Agreement and Release supersedes any prior agreements or understandings of the parties, whether oral or written, concerning the subject matter of this Agreement and Release.

 

18. Interpretation. Should any provision of this Agreement and Release require interpretation or construction, it is agreed by you and the Company that the person interpreting or construing this Agreement and Release shall not apply a presumption against one party by reason of the rule of construction that a document is to be construed more strictly against the party who prepared the document.

 

19. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement and Release is binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

 

20. Governing Law. This Agreement and Release is governed by the laws of the State of California regardless of your work location at any time during your employment by the Company and irrespective of the principles of conflicts of law. You hereby irrevocably agree to submit any and all disputes under this Agreement to the federal or state courts sitting in Los Angeles County, California.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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If this Agreement and Release is acceptable to you, please indicate your agreement by signing and dating below.

 

  Sincerely,
   
  VIRGIN ORBIT, LLC
     
  By:  
  [NAME]   
  [TITLE]  

 

 

READ THIS AGREEMENT AND CAREFULLY CONSIDER ALL OF ITS PROVISIONS BEFORE SIGNING IT; IT HAS IMPORTANT LEGAL CONSEQUENCES AND INCLUDES A GENERAL RELEASE AND WAIVER OF KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS. CONSULT YOUR ATTORNEY BEFORE SIGNING IT.

 

I acknowledge that I have read this Agreement and Release and that I understand and voluntarily accept its terms.

 

  Date:  
DAN HART    

 

7

 

 

APPENDIX C

 

California Labor Code Section 2870. Application of provision providing that employee shall assign or offer to assign rights in invention to employer.

 

(a) Any provision in an employment agreement which provides that an employee shall assign,. or offer to assign, any of his or her rights in an invention to his or her employer shall not apply to an invention that the employee developed entirely on his or her own time without using the employer’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information except for those inventions that either:

 

(1) Relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the employer’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the employer; or

 

(2) Result from any work performed by the employee for his employer.

 

(b) To the extent a provision in an employment agreement purports to require an employee to assign an invention otherwise excluded from being required to be assigned under subdivision (a), the provision is against the public policy of this state and is unenforceable.

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX D

 

LAUNCHERONE, LLC

 

Employment, Confidential Information and Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement

 

As a condition of my employment or continued employment with LauncherOne, LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or assigns (together, the “Company”), and in consideration of my employment or continued employment with the Company and my receipt of the compensation now and hereafter paid to me by Company, I agree to the terms under this Employment, Confidential Information and Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement (the “Intellectual Property Agreement”) set forth herein.

 

1. Employment.

 

(a) [Intentionally Omitted]

 

(b) I agree that, during the term of my employment with the Company, I will not engage in any other employment, occupation, consulting or other business activity related to the business in which the Company is now involved or becomes involved during the term of my employment and I will not assist any other person or organization in competing or in preparing to compete with any business or demonstrably anticipated business of Company nor will I engage in any other activities that conflict with my obligations to the Company.

 

(c) I recognize and agree that I have no expectation of privacy with respect to Company’s telecommunications, networking or information processing systems (including, without limitation, stored computer files, email or text messages and voice messages) (“Systems”), and that my activity and any files or messages on or using any of those systems may be monitored at any time without notice. I also agree that such Systems may only be used by me for Company purposes, and that I will not use the Systems for personal purposes.

 

2. Confidential Information.

 

(a) Company Information. I agree at all times during and after the term of my employment (my “Relationship with the Company”) and thereafter, except as may be required by compulsory legal process or for the benefit of the Company, to hold in strictest confidence, and not to use or to disclose to any person, firm or corporation without written authorization of the Board of Directors of the Company, any Confidential Information of the Company. I understand that “Confidential Information” means any Company proprietary information, technical data, trade secrets or know-how, including, but not limited to, research, product plans, products, services, customer lists and customers (including, but not limited to, customers of the Company on whom I called or with whom I became acquainted during the term of my Relationship with the Company), markets, works of original authorship, photographs, negatives, digital images, software, developments, inventions, processes, formulas, technology, designs, drawings, engineering, hardware configuration information, marketing, finances or other business information disclosed to me by the Company either directly or indirectly in writing, orally or by drawings or observation of parts or equipment. I further understand that Confidential Information does not include any of the foregoing items which has become publicly known and made generally available through no wrongful act of mine or of others who were under confidentiality obligations as to the item or items involved.

 

 

 

 

(b) Other Employer Information. I agree that I will not, during my Relationship with the Company, improperly use or disclose any proprietary information or trade secrets of any former or concurrent employer or other person or entity and that I will not bring onto the premises of the Company any unpublished document or proprietary information belonging to any such employer, person or entity unless consented to in writing by such employer, person or entity. Further, I have not retained anything containing any confidential information of a prior employer or other third party, whether or not created by me.

 

(c) Third Party Information. I recognize that the Company has received and in the future will receive from third parties their confidential or proprietary information subject to a duty on the Company’s part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. I agree to hold all such confidential or proprietary information in the strictest confidence and not to disclose it to any person, firm or corporation or to use it except as necessary in carrying out my work for the Company consistent with the Company’s agreement with such third party.

 

3. Intellectual Property.

 

(a) Assignment of Intellectual Property. I agree that I will promptly make full written disclosure to the Company, will hold in trust for the sole right and benefit of the Company, and hereby assign to the Company, or its designee, all my right, title, and interest in and to any original works of authorship, inventions, concepts, improvements, copyrights, patent rights, trade secrets and all other intellectual property rights of any sort throughout the world, whether or not patentable or registrable under copyright or similar laws, which I may solely or jointly conceive or develop or reduce to practice, or cause to be conceived or developed or reduced to practice, during the period of time I am in the service of the Company (collectively referred to as “Intellectual Property”) and which (i) are developed using the equipment, supplies, facilities or Confidential Information of the Company, (ii) result from or are suggested by work performed by me for the Company, or (iii) relate to the business, or to the actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company. The Intellectual Property will be the sole and exclusive property of the Company. I further acknowledge that all original works of authorship which are made by me (solely or jointly with others) within the scope of and during the period of my Relationship with the Company and which are protectable by copyright are “works made for hire,” as that term is defined in the United States Copyright Act. To the extent any Intellectual Property is not deemed to be work for hire, then I will and hereby do assign all my right, title and interest in such Intellectual Property to the Company. I hereby make all assignments necessary to accomplish the foregoing.

 

(b) Moral Rights. To the fullest extent allowed by applicable law, Section 3(a) above includes all rights of paternity, integrity, disclosure and withdrawal and any other rights that may be known as or referred to as “moral rights,” “artist’s rights,” “droit moral,” or the like (collectively “Moral Rights”). To the extent I retain any such Moral Rights under applicable law, I hereby ratify and consent to any action that may be taken with respect to such Moral Rights by or authorized by Company and agree not to assert any Moral Rights with respect thereto. I will confirm any such ratifications, consents and agreements from time to time as requested by Company.

 

(c) Patent and Copyright Registrations. I agree to assist the Company, or its designee, at the Company’s expense, in every proper way to secure the Company’s rights in the Intellectual Property and any copyrights, patents or other intellectual property rights relating thereto in any and all countries, including the disclosure to the Company of all pertinent information and data with respect thereto, the execution of all applications, specifications, oaths, assignments and all other instruments which the Company shall deem necessary in order to apply for and obtain such rights and in order to assign and convey to the Company, its successors, assigns, and nominees the sole and exclusive rights, title and interest in and to such Intellectual Property, and any copyrights, patents or other intellectual property rights relating thereto. l further agree that my obligation to execute or cause to be executed, when it is in my power to do so, any such instrument or papers shall continue after the termination of my employment with the Company.

 

2

 

 

I hereby irrevocably designate and appoint the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as my agent and attorney in fact, to act for and in my behalf and stead to execute and file any such applications or documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the prosecution and issuance of letters patent or copyright registrations thereon with the same legal force and effect as if executed by me. The designation and appointment of the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as my agent and attorney in fact shall be deemed to be coupled with an interest with full power of substitution and therefore irrevocable.

 

(d) Maintenance of Records. I agree to keep and maintain adequate and current written records of all Intellectual Property made by me (solely or jointly with others) during the term of my Relationship with the Company. The records will be in the form of notes, sketches, drawings, and wqrks of original authorship, photographs, negatives, digital images or any other format that may be specified by the Company. The records will be available to and remain the sole property of the Company at all times.

 

(e) Intellectual Property Retained and Licensed. I have listed on Exhibit A, in a manner that does not violate any third party rights or disclosure any confidential information, a list of all original works of authorship, inventions, developments, improvements, and trade secrets which were made by me prior to my Relationship with the Company (collectively referred to as “Prior Intellectual Property”), which belong to me, which relate to the Company’s proposed business, products or research and development, and which are not assigned to the Company hereunder; or, if no such list is provided below, I represent that there is no such Prior Intellectual Property. If in the course of my Relationship with the Company, l incorporate into Company property any Prior Intellectual Property owned by me or in which I have an interest, the Company is hereby granted and shall have a nonexclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide license to make, have made, modify, use and sell such Prior Intellectual Property as part of or in connection with such Company property.

 

(f) Exceptions to Assignment. I understand that if I am employed with the Company in the State of California, the provisions of this Intellectual Property Agreement requiring assignment of Intellectual Property to the Company are limited to Section 2870 of the California Labor Code, which is attached hereto as Exhibit B, and do not apply to any intellectual property that (i) I develop entirely on my own time; and (ii) I develop without using Company equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information; and (iii) do not result from any work performed by me for the Company; and (iv) do not relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice to the Company’s current or anticipated business, or to its actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development. Any such intellectual property will be owned entirely by me, even if developed by me during the time period in which I am employed by the Company. I will advise the Company promptly in writing of any intellectual property that I believe meet the criteria for exclusion set forth herein and are not otherwise disclosed pursuant to Section 3(e) above.

 

(g) Return of Company Documents. I agree that, at the time of leaving the employ of the Company or earlier if so requested by the Company, I will deliver to the Company (and will not keep in my possession, recreate or deliver to anyone else) any and all works of original authorship, photographs, negatives, digital images, devices, records, data, notes, reports, proposals, lists, correspondence, specifications, drawings blueprints, sketches, materials, equipment, other documents or property, or reproductions of any aforementioned items developed by me pursuant to my Relationship with the Company or otherwise belonging to the Company, its successors or assigns. In the event of the termination of my Relationship with the Company, I agree to sign and deliver the “Termination Certificate” attached hereto as Exhibit C.

 

4. Notification of New Employer. In the event of my termination of employment from the Company for any reason, I hereby grant consent to notification by the Company to my new employer or consulting client regarding my rights and obligations unsfer this Intellectual Property Agreement.

 

3

 

 

5. No Solicitation of Employees. In consideration for my Relationship with the Company and other valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, I agree that during the period of my Relationship with the Company as an employee, officer and/or director and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter I shall not solicit or encourage any employee or consultant of the Company to leave or terminate his or her relationship the Company for any reason, on behalf of myself or any other person, firm, corporation, association or other entity, directly or indirectly, except for the bona fide termination of Company employees or consultants within the normal scope of my employment with the Company.

 

7. Representations. I represent that my performance of all the terms of this Intellectual Property Agreement will not breach any agreement to keep in confidence proprietary information acquired by me in confidence or in trust prior to my Relationship with the Company. I have not entered into, and I agree I will not enter into, any oral or written agreement in conflict herewith. I agree to execute any proper oath or verify any proper document required to carry out the terms of this Intellectual Property Agreement.

 

8. Equitable Relief.

 

(a) Equitable Remedies. Each of the Company and I agree that disputes relating to or arising out of a breach of the covenants contained in this Intellectual Property Agreement would likely require injunctive relief to maintain the status quo of the parties pending any litigation or other action. The parties hereto also agree that it would be impossible or inadequate to measure and calculate the damages from any breach of the covenants contained in this Intellectual Property Agreement prior to resolution of any dispute. Accordingly, if either party claims that the other party has breached any covenant of this Intellectual Property Agreement, that party will have available, in addition to any other right or remedy, the right to obtain an injunction from a court of competent jurisdiction restraining such breach or threatened breach and/or to specific performance of any such provision of this Intelle:ctual Property Agreement pending resolution of the dispute. The parties further agree that no bond or other security shall be required in obtaining such equitable relief and hereby consents to the issuance of such injunction and to the ordering of specific performance.

 

9. General Provisions.

 

(a) Governing Law; Consent to Personal Jurisdiction. This Intellectual Property Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California as they apply to contracts entered into and wholly to be performed within such state, without regard to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof. I hereby expressly consent to the nonexclusive personal jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in the federal Central District of California for any lawsuit filed there by either party arising from or relating to this Intellectual Property Agreement.

 

(b) Modification of Agreement. No modification of or amendment to this Intellectual Property Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Intellectual Property Agreement, will be effective unless in writing signed by the party to be charged. Any subsequent change or changes in my duties, salary or compensation will not affect the validity or scope of this Intellectual Property Agreement.

 

(c) Severability. If one or more of the provisions in this Intellectual Property Agreement are deemed void or unenforceable by law, then such void or unenforceable portion(s) shall be limited or excluded from this Intellectual Property Agreement to the minimum extent required so that this Intellectual Property Agreement shall otherwise remain in full force and effect and enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

(d) Successors and Assigns. This Intellectual Property Agreement will be binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives and will be for the benefit of the Company, its successors, and its assigns. This Intellectual Property Agreement is fully assignable and transferable by Company, but any purported assignment or transfer by me is void.

 

4

 

 

I HAVE READ TIDS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY AND I UNDERSTAND AND ACCEYf THE OBLIGATIONS WHICH IT IMPOSES UPON ME WITHOUT RESERVATION. NO PROMISES OR REPRESENTATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TO ME TO INDUCE ME TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT. I SIGN TIDS AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND FREELY, IN DUPLICATE, WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE COMPANY WILL RETAIN ONE COUNTERPART AND THE OTHER COUNTERPART WILL BE RETAINED BY ME.

 

___________, 2017   Employee
     
     
    Signature
     
    Name (Printed)

 

5

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

PRIOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

California Labor Code Section 2870. Application of provision that employee shall assign or offer to assign rights in invention to employer.

 

(a) Any provision in an employment agreement which provides that an employee shall assign, or offer to assign, any of his or her rights in an invention to his or her employer shall not apply to an invention that the employee developed entirely on his or her own time without using the employer’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information except for those inventions that either:

 

(1) Relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the employer’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the employer.

 

(2) Result from any work performed by the employee for the employer.

 

(b) To the extent a provision in an employment agreement purports to require an employee to assign an invention otherwise excluded from being required to be assigned under subdivision (a), the provision is against the public policy of this state and is unenforceable.

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT C

LAUNCHERONE, LLC

Termination Certificate

 

Th.is is to certify that I do not have in my possession, nor have I failed to return, any devices, records, data, notes, reports, proposals, lists, correspondence, specifications, drawings, blueprints, sketches, materials, equipment, other documents or property, or reproductions of any aforementioned items belonging to LauncherOne, LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or assigns (together, the “Company”).

 

I further certify that I have complied with all the terms of the Company’s Employment, Confidential Information and Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement signed by me (the “Intellectual Property Agreement”), including the reporting of any Intellectual Property (as defined therein), conceived or made by me (solely or jointly with others) covered by the Intellectual Property Agreement.

 

I further agree that, in compliance with the Intellectual Property Agreement, I will preserve as confidential all trade secrets, confidential knowledge, data or other proprietary information relating. to products, processes, know-how, designs, formulas, developmental or experimental work, computer programs, data bases, other original works of authorship, customer lists, business plans, financial information or other subject matter pertaining to any business of the Company or any of its employees, clients, consultants or licensees.

 

I further agree that for twelve (12) months from the last date of my employment with the Company, I shall not solicit or encourage any employee or consultant of the Company to leave or terminate his or her relationship the Company for any reason, on behalf of myself or any other person, firm, corporation, association or other entity, directly or indirectly, all as provided more fully with the Intellectual Property Agreement.

 

Date:       
    (Signature)

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX E

 

NEW EMPLOYEE AGREEMENT

 

I, _____________ as a new employee of LauncherOne, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company’’), agree to the following:

 

Return All Property of Prior Employers

 

I will return all property belonging to my prior employers. Obviously, any laptop computer, computer disks, flash drives, documents, files, books, cell phones, credit cards or other tangible property belonging to my prior employers must be returned to them. In addition, any calendars, notebooks, confidential contact information, and documents concerning my prior employer’s business or which were generated or prepared while working for my prior employer are the property of that employer and also must be returned to them.

 

I will NEVER bring any property, including documents, files or other materials belonging to my prior employers onto the Company’s premises or use them for any purpose while working for the Company.

 

Protect the Proprietary Information of Prior Employers

 

I agree not to use any confidential or proprietary information of any prior employer in performing my job duties for the Company. Furthermore, I will never disclose such information to any Company employee.

 

Under no circumstances will I access my prior employers’ e-mail, voicemail or other electronic systems for any purpose unless I have been authorized in writing to do so by my prior employer.

 

Except as may be required by compulsory legal process or for the benefit of the Company, I will not disclose confidential information of the Company to anyone outside of the Company.

 

Solicitation of Employees

 

I agree to comply with any agreement I signed prohibiting me from soliciting employees of my prior employers. If my non-solicitation clause remains in effect for more than one year after termination of my employment with that prior employer, I will discuss the matter with the People/Human Resources department.

 

If I am subject to a non-solicitation obligation, I agree to abide by the following guidelines:

 

Do not initiate discussions with employees of my prior employer about the possibility of working for the Company. I can, however, inform them that I am now working at the Company.

 

If former co-workers contact me about possible employment at the Company, I will tell them that I cannot talk with them about the matter. Instead, I will refer them to the People Department, who will follow up with them.

 

Do not participate in interviews, recruiting dinners or any other activities related to the interviewing or selection process regarding any employee of my former employer.

 

 

 

 

If I am contacted by another company about the possibility of leaving the Company’s employ, I will consider asking for information about the person contacting me and the company that he or she represents. I will consider asking the following questions:

 

who is calling;

 

on behalf of what company he or she is calling;

 

how he or she got my name;

 

what is being offered;

 

what position is being filled; and

 

whether they are speaking with other individuals.

 

If I believe that I am being solicited, I will consider informing my manager of the answers I have obtained to these questions. If I decide to inform my manager of another company’s solicitation efforts, ] will be helping the Company evaluate the actions of our competitors and make certain they also play by the rules.

 

Provide Company with Copy of Agreements

 

I represent and warrant that I have provided the Company with a copy of all agreements that I signed at my prior employers regarding non-competition, non-solicitation, no- hire, restrictive covenants, proprietary and confidential information and related subject matter.

 

Miscellaneous

 

The terms of this Agreement and the resolution of any disputes as to the meaning, effect, performance or validity of this Agreement or arising out of, related to, or in any way connected with, this Agreement (the “Disputes”) will be governed by California law, excluding laws relating to conflicts or choice of law. The Company and I submit to the exclusive personal jurisdiction of the federal and state courts located in Los Angeles County, California in connection with any Dispute or any claim related to any Dispute. I further agree that if one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be illegal or unenforceable under applicable California law, such illegal or unenforceable portion(s) shall be limited or excluded from this Agreement to the minimum extent required so that this Agreement shall otherwise remain in full force and effect and enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

Acknowledgment

 

I have read and understand the terms of this Agreement, and I will abide by it at all times.

 

     
Signature   Print Name
     
     
Date    

 

2

 

 

AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO

 

HART EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This AMENDMENT NO. 1, is dated as of June 1, 2021 (this “Amendment”), and relates to the Employment Agreement, dated as of February 13, 2017 ( the “Employment Agreement”), by and between LauncherOne, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which has subsequently been renamed Virgin Orbit, LLC (the “Company”), and Daniel Hart, an individual (the “Executive”). Capitalized terms used and not defined in this Amendment shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Employment Agreement.

 

WHEREAS, the parties wish to (i) provide an additional bonus opportunity for Executive and (ii) acknowledge certain changes that have been made to Executive’s compensation as a result of periodic reviews pursuant to the provisions of the Employment Agreement;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements contained in this Amendment and other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency and receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 

SECTION 1. Amendment to the Employment Agreement.

 

(a) New Milestone Bonus. A new Section 1.6A (“Milestone Bonus”) shall be added between Sections 1.6 and 1.7, as follows:

 

1.6A Milestone Bonus. The Company shall pay to Executive an amount which in the aggregate is equal to Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000), payable within sixty (60) days of the Fifth Commercial Launch. For purposes of this Agreement, “Fifth Commercial Launch” means the fifth successful revenue-generating deployment of a satellite by the Company’s small satellite launch system into its intended orbit (other than deployments of any such satellites pursuant to launches that are designated by the Company as “test” or “qualification” launches), provided that the Company’s Launch Demo2, conducted on January 17, 2021, shall qualify as a successful revenue-generating deployment and not as a test launch.

 

SECTION 2. Acknowledgments. Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that: (a) pursuant to Section 1.4 of the Employment Agreement, the Board has reviewed and increased his Base Salary from time to time, and his current Base Salary, as of December 28, 2020, is Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000); (b) pursuant to Section 1.6.3 of the Employment Agreement, the parties agreed to increase the amount of the bonus payment to Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000) and such payment was made to Executive following the Company’s successful Launch Demo2 launch on January 17, 2021; (c) pursuant to Section 1.7 of the Employment Agreement, the Board has reviewed and increased his annual performance bonus from time to time, and his current bonus target, effective January 1, 2021, is seventy-five percent (75%) of Executive’s Base Salary; and (d) the Company’s parent, VO Holdings, Inc., has granted Executive, and Executive has accepted, options to purchase 676,091 shares of its common stock under its 2017 Stock Incentive Plan.

 

Amendment No. 1 1  
 

 

SECTION 3. Representations and Warranties. To induce each other to enter into this Amendment, each party represents and warrants that this Amendment has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such party, and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such party.

 

SECTION 4. Effect. Except as expressly set forth herein, (a) this Amendment shall not alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms, conditions, obligations or covenants contained in the Employment Agreement, all of which are ratified and affirmed in all respects and shall continue in full force and effect, and (b) nothing herein shall be deemed to be a waiver or other change of any of the terms, conditions, obligations or covenants contained in the Employment Agreement in similar or different circumstances.

 

SECTION 5. Miscellaneous. This Amendment constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the parties, and supersedes all prior communications, transactions, and understandings, whether oral or written, with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the date first above written.

 

  VIRGIN ORBIT, LLC
   
  By:                                       
  Name:  
  Title:  
   
  EXECUTIVE:
   
  DANIEL HART

 

   
  By: /s/ Daniel Hart 
   

 

 

Amendment No. 1 2  

Exhibit 10.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Virgin Orbit HOLDINGS, INC.

 

Amended and Restated

2017 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

 

Initially ADOPTED ON JUNE 15, 2017

Amended and Restated on December 29, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE 2
     
SECTION 2. ADMINISTRATION 2
(a) Committees of the Board of Directors 2
(b) Authority of the Board of Directors 2
     
SECTION 3. ELIGIBILITY 3
(a) General Rule 3
(b) Ten-Percent Stockholders 3
     
SECTION 4. STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN 3
(a) Basic Limitation 3
(b) Additional Shares 3
     
SECTION 5. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF AWARDS OR SALES OF SHARES 3
(a) Stock Grant or Purchase Agreement 3
(b) Duration of Offers and Nontransferability of Rights 3
(c) Purchase Price 3
     
SECTION 6. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS 4
(a) Stock Option Agreement 4
(b) Number of Shares 4
(c) Exercise Price 4
(d) Exercisability 4
(e) Basic Term 4
(f) Termination of Service (Except by Death) 5
(g) Leaves of Absence 5
(h) Death of Optionee 5
(i) Restrictions on Transfer of Options 6
(j) No Rights as a Stockholder 6
(k) Modification, Extension and Assumption of Options 6
(l) Company’s Right to Cancel Certain Options 6
     
SECTION 7. STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS 6
(a) SAR Agreement 6
(b) Number of Shares 6
(c) Exercise Price 7
(d) Exercisability and Term 7
(e) Effect of Change in Control 7
(f) Exercise of SARs 7
(g) Death of Optionee 7
(h) Modification or Assumption of SARs 7

 

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SECTION 8. PAYMENT FOR SHARES 8
(a) General Rule 8
(b) Services Rendered 8
(c) Promissory Note 8
(d) Surrender of Stock 8
(e) Exercise/Sale 8
(f) Net Exercise 8
(g) Other Forms of Payment 9
     
SECTION 9. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS 9
(a) Restricted Stock Unit Agreement 9
(b) Payment for Restricted Stock Units 9
(c) Vesting Conditions 9
(d) Forfeiture 9
(e) Leaves of Absence 9
(f) Voting and Dividend Rights 9
(g) Form and Time of Settlement of Restricted Stock Units 9
(h) Death of Recipient 10
(i) Creditors’ Rights 10
(j) Modification, Extension and Assumption of Restricted Stock Units 10
(k) Restrictions on Transfer of Restricted Stock Units 10
     
SECTION 10. ADJUSTMENT OF SHARES 10
(a) General 10
(b) Corporate Transactions 11
(c) Reservation of Rights 12
     
SECTION 11. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 13
(a) Securities Law Requirements 13
(b) No Retention Rights 13
(c) Treatment as Compensation 13
(d) Governing Law 13
(e) Conditions and Restrictions on Shares 13
(f) Tax Matters 14
     
SECTION 12. DURATION AND AMENDMENTS; STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL 14
(a) Term of the Plan 14
(b) Right to Amend or Terminate the Plan 14
(c) Effect of Amendment or Termination 15
(d) Stockholder Approval 15
     
SECTION 13. DEFINITIONS 15

 

ii

 

 

Virgin Orbit HOLDINGS, INC. 2017

Amended and Restated STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

 

SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE.

 

The purpose of this Plan is to offer persons selected by the Company an opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in the success of the Company, or to increase such interest, by acquiring Shares of the Company’s Stock. The Plan provides for the direct award or sale of Shares, the grant of Options to purchase Shares, the grant of SARs and the grant of Restricted Stock Units. Options granted under the Plan may be ISOs intended to qualify under Code Section 422 or NSOs which are not intended to so qualify.

 

Capitalized terms are defined in Section 13.

 

SECTION 2. ADMINISTRATION.

 

(a) Committees of the Board of Directors. The Plan may be administered by one or more Committees. Each Committee shall consist, as required by applicable law, of one or more members of the Board of Directors who have been appointed by the Board of Directors. Each Committee shall have such authority and be responsible for such functions as the Board of Directors has assigned to it. If no Committee has been appointed, the entire Board of Directors shall administer the Plan. Any reference to the Board of Directors in the Plan shall be construed as a reference to the Committee (if any) to whom the Board of Directors has assigned a particular function.

 

(b) Authority of the Board of Directors. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Board of Directors shall have full authority and discretion to take any actions it deems necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, with respect to the terms and conditions of Awards granted to Participants outside the United States, the Board of Directors may vary from the provisions of the Plan to the extent it determines it necessary and appropriate to do so; provided that it may not vary from those Plan terms requiring stockholder approval pursuant to Section 12(d) below. All decisions, interpretations and other actions of the Board of Directors shall be final and binding on all Participants and all persons deriving their rights from a Participant.

 

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SECTION 3. ELIGIBILITY.

 

(a) General Rule. Only Employees, Outside Directors and Consultants shall be eligible for the grant of NSOs, SARs, Restricted Stock Units or the direct award or sale of Shares. Only Employees of the Company, a Parent or any Subsidiary shall be eligible for the grant of ISOs.

 

(b) Ten-Percent Stockholders. A person who owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of outstanding stock of the Company, its Parent or any of its Subsidiaries shall not be eligible for the grant of an ISO unless (i) the Exercise Price is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Date of Grant and (ii) such ISO by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the Date of Grant. For purposes of this Subsection (b), in determining stock ownership, the attribution rules of Code Section 424(d) shall be applied.

 

SECTION 4. STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN.

 

(a) Basic Limitation. Not more than 10,825,081 Shares may be issued under the Plan, subject to Subsection (b) below and Section 10(a). All of these Shares may be issued upon the exercise of ISOs. The number of Shares that are subject to Awards outstanding at any time under the Plan may not exceed the number of Shares that then remain available for issuance under the Plan. The Company, during the term of the Plan, shall at all times reserve and keep available sufficient Shares to satisfy the requirements of the Plan. Shares offered under the Plan may be authorized but unissued Shares or treasury Shares.

 

(b) Additional Shares. In the event that Shares previously issued under the Plan are reacquired by the Company, such Shares shall be added to the number of Shares then available for issuance under the Plan. In the event that Shares that otherwise would have been issuable under the Plan are withheld by the Company in payment of the Purchase Price, Exercise Price or withholding taxes, such Shares shall remain available for issuance under the Plan. In the event that an outstanding Award for any reason expires or is canceled, the Shares allocable to the expired or cancelled portion of the Award shall be added to the number of Shares then available for issuance under the Plan. To the extent a Restricted Stock Unit is settled in cash, the cash settlement shall not reduce the number of Shares remaining available for issuance under the Plan.

 

SECTION 5. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF AWARDS OR SALES OF SHARES.

 

(a) Stock Grant or Purchase Agreement. Each Award of Shares under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Stock Grant Agreement between the Grantee and the Company. Each sale of Shares under the Plan (other than upon exercise of an Option or SAR) shall be evidenced by a Stock Purchase Agreement between the Purchaser and the Company. Such Award or sale shall be subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms and conditions which are not inconsistent with the Plan and which the Board of Directors deems appropriate for inclusion in a Stock Grant Agreement or Stock Purchase Agreement. The provisions of the various Stock Grant Agreements and Stock Purchase Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.

 

(b) Duration of Offers and Nontransferability of Rights. Any right to purchase Shares under the Plan (other than an Option or, if applicable, a SAR) shall automatically expire if not exercised by the Purchaser within 30 days (or such other period as may be specified in the Award Agreement) after the grant of such right was communicated to the Purchaser by the Company. Such right is not transferable and may be exercised only by the Purchaser to whom such right was granted.

 

(c) Purchase Price. The Board of Directors shall determine the Purchase Price of Shares to be offered under the Plan at its sole discretion. The Purchase Price shall be payable in a form described in Section 7.

 

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SECTION 6. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS.

 

(a) Stock Option Agreement. Each grant of an Option under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Stock Option Agreement between the Optionee and the Company. The Option shall be subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms and conditions that are not inconsistent with the Plan and that the Board of Directors deems appropriate for inclusion in a Stock Option Agreement. The provisions of the various Stock Option Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical. In addition, the Board of Directors may require that the spouse of any married Optionee also promptly execute and return to the Company a spousal consent form in connection with the grant or exercise of an Option.

 

(b) Number of Shares. Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the number of Shares that are subject to the Option and shall provide for the adjustment of such number in accordance with Section 8. The Stock Option Agreement shall also specify whether the Option is an ISO or an NSO.

 

(c) Exercise Price. Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the Exercise Price. The Exercise Price of an Option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Date of Grant, and in the case of an ISO a higher percentage may be required by Section 3(b). Subject to the preceding sentence, the Exercise Price shall be determined by the Board of Directors at its sole discretion. The Exercise Price shall be payable in a form described in Section 8. This Subsection (c) shall not apply to an Option granted pursuant to an assumption of, or substitution for, another option in a manner that complies with Code Section 424(a) (whether or not the Option is an ISO).

 

(d) Exercisability. Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the date when all or any installment of the Option is to become exercisable. No Option shall be exercisable unless the Optionee (i) has delivered an executed copy of the Stock Option Agreement (along with an executed spousal consent form, if applicable) to the Company or (ii) otherwise agrees to be bound by the terms of the Stock Option Agreement. The Board of Directors shall determine the exercisability provisions of the Stock Option Agreement at its sole discretion.

 

(e) Basic Term. The Stock Option Agreement shall specify the term of the Option. The term shall not exceed 10 years from the Date of Grant, and in the case of an ISO, a shorter term may be required by Section 3(b). Subject to the preceding sentence, the Board of Directors at its sole discretion shall determine when an Option is to expire.

 

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(f) Termination of Service (Except by Death). If an Optionee’s Service terminates for any reason other than the Optionee’s death, then the Optionee’s Options shall expire on the earliest of the following dates:

 

(i) The expiration date determined pursuant to Subsection (e) above;

 

(ii) The date three months after the termination of the Optionee’s Service for any reason other than Disability, or such earlier or later date as the Board of Directors may determine (but in no event earlier than 30 days after the termination of the Optionee’s Service); or

 

(iii) The date six months after the termination of the Optionee’s Service by reason of Disability, or such later date as the Board of Directors may determine.

 

The Optionee may exercise all or part of the Optionee’s Options at any time before the expiration of such Options under the preceding sentence, but only to the extent that such Options had become exercisable before the Optionee’s Service terminated (or became exercisable as a result of the termination) and the underlying Shares had vested before the Optionee’s Service terminated (or vested as a result of the termination). The balance of such Options shall lapse when the Optionee’s Service terminates. In the event that the Optionee dies after the termination of the Optionee’s Service but before the expiration of the Optionee’s Options all or part of such Options may be exercised (prior to expiration) by the executors or administrators of the Optionee’s estate or by any person who has acquired such Options directly from the Optionee by beneficiary designation, bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent that such Options had become exercisable before the Optionee’s Service terminated (or became exercisable as a result of the termination) and the underlying Shares had vested before the Optionee’s Service terminated (or vested as a result of the termination).

 

(g) Leaves of Absence. For purposes of Subsection (f) above, Service shall be deemed to continue while the Optionee is on a bona fide leave of absence, if such leave was approved by the Company in writing and if continued crediting of Service for this purpose is expressly required by the terms of such leave or by applicable law (as determined by the Company).

 

(h) Death of Optionee. If an Optionee dies while the Optionee is in Service, then the Optionee’s Options shall expire on the earlier of the following dates:

 

(i) The expiration date determined pursuant to Subsection (e) above; or

 

(ii) The date 12 months after the Optionee’s death, or such earlier or later date as the Board of Directors may determine (but in no event earlier than six months after the Optionee’s death).

 

All or part of the Optionee’s Options may be exercised at any time before the expiration of such Options under the preceding sentence by the executors or administrators of the Optionee’s estate or by any person who has acquired such Options directly from the Optionee by beneficiary designation, bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent that such Options had become exercisable before the Optionee’s death (or became exercisable as a result of the death) and the underlying Shares had vested before the Optionee’s death (or vested as a result of the Optionee’s death). The balance of such Options shall lapse when the Optionee dies.

 

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(i) Restrictions on Transfer of Options. An Option shall be transferable by the Optionee only by (i) a beneficiary designation, (ii) a will or (iii) the laws of descent and distribution, except as provided in the next sentence. If the applicable Stock Option Agreement so provides, an NSO shall also be transferable by gift or domestic relations order to a Family Member of the Optionee. An ISO may be exercised during the lifetime of the Optionee only by the Optionee or by the Optionee’s guardian or legal representative.

 

(j) No Rights as a Stockholder. An Optionee, or a transferee of an Optionee, shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any Shares covered by the Optionee’s Option until such person files a notice of exercise, pays the Exercise Price and satisfies all applicable withholding taxes pursuant to the terms of such Option.

 

(k) Modification, Extension and Assumption of Options. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Board of Directors may modify, extend or assume outstanding Options or may accept the cancellation of outstanding Options (whether granted by the Company or another issuer) in return for the grant of new Options or a different type of Award for the same or a different number of Shares and at the same or a different Exercise Price (if applicable). The foregoing notwithstanding, no modification of an Option shall, without the consent of the Optionee, impair the Optionee’s rights or increase the Optionee’s obligations under such Option.

 

(l) Company’s Right to Cancel Certain Options. Any other provision of the Plan or a Stock Option Agreement notwithstanding, the Company shall have the right at any time to cancel an Option that was not granted in compliance with Rule 701 under the Securities Act. Prior to canceling such Option, the Company shall give the Optionee not less than 30 days’ notice in writing. If the Company elects to cancel such Option, it shall deliver to the Optionee consideration with an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to such Option as of the time of the cancellation over (ii) the Exercise Price of such Option. The consideration may be delivered in the form of cash or cash equivalents, in the form of Shares, or a combination of both. If the consideration would be a negative amount, such Option may be cancelled without the delivery of any consideration.

 

SECTION 7. STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS.

 

(a) SAR Agreement. Each grant of a SAR under the Plan shall be evidenced by a SAR Agreement between the Optionee and the Company. Such SAR shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The provisions of the various SAR Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.

 

(b) Number of Shares. Each SAR Agreement shall specify the number of Shares to which the SAR pertains, which number shall adjust in accordance with Section 10.

 

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(c) Exercise Price. Each SAR Agreement shall specify the Exercise Price, which shall in no event be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant. The preceding sentence shall not apply to SARs granted pursuant to an assumption of, or substitution for, another SAR in a manner that would satisfy the requirements of Section 424(a) of the Code if such section were applicable.

 

(d) Exercisability and Term. Each SAR Agreement shall specify the date when all or any installment of the SAR is to become vested and exercisable. The SAR Agreement shall also specify the term of the SAR; provided that the term of a SAR shall in no event exceed 7 years from the date of grant. A SAR Agreement may provide for accelerated vesting and exercisability in the event of the Optionee’s death, disability or retirement or other events and may provide for expiration prior to the end of its term in the event of the termination of the Optionee’s Service. A SAR granted under the Plan may provide that it will be vested and exercisable only in the event of a Change in Control.

 

(e) Effect of Change in Control. The Committee may determine, at the time of granting a SAR or thereafter, that such SAR shall become vested and exercisable as to all or part of the Shares subject to such SAR in the event that the Company is subject to a Change in Control or in the event that the Optionee is subject to an involuntary termination (as defined in the applicable SAR Agreement) after a Change in Control. In addition, acceleration of vesting and exercisability may be required under Section 10.

 

(f) Exercise of SARs. Upon exercise of a SAR, the Optionee (or any person having the right to exercise the SAR after his or her death) shall receive from the Company (a) Shares, (b) cash or (c) a combination of Common Shares and cash, as the Board of Directors shall determine. The amount of cash and/or the Fair Market Value of Shares received upon exercise of a SAR shall, in the aggregate, not exceed the amount by which the Fair Market Value (on the date of surrender) of the Shares subject to the SAR exceeds the Exercise Price. If, on the date when a SAR expires, the Exercise Price is less than the Fair Market Value on such date but any portion of such SAR has not been exercised or surrendered, then such SAR shall automatically be deemed to be exercised as of such date with respect to such portion. A SAR Agreement may also provide for an automatic exercise of the SAR on an earlier date.

 

(g) Death of Optionee. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable SAR Agreements, after an Optionee’s death, any vested and exercisable SARs held by such Optionee may be exercised by his or her beneficiary or beneficiaries. Each Optionee may designate one or more beneficiaries for this purpose by filing the prescribed form with the Company. A beneficiary designation may be changed by filing the prescribed form with the Company at any time before the Optionee’s death. If no beneficiary was designated or if no designated beneficiary survives the Optionee, then any vested and exercisable SARs held by the Optionee may be exercised by his or her estate, except as otherwise provided in the applicable SAR Agreements.

 

(h) Modification or Assumption of SARs. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Board of Directors may modify, reprice, extend or assume outstanding SARs or may accept the cancellation of outstanding SARs (whether granted by the Company or by another issuer) in return for the grant of new SARs for the same or a different number of shares and at the same or a different exercise price or in return for the grant of a different type of Award.

 

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SECTION 8. PAYMENT FOR SHARES.

 

(a) General Rule. The entire Purchase Price or Exercise Price of Shares issued under the Plan shall be payable in cash or cash equivalents at the time when such Shares are purchased, except as otherwise provided in this Section 8. In addition, the Board of Directors in its sole discretion may also permit payment through any of the methods described in (b) through (g) below.

 

(b) Services Rendered. Shares may be awarded under the Plan in consideration of services rendered to the Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary prior to the Award.

 

(c) Promissory Note. All or a portion of the Purchase Price or Exercise Price (as the case may be) of Shares issued under the Plan may be paid with a full-recourse promissory note. The Shares shall be pledged as security for payment of the principal amount of the promissory note and interest thereon. The interest rate payable under the terms of the promissory note shall not be less than the minimum rate (if any) required to avoid the imputation of additional interest under the Code. Subject to the foregoing, the Board of Directors (at its sole discretion) shall specify the term, interest rate, amortization requirements (if any) and other provisions of such note.

 

(d) Surrender of Stock. All or any part of the Exercise Price may be paid by surrendering, or attesting to the ownership of, Shares that are already owned by the Optionee. Such Shares shall be surrendered to the Company in good form for transfer and shall be valued at their Fair Market Value as of the date when the Option is exercised.

 

(e) Exercise/Sale. If the Stock is publicly traded, all or part of the Exercise Price and any withholding taxes may be paid by the delivery (on a form prescribed by the Company) of an irrevocable direction to a securities broker approved by the Company to sell Shares and to deliver all or part of the sales proceeds to the Company.

 

(f) Net Exercise. An Option may permit exercise through a “net exercise” arrangement pursuant to which the Company will reduce the number of Shares issued upon exercise by the largest whole number of Shares having an aggregate Fair Market Value (determined by the Board of Directors as of the exercise date) that does not exceed the aggregate Exercise Price or the sum of the aggregate Exercise Price plus all or a portion of the minimum amount required to be withheld under applicable tax law (with the Company accepting from the Optionee payment of cash or cash equivalents to satisfy any remaining balance of the aggregate Exercise Price and, if applicable, any additional withholding obligation not satisfied through such reduction in Shares); provided that to the extent Shares subject to an Option are withheld in this manner, the number of Shares subject to the Option following the net exercise will be reduced by the sum of the number of Shares withheld and the number of Shares delivered to the Optionee as a result of the exercise.

 

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(g) Other Forms of Payment. To the extent that an Award Agreement so provides, the Purchase Price or Exercise Price of Shares issued under the Plan may be paid in any other form permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended.

 

SECTION 9. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS.

 

(a) Restricted Stock Unit Agreement. Each grant of Restricted Stock Units under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Restricted Stock Unit Agreement between the Recipient and the Company. Such Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms and conditions that are not inconsistent with the Plan and which the Board of Directors deems appropriate for inclusion in a Restricted Stock Unit Agreement. The provisions of the various Restricted Stock Unit Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.

 

(b) Payment for Restricted Stock Units. No cash consideration shall be required of the Recipient in connection with the grant of Restricted Stock Units.

 

(c) Vesting Conditions. Restricted Stock Units may or may not be subject to vesting, as determined in the discretion of the Board of Directors. Vesting may occur, in full or in installments, upon the satisfaction of the vesting conditions specified in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, which may include continued employment or other Service, achievement of performance goals and/or such other criteria as the Board of Directors may determine. A Restricted Stock Unit Agreement may provide for accelerated vesting upon specified events.

 

(d) Forfeiture. Unless a Restricted Stock Unit Agreement provides otherwise, upon termination of the Recipient’s Service and upon such other times specified in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, any unvested Restricted Stock Units shall be forfeited to the Company.

 

(e) Leaves of Absence. For this purpose, Service will not cease if a Recipient is on a bona fide leave of absence that was approved by the Company in writing and if continued crediting of Service for this purpose is expressly required by the terms of such leave or by applicable law (as determined by the Company).

 

(f) Voting and Dividend Rights. The Recipient of Restricted Stock Units shall have no voting rights. Prior to settlement or forfeiture, any Restricted Stock Unit granted under the Plan may, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, carry with it a right to dividend equivalents. Such right entitles the Recipient to be credited with an amount equal to all cash dividends paid on one Share while the Restricted Stock Unit is outstanding. Dividend equivalents may be converted into additional Restricted Stock Units. Settlement of dividend equivalents may be made in the form of cash, in the form of Shares, or in a combination of both. Prior to distribution, any dividend equivalents that are not paid shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions as the Restricted Stock Units to which they attach.

 

(g) Form and Time of Settlement of Restricted Stock Units. Settlement of vested Restricted Stock Units may be made in the form of (i) cash, (ii) Shares or (iii) any combination of both, as determined by the Board of Directors. The actual number of Restricted Stock Units eligible for settlement may be larger or smaller than the number included in the original Award, based on predetermined performance factors. Vested Restricted Stock Units shall be settled in such manner and at such time(s) as specified in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement. Until Restricted Stock Units are settled, the number of such Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 10.

 

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(h) Death of Recipient. Any Restricted Stock Units that become distributable after the Recipient’s death shall be distributed to the Recipient’s beneficiary or beneficiaries, if any have been designated, or if no beneficiary was designated or if no designated beneficiary survives the Recipient, then any Restricted Stock Units that become payable after the Recipient’s death shall be distributed to his or her estate. Each Recipient under the Plan may designate one or more beneficiaries for this purpose by filing the prescribed form with the Company. A beneficiary designation may be changed by filing the prescribed form with the Company at any time before the Recipient’s death.

 

(i) Creditors’ Rights. A Recipient of Restricted Stock Units shall have no rights other than those of a general creditor of the Company. Restricted Stock Units represent an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable Restricted Stock Unit Agreement.

 

(j) Modification, Extension and Assumption of Restricted Stock Units. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Board of Directors may modify, extend or assume outstanding Restricted Stock Units. The foregoing notwithstanding, no modification of a Restricted Stock Unit shall, without the consent of the Recipient, impair the Recipient’s rights or increase the Recipient’s obligations under such Restricted Stock Unit.

 

(k) Restrictions on Transfer of Restricted Stock Units. A Restricted Stock Unit shall be transferable by the Recipient only by (i) a beneficiary designation, (ii) a will or (iii) the laws of descent and distribution or, if the Board of Directors so provides, in a Restricted Stock Unit Agreement or otherwise, a Restricted Stock Unit shall also be transferable by gift or domestic relations order to a Family Member of the Recipient.

 

SECTION 10. ADJUSTMENT OF SHARES.

 

(a) General. In the event of a subdivision of the outstanding Stock, a declaration of a dividend payable in Shares, a combination or consolidation of the outstanding Stock into a lesser number of Shares, a reclassification, or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company, proportionate adjustments shall automatically be made in each of (i) the number and kind of Shares available for future grants under Section 4, (ii) the number and kind of Shares covered by each outstanding and unexpired Award, (iii) the Exercise Price under each outstanding Option or SAR and the Purchase Price applicable to any unexercised stock purchase right and (iv) any repurchase price that applies to Shares granted under the Plan pursuant to the terms of a Company repurchase right under the applicable Award Agreement. In the event of a declaration of an extraordinary dividend payable in a form other than Shares in an amount that has a material effect on the Fair Market Value of the Stock, a recapitalization, a spin-off, or a similar occurrence, the Board of Directors at its sole discretion may make appropriate adjustments in one or more of the items listed in clauses (i) through (iv) above; provided, however, that the Board of Directors shall in any event make such adjustments as may be required by Section 25102(o) of the California Corporations Code. No fractional Shares shall be issued under the Plan as a result of an adjustment under this Section 10(a), although the Board of Directors in its sole discretion may make a cash payment in lieu of fractional Shares.

 

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(b) Corporate Transactions. In the event that the Company is a party to a merger or consolidation, or in the event of a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s stock or assets, all Shares acquired under the Plan and all Options and other Plan Awards outstanding on the effective date of the transaction shall be treated in the manner described in the definitive transaction agreement (or, in the event the transaction does not entail a definitive agreement to which the Company is party, in the manner determined by the Board of Directors in its capacity as administrator of the Plan, with such determination having final and binding effect on all parties), which agreement or determination need not treat all Awards (or all portions of an Award) in an identical manner. The treatment specified in the transaction agreement or as determined by the Board of Directors may include (without limitation) one or more of the following with respect to each outstanding Award:

 

(i) Continuation of the outstanding Award by the Company (if the Company is the surviving corporation).

 

(ii) Assumption of the Award by the surviving corporation or its parent, provided that the assumption of Options or SARs shall be in a manner that complies with Code Section 409A (whether or not the Award is an ISO) and, if so determined by the Board of Directors, with Code Section 424(a) (if the Award is an ISO).

 

(iii) Substitution by the surviving corporation or its parent of equivalent awards for outstanding Awards (including but not limited to an award to acquire the same consideration paid to the holders of shares in the transaction) provided that the assumption of Options or SARs shall be in a manner that complies with Code Section 409A (whether or not the Award is an ISO) and, if so determined by the Board of Directors, with Code Section 424(a) (if the Award is an ISO).

 

(iv) Cancellation of the Option or SAR and a payment to the Optionee with respect to each Share subject to the portion of the Option or SAR that is vested as of the transaction date equal to the excess of (A) the value, as determined by the Board of Directors in its absolute discretion, of the property (including cash) received by the holder of a share of Stock as a result of the transaction, over (B) the per-Share Exercise Price of the Option or SAR (such excess, the “Spread”). Such payment shall be made in the form of cash, cash equivalents, or securities of the surviving corporation or its parent having a value equal to the Spread. In addition, any escrow, holdback, earn-out or similar provisions in the transaction agreement may apply to such payment to the same extent and in the same manner as such provisions apply to the holders of Stock. If the Spread applicable to an Option or SAR is zero or a negative number, then the Option or SAR may be cancelled without making a payment to the Optionee.

 

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(v) Cancellation of the Option without the payment of any consideration; provided that the Optionee shall be notified of such treatment and given an opportunity to exercise the Option (to the extent the Option is vested or becomes vested as of the effective date of the transaction) during a period of not less than five (5) business days preceding the effective date of the transaction, unless (A) a shorter period is required to permit a timely closing of the transaction and (B) such shorter period still offers the Optionee a reasonable opportunity to exercise the Option. Any exercise of the Option during such period may be contingent upon the closing of the transaction.

 

(vi) Suspension of the Optionee’s right to exercise the Option during a limited period of time preceding the closing of the transaction if such suspension is administratively necessary to permit the closing of the transaction.

 

(vii) Termination of any right the Optionee has to exercise the Option prior to vesting in the Shares subject to the Option (i.e., “early exercise”), such that following the closing of the transaction the Option may only be exercised to the extent it is vested.

 

(viii) The cancellation of outstanding Restricted Stock Units and a payment to the Recipient with respect to each Share subject to the portion of the Restricted Stock Unit that is vested as of the transaction date equal to the value, as determined by the Board of Directors in its absolute discretion, of the property (including cash) received by the holder of a share of Stock as a result of the transaction (the “Transaction Value”). Such payment shall be made in the form of cash, cash equivalents, or securities of the surviving corporation or its parent having a value equal to the Transaction Value. In addition, any escrow, holdback, earn-out or similar provisions in the transaction agreement may apply to such payment to the same extent and in the same manner as such provisions apply to the holders of Stock. In the event that a Restricted Stock Unit is subject to Code Section 409A, the payment described in this Section 10(b)(viii) shall be made on the settlement date specified in the applicable Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, provided that settlement may be accelerated in accordance with Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(j)(4). Any action taken under this Section 10(b)(viii) must either preserve a Restricted Stock Unit’s status as exempt from Code Section 409A or comply with Code Section 409A.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, the Board of Directors has discretion to accelerate, in whole or part, the vesting and exercisability of an Award in connection with a corporate transaction covered by this Section 10(b).

 

(c) Reservation of Rights. Except as provided in this Section 10, a Participant shall have no rights by reason of (i) any subdivision or consolidation of shares of stock of any class, (ii) the payment of any dividend or (iii) any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of stock of any class. Any issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number of Shares subject to an Award or the Exercise Price of an Option or SAR. The grant of an Award pursuant to the Plan shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Company to make adjustments, reclassifications, reorganizations or changes of its capital or business structure, to merge or consolidate or to dissolve, liquidate, sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.

 

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SECTION 11. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.

 

(a) Securities Law Requirements. Shares shall not be issued under the Plan unless, in the opinion of counsel acceptable to the Board of Directors, the issuance and delivery of such Shares comply with (or are exempt from) all applicable requirements of law, including (without limitation) the Securities Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, state securities laws and regulations, and the regulations of any stock exchange or other securities market on which the Company’s securities may then be traded. The Company shall not be liable for a failure to issue Shares as a result of such requirements.

 

(b) No Retention Rights. Nothing in the Plan or in any Award under the Plan shall confer upon the Participant any right to continue in Service for any period of specific duration or interfere with or otherwise restrict in any way the rights of the Company (or any Parent, Affiliate or Subsidiary employing or retaining the Participant) or of the Participant, which rights are hereby expressly reserved by each, to terminate his or her Service at any time and for any reason, with or without cause.

 

(c) Treatment as Compensation. Any compensation that an individual earns or is deemed to earn under this Plan shall not be considered a part of his or her compensation for purposes of calculating contributions, accruals or benefits under any other plan or program that is maintained or funded by the Company, a Parent, Affiliate or a Subsidiary.

 

(d) Governing Law. The Plan and all Awards under the Plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, as such laws are applied to contracts entered into and performed in such State.

 

(e) Conditions and Restrictions on Shares. Shares issued under the Plan shall be subject to such forfeiture conditions, rights of repurchase, rights of first refusal, other transfer restrictions and such other terms and conditions as the Board of Directors may determine. Such conditions and restrictions shall be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement and shall apply in addition to any restrictions that may apply to holders of Shares generally. In addition, Shares issued under the Plan shall be subject to conditions and restrictions imposed either by applicable law or by Company policy, as adopted from time to time, designed to ensure compliance with applicable law or laws with which the Company determines in its sole discretion to comply including in order to maintain any statutory, regulatory or tax advantage.

 

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(f) Tax Matters.

 

(i) As a condition to the award, grant, issuance, vesting, purchase, exercise or transfer of any Award, or Shares issued pursuant to any Award, granted under this Plan, the Participant shall make such arrangements as the Board of Directors may require or permit for the satisfaction of any federal, state, local or foreign withholding tax obligations that may arise in connection with such event.

 

(ii) Unless otherwise expressly set forth in an Award Agreement, it is intended that Awards granted under the Plan shall be exempt from Code Section 409A, and any ambiguity in the terms of an Award Agreement and the Plan shall be interpreted consistently with this intent. To the extent an Award is not exempt from Code Section 409A (any such Award, a “409A Award”), any ambiguity in the terms of such Award and the Plan shall be interpreted in a manner that to the maximum extent permissible supports the Award’s compliance with the requirements of that statute. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary permitted under the Plan, in no event shall a modification of an Award not already subject to Code Section 409A be given effect if such modification would cause the Award to become subject to Code Section 409A unless the parties explicitly acknowledge and consent to the modification as one having that effect. A 409A Award shall be subject to such additional rules and requirements as specified by the Board of Directors from time to time in order for it to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A. In this regard, if any amount under a 409A Award is payable upon a “separation from service” to an individual who is considered a “specified employee” (as each term is defined under Code Section 409A), then no such payment shall be made prior to the date that is the earlier of (i) six months and one day after the Participant’s separation from service or (ii) the Participant’s death, but only to the extent such delay is necessary to prevent such payment from being subject to Section 409A(a)(1). In addition, if a transaction subject to Section 9(b) constitutes a payment event with respect to any 409A Award, then the transaction with respect to such Award must also constitute a “change in control event” as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) to the extent required by Code Section 409A.

 

(iii) Neither the Company nor any member of the Board of Directors shall have any liability to a Participant in the event an Award held by the Participant fails to achieve its intended characterization under applicable tax law.

 

SECTION 12. DURATION AND AMENDMENTS; STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL.

 

(a) Term of the Plan. The Plan, as set forth herein, shall become effective on the date of its adoption by the Board of Directors, subject to approval of the Company’s stockholders under Subsection (d) below. The Plan shall terminate automatically upon the effectiveness of the Company’s 2021 Incentive Award Plan.

 

(b) Right to Amend or Terminate the Plan. Subject to Subsection (d) below, the Board of Directors may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time and for any reason.

 

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(c) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No Shares shall be issued or sold and no Award granted under the Plan after the termination thereof, except upon exercise of an Option (or any other right to purchase Shares) granted under the Plan prior to such termination. The termination of the Plan, or any amendment thereof, shall not affect any Share previously issued or any Award previously granted under the Plan and the terms and conditions of the Plan shall survive its termination and continue to apply to any such Shares and Award.

 

(d) Stockholder Approval. To the extent required by applicable law, the Plan will be subject to approval of the Company’s stockholders within 12 months of its adoption date. To the extent required by applicable law, any amendment of the Plan will be subject to the approval of the Company’s stockholders within 12 months of the amendment date if it (i) increases the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan (except as provided in Section 10), or (ii) materially changes the class of persons who are eligible for the grant of ISOs. In addition, an amendment effecting any other material change to the Plan terms will be subject to approval of the Company’s stockholder only if required by applicable law. Stockholder approval shall not be required for any other amendment of the Plan.

 

SECTION 13. DEFINITIONS.

 

(a) “Affiliate” means any entity other than a Subsidiary, if the Company and/or one or more Subsidiaries or Parents own not less than 50% of such entity.

 

(b) “Award” means any award granted under the Plan, including an Option, a SAR, a Restricted Stock Unit or the grant or sale of Shares.

 

(c) “Award Agreement” means a Stock Grant Agreement, Stock Option Agreement, SAR Agreement, Stock Purchase Agreement or Restricted Stock Unit Agreement.

 

(d) “Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the Company, as constituted from time to time.

 

(e) “Change in Control” means the consummation of any of the following transactions in which holders of Shares receive cash, securities or other adequate consideration deemed acceptable by the Board of Directors: (i) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company determined on a consolidated basis to an unrelated person or entity; (ii) a merger, reorganization, or consolidation involving the Company in which the shares of voting stock of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such transaction represent or are converted into or exchanged for securities of the surviving or resulting entity immediately upon completion of such transaction which represent less than 50% of the outstanding voting power of such surviving or resulting entity; or (iii) the acquisition of all or a majority of the outstanding voting stock of the Company in a single transaction or series of related transactions by a person or group of persons who are unrelated to the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting stock of the Company immediately prior to the consummation of such transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, an initial public offering, any subsequent public offering, another capital raising event, and a merger effected solely to change the Company’s domicile shall not constitute a “Change in Control.” In addition, a transaction shall not constitute a Sale Event unless such transaction also qualifies as an event under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v) (change in the ownership of a corporation), Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vi) (change in the effective control of a corporation), or Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii) (change in the ownership of a substantial portion of a corporation’s assets).

 

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

 

(g) “Committee” means a committee of the Board of Directors, as described in Section 2(a).

 

(h) “Common Stock” means the Company’s common stock.

 

(i) “Company” means Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

(j) “Company Group” shall mean the Company and each Subsidiary, Affiliate and Parent.

 

(k) “Consultant” means a person, excluding Employees and Outside Directors, who performs bona fide services for the Company, a Parent, an Affiliate or a Subsidiary as a consultant or advisor and who qualifies as a consultant or advisor under Rule 701(c)(1) of the Securities Act or under Instruction A.1.(a)(1) of Form S-8 under the Securities Act.

 

(l) “Date of Grant” means the date of grant specified in the applicable Award Agreement, which date shall be the later of (i) the date on which the Board of Directors resolved to grant the Award or (ii) the first day of the Participant’s Service.

 

(m) “Disability” means that the applicable Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment.

 

(n) “Employee” means any individual who is a common-law employee of the Company, a Parent, an Affiliate or a Subsidiary.

 

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

 

(p) “Exercise Price” means, in the case of an Option, the amount for which one Share may be purchased upon exercise of an Option, as specified by the Board of Directors in the applicable Stock Option Agreement. In the case of a SAR, “Exercise Price” means an amount, as specified by the Board of Directors in the applicable SAR Agreement, which is subtracted from the Fair Market Value of one Common Share in determining the amount payable upon exercise of such SAR.

 

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(q) “Fair Market Value” shall mean, as of any date, the value of a Share, determined as follows:

 

(i) if the Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or traded on the Nasdaq National Market or the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, the “Fair Market Value” of each Share shall be the closing sales price for the Stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or market (or the exchange or market with the greatest volume of trading in the Stock) on the last market trading day prior to the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Board deems reliable;

 

(ii) in the absence of such markets for the Stock, the “Fair Market Value” of each Share shall be determined in good faith by the Board in accordance with any of the acceptable methods described in Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-1(b).

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the “Fair Market Value” of the Shares shall at all times be determined in a manner intended to be consistent with Section 409A of the Code (and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder), as may be amended from time to time and any determination by the Board with respect to the “Fair Market Value” of the Shares shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.

 

(r) “Family Member” means (i) any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in- law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships, (ii) any person sharing the Participant’s household (other than a tenant or employee), (iii) a trust in which persons described in Clause (i) or (ii) have more than 50% of the beneficial interest, (iv) a foundation in which persons described in Clause (i) or (ii) or the Participant control the management of assets and (v) any other entity in which persons described in Clause (i) or (ii) or the Participant own more than 50% of the voting interests.

 

(s) “Grantee” means a person to whom the Board of Directors has awarded Shares under the Plan.

 

(t) “ISO” means an Option that qualifies as an incentive stock option as described in Code Section 422(b). Notwithstanding its designation as an ISO, an Option that does not qualify as an ISO under applicable law shall be treated for all purposes as an NSO.

 

(u) “NSO” means an Option that does not qualify as an incentive stock option as described in Code Section 422(b) or 423(b).

 

(v) “Option” means an ISO or NSO granted under the Plan and entitling the holder to purchase Shares.

 

(w) “Optionee” means a person who holds an Option or a SAR.

 

(x) “Outside Director” means a member of the Board of Directors who is not an Employee.

 

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(y) “Parent” means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company, if each of the corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. A corporation that attains the status of a Parent on a date after the adoption of the Plan shall be considered a Parent commencing as of such date.

 

(z) “Participant” means a Grantee, Optionee, Recipient or Purchaser.

 

(aa) “Plan” means this Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. Amended and Restated 2017 Stock Incentive Plan.

 

(bb) “Purchase Price” means the consideration for which one Share may be acquired under the Plan (other than upon exercise of an Option or a SAR), as specified by the Board of Directors.

 

(cc) “Purchaser” means a person to whom the Board of Directors has offered the right to purchase Shares under the Plan (other than upon exercise of an Option or a SAR).

 

(dd) “SAR” means a stock appreciation right granted under the Plan.

 

(ee) “SAR Agreement” means the agreement between the Company and an Optionee that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to such Optionee’s SAR.

 

(ff) “Recipient” means “a person to whom the Board of Directors has awarded Restricted Stock Units under the Plan.

 

(gg) “Restricted Stock Unit” means a bookkeeping entry representing the equivalent of one Share, as awarded under the Plan.

 

(hh) “Restricted Stock Unit Agreement” means the agreement between the Company and the Recipient of a Restricted Stock Unit that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to such Restricted Stock Unit.

 

(ii) “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

(jj) “Service” means service as an Employee, Outside Director or Consultant.

 

(kk) “Share” means one share of Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 9 (if applicable).

 

(ll) “Stock” means the Common Stock of the Company.

 

(mm) “Stock Grant Agreement” means the agreement between the Company and a Grantee who is awarded Shares under the Plan that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to the award of such Shares.

 

(nn) “Stock Option Agreement” means the agreement between the Company and an Optionee that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to the Optionee’s Option.

 

(oo) “Stock Purchase Agreement” means the agreement between the Company and a Purchaser who purchases Shares under the Plan that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to the purchase of such Shares.

 

(pp) “Subsidiary” means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company, if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. A corporation that attains the status of a Subsidiary on a date after the adoption of the Plan shall be considered a Subsidiary commencing as of such date.

 

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EXHIBIT A1

 

SCHEDULE OF SHARES RESERVED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER THE PLAN

 

Date of Board

Approval

 

Date of Stockholder

Approval

 

Number of

Shares Added

 

Cumulative Number

of Shares

        Not Applicable   8,320,000

 

SUMMARY OF MODIFICATIONS AND AMENDMENTS TO THE PLAN

 

The following is a summary of material modifications made to the Plan:

 

 

1 NTD: To be updated based on final exchange ratio.

 

 

E-i

 

Exhibit 10.9

 

Virgin Orbit HOLDINGS, INC.

 

2021 INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN

 

ARTICLE I.
Purpose

 

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

 

ARTICLE II.
Eligibility

 

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

 

ARTICLE III.
Administration and Delegation

 

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

 

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

 

ARTICLE IV.
Stock Available for Awards

 

4.1 Number of Shares. Subject to adjustment under Article VIII and the terms of this Article IV, Awards may be made under the Plan covering up to the Overall Share Limit. Shares issued under the Plan may consist of authorized but unissued Shares, Shares purchased on the open market or treasury Shares.

 

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

 

 

 

 

4.3 Incentive Stock Option Limitations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no more than 250,000,000 Shares may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options.

 

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

 

4.5 Non-Employee Director Compensation. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the Plan, the Administrator may establish compensation for non-employee Directors from time to time, subject to the limitations in the Plan. The sum of any cash compensation, or other compensation, and the value (determined as of the grant date in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, or any successor thereto) of Awards granted to a non-employee Director as compensation for services as a non-employee Director during any fiscal year of the Company may not exceed $750,000 (the “Director Limit”) (which limits shall not apply to the compensation for any non-employee Director of the Company who serves in any capacity in addition to that of a non-employee Director for which he or she receives additional compensation).

 

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ARTICLE V.
Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights

 

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

 

5.2 Exercise Price. The Administrator will establish each Option’s and Stock Appreciation Right’s exercise price and specify the exercise price in the Award Agreement. The exercise price will not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the grant date of the Option (subject to Section 5.6) or Stock Appreciation Right.

 

5.3 Duration. Each Option or Stock Appreciation Right will be exercisable at such times and as specified in the Award Agreement, provided that, subject to Section 5.6, the term of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right will not exceed ten years. Notwithstanding the foregoing and unless determined otherwise by the Company, in the event that on the last business day of the term of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right (other than an Incentive Stock Option) (i) the exercise of the Option or Stock Appreciation Right is prohibited by Applicable Law, as determined by the Company, or (ii) Shares may not be purchased or sold by the applicable Participant due to any Company insider trading policy (including blackout periods) or a “lock-up” agreement undertaken in connection with an issuance of securities by the Company, the term of the Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be extended until the date that is 30 days after the end of the legal prohibition, black-out period or lock-up agreement, as determined by the Company; provided, however, in no event shall the extension last beyond the ten year term of the applicable Option or Stock Appreciation Right. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent permitted under Applicable Laws, if the Participant, prior to the end of the term of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right, violates the non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality or other similar restrictive covenant provisions of any employment contract, confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the right of the Participant and the Participant’s transferees to exercise any Option or Stock Appreciation Right issued to the Participant shall terminate immediately upon such violation, unless the Company otherwise determines.

 

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

 

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5.5 Payment Upon Exercise. Subject to Section 10.8, any Company insider trading policy (including blackout periods) and Applicable Laws, the exercise price of an Option must be paid by:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(d) to the extent permitted by the Administrator, surrendering Shares then issuable upon the Option’s exercise valued at their Fair Market Value on the exercise date;

 

(e) to the extent permitted by the Administrator, delivery of a promissory note or any other property that the Administrator determines is good and valuable consideration; or

 

(f) to the extent permitted by the Company, any combination of the above payment forms approved by the Administrator.

 

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

 

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ARTICLE VI.
Restricted Stock; Restricted Stock Units

 

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

 

6.2 Restricted Stock.

 

(a) Dividends. Participants holding Shares of Restricted Stock will be entitled to all ordinary cash dividends paid with respect to such Shares, unless the Administrator provides otherwise in the Award Agreement. In addition, unless the Administrator provides otherwise, if any dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, or consist of a dividend or distribution to holders of Common Stock of property other than an ordinary cash dividend, the Shares or other property will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid.

 

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

 

6.3 Restricted Stock Units.

 

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

 

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

 

ARTICLE VII.
Other Stock or Cash Based Awards; DIVIDEND EQUIVALENTS

 

7.1 Other Stock or Cash Based Awards. Other Stock or Cash Based Awards may be granted to Participants, including Awards entitling Participants to receive Shares to be delivered in the future and including annual or other periodic or long-term cash bonus awards (whether based on specified Performance Criteria or otherwise), in each case subject to any conditions and limitations in the Plan. Such Other Stock or Cash Based Awards will also be available as a payment form in the settlement of other Awards, as standalone payments and as payment in lieu of compensation to which a Participant is otherwise entitled. Other Stock or Cash Based Awards may be paid in Shares, cash or other property, as the Administrator determines.

 

7.2 Dividend Equivalents. A grant of Restricted Stock Units or Other Stock or Cash Based Award may provide a Participant with the right to receive Dividend Equivalents, and no Dividend Equivalents shall be payable with respect to Options or Stock Appreciation Rights. Dividend Equivalents may be paid currently or credited to an account for the Participant, settled in cash or Shares and subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Award with to which the Dividend Equivalents are paid and subject to other terms and conditions as set forth in the Award Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE VIII.
Adjustments for Changes in Common Stock
and Certain Other Events

 

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

 

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

 

(a) To provide for the cancellation of any such Award in exchange for either an amount of cash or other property with a value equal to the amount that could have been obtained upon the exercise or settlement of the vested portion of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights under the vested portion of such Award, as applicable; provided that, if the amount that could have been obtained upon the exercise or settlement of the vested portion of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights, in any case, is equal to or less than zero, then the Award may be terminated without payment; provided, further, that Awards held by members of the Board will be settled in Shares on or immediately prior to the applicable event if the Administrator takes action under this clause (a);

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

8.3 Effect of Non-Assumption in a Change in Control. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.2, if a Change in Control occurs and a Participant’s Awards are not continued, converted, assumed, or replaced with a substantially similar award by (a) the Company, or (b) a successor entity or its parent or subsidiary (an “Assumption”), and provided that the Participant has not had a Termination of Service, then, immediately prior to the Change in Control, such Awards shall become fully vested, exercisable and/or payable, as applicable, and all forfeiture, repurchase and other restrictions on such Awards shall lapse, in which case, such Awards shall be canceled upon the consummation of the Change in Control in exchange for the right to receive the Change in Control consideration payable to other holders of Common Stock (i) which may be on such terms and conditions as apply generally to holders of Common Stock under the Change in Control documents (including, without limitation, any escrow, earn-out or other deferred consideration provisions) or such other terms and conditions as the Administrator may provide, and (ii) determined by reference to the number of Shares subject to such Awards and net of any applicable exercise price; provided that to the extent that any Awards constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” that may not be paid upon the Change in Control under Section 409A without the imposition of taxes thereon under Section 409A, the timing of such payments shall be governed by the applicable Award Agreement (subject to any deferred consideration provisions applicable under the Change in Control documents); and provided, further, that if the amount to which a Participant would be entitled upon the settlement or exercise of such Award at the time of the Change in Control is equal to or less than zero, then such Award may be terminated without payment. The Administrator shall determine whether an Assumption of an Award has occurred in connection with a Change in Control.

 

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

 

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

 

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ARTICLE IX.
General Provisions Applicable to Awards

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

9.5 Withholding. Each Participant must pay the Company, or make provision satisfactory to the Administrator for payment of, any taxes required by Applicable Law to be withheld in connection with such Participant’s Awards by the date of the event creating the tax liability. The Company may deduct an amount sufficient to satisfy such tax obligations based on the applicable statutory withholding rates (or such other rate as may be determined by the Company after considering any accounting consequences or costs) from any payment of any kind otherwise due to a Participant. In the absence of a contrary determination by the Company (or, with respect to withholding pursuant to clause (ii) below with respect to Awards held by individuals subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, a contrary determination by the Administrator), all tax withholding obligations will be calculated based on the minimum applicable statutory withholding rates. Subject to Section 10.8 and any Company insider trading policy (including blackout periods), Participants may satisfy such tax obligations (i) in cash, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, by check made payable to the order of the Company, provided that the Company may limit the use of the foregoing payment forms if one or more of the payment forms below is permitted, (ii) to the extent permitted by the Administrator, in whole or in part by delivery of Shares, including Shares delivered by attestation and Shares retained from the Award creating the tax obligation, valued at their fair market value on the date of delivery, (iii) if there is a public market for Shares at the time the tax obligations are satisfied, unless the Company otherwise determines, (A) delivery (including electronically or telephonically to the extent permitted by the Company) of an irrevocable and unconditional undertaking by a broker acceptable to the Company to deliver promptly to the Company sufficient funds to satisfy the tax obligations, or (B) delivery by the Participant to the Company of a copy of irrevocable and unconditional instructions to a broker acceptable to the Company to deliver promptly to the Company cash or a check sufficient to satisfy the tax withholding; provided that such amount is paid to the Company at such time as may be required by the Administrator, or (iv) to the extent permitted by the Company, any combination of the foregoing payment forms approved by the Administrator. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the number of Shares which may be so delivered or retained pursuant to clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall be limited to the number of Shares which have a fair market value on the date of delivery or retention no greater than the aggregate amount of such liabilities based on the maximum individual statutory tax rate in the applicable jurisdiction at the time of such withholding (or such other rate as may be required to avoid the liability classification of the applicable award under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America). If any tax withholding obligation will be satisfied under clause (ii) above by the Company’s retention of Shares from the Award creating the tax obligation and there is a public market for Shares at the time the tax obligation is satisfied, the Company may elect to instruct any brokerage firm determined acceptable to the Company for such purpose to sell on the applicable Participant’s behalf some or all of the Shares retained and to remit the proceeds of the sale to the Company or its designee, and each Participant’s acceptance of an Award under the Plan will constitute the Participant’s authorization to the Company and instruction and authorization to such brokerage firm to complete the transactions described in this sentence.

 

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

 

9.7 Conditions on Delivery of Stock. The Company will not be obligated to deliver any Shares under the Plan or remove restrictions from Shares previously delivered under the Plan until (i) all Award conditions have been met or removed to the Company’s satisfaction, (ii) as determined by the Company, all other legal matters regarding the issuance and delivery of such Shares have been satisfied, including any applicable securities laws and stock exchange or stock market rules and regulations, and (iii) the Participant has executed and delivered to the Company such representations or agreements as the Administrator deems necessary or appropriate to satisfy any Applicable Laws. The Company’s inability to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which the Administrator determines is necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any securities, will relieve the Company of any liability for failing to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority has not been obtained.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

ARTICLE X.
Miscellaneous

 

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

 

10.2 No Rights as Stockholder; Certificates. Subject to the Award Agreement, no Participant or Designated Beneficiary will have any rights as a stockholder with respect to any Shares to be distributed under an Award until becoming the record holder of such Shares. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, unless the Administrator otherwise determines or Applicable Laws require, the Company will not be required to deliver to any Participant certificates evidencing Shares issued in connection with any Award and instead such Shares may be recorded in the books of the Company (or, as applicable, its transfer agent or stock plan administrator). The Company may place legends on stock certificates issued under the Plan that the Administrator deems necessary or appropriate to comply with Applicable Laws.

 

10.3 Effective Date and Term of Plan. Unless earlier terminated by the Board, the Plan will become effective as of December 28, 2021 (the “Effective Date”) and will remain in effect until the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, an Incentive Stock Option may not be granted under the Plan after 10 years from the earlier of (i) the date the Board adopted the Plan or (ii) the date the Company’s stockholders approved the Plan, but Awards previously granted may extend beyond that date in accordance with the Plan. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if the Plan is not approved by the Company’s stockholders, the Plan will not become effective and no Awards will be granted under the Plan.

 

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

 

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

 

10.6 Section 409A.

 

(a) General. The Company intends that all Awards be structured to comply with, or be exempt from, Section 409A, such that no adverse tax consequences, interest, or penalties under Section 409A apply. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or any Award Agreement to the contrary, the Administrator may, without a Participant’s consent, amend this Plan or Awards, adopt policies and procedures, or take any other actions (including amendments, policies, procedures and retroactive actions) as are necessary or appropriate to preserve the intended tax treatment of Awards, including any such actions intended to (A) exempt this Plan or any Award from Section 409A, or (B) comply with Section 409A, including regulations, guidance, compliance programs and other interpretative authority that may be issued after an Award’s grant date. The Company makes no representations or warranties as to an Award’s tax treatment under Section 409A or otherwise. The Company will have no obligation under this Section 10.6 or otherwise to avoid the taxes, penalties or interest under Section 409A with respect to any Award and will have no liability to any Participant or any other person if any Award, compensation or other benefits under the Plan are determined to constitute noncompliant “nonqualified deferred compensation” subject to taxes, penalties or interest under Section 409A.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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10.11 Governing Documents. If any contradiction occurs between the Plan and any Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company (or any Subsidiary) that the Administrator has approved, the Plan will govern, unless it is expressly specified in such Award Agreement or other written document that a specific provision of the Plan will not apply.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

ARTICLE XI.
Definitions

 

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

 

11.1 “Administrator” means the Board or a Committee to the extent that the Board’s powers or authority under the Plan have been delegated to such Committee.

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

11.6 “Cause” means, except as may otherwise be provided in Participant’s employment or service agreement to the extent such agreement is in effect at the relevant time, any of the following events:

 

(a) Participant’s willful failure substantially to perform his or her duties and responsibilities to the Company (other than any such failure resulting from Participant’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness) or carry out or comply with a lawful and reasonable directive of the Company, in each case, after a written demand for performance is delivered to Participant by the Administrator, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Administrator believes that Participant has not performed his or her duties;

 

(b) Participant’s deliberate violation of a Company policy;

 

(c) Participant’s commission of, including any entry by Participant of a guilty or no contest plea to, any felony under any state, federal or foreign law or any crime involving moral turpitude, or Participant’s commission of unlawful harassment or discrimination;

 

(d) Participant’s commission of any act of fraud, embezzlement, dishonesty or any other willful misconduct that has caused or is reasonably expected to result in material reputational, economic or financial injury to the Company;

 

(e) Participant’s unlawful use (including being under the influence) or possession of illegal drugs on the Company’s (or any affiliate’s) premises or while performing Participant’s duties and responsibilities;

 

(f) Participant’s willful misconduct or gross negligence with respect to any material aspect of the Company’s business or a material breach by Participant of his or her fiduciary duty to the Company;

 

(g) unauthorized use or disclosure by Participant of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any other party to whom Participant owes an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of his or her relationship with the Company; or

 

(h) Participant’s willful breach of any of his or her obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

11.11 “Company” mean Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor.

 

11.12 “Consultant” means any consultant, advisor or other person or entity that is not an Employee, in each case, that can be granted an Award that is eligible to be registered on a Form S-8 Registration Statement.

 

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

 

11.14 “Director” means a Board member.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

16

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

11.25 “Overall Share Limit” means the sum of (a) 33,491,991 Shares, and (b) an annual increase on the first day of each calendar year beginning on and including January 1, 2022 and ending on and including January 1, 2031 equal to the lesser of (i) a number of Shares equal to 5% of the number of outstanding Shares on the final day of the immediately preceding calendar year and (ii) such smaller number of Shares as is determined by the Board.

 

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

 

11.27 “Performance Criteria” mean the criteria (and adjustments) that the Administrator may select for an Award to establish performance goals for a performance period, which may include the following: net earnings or losses (either before or after one or more of interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and non-cash equity-based compensation expense); gross or net sales or revenue or sales or revenue growth; net income (either before or after taxes) or adjusted net income; profits (including but not limited to gross profits, net profits, profit growth, net operation profit or economic profit), profit return ratios or operating margin; budget or operating earnings (either before or after taxes or before or after allocation of corporate overhead and bonus); cash flow (including operating cash flow and free cash flow or cash flow return on capital); return on assets; return on capital or invested capital; cost of capital; return on stockholders’ equity; total stockholder return; return on sales; costs, reductions in costs and cost control measures; expenses; working capital; earnings or loss per share; adjusted earnings or loss per share; price per share or dividends per share (or appreciation in or maintenance of such price or dividends); regulatory achievements or compliance; implementation, completion or attainment of objectives relating to research, development, regulatory, commercial, or strategic milestones or developments; market share; economic value or economic value added models; division, group or corporate financial goals; customer satisfaction/growth; customer service; employee satisfaction; recruitment and maintenance of personnel; human capital management (including diversity and inclusion); supervision of litigation and other legal matters; strategic partnerships and transactions; financial ratios (including those measuring liquidity, activity, profitability or leverage); debt levels or reductions; sales-related goals; financing and other capital raising transactions; cash on hand; acquisition activity; investment sourcing activity; and marketing initiatives, any of which may be measured in absolute terms or as compared to any incremental increase or decrease. Such performance goals also may be based solely by reference to the Company’s performance or the performance of a Subsidiary, division, business segment or business unit of the Company or a Subsidiary, or based upon performance relative to performance of other companies or upon comparisons of any of the indicators of performance relative to performance of other companies.

 

11.28 “Plan” means this 2021 Incentive Award Plan.

 

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

 

17

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

11.35 “Shares” means shares of Common Stock.

 

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

 

11.37 “Stockholders’ Agreement” means that certain Stockholders’ Agreement by and between the Company and Vieco 10 Limited, dated as of December 29, 2021.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

* * * * *

 

 

18

 

 

Exhibit 10.9(a)

 

VIRGIN ORBIT HOLDINGS, INC.


2021 INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN

 

STOCK OPTION GRANT NOTICE

 

Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) has granted to the participant listed below (“Participant”) the stock option (the “Option”) described in this Stock Option Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. 2021 Incentive Award Plan (as amended from time to time, the “Plan”) and the Stock Option Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Agreement”), both of which are incorporated into this Grant Notice by reference. Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Grant Notice or the Agreement have the meanings given to them in the Plan.

 

Participant:

[To be specified]
Grant Date: [To be specified]
Exercise Price per Share: [To be specified]
Shares Subject to the Option: [To be specified]
Final Expiration Date: [To be specified]
Vesting Commencement Date: [To be specified]
Vesting Schedule: [To be specified]
Type of Option [Incentive Stock Option]/[Non-Qualified Stock Option]

 

By accepting (whether in writing, electronically or otherwise) the Option, Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of this Grant Notice, the Plan and the Agreement. Participant has reviewed the Plan, this Grant Notice and the Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Grant Notice and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, this Grant Notice and the Agreement. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan, this Grant Notice or the Agreement.

 

Virgin Orbit Holdings, INC.

  PARTICIPANT
     
By:  
Name:   [Participant Name]
Title:    

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

 

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Agreement have the meanings specified in the Grant Notice or, if not defined in the Grant Notice, in the Plan.

 

ARTICLE I.
GENERAL

 

1.1 Grant of Option. The Company has granted to Participant the Option effective as of the grant date set forth in the Grant Notice (the “Grant Date”).

 

1.2 Incorporation of Terms of Plan. The Option is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan will control.

 

 

ARTICLE II.
PERIOD OF EXERCISABILITY

 

2.1 Commencement of Exercisability. The Option will vest and become exercisable according to the vesting schedule in the Grant Notice (the “Vesting Schedule”) except that any fraction of a Share as to which the Option would be vested or exercisable will be accumulated and will vest and become exercisable only when a whole Share has accumulated. Notwithstanding anything in the Grant Notice, the Plan or this Agreement to the contrary, unless the Administrator otherwise determines, the Option will immediately expire and be forfeited as to any portion that is not vested and exercisable as of Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason (after taking into consideration any accelerated vesting and exercisability which may occur in connection with such Termination of Service).

 

2.2 Duration of Exercisability. The Vesting Schedule is cumulative. Any portion of the Option which vests and becomes exercisable will remain vested and exercisable until the Option expires. The Option will be forfeited immediately upon its expiration.

 

2.3 Expiration of Option. The Option may not be exercised to any extent by anyone after, and will expire on, the first of the following to occur:

 

(a) The final expiration date in the Grant Notice; provided, however, such final expiration date may be extended pursuant to Section 5.3 of the Plan;

 

(b) Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, the expiration of three months from the date of Participant’s Termination of Service, unless Participant’s Termination of Service is for Cause or by reason of Participant’s death or disability;

 

(c) Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, the expiration of one year from the date of Participant’s Termination of Service by reason of Participant’s death or disability; and

 

(d) Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, Participant’s Termination of Service for Cause.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE III.
EXERCISE OF OPTION

 

3.1 Person Eligible to Exercise. During Participant’s lifetime, only Participant may exercise the Option. After Participant’s death, any exercisable portion of the Option may, prior to the time the Option expires, be exercised by Participant’s Designated Beneficiary as provided in the Plan.

 

3.2 Partial Exercise. Any exercisable portion of the Option or the entire Option, if then wholly exercisable, may be exercised, in whole or in part, according to the procedures in the Plan at any time prior to the time the Option or portion thereof expires, except that the Option may only be exercised for whole Shares.

 

3.3 Tax Withholding; Exercise Price.

 

(a) Unless the Administrator otherwise determines, the Company shall withhold, or cause to be withheld, Shares otherwise vesting or issuable under this Option in satisfaction of any exercise price and/or applicable withholding tax obligations. With respect to tax withholding obligations, the number of Shares which may be so withheld or surrendered shall be limited to the number of Shares which have a fair market value on the date of withholding no greater than the aggregate amount of such liabilities based on Participant’s Applicable Withholding Rate.

 

(b) Subject to Section 9.5 of the Plan, the applicable tax withholding obligation will be determined based on Participant’s Applicable Withholding Rate. Participant’s “Applicable Withholding Rate” shall mean (i) if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the greater of (A) the minimum applicable statutory tax withholding rate or (B) with Participant’s consent, the maximum individual tax withholding rate permitted under the rules of the applicable taxing authority for tax withholding attributable to the underlying transaction, or (ii) if Participant is not subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the minimum applicable statutory tax withholding rate or such other higher rate approved by the Company; provided, however, that (i) in no event shall Participant’s Applicable Withholding Rate exceed the maximum individual statutory tax rate in the applicable jurisdiction at the time of such withholding (or such other rate as may be required to avoid the liability classification of the applicable award under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America); and (ii) the number of Shares tendered or withheld, if applicable, shall be rounded up to the nearest whole Share sufficient to cover the applicable tax withholding obligation, to the extent rounding up to the nearest whole Share does not result in the liability classification of the Option under generally accepted accounting principles.

 

(c) Participant acknowledges that Participant is ultimately liable and responsible for the exercise price and all taxes owed in connection with the Option (and, with respect to taxes, regardless of any action the Company or any Subsidiary takes with respect to any tax withholding obligations that arise in connection with the Option). Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary makes any representation or undertaking regarding the treatment of any tax withholding in connection with the awarding, vesting or exercise of the Option or the subsequent sale of Shares. The Company and the Subsidiaries do not commit and are under no obligation to structure the Option to reduce or eliminate Participant’s tax liability.

 

2

 

 

ARTICLE IV.
OTHER PROVISIONS

 

4.1 Adjustments. Participant acknowledges that the Option is subject to adjustment, modification and termination in certain events as provided in this Agreement and the Plan.

 

4.2 Claw-back. The Option and the Shares issuable hereunder shall be subject to any claw-back or recoupment policy in effect on the Grant Date or as may be adopted or maintained by the Company following the Grant Date, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

4.3 Notices. Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company must be in writing and addressed to the Company in care of the Company’s General Counsel at the Company’s principal office or the General Counsel’s then-current email address or facsimile number. Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to Participant must be in writing and addressed to Participant (or, if Participant is then deceased, to the Designated Beneficiary) at Participant’s last known mailing address, email address or facsimile number in the Company’s personnel files. By a notice given pursuant to this Section, either party may designate a different address for notices to be given to that party. Any notice will be deemed duly given when actually received, when sent by email, when sent by certified mail (return receipt requested) and deposited with postage prepaid in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Postal Service, when delivered by a nationally recognized express shipping company or upon receipt of a facsimile transmission confirmation.

 

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

 

4.5 Conformity to Securities Laws. Participant acknowledges that the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement are intended to conform to the extent necessary with all Applicable Laws and, to the extent Applicable Laws permit, will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to Applicable Laws.

 

4.6 Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement will inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in this Agreement or the Plan, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

 

4.7 Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Plan, the Grant Notice, this Agreement and the Option will be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent Applicable Laws permit, this Agreement will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.

 

4.8 Entire Agreement; Amendment. The Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement (including any exhibit hereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof. To the extent permitted by the Plan, this Agreement may be wholly or partially amended or otherwise modified, suspended or terminated at any time or from time to time by the Administrator or the Board; provided, however, that except as may otherwise be provided by the Plan, no amendment, modification, suspension or termination of this Agreement shall materially and adversely affect the Option without the prior written consent of Participant.

 

4.9 Agreement Severable. In the event that any provision of the Grant Notice or this Agreement is held illegal or invalid, the provision will be severable from, and the illegality or invalidity of the provision will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of the Grant Notice or this Agreement.

 

3

 

 

4.10 Limitation on Participant’s Rights. Participation in the Plan confers no rights or interests other than as herein provided. This Agreement creates only a contractual obligation on the part of the Company as to amounts payable and may not be construed as creating a trust. Neither the Plan nor any underlying program, in and of itself, has any assets. Participant will have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to amounts credited and benefits payable, if any, with respect to the Option, and rights no greater than the right to receive the Shares as a general unsecured creditor with respect to the Option, as and when exercised pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

4.11 Not a Contract of Employment. Nothing in the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Agreement confers upon Participant any right to continue in the employ or service of the Company or any Subsidiary or interferes with or restricts in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries, which rights are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge or terminate the services of Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without Cause, except to the extent expressly provided otherwise in a written agreement between the Company or a Subsidiary and Participant.

 

4.12 Counterparts. The Grant Notice may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by way of any electronic signature, subject to Applicable Law, each of which will be deemed an original and all of which together will constitute one instrument.

 

4.13 Incentive Stock Options. If the Option is designated as an Incentive Stock Option:

 

(a) Participant acknowledges that to the extent the aggregate fair market value of shares (determined as of the time the option with respect to the shares is granted) with respect to which stock options intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” under Section 422 of the Code, including the Option, are exercisable for the first time by Participant during any calendar year exceeds $100,000 or if for any other reason such stock options do not qualify or cease to qualify for treatment as “incentive stock options” under Section 422 of the Code, such stock options (including the Option) will be treated as non-qualified stock options. Participant further acknowledges that the rule set forth in the preceding sentence will be applied by taking the Option and other stock options into account in the order in which they were granted, as determined under Section 422(d) of the Code. Participant also acknowledges that if the Option is exercised more than three months after Participant’s Termination of Service, other than by reason of death or disability, the Option will be taxed as a Non-Qualified Stock Option.

 

(b) Participant will give prompt written notice to the Company of any disposition or other transfer of any Shares acquired under this Agreement if such disposition or other transfer is made (i) within two years from the Grant Date or (ii) within one year after the transfer of such Shares to Participant. Such notice will specify the date of such disposition or other transfer and the amount realized, in cash, other property, assumption of indebtedness or other consideration, by Participant in such disposition or other transfer.

 

* * * * *

 

 

4

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.9(b)

 

Exhibit A

 

VIRGIN ORBIT HOLDINGS, INC.

 

2021 INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN

 

STOCK OPTION GRANT NOTICE

 

Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) has granted to the participant listed below (“Participant”) the stock option (the “Option”) described in this Stock Option Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. 2021 Incentive Award Plan (as amended from time to time, the “Plan”) and the Stock Option Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Agreement”), both of which are incorporated into this Grant Notice by reference. Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Grant Notice or the Agreement have the meanings given to them in the Plan.

 

Participant:

Daniel Hart
Grant Date: January 4, 2022
Exercise Price per Share: [ ● ]
Shares Subject to the Option: [ ● ]
Final Expiration Date: January 4, 2032
Vesting Commencement Date: December 29, 2021
Vesting Schedule:

Subject to and conditioned upon Participant’s continued employment by the Company through the applicable vesting date, (i) 25% of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest and become exercisable on the Vesting Commencement Date, and (ii) 12.5% of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest and become exercisable on each six-month anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date thereafter.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Participant’s employment is terminated by the Company or its Subsidiaries without Cause or by the Participant for Good Reason (each as defined in that certain Employment Agreement by and between Participant and LauncherOne,LLC, which has subsequently been renamed Virgin Orbit, LLC, dated February 13, 2017, as amended (as may be amended from time to time, the “Employment Agreement”)), in either case, then all unvested shares subject to this Option will vest and become exercisable as of Participant’s termination of employment. The foregoing accelerated vesting shall be subject to Participant’s timely execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims in a form prescribed by the Company, Participant’s continued compliance with the restrictive covenants described in Section 2.6 of the Employment Agreement, and Participant’s return of all property of the Company and its Subsidiaries in the possession of Participant. 

Type of Option Non-Qualified Stock Option

 

By accepting (whether in writing, electronically or otherwise) the Option, Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of this Grant Notice, the Plan and the Agreement. Participant has reviewed the Plan, this Grant Notice and the Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Grant Notice and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, this Grant Notice and the Agreement. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan, this Grant Notice or the Agreement.

 

Virgin Orbit Holdings, INC.

  PARTICIPANT
     
By:              
Name:   Daniel Hart
Title:    

 

 

 

 

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Agreement have the meanings specified in the Grant Notice or, if not defined in the Grant Notice, in the Plan.

 

ARTICLE I.
GENERAL

 

1.1 Grant of Option. The Company has granted to Participant the Option effective as of the grant date set forth in the Grant Notice (the “Grant Date”).

 

1.2 Incorporation of Terms of Plan. The Option is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan will control.

 

 

ARTICLE II.
PERIOD OF EXERCISABILITY

 

2.1 Commencement of Exercisability. The Option will vest and become exercisable according to the vesting schedule in the Grant Notice (the “Vesting Schedule”) except that any fraction of a Share as to which the Option would be vested or exercisable will be accumulated and will vest and become exercisable only when a whole Share has accumulated. Notwithstanding anything in the Grant Notice, the Plan or this Agreement to the contrary, unless the Administrator otherwise determines, the Option will immediately expire and be forfeited as to any portion that is not vested and exercisable as of Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason (after taking into consideration any accelerated vesting and exercisability which may occur in connection with such Termination of Service).

 

2.2 Duration of Exercisability. The Vesting Schedule is cumulative. Any portion of the Option which vests and becomes exercisable will remain vested and exercisable until the Option expires. The Option will be forfeited immediately upon its expiration.

 

2.3 Expiration of Option. The Option may not be exercised to any extent by anyone after, and will expire on, the first of the following to occur:

 

(a) The final expiration date in the Grant Notice; provided, however, such final expiration date may be extended pursuant to Section 5.3 of the Plan;

 

(b) Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, the expiration of three months from the date of Participant’s Termination of Service, unless Participant’s Termination of Service is for Cause or by reason of Participant’s death or disability;

 

(c) Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, the expiration of one year from the date of Participant’s Termination of Service by reason of Participant’s death or disability; and

 

(d) Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, Participant’s Termination of Service for Cause.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE III.
EXERCISE OF OPTION

 

3.1 Person Eligible to Exercise. During Participant’s lifetime, only Participant may exercise the Option. After Participant’s death, any exercisable portion of the Option may, prior to the time the Option expires, be exercised by Participant’s Designated Beneficiary as provided in the Plan.

 

3.2 Partial Exercise. Any exercisable portion of the Option or the entire Option, if then wholly exercisable, may be exercised, in whole or in part, according to the procedures in the Plan at any time prior to the time the Option or portion thereof expires, except that the Option may only be exercised for whole Shares.

 

3.3 Tax Withholding; Exercise Price.

 

(a) Unless the Administrator otherwise determines, the Company shall withhold, or cause to be withheld, Shares otherwise vesting or issuable under this Option in satisfaction of any exercise price and/or applicable withholding tax obligations. With respect to tax withholding obligations, the number of Shares which may be so withheld or surrendered shall be limited to the number of Shares which have a fair market value on the date of withholding no greater than the aggregate amount of such liabilities based on Participant’s Applicable Withholding Rate.

 

(b) Subject to Section 9.5 of the Plan, the applicable tax withholding obligation will be determined based on Participant’s Applicable Withholding Rate. Participant’s “Applicable Withholding Rate” shall mean (i) if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the greater of (A) the minimum applicable statutory tax withholding rate or (B) with Participant’s consent, the maximum individual tax withholding rate permitted under the rules of the applicable taxing authority for tax withholding attributable to the underlying transaction, or (ii) if Participant is not subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the minimum applicable statutory tax withholding rate or such other higher rate approved by the Company; provided, however, that (i) in no event shall Participant’s Applicable Withholding Rate exceed the maximum individual statutory tax rate in the applicable jurisdiction at the time of such withholding (or such other rate as may be required to avoid the liability classification of the applicable award under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America); and (ii) the number of Shares tendered or withheld, if applicable, shall be rounded up to the nearest whole Share sufficient to cover the applicable tax withholding obligation, to the extent rounding up to the nearest whole Share does not result in the liability classification of the Option under generally accepted accounting principles.

 

(c) Participant acknowledges that Participant is ultimately liable and responsible for the exercise price and all taxes owed in connection with the Option (and, with respect to taxes, regardless of any action the Company or any Subsidiary takes with respect to any tax withholding obligations that arise in connection with the Option). Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary makes any representation or undertaking regarding the treatment of any tax withholding in connection with the awarding, vesting or exercise of the Option or the subsequent sale of Shares. The Company and the Subsidiaries do not commit and are under no obligation to structure the Option to reduce or eliminate Participant’s tax liability.

 

2

 

 

ARTICLE IV.
OTHER PROVISIONS

 

4.1 Adjustments. Participant acknowledges that the Option is subject to adjustment, modification and termination in certain events as provided in this Agreement and the Plan.

 

4.2 Claw-back. The Option and the Shares issuable hereunder shall be subject to any claw-back or recoupment policy in effect on the Grant Date or as may be adopted or maintained by the Company following the Grant Date, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

4.3 Notices. Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company must be in writing and addressed to the Company in care of the Company’s General Counsel at the Company’s principal office or the General Counsel’s then-current email address or facsimile number. Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to Participant must be in writing and addressed to Participant (or, if Participant is then deceased, to the Designated Beneficiary) at Participant’s last known mailing address, email address or facsimile number in the Company’s personnel files. By a notice given pursuant to this Section, either party may designate a different address for notices to be given to that party. Any notice will be deemed duly given when actually received, when sent by email, when sent by certified mail (return receipt requested) and deposited with postage prepaid in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Postal Service, when delivered by a nationally recognized express shipping company or upon receipt of a facsimile transmission confirmation.

 

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

 

4.5 Conformity to Securities Laws. Participant acknowledges that the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement are intended to conform to the extent necessary with all Applicable Laws and, to the extent Applicable Laws permit, will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to Applicable Laws.

 

4.6 Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement will inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in this Agreement or the Plan, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

 

4.7 Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Plan, the Grant Notice, this Agreement and the Option will be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent Applicable Laws permit, this Agreement will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.

 

4.8 Entire Agreement; Amendment. The Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement (including any exhibit hereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof. To the extent permitted by the Plan, this Agreement may be wholly or partially amended or otherwise modified, suspended or terminated at any time or from time to time by the Administrator or the Board; provided, however, that except as may otherwise be provided by the Plan, no amendment, modification, suspension or termination of this Agreement shall materially and adversely affect the Option without the prior written consent of Participant.

 

3

 

 

4.9 Agreement Severable. In the event that any provision of the Grant Notice or this Agreement is held illegal or invalid, the provision will be severable from, and the illegality or invalidity of the provision will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of the Grant Notice or this Agreement.

 

4.10 Limitation on Participant’s Rights. Participation in the Plan confers no rights or interests other than as herein provided. This Agreement creates only a contractual obligation on the part of the Company as to amounts payable and may not be construed as creating a trust. Neither the Plan nor any underlying program, in and of itself, has any assets. Participant will have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to amounts credited and benefits payable, if any, with respect to the Option, and rights no greater than the right to receive the Shares as a general unsecured creditor with respect to the Option, as and when exercised pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

4.11 Not a Contract of Employment. Nothing in the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Agreement confers upon Participant any right to continue in the employ or service of the Company or any Subsidiary or interferes with or restricts in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries, which rights are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge or terminate the services of Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without Cause, except to the extent expressly provided otherwise in a written agreement between the Company or a Subsidiary and Participant.

 

4.12 Counterparts. The Grant Notice may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by way of any electronic signature, subject to Applicable Law, each of which will be deemed an original and all of which together will constitute one instrument.

 

* * * * *

 

 

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Exhibit 10.10c

 

VIRGIN ORBIT HOLDINGS, INC.


2021 INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN

 

RESTRICTED STOCK Unit Grant Notice

 

Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), has granted to the participant listed below (“Participant”) the Restricted Stock Units (the “RSUs”) described in this Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice (this “Grant Notice”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. 2021 Incentive Award Plan (as amended from time to time, the “Plan”) and the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Agreement”), both of which are incorporated into this Grant Notice by reference. Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Grant Notice or the Agreement have the meanings given to them in the Plan.

 

Participant: [To be specified]
   
Grant Date: [To be specified]
   
Number of RSUs: [To be specified]
   
Vesting Commencement Date: [To be specified]
   
Vesting Schedule: [To be specified]

 

By accepting (whether in writing, electronically or otherwise) the RSUs, Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of this Grant Notice, the Plan and the Agreement. Participant has reviewed the Plan, this Grant Notice and the Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Grant Notice and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, this Grant Notice and the Agreement. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan, this Grant Notice or the Agreement.

 

Virgin Orbit Holdings, INC.   PARTICIPANT
     
By:                        
Name:      [Participant Name]
Title:      

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

 

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

 

Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (this “Agreement”) have the meanings specified in the Grant Notice or, if not defined in the Grant Notice, in the Plan.

 

Article I.
general

 

1.1 Award of RSUs(a). The Company has granted the RSUs to Participant effective as of the Grant Date set forth in the Grant Notice (the “Grant Date”). Each RSU represents the right to receive one Share as set forth in this Agreement. Participant will have no right to the distribution of any Shares until the time (if ever) the RSUs have vested.

 

1.2 Incorporation of Terms of Plan. The RSUs are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan will control.

 

1.3 Unsecured Promise. The RSUs will at all times prior to settlement represent an unsecured Company obligation payable only from the Company’s general assets.

 

Article II.
VESTING; forfeiture AND SETTLEMENT

 

2.1 Vesting; Forfeiture. The RSUs will vest according to the vesting schedule in the Grant Notice except that any fraction of an RSU that would otherwise be vested will be accumulated and will vest only when a whole RSU has accumulated. In the event of Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason, all unvested RSUs will immediately and automatically be cancelled and forfeited, except as otherwise determined by the Administrator or provided in a binding written agreement between Participant and the Company.

 

2.2 Settlement.

 

(a) The RSUs will be paid in Shares as soon as administratively practicable after the vesting of the applicable RSU, but in no event later than March 15 of the year following the year in which the RSU’s vesting date occurs.

 

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may delay any payment under this Agreement that the Company reasonably determines would violate Applicable Law until the earliest date the Company reasonably determines the making of the payment will not cause such a violation (in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(7)(ii)); provided the Company reasonably believes the delay will not result in the imposition of excise taxes under Section 409A.

 

Article III.
TAXATION AND TAX WITHHOLDING

 

3.1 Representation. Participant represents to the Company that Participant has reviewed with Participant’s own tax advisors the tax consequences of this award of RSUs (the “Award”) and the transactions contemplated by the Grant Notice and this Agreement. Participant is relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents.

 

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3.2 Tax Withholding.

 

(a) Unless the Administrator otherwise determines, the Company shall withhold, or cause to be withheld, Shares otherwise vesting or issuable under this Award (including the RSUs) in satisfaction of any applicable withholding tax obligations. The number of Shares which may be so withheld or surrendered shall be limited to the number of Shares which have a fair market value on the date of withholding no greater than the aggregate amount of such liabilities based on Participant’s Applicable Withholding Rate (as defined below).

 

(b) Subject to Section 9.5 of the Plan, the applicable tax withholding obligation will be determined based on Participant’s Applicable Withholding Rate. Participant’s “Applicable Withholding Rate” shall mean (i) if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the greater of (A) the minimum applicable statutory tax withholding rate or (B) with Participant’s consent, the maximum individual tax withholding rate permitted under the rules of the applicable taxing authority for tax withholding attributable to the underlying transaction, or (ii) if Participant is not subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the minimum applicable statutory tax withholding rate or such other higher rate approved by the Company; provided, however, that (i) in no event shall Participant’s Applicable Withholding Rate exceed the maximum individual statutory tax rate in the applicable jurisdiction at the time of such withholding (or such other rate as may be required to avoid the liability classification of the applicable award under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America); and (ii) the number of Shares tendered or withheld, if applicable, shall be rounded up to the nearest whole Share sufficient to cover the applicable tax withholding obligation, to the extent rounding up to the nearest whole Share does not result in the liability classification of the RSUs under generally accepted accounting principles.

 

(c) Participant acknowledges that Participant is ultimately liable and responsible for all taxes owed in connection with the RSUs, regardless of any action the Company or any Subsidiary takes with respect to any tax withholding obligations that arise in connection with the RSUs. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary makes any representation or undertaking regarding the treatment of any tax withholding in connection with the awarding, vesting or payment of the RSUs or the subsequent sale of Shares. The Company and its Subsidiaries do not commit and are under no obligation to structure the RSUs to reduce or eliminate Participant’s tax liability.

 

Article IV.
other provisions

 

4.1 Adjustments. Participant acknowledges that the RSUs and the Shares subject to the RSUs are subject to adjustment, modification and termination in certain events as provided in this Agreement and the Plan.

 

4.2 Claw-back. The Award and the Shares issuable hereunder shall be subject to any claw-back or recoupment policy in effect on the Grant Date or as may be adopted or maintained by the Company following the Grant Date, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

4.3 Notices. Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company must be in writing and addressed to the Company in care of the Company’s General Counsel at the Company’s principal office or the General Counsel’s then-current email address or facsimile number. Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to Participant must be in writing and addressed to Participant (or, if Participant is then deceased, to the Designated Beneficiary) at Participant’s last known mailing address, email address or facsimile number in the Company’s personnel files. By a notice given pursuant to this Section, either party may designate a different address for notices to be given to that party. Any notice will be deemed duly given when actually received, when sent by email, when sent by certified mail (return receipt requested) and deposited with postage prepaid in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Postal Service, when delivered by a nationally recognized express shipping company or upon receipt of a facsimile transmission confirmation.

 

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

 

4.5 Conformity to Securities Laws. Participant acknowledges that the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement are intended to conform to the extent necessary with all Applicable Laws and, to the extent Applicable Laws permit, will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to Applicable Laws.

 

4.6 Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to a single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement will inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in this Agreement or the Plan, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

 

4.7 Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Plan, the Grant Notice, this Agreement and the RSUs will be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent Applicable Laws permit, this Agreement will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.

 

4.8 Entire Agreement; Amendment. The Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement (including any exhibit hereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof. To the extent permitted by the Plan, this Agreement may be wholly or partially amended or otherwise modified, suspended or terminated at any time or from time to time by the Administrator or the Board; provided, however, that except as may otherwise be provided by the Plan, no amendment, modification, suspension or termination of this Agreement shall materially and adversely affect the RSUs without the prior written consent of Participant.

 

4.9 Agreement Severable. In the event that any provision of the Grant Notice or this Agreement is held illegal or invalid, the provision will be severable from, and the illegality or invalidity of the provision will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of the Grant Notice or this Agreement.

 

4.10 Limitation on Participant’s Rights. Participation in the Plan confers no rights or interests other than as herein provided. This Agreement creates only a contractual obligation on the part of the Company as to amounts payable and may not be construed as creating a trust. Neither the Plan nor any underlying program, in and of itself, has any assets. Participant will have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to amounts credited and benefits payable, if any, with respect to the RSUs, and rights no greater than the right to receive cash or the Shares as a general unsecured creditor with respect to the RSUs, as and when settled pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

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4.11 Not a Contract of Employment. Nothing in the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Agreement confers upon Participant any right to continue in the employ or service of the Company or any Subsidiary or interferes with or restricts in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries, which rights are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge or terminate the services of Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without Cause, except to the extent expressly provided otherwise in a written agreement between the Company or a Subsidiary and Participant.

 

4.12 Counterparts. The Grant Notice may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by way of any electronic signature, subject to Applicable Law, each of which will be deemed an original and all of which together will constitute one instrument.

 

* * * * *

 

 

4

 

Exhibit 10.11

 

VIRGIN ORBIT HOLDINGS, INC.
2021 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

 

Article I.

PURPOSE

 

The purposes of this Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (as it may be amended or restated from time to time, the “Plan”) are to assist Eligible Employees of Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and its Designated Subsidiaries in acquiring a stock ownership interest in the Company pursuant to a plan which is intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” within the meaning of Section 423(b) of the Code, and to help Eligible Employees provide for their future security and to encourage them to remain in the employment of the Company and its Designated Subsidiaries.

 

Article II.

DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

 

Wherever the following terms are used in the Plan they shall have the meanings specified below, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The singular pronoun shall include the plural where the context so indicates. Masculine, feminine and neuter pronouns are used interchangeably and each comprehends the others.

 

2.1 Administrator” shall mean the entity that conducts the general administration of the Plan as provided in Article XI. The term “Administrator” shall refer to the Committee unless the Board has assumed the authority for administration of the Plan as provided in Article XI.

 

2.2 Applicable Law” shall mean the requirements relating to the administration of equity incentive plans under U.S. federal and state securities, tax and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, the applicable rules of any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws and rules of any foreign country or other jurisdiction where rights under this Plan are granted.

 

2.3 Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

2.4 Change in Control” shall mean and include each of the following:

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

2.5 Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and the regulations issued thereunder.

 

2.6 Common Stock” shall mean the common stock of the Company and such other securities of the Company that may be substituted therefor pursuant to Article VIII.

 

2.7 Company” shall mean Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor.

 

2.8 “Compensation” of an Eligible Employee shall mean the gross base compensation received by such Eligible Employee as compensation for services to the Company or any Designated Subsidiary, excluding prior week adjustment, overtime payments, sales commissions, incentive compensation, periodic bonuses, one-time bonuses (e.g., retention or sign-on bonuses), expense reimbursements, fringe benefits, vacation pay, holiday pay, jury duty pay, funeral leave pay, military leave pay, education or tuition reimbursements, travel expenses, business and moving reimbursements, income received in connection with any stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units or other compensatory equity awards, other special payments, all contributions made by the Company or any Designated Subsidiary for the Employee’s benefit under any employee benefit plan now or hereafter established, or, for Participants in foreign jurisdictions, equivalent amounts as determined by the Administrator.

 

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2.9 Designated Subsidiary” shall mean any Subsidiary designated by the Administrator in accordance with Section 11.3(b).

 

2.10 Effective Date” shall mean December 28, 2021.

 

2.11 Eligible Employee” shall mean an Employee who does not, immediately after any rights under this Plan are granted, own (directly or through attribution) stock possessing 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of Common Stock and other stock of the Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary (as determined under Section 423(b)(3) of the Code). For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the rules of Section 424(d) of the Code with regard to the attribution of stock ownership shall apply in determining the stock ownership of an individual, and stock that an Employee may purchase under outstanding options shall be treated as stock owned by the Employee; provided, however, that the Administrator may provide in an Offering Document that an Employee shall not be eligible to participate in an Offering Period if: (a) such Employee is a highly compensated employee within the meaning of Section 423(b)(4)(D) of the Code, (b) such Employee has not met a service requirement designated by the Administrator pursuant to Section 423(b)(4)(A) of the Code (which service requirement may not exceed two years), (c) such Employee’s customary employment is for 20 hours or less per week, (d) such Employee’s customary employment is for less than five months in any calendar year and/or (e) such Employee is a citizen or resident of a foreign jurisdiction and the grant of a right to purchase Common Stock under the Plan to such Employee would be prohibited under the laws of such foreign jurisdiction or the grant of a right to purchase Common Stock under the Plan to such Employee in compliance with the laws of such foreign jurisdiction would cause the Plan to violate the requirements of Section 423 of the Code, as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion; provided, further, that any exclusion in clauses (a), (b), (c), (d) or (e) shall be applied in an identical manner under each Offering Period to all Employees, in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2(e).

 

2.12 Employee” shall mean any officer or other employee (as defined in accordance with Section 3401(c) of the Code) of the Company or any Designated Subsidiary. “Employee” shall not include any director of the Company or a Designated Subsidiary who does not render services to the Company or a Designated Subsidiary as an employee within the meaning of Section 3401(c) of the Code. For purposes of the Plan, the employment relationship shall be treated as continuing intact while the individual is on sick leave or other leave of absence approved by the Company or Designated Subsidiary and meeting the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.421-1(h)(2). Where the period of leave exceeds three months and the individual’s right to reemployment is not guaranteed either by statute or by contract, the employment relationship shall be deemed to have terminated on the first day immediately following such three-month period.

 

2.13 Enrollment Date” shall mean the first Trading Day of each Offering Period, unless otherwise specified in the Offering Document.

 

2.14 Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

 

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

 

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2.16 Offering Document” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 4.1.

 

2.17 Offering Period” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 4.1.

 

2.18 Parent” shall mean any corporation, other than the Company, in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company if, at the time of the determination, each of the corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.

 

2.19 Participant” shall mean any Eligible Employee who has executed a subscription agreement and been granted rights to purchase Common Stock pursuant to the Plan.

 

2.20 Plan” shall mean this Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

2.21 Purchase Date” shall mean the last Trading Day of each Purchase Period.

 

2.22 Purchase Period” shall refer to one or more periods within an Offering Period, as designated in the applicable Offering Document; provided, however, that, in the event no Purchase Period is designated by the Administrator in the applicable Offering Document, the Purchase Period for each Offering Period covered by such Offering Document shall be the same as the applicable Offering Period.

 

2.23 Purchase Price” shall mean the purchase price designated by the Administrator in the applicable Offering Document (which purchase price shall not be less than 85% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Enrollment Date or on the Purchase Date, whichever is lower); provided, however, that, in the event no purchase price is designated by the Administrator in the applicable Offering Document, the purchase price for the Offering Periods covered by such Offering Document shall be 85% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Enrollment Date or on the Purchase Date, whichever is lower; provided, further, that the Purchase Price may be adjusted by the Administrator pursuant to Article VIII and shall not be less than the par value of a Share.

 

2.24 Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

2.25 Share” shall mean a share of Common Stock.

 

2.26 Stockholders’ Agreement” means that certain Stockholders’ Agreement by and between the Company and Vieco 10 Limited, dated as of December 29, 2021.

 

2.27 “Subsidiary” shall mean any corporation, other than the Company, in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if, at the time of the determination, each of the corporations other than the last corporation in an unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain; provided, however, that a limited liability company or partnership may be treated as a Subsidiary to the extent either (a) such entity is treated as a disregarded entity under Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-3(a) by reason of the Company or any other Subsidiary that is a corporation being the sole owner of such entity, or (b) such entity elects to be classified as a corporation under Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-3(a) and such entity would otherwise qualify as a Subsidiary.

 

2.28 Trading Day” shall mean a day on which national stock exchanges in the United States are open for trading.

 

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Article III.

SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

 

3.1 Number of Shares. Subject to Article VIII, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to rights granted under the Plan shall be 6,698,398 Shares. In addition to the foregoing, subject to Article VIII, on the first day of each calendar year beginning on and including January 1, 2022 and ending on and including January 1, 2031, the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan shall be increased by that number of Shares equal to the lesser of (a) a number of Shares equal to 1% of the number of outstanding Shares on the final day of the immediately preceding calendar year and (b) such smaller number of Shares as determined by the Board. If any right granted under the Plan shall for any reason terminate without having been exercised, the Shares not purchased under such right shall again become available for issuance under the Plan. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 3.1 to the contrary, the number of Shares that may be issued or transferred pursuant to the rights granted under the Plan shall not exceed an aggregate of 50,000,000 Shares, subject to Article VIII.

 

3.2 Stock Distributed. Any Common Stock distributed pursuant to the Plan may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued Common Stock, treasury stock or Common Stock purchased on the open market.

 

Article IV.

Offering Periods; Offering Documents; Purchase dates

 

4.1 Offering Periods. The Administrator may from time to time grant or provide for the grant of rights to purchase Shares under the Plan to Eligible Employees during one or more periods (each, an “Offering Period”) selected by the Administrator. The terms and conditions applicable to each Offering Period shall be set forth in an “Offering Document” adopted by the Administrator, which Offering Document shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall deem appropriate. The Administrator shall establish in each Offering Document one or more Purchase Periods during such Offering Period during which rights granted under the Plan shall be exercised and purchases of Shares carried out during such Offering Period in accordance with such Offering Document and the Plan. The provisions of separate Offering Periods under the Plan need not be identical.

 

4.2 Offering Documents. Each Offering Document with respect to an Offering Period shall specify (through incorporation of the provisions of this Plan by reference or otherwise):

 

(a) the length of the Offering Period, which period shall not exceed 27 months;

 

(b) the length of the Purchase Period(s) within the Offering Period;

 

(c) in connection with each Offering Period that contains only one Purchase Period the maximum number of Shares that may be purchased by any Eligible Employee during such Offering Period, which, in the absence of a contrary designation by the Administrator, shall be 10,000 Shares;

 

(d) in connection with each Offering Period that contains more than one Purchase Period, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be purchased by any Eligible Employee during each Purchase Period, which, in the absence of a contrary designation by the Administrator, shall be 10,000 Shares; and

 

(e) such other provisions as the Administrator determines are appropriate, subject to the Plan.

 

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Article V.

ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION

 

5.1 Eligibility. Any Eligible Employee who shall be employed by the Company or a Designated Subsidiary on a given Enrollment Date for an Offering Period shall be eligible to participate in the Plan during such Offering Period, subject to the requirements of this Article V and the limitations imposed by Section 423(b) of the Code.

 

5.2 Enrollment in Plan.

 

(a) Except as otherwise set forth herein or in an Offering Document or determined by the Administrator, an Eligible Employee may become a Participant in the Plan for an Offering Period by delivering a subscription agreement to the Company by such time prior to the Enrollment Date for such Offering Period (or such other date specified in the Offering Document) designated by the Administrator and in such form as the Company provides.

 

(b) Each subscription agreement shall designate a whole percentage of such Eligible Employee’s Compensation to be withheld by the Company or the Designated Subsidiary employing such Eligible Employee on each payday during the Offering Period as payroll deductions under the Plan. The designated percentage may not be less than 1% and may not be more than the maximum percentage specified by the Administrator in the applicable Offering Document (which percentage shall be 15% in the absence of any such designation). The payroll deductions made for each Participant shall be credited to an account for such Participant under the Plan and shall be deposited with the general funds of the Company.

 

(c) A Participant may decrease the percentage of Compensation designated in his or her subscription agreement, subject to the limits of this Section 5.2, or may suspend his or her payroll deductions, at any time during an Offering Period; provided, however, that the Administrator may limit the number of changes a Participant may make to his or her payroll deduction elections during each Offering Period in the applicable Offering Document (and in the absence of any specific designation by the Administrator, a Participant shall be allowed two decreases and one suspension (but no increases) to his or her payroll deduction elections during each Offering Period with respect to such Offering Period). Any such change or suspension of payroll deductions shall be effective with the first full payroll period following ten business days after the Company’s receipt of the new subscription agreement (or such shorter or longer period as may be specified by the Administrator in the applicable Offering Document). In the event a Participant suspends his or her payroll deductions, such Participant’s cumulative payroll deductions prior to the suspension shall remain in his or her account and shall be applied to the purchase of Shares on the next occurring Purchase Date and shall not be paid to such Participant unless he or she withdraws from participation in the Plan pursuant to Article VII.

 

(d) Except as otherwise set forth in Section 5.8 or in an Offering Document or determined by the Administrator, a Participant may participate in the Plan only by means of payroll deduction and may not make contributions by lump sum payment for any Offering Period.

 

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5.3 Payroll Deductions. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Offering Document or Section 5.8, payroll deductions for a Participant shall commence on the first payroll following the Enrollment Date and shall end on the last payroll in the Offering Period to which the Participant’s authorization is applicable, unless sooner terminated by the Participant as provided in Article VII or suspended by the Participant or the Administrator as provided in Section 5.2 and Section 5.6, respectively.

 

5.4 Effect of Enrollment. A Participant’s completion of a subscription agreement will enroll such Participant in the Plan for each subsequent Offering Period on the terms contained therein until the Participant either submits a new subscription agreement, withdraws from participation under the Plan as provided in Article VII or otherwise becomes ineligible to participate in the Plan.

 

5.5 Limitation on Purchase of Common Stock. An Eligible Employee may be granted rights under the Plan only if such rights, together with any other rights granted to such Eligible Employee under “employee stock purchase plans” of the Company, any Parent or any Subsidiary, as specified by Section 423(b)(8) of the Code, do not permit such employee’s rights to purchase stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary to accrue at a rate that exceeds $25,000 of the fair market value of such stock (determined as of the first day of the Offering Period during which such rights are granted) for each calendar year in which such rights are outstanding at any time. This limitation shall be applied in accordance with Section 423(b)(8) of the Code.

 

5.6 Suspension of Payroll Deductions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 423(b)(8) of the Code and Section 5.5 or the other limitations set forth in this Plan, a Participant’s payroll deductions may be suspended by the Administrator at any time during an Offering Period. The balance of the amount credited to the account of each Participant that has not been applied to the purchase of Shares by reason of Section 423(b)(8) of the Code, Section 5.5 or the other limitations set forth in this Plan shall be paid to such Participant in one lump sum in cash as soon as reasonably practicable after the Purchase Date.

 

5.7 Foreign Employees. In order to facilitate participation in the Plan, the Administrator may provide for such special terms applicable to Participants who are citizens or residents of a foreign jurisdiction, or who are employed by a Designated Subsidiary outside of the United States, as the Administrator may consider necessary or appropriate to accommodate differences in local law, tax policy or custom. Such special terms may not be more favorable than the terms of rights granted under the Plan to Eligible Employees who are residents of the United States. Moreover, the Administrator may approve such supplements to, or amendments, restatements or alternative versions of, this Plan as it may consider necessary or appropriate for such purposes without thereby affecting the terms of this Plan as in effect for any other purpose. No such special terms, supplements, amendments or restatements shall include any provisions that are inconsistent with the terms of this Plan as then in effect unless this Plan could have been amended to eliminate such inconsistency without further approval by the stockholders of the Company.

 

5.8 Leave of Absence. During leaves of absence approved by the Company meeting the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.421-1(h)(2) under the Code, a Participant may continue participation in the Plan by making cash payments to the Company on his or her normal payday equal to his or her authorized payroll deduction.

 

7

 

 

Article VI.

grant and Exercise of rights

 

6.1 Grant of Rights. On the Enrollment Date of each Offering Period, each Eligible Employee participating in such Offering Period shall be granted a right to purchase the maximum number of Shares specified under Section 4.2, subject to the limits in Section 5.5, and shall have the right to buy, on each Purchase Date during such Offering Period (at the applicable Purchase Price), such number of whole Shares as is determined by dividing (a) such Participant’s payroll deductions accumulated prior to such Purchase Date and retained in the Participant’s account as of the Purchase Date, by (b) the applicable Purchase Price (rounded down to the nearest Share). The right shall expire on the earlier of: (x) the last Purchase Date of such Offering Period, (y) last day of such Offering Period and (z) the date on which such Participant withdraws in accordance with Section 7.1 or Section 7.3.

 

6.2 Exercise of Rights. On each Purchase Date, each Participant’s accumulated payroll deductions and any other additional payments specifically provided for in the applicable Offering Document will be applied to the purchase of whole Shares, up to the maximum number of Shares permitted pursuant to the terms of the Plan and the applicable Offering Document, at the Purchase Price. No fractional Shares shall be issued upon the exercise of rights granted under the Plan, unless the Offering Document specifically provides otherwise. Any cash in lieu of fractional Shares remaining after the purchase of whole Shares upon exercise of a purchase right will be carried forward and applied toward the purchase of whole Shares for the following Offering Period. Shares issued pursuant to the Plan may be evidenced in such manner as the Administrator may determine and may be issued in certificated form or issued pursuant to book-entry procedures.

 

6.3 Pro Rata Allocation of Shares. If the Administrator determines that, on a given Purchase Date, the number of Shares with respect to which rights are to be exercised may exceed (a) the number of Shares that were available for issuance under the Plan on the Enrollment Date of the applicable Offering Period, or (b) the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan on such Purchase Date, the Administrator may in its sole discretion provide that the Company shall make a pro rata allocation of the Shares available for purchase on such Enrollment Date or Purchase Date, as applicable, in as uniform a manner as shall be practicable and as it shall determine in its sole discretion to be equitable among all Participants for whom rights to purchase Shares are to be exercised pursuant to this Article VI on such Purchase Date, and shall either (i) continue all Offering Periods then in effect, or (ii) terminate any or all Offering Periods then in effect pursuant to Article IX. The Company may make pro rata allocation of the Shares available on the Enrollment Date of any applicable Offering Period pursuant to the preceding sentence, notwithstanding any authorization of additional Shares for issuance under the Plan by the Company’s stockholders subsequent to such Enrollment Date. The balance of the amount credited to the account of each Participant that has not been applied to the purchase of Shares shall be paid to such Participant, without interest, in one lump sum in cash as soon as reasonably practicable after the Purchase Date.

 

6.4 Withholding. At the time a Participant’s rights under the Plan are exercised, in whole or in part, or at the time some or all of the Shares issued under the Plan is disposed of, the Participant must make adequate provision for the Company’s federal, state, or other tax withholding obligations, if any, that arise upon the exercise of the right or the disposition of the Shares. At any time, the Company may, but shall not be obligated to, withhold from the Participant’s compensation the amount necessary for the Company to meet applicable withholding obligations, including any withholding required to make available to the Company any tax deductions or benefits attributable to sale or early disposition of Shares by the Participant.

 

6.5 Conditions to Issuance of Common Stock. The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificate or certificates for, or make any book entries evidencing, Shares purchased upon the exercise of rights under the Plan prior to fulfillment of all of the following conditions:

 

(a) The admission of such Shares to listing on all stock exchanges, if any, on which the Common Stock is then listed;

 

(b) The completion of any registration or other qualification of such Shares under any state or federal law or under the rulings or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory body, that the Administrator shall, in its absolute discretion, deem necessary or advisable;

 

(c) The obtaining of any approval or other clearance from any state or federal governmental agency that the Administrator shall, in its absolute discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable;

 

(d) The payment to the Company of all amounts that it is required to withhold under federal, state or local law upon exercise of the rights, if any; and

 

(e) The lapse of such reasonable period of time following the exercise of the rights as the Administrator may from time to time establish for reasons of administrative convenience.

 

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Article VII.

WITHDRAWAL; CESSATION OF ELIGIBILITY

 

7.1 Withdrawal. A Participant may withdraw all but not less than all of the payroll deductions credited to his or her account and not yet used to exercise his or her rights under the Plan at any time by giving written notice to the Company in a form acceptable to the Company no later than two weeks prior to the end of the Offering Period or, if earlier, the end of the Purchase Period (or such shorter or longer period as may be specified by the Administrator in the Offering Document). All of the Participant’s payroll deductions credited to his or her account during the Offering Period not yet used to exercise his or her rights under the Plan shall be paid to such Participant as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt of notice of withdrawal and such Participant’s rights for the Offering Period shall be automatically terminated, and no further payroll deductions for the purchase of Shares shall be made for such Offering Period. If a Participant withdraws from an Offering Period, payroll deductions shall not resume at the beginning of the next Offering Period unless the Participant is an Eligible Employee and timely delivers to the Company a new subscription agreement.

 

7.2 Future Participation. A Participant’s withdrawal from an Offering Period shall not have any effect upon his or her eligibility to participate in any similar plan that may hereafter be adopted by the Company or a Designated Subsidiary or in subsequent Offering Periods that commence after the termination of the Offering Period from which the Participant withdraws.

 

7.3 Cessation of Eligibility. Upon a Participant’s ceasing to be an Eligible Employee for any reason, he or she shall be deemed to have elected to withdraw from the Plan pursuant to this Article VII and the payroll deductions credited to such Participant’s account during the Offering Period shall be paid to such Participant or, in the case of his or her death, to the person or persons entitled thereto under Section 12.4, as soon as reasonably practicable, and such Participant’s rights for the Offering Period shall be automatically terminated.

 

Article VIII.
Adjustments upon Changes in Stock

 

8.1 Changes in Capitalization. Subject to Section 8.3, in the event that the Administrator determines that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Common Stock, other securities, or other property), Change in Control, reorganization, merger, amalgamation, consolidation, combination, repurchase, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution, or sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or sale or exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Common Stock or other securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event, as determined by the Administrator, affects the Common Stock such that an adjustment is determined by the Administrator to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended by the Company to be made available under the Plan or with respect to any outstanding purchase rights under the Plan, the Administrator shall make equitable adjustments, if any, to reflect such change with respect to (a) the aggregate number and type of Shares (or other securities or property) that may be issued under the Plan (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the limitations in Section 3.1 and the limitations established in each Offering Document pursuant to Section 4.2 on the maximum number of Shares that may be purchased); (b) the class(es) and number of Shares and price per Share subject to outstanding rights; and (c) the Purchase Price with respect to any outstanding rights.

 

9

 

 

8.2 Other Adjustments. Subject to Section 8.3, in the event of any transaction or event described in Section 8.1 or any unusual or nonrecurring transactions or events affecting the Company, any affiliate of the Company, or the financial statements of the Company or any affiliate (including without limitation any Change in Control), or of changes in Applicable Law or accounting principles, the Administrator, in its discretion, and on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, is hereby authorized to take any one or more of the following actions whenever the Administrator determines that such action is appropriate in order to prevent the dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan or with respect to any right under the Plan, to facilitate such transactions or events or to give effect to such changes in laws, regulations or principles:

 

(a) To provide for either (i) termination of any outstanding right in exchange for an amount of cash, if any, equal to the amount that would have been obtained upon the exercise of such right had such right been currently exercisable or (ii) the replacement of such outstanding right with other rights or property selected by the Administrator in its sole discretion;

 

(b) To provide that the outstanding rights under the Plan shall be assumed by the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, or shall be substituted for by similar rights covering the stock of the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices;

 

(c) To make adjustments in the number and type of Shares (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding rights under the Plan and/or in the terms and conditions of outstanding rights and rights that may be granted in the future;

 

(d) To provide that Participants’ accumulated payroll deductions may be used to purchase Common Stock prior to the next occurring Purchase Date on such date as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion and the Participants’ rights under the ongoing Offering Period(s) shall be terminated; and

 

(e) To provide that all outstanding rights shall terminate without being exercised.

 

8.3 No Adjustment Under Certain Circumstances. No adjustment or action described in this Article VIII or in any other provision of the Plan shall be authorized to the extent that such adjustment or action would cause the Plan to fail to satisfy the requirements of Section 423 of the Code.

 

8.4 No Other Rights. Except as expressly provided in the Plan, no Participant shall have any rights by reason of any subdivision or consolidation of shares of stock of any class, the payment of any dividend, any increase or decrease in the number of shares of stock of any class or any dissolution, liquidation, merger, or consolidation of the Company or any other corporation. Except as expressly provided in the Plan or pursuant to action of the Administrator under the Plan, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number of Shares subject to outstanding rights under the Plan or the Purchase Price with respect to any outstanding rights.

 

10

 

 

Article IX.

Amendment, modification and termination

 

9.1 Amendment, Modification and Termination. The Administrator may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time and from time to time; provided, however, that approval of the Company’s stockholders shall be required to amend the Plan to: (a) increase the aggregate number, or change the type, of shares that may be sold pursuant to rights under the Plan under Section 3.1 (other than an adjustment as provided by Article VIII); (b) change the Plan in any manner that would be considered the adoption of a new plan within the meaning of Treasury regulation Section 1.423-2(c)(4); or (c) change the Plan in any manner that would cause the Plan to no longer be an “employee stock purchase plan” within the meaning of Section 423(b) of the Code.

 

9.2 Certain Changes to Plan. Without stockholder consent and without regard to whether any Participant rights may be considered to have been adversely affected, to the extent permitted by Section 423 of the Code, the Administrator shall be entitled to change or terminate the Offering Periods, limit the frequency and/or number of changes in the amount withheld from Compensation during an Offering Period, establish the exchange ratio applicable to amounts withheld in a currency other than U.S. dollars, permit payroll withholding in excess of the amount designated by a Participant in order to adjust for delays or mistakes in the Company’s processing of payroll withholding elections, establish reasonable waiting and adjustment periods and/or accounting and crediting procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of Common Stock for each Participant properly correspond with amounts withheld from the Participant’s Compensation, and establish such other limitations or procedures as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion to be advisable that are consistent with the Plan.

 

9.3 Actions In the Event of Unfavorable Financial Accounting Consequences. In the event the Administrator determines that the ongoing operation of the Plan may result in unfavorable financial accounting consequences, the Administrator may, in its discretion and, to the extent necessary or desirable, modify or amend the Plan to reduce or eliminate such accounting consequence including, but not limited to:

 

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

 

(b) shortening any Offering Period so that the Offering Period ends on a new Purchase Date, including an Offering Period underway at the time of the Administrator action; and

 

(c) allocating Shares.

 

Such modifications or amendments shall not require stockholder approval or the consent of any Participant.

 

9.4 Payments Upon Termination of Plan. Upon termination of the Plan, the balance in each Participant’s Plan account shall be refunded as soon as practicable after such termination, without any interest thereon.

 

Article X.

TERM OF PLAN

 

The Plan shall be effective on the Effective Date. The effectiveness of the Plan shall be subject to approval of the Plan by the stockholders of the Company within 12 months following the date the Plan is first approved by the Board. No right may be granted under the Plan prior to such stockholder approval. No rights may be granted under the Plan during any period of suspension of the Plan or after termination of the Plan.

 

11

 

 

Article XI.

ADMINISTRATION

 

11.1 Administrator. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, the Administrator of the Plan shall be the Compensation Committee of the Board (or another committee or a subcommittee of the Board to which the Board delegates administration of the Plan) (such committee, the “Committee”). The Board may at any time vest in the Board any authority or duties for administration of the Plan.

 

11.2 Action by the Administrator. Unless otherwise established by the Board or in any charter of the Administrator, a majority of the Administrator shall constitute a quorum. The acts of a majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present and, subject to Applicable Law and the Bylaws of the Company, acts approved in writing by a majority of the Administrator in lieu of a meeting, shall be deemed the acts of the Administrator. Each member of the Administrator is entitled to, in good faith, rely or act upon any report or other information furnished to that member by any officer or other employee of the Company or any Designated Subsidiary, the Company’s independent certified public accountants, or any executive compensation consultant or other professional retained by the Company to assist in the administration of the Plan.

 

11.3 Authority of Administrator. The Administrator shall have the power, subject to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of the Plan:

 

(a) To determine when and how rights to purchase Shares shall be granted and the provisions of each offering of such rights (which need not be identical).

 

(b) To designate from time to time which Subsidiaries of the Company shall be Designated Subsidiaries, which designation may be made without the approval of the stockholders of the Company.

 

(c) To construe and interpret the Plan and rights granted under it, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for its administration. The Administrator, in the exercise of this power, may correct any defect, omission or inconsistency in the Plan, in a manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary or expedient to make the Plan fully effective.

 

(d) To amend, suspend or terminate the Plan as provided in Article IX.

 

(e) Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as the Administrator deems necessary or expedient to promote the best interests of the Company and its Subsidiaries and to carry out the intent that the Plan be treated as an “employee stock purchase plan” within the meaning of Section 423 of the Code.

 

11.4 Decisions Binding. The Administrator’s interpretation of the Plan, any rights granted pursuant to the Plan, any subscription agreement and all decisions and determinations by the Administrator with respect to the Plan are final, binding, and conclusive on all parties.

 

12

 

 

Article XII.

MISCELLANEOUS

 

12.1 Restriction upon Assignment. A right granted under the Plan shall not be transferable other than by will or the Applicable Laws of descent and distribution, and is exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by the Participant. Except as provided in Section 12.4 hereof, a right under the Plan may not be exercised to any extent except by the Participant. The Company shall not recognize and shall be under no duty to recognize any assignment or alienation of the Participant’s interest in the Plan, the Participant’s rights under the Plan or any rights thereunder.

 

12.2 Rights as a Stockholder. With respect to Shares subject to a right granted under the Plan, a Participant shall not be deemed to be a stockholder of the Company, and the Participant shall not have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder, until such Shares have been issued to the Participant or his or her nominee following exercise of the Participant’s rights under the Plan. No adjustments shall be made for dividends (ordinary or extraordinary, whether in cash securities, or other property) or distribution or other rights for which the record date occurs prior to the date of such issuance, except as otherwise expressly provided herein or as determined by the Administrator.

 

12.3 Interest. No interest shall accrue on the payroll deductions or contributions of a Participant under the Plan.

 

12.4 Designation of Beneficiary.

 

(a) A Participant may, in the manner determined by the Administrator, file a written designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any Shares and/or cash, if any, from the Participant’s account under the Plan in the event of such Participant’s death subsequent to a Purchase Date on which the Participant’s rights are exercised but prior to delivery to such Participant of such Shares and cash. In addition, a Participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any cash from the Participant’s account under the Plan in the event of such Participant’s death prior to exercise of the Participant’s rights under the Plan. If the Participant is married and resides in a community property state, a designation of a person other than the Participant’s spouse as his or her beneficiary shall not be effective without the prior written consent of the Participant’s spouse.

 

(b) Such designation of beneficiary may be changed by the Participant at any time by written notice to the Company. In the event of the death of a Participant and in the absence of a beneficiary validly designated under the Plan who is living at the time of such Participant’s death, the Company shall deliver such Shares and/or cash to the executor or administrator of the estate of the Participant, or if no such executor or administrator has been appointed (to the knowledge of the Company), the Company, in its discretion, may deliver such Shares and/or cash to the spouse or to any one or more dependents or relatives of the Participant, or if no spouse, dependent or relative is known to the Company, then to such other person as the Company may designate.

 

12.5 Notices. All notices or other communications by a Participant to the Company under or in connection with the Plan shall be deemed to have been duly given when received in the form specified by the Company at the location, or by the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof.

 

12.6 Equal Rights and Privileges. Subject to Section 5.7, all Eligible Employees will have equal rights and privileges under this Plan so that this Plan qualifies as an “employee stock purchase plan” within the meaning of Section 423 of the Code. Subject to Section 5.7, any provision of this Plan that is inconsistent with Section 423 of the Code will, without further act or amendment by the Company, the Board or the Administrator, be reformed to comply with the equal rights and privileges requirement of Section 423 of the Code.

 

12.7 Use of Funds. All payroll deductions received or held by the Company under the Plan may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and the Company shall not be obligated to segregate such payroll deductions.

 

13

 

 

12.8 Reports. Statements of account shall be given to Participants at least annually, which statements shall set forth the amounts of payroll deductions, the Purchase Price, the number of Shares purchased and the remaining cash balance, if any.

 

12.9 No Employment Rights. Nothing in the Plan shall be construed to give any person (including any Eligible Employee or Participant) the right to employment or service with (or to remain in the employ of) the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary thereof or affect the right of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary thereof to terminate the employment of any person (including any Eligible Employee or Participant) at any time, with or without cause.

 

12.10 Notice of Disposition of Shares. Each Participant shall give prompt notice to the Company of any disposition or other transfer of any Shares purchased upon exercise of a right under the Plan if such disposition or transfer is made: (a) within two years from the Enrollment Date of the Offering Period in which the Shares were purchased or (b) within one year after the Purchase Date on which such Shares were purchased. Such notice shall specify the date of such disposition or other transfer and the amount realized, in cash, other property, assumption of indebtedness or other consideration, by the Participant in such disposition or other transfer.

 

12.11 Governing Law. The Plan and any agreements hereunder shall be administered, interpreted and enforced under the internal laws of the State of Delaware without regard to conflicts of laws thereof or of any other jurisdiction.

 

12.12 Electronic Forms. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law and in the discretion of the Administrator, an Eligible Employee may submit any form or notice as set forth herein by means of an electronic form approved by the Administrator. Before the commencement of an Offering Period, the Administrator shall prescribe the time limits within which any such electronic form shall be submitted to the Administrator with respect to such Offering Period in order to be a valid election.

 

*     *     *     *     *

 

 

14

 

 

Exhibit 10.15

 

Joinder Agreement

 

This Joinder Agreement (this “Joinder Agreement”) is made as of the date written below by the undersigned (the “Joining Party”) in accordance with the Stockholder Support Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2021 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Support Agreement”), by and among NextGen Acquisition Corp. II, a Cayman Islands exempted company limited by shares (which shall migrate to and domesticate as a Delaware corporation), Vieco USA, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Vieco 10 Limited, a company limited by shares under the laws of the British Virgin Islands. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Support Agreement.

 

The Joining Party hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that, by its execution of this Joinder Agreement, the Joining Party shall be deemed to be a party to, and a “Company Stockholder” under, the Support Agreement as of the date hereof and shall have all of the rights and obligations of the Company Stockholder as if it had executed the Support Agreement. The Joining Party hereby ratifies, as of the date hereof, and agrees to be bound by, all of the terms, provisions and conditions contained in the Support Agreement.

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this Joinder Agreement as of the date written below.

 

Date: December 29, 2021

 

  Virgin Investments Limited
   
  By: /s/ James Cahillane
  Name:   James Cahillane
  Its: Authorized Signatory
   
  Address:
   
  Virgin Investments Limited
  Craigmuir Chambers
  PO Box 71
  Road Town, Tortola, VG 1110
  British Virgin Islands
   
  with copy to:
  Virgin Management USA, Inc.
  65 Bleecker Street, 6th Floor
  New York, NY 10012

 

[Signature page to Joinder]

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.16

 

Joinder Agreement

 

This Joinder Agreement (this “Joinder Agreement”) is made as of the date written below by the undersigned (the “Joining Party”) in accordance with the Stockholder Support Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2021 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Support Agreement”), by and among NextGen Acquisition Corp. II, a Cayman Islands exempted company limited by shares (which shall migrate to and domesticate as a Delaware corporation), Vieco USA, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Vieco 10 Limited, a company limited by shares under the laws of the British Virgin Islands. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Support Agreement.

 

The Joining Party hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that, by its execution of this Joinder Agreement, the Joining Party shall be deemed to be a party to, and a “Company Stockholder” under, the Support Agreement as of the date hereof and shall have all of the rights and obligations of the Company Stockholder as if it had executed the Support Agreement. The Joining Party hereby ratifies, as of the date hereof, and agrees to be bound by, all of the terms, provisions and conditions contained in the Support Agreement.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this Joinder Agreement as of the date written below.

 

Date: December 29, 2021 Fifteenth Investment Company LLC
   
  By: /s/ Andre Namphy
    Name: Andre Namphy
    Title: Authorised Signatory
   
  Address for Notices:
   
  Mamoura A, Muroor Street, Abu Dhabi
  United Arab Emirates, PO Box 45005
   
  With copies to: Andre Namphy

 

 

Exhibit 14.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VIRGIN ORBIT HOLDINGS, INC.

CODE OF CONDUCT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

I. INTRODUCTION 1
     
  A. To Whom Does This Code of Conduct Apply? 1
  B. Consequences of Non-Compliance with this Code of Conduct 2
  C. What To Do When Faced With an Ethical Decision. 2
  D. Where to Get Help and Report Concerns and Violations of the Code of Conduct 3
  E. Policy Against Retaliation 3
  F. Waivers of the Code of Conduct 3
     
II. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST 4
     
  A. Identifying Potential Conflicts of Interest 4
  B. Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest 6
  C. Policy on Work Related Gifts 6
     
III. POLICY ON CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES 7
     
IV. ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY, EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES 7
     
  A. Environment and Sustainability 7
  B. Health and Safety 7
  C. Equal Opportunity Employment Practices, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy 8
     
V. PROTECTION AND USE OF VIRGIN ORBIT’S ASSETS 9
     
VI. INSIDER TRADING AND SECURITIES INFORMATION 9
     
VII. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND REGULATION FD 10
     
  A. Public Communications and Confidential Information 10
  B. Compliance with Regulation FD 10
     
VIII. ACCURACY OF FINANCIAL REPORTS AND OTHER PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS 11
     
IX. RAISING CONCERNS OR COMPLAINTS ABOUT ACCOUNTING OR AUDITING MATTERS 11
     
X. RECORD RETENTION 11
     
XI. PUBLIC SECTOR CODE OF ETHICS AND BUSINESS CONDUCT 12
     
  A. Fair Dealing 12
  B. Responsible Manufacturing and Distribution Practices 12
  C. Purchasing Practices 13
  D. Guidelines For Dealings With Public Sector Customers 13
     
XII. FAIR COMPETITION 14
   
  A. Gathering Competitive Information 14
  B. Anti-Competition and Anti-Trust Policy 15
     
XIII. COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS 15
     
  A. Export Control Compliance 15
  B. Anti-Trafficking Policy 16
  C. Anti-Corruption Policy 17
  D. Anti-Money Laundering Policy 17
  E. Political Activity 18
     
XIV. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 18
     
XV. CONCLUSION 18

 

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VIRGIN ORBIT CODE OF CONDUCT

 

I. INTRODUCTION

 

This Code of Conduct is Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc.’s (together with its subsidiaries, “Virgin Orbit” or the “Company”) general statement of ethical business conduct. The Code of Conduct stems from our Company values:

 

Very Virgin. We are inclusive, imaginative, and pioneering. We strive to empower every voice to work hard to change the world, all while having fun along the way.

 

On a Mission Together. We are purpose-led, united, and committed to success through camaraderie. In every decision and every action, we accomplish audacious, critical missions by helping each other succeed.

 

Straight Up. We are honest, transparent, and kind. We communicate openly in a fair and straightforward way to build trust.

 

Ignited by Curiosity. We are inquisitive, innovative, and always hungry to learn. We never stop questioning, of everyone and everything: “How can we do it better?”

 

Responsive by Design. We give a damn about our customers and each other. We move forward with urgency, empathy, integrity, and an open-minded approach.

 

A. To Whom Does This Code of Conduct Apply?

 

This Code of Conduct applies to all of Virgin Orbit’s employees, directors, and officers which shall be referred to together as “Teammates.” In this Code of Conduct, we refer to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller, or persons performing similar functions, as our “principal financial officers.”

 

This Code of Conduct also applies to temporary workers, contracted providers, consultants, contractors, vendors and any other person acting on behalf of Virgin Orbit, which we refer to in this Code of Conduct as “third parties.” Applicability of this Code of Conduct to third parties is established through an undertaking and agreement included in any contract between Virgin Orbit and such third party.

 

Teammates with leadership roles at Virgin Orbit have additional responsibilities and should foster an environment of ethical behavior by:

 

acting as role models, demonstrating ethical behavior in the performance of their own duties,

 

making sure that Teammates understand that business results are never more important than compliance with the standards for ethical behavior,

 

ensuring that Teammates are familiar with the standards for ethical behavior in the Code of Conduct and Company Policies that are relevant to the performance of their duties,

 

encouraging open communication regarding business practices and ethical issues, and

 

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acting to address incidents of unethical behavior, including training, counseling and disciplinary action where appropriate, and recognizing and rewarding ethical behavior.

 

B. Consequences of Non-Compliance with this Code of Conduct

 

The Company takes this Code of Conduct and its ethical standards and legal obligations very seriously. Failures to act ethically and violations of the Code of Conduct and Company Policies can impact Virgin Orbit’s business and reputation, and can have serious consequences for all Virgin Orbit stakeholders, including Teammates, shareholders, consumers, business partners and our communities. When Virgin Orbit becomes aware of or has determined that there has been a violation of the Code of Conduct or the law, we will act to correct the problem and prevent future occurrences. Depending on the circumstances, the corrective and preventive steps may include training, counseling and disciplinary actions up to and including termination of employment, or, in the case of a director, a request that such director resign from the Board of Directors of the Company, and civil or criminal prosecution.

 

If you are accused of violating this Code of Conduct, you will be given an opportunity to present your version of the events at issue as part of the investigation process.

 

In addition, the Company reserves the right to report misconduct to appropriate federal, state and local authorities. Violations also could lead to civil damages, criminal fines, arrest and prosecution by law enforcement if such violations involve illegal activities. The Company may also face substantial fines and penalties and may incur damage to its reputation and standing in the community.

 

You have a responsibility to speak up when you are in a situation which you believe may violate or lead to a violation of the Code of Conduct, Company Policy or the law.

 

C. What To Do When Faced With an Ethical Decision.

 

When faced with an ethical decision, Teammates should ask themselves these questions:

 

What is the ethics issue? Start by identifying the problem – what is it about the situation that makes you feel uncomfortable?

 

Is it a violation of Virgin Orbit’s Code of Conduct, Company Policy or the law? If it is, don’t do it. If you’re not sure, you should talk to your supervisor, your People Partner, or the Legal Department.

 

How will it affect Virgin Orbit’s stakeholders? What is the impact on Virgin Orbit’s consumers, investors, fellow Teammates, communities and other stakeholders?

 

How will this affect my reputation and the reputation of Virgin Orbit? Are your actions consistent with Virgin Orbit’s values? Are you playing fair? Would you feel comfortable explaining the situation to your family or the news media? How does your conscience feel? What would a trusted friend advise?

 

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D. Where to Get Help and Report Concerns and Violations of the Code of Conduct

 

All Teammates have a duty to report any known or suspected violation of this Code of Conduct, including violations of the laws, rules, regulations or policies that apply to the Company. Teammates who have questions about the Code of Conduct, Company Policy, or conduct that may violate these standards can turn to the following resources for help:

 

Supervisors are available to answer questions, and are most familiar with the company guidelines that apply to the business activities in their areas.

 

Your People Partners and the People Department are the best resources for questions about employment, benefits, and workplace issues. If your supervisor cannot answer your question or if you do not feel comfortable contacting your supervisor, you may contact one of the following resources:

 

o The Legal Department is available to answer specific questions about the Code of Conduct and Company Policies and can provide guidance about what laws apply and how to conduct Virgin Orbit’s business in compliance with the law. Inquiries from external parties should be addressed to Derrick Boston, Chief Legal Officer at derrick.boston@virginorbit.com.

 

o The Straight Up Hotline is a toll-free number available to Teammates and 3rd parties 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by telephone at 844-796-6538 or over the Internet at: https://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/66454/index.html to report potential violations of the Code of Conduct or company Policies. To the extent permitted by local law, Persons who call the hotline can choose to remain anonymous, but are encouraged to identify themselves and to provide as much information as possible so that the Company can conduct an efficient and effective investigation of the reported issue.

 

All questions and concerns will be handled fairly and discreetly, consistent with applicable laws and the Company’s need to investigate your concern. Retaliation against any teammate for reporting an ethical concern is prohibited.

 

Teammates can find additional policies referenced in this Code of Conduct in the Employee Handbook located on the Company’s intranet site.

 

See Section IX, below, for procedures for raising concerns about accounting and auditing matters.

 

E. Policy Against Retaliation

 

Virgin Orbit prohibits retaliation against any Teammate who, in good faith, seeks help or reports known or suspected violations or otherwise engages in legally protected whistleblower activity. Any reprisal or retaliation against an employee or director because the employee or director, in good faith, sought help or filed a report will be subject to disciplinary action, including potential termination of employment. It is against Company policy and law to retaliate against Teammates engaged in legally protected whistleblower activity.

 

Any Teammate who believes that he or she is being subjected to retaliation for reporting an issue in good faith or assisting in good faith with an investigation should report the matter immediately to the People Department, the Legal Department or the confidential Straight Up Hotline.

 

F. Waivers of the Code of Conduct

 

Any waiver of this Code for Virgin Orbit’s directors, executive officers or other principal financial officers must only be made by our Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof and will be disclosed to the public as required by applicable law or stock market rules. Waivers of this Code for other employees may be made only by the Company’s Chief Legal Officer, or his or her designee, and will be reported to our Board of Directors and/or Audit Committee, as necessary or advisable.

 

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II. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

A. Identifying Potential Conflicts of Interest

 

All Teammates must refrain from engaging in any activity or having a personal interest that presents a “conflict of interest” and should seek to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest occurs when your personal interest interferes with the interests of the Company. A conflict of interest can arise whenever you, as an employee, officer or director, take action or have an interest that prevents you from performing your Company duties and responsibilities honestly, objectively and effectively.

 

Identifying potential conflicts of interest may not always be clear-cut. The following are examples of actions or activities by or situations involving Teammates that may create a conflict of interest or the appearance thereof:

 

Having a “material interest” (ownership or otherwise) in any company that the individual knows or suspects is a material customer, supplier or competitor of the Company and using the employee’s position to influence a transaction with such company. Whether an employee has a “material interest” will be determined by the Chief Legal Officer or the Company’s Board of Directors, as applicable, in light of all of the circumstances, including consideration of the relationship of the employee to the customer, supplier or competitor, the relationship of the employee to the specific transaction and the importance of the interest to the employee having the interest.

 

Engaging in any outside activity that will bring direct or indirect profit to our competitors;

 

Being employed by, serving as a director of, or providing any services to a company that the individual knows or suspects is a material customer, supplier or competitor of the Company (other than services to be provided as part of an employee’s job responsibilities for the Company);

 

Obtaining loans or guarantees of personal obligations from, or entering into any other personal financial transaction with, any company that the individual knows or suspects is a material customer, supplier or competitor of the Company. This guideline does not prohibit arms-length transactions with banks, brokerage firms or other financial institutions.

 

Failing to disclose to Virgin Orbit that an immediate family member is employed by or affiliated with a competitor or Virgin Orbit contractor, vendor, business associate or other affiliate;

 

Personal or romantic involvement with a competitor, supplier, or subordinate teammate of the Company;

 

Obtaining any material (as to the individual) personal benefits or favors because of the individual’s position with the Company;

 

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Serving on a board of directors or trustees or on a committee of any entity (whether profit or not-for-profit) whose interests reasonably would be expected to conflict with those of the Company.

 

Using Virgin Orbit equipment or other resources to support an external business;

 

Accepting remuneration, compensation or a gift of any kind from current or potential contractors, vendors, business associates or affiliates of Virgin Orbit;

 

Providing preferential treatment to any person or outside entity resulting from gifts or favors received;

 

Providing or giving gifts or favors to others where it might appear to be designed to improperly influence others in their relations with Virgin Orbit;

 

Employment of close relations is permitted. Subject to the condition that Teammates may not work under the direct or indirect leadership of or have influence over a “close relation.” “Close relations” include spouses, domestic partners, individuals who are dating, children, siblings, parents, in-laws, roommates, relatives, step- relatives and extended-family. In considering whether a relationship falls within this policy, all Teammates are urged to disclose the facts to their supervisor if there is any question of whether a relationship exists.

 

While employed by the Company, Teammates are expected to devote their energy to their job.

 

The following types of employment elsewhere are strictly prohibited:

 

o Additional employment that conflicts with a teammate’s work schedule, duties, and responsibilities at the Company;

 

o Additional employment that creates a conflict of interest or is incompatible with the teammate’s position with the Company;

 

o Additional employment that impairs or has a detrimental effect on the teammate’s work performance with the Company; and

 

o Engaging in any other activity which conflicts with the interests of Virgin Orbit.

 

Any Teammate who wishes to engage in outside employment is encouraged to consult with the People Department to ensure that any contemplated outside employment will not result in a violation of this policy or in any way interfere with the Teammate’s employment at the Company; and

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of the Company’s non-employee directors, compliance herewith is subject to provisions of the Company’s certificate of incorporation, bylaws and any stockholders’ agreement applicable to the Company.

 

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B. Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest

 

The Company requires that employees and directors disclose any situation that reasonably would be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest. If you suspect that you have a situation that could give rise to a conflict of interest, or something that others could reasonably perceive as a conflict of interest, you must disclose the relevant circumstances to your immediate manager, and to a member of the People Department, or if you are a director or executive officer, to the Board of Directors. The Company’s Chief Legal Officer, the Board of Directors or a committee thereof, as applicable, will work with you to determine whether you have a conflict of interest and, if so, how best to address it in a manner appropriate according to the circumstances. All transactions that could potentially give rise to a conflict of interest involving a director, executive officer or principal financial officer must be approved by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof, and any such approval will not be considered a waiver of this Code of Conduct. Failure to disclose facts may constitute grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

 

C. Policy on Work Related Gifts

 

At Virgin Orbit, we strive to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, and are committed to treating all people and organizations equally and impartially.

 

Teammates may not solicit or accept personal gifts, business courtesies, or services from outside entities, vendors, or business associates, or other third parties or their families because doing so may establish an actual or potential conflict of interest.

 

If any teammate is offered any money, favors, or something else of value by or on behalf of a potential or existing Customer, Vendor or other third party, Teammates should politely decline the offer and promptly report the incident to Management and/or Legal. Things of value include cash, meals, cocktails, lodging, transportation, free goods, tickets to events and gift certificates -- among many others. Teammates are allowed to accept gifts valued under $20.00, with the exception of cash, without reporting to Management and/or Legal. If Teammates receive several gifts at the same time from the same party, the total value of all gifts received should not exceed the value of $20.00.

 

Teammates should comply with the following:

 

Do not give or accept anything of value if it would appear to improperly obligate someone to act a certain way or if it would embarrass either party if made public.

 

Before offering a gift, make sure the gift policies of your intended recipients will not be violated.

 

Consult with the Legal Department before offering or accepting gifts, meals, services, entertainment, or anything else of value to or from a government official.

 

Under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, a government official includes:

 

o Any director, officer, employee, agent, or representative (including anyone elected, nominated, or appointed to be a director, officer, employee, agent, or representative) of any government entity (which includes state-owned businesses and international organizations), or anyone otherwise acting in an official capacity on behalf of a government entity.

 

o Any political party, political party official, or political party employee.

 

o Any candidate for public or political office.

 

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o Any royal or ruling family member.

 

o Any agent or representative of any of those persons listed above.

 

III. POLICY ON CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES

 

Teammates should not compete with Virgin Orbit, or take for their personal benefit any opportunities (for example, relating to products, inventions or investments) that are discovered through the use of corporate property, information or position while employed by the Company or, for a director, while serving on our Board of Directors.

 

If you discover or are presented with a business opportunity through the use of corporate property or information or because of your position with the Company, you should first present the business opportunity to the Company before pursuing the opportunity in your individual capacity. You should disclose to your supervisor the terms and conditions of each business opportunity covered by this Code of Conduct that you wish to pursue. Your supervisor will contact the Chief Legal Officer and the appropriate management personnel to determine whether the Company wishes to pursue the business opportunity. If the Company waives its right to pursue the business opportunity, you may pursue the business opportunity on the same terms and conditions as originally proposed and consistent with the other ethical guidelines set forth in this Code.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of the Company’s non-employee directors, compliance herewith is subject to provisions of the Company’s certificate of incorporation, bylaws and any agreement with stockholders applicable to the Company.

 

IV. ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY, EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

 

The Company is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its Teammates and to avoiding adverse impact and injury to the environment and the communities in which it does business. Company employees must comply with all applicable environmental, health and safety and laws, regulations and Company standards. It is the responsibility of each Teammate to understand and comply with the laws, regulations and policies that are relevant to your job. Failure to comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations can result in civil and criminal liability against you and the Company, as well as disciplinary action by the Company, up to and including termination of employment. You should contact the Legal Department if you have any questions the laws, regulations and policies that apply to you.

 

A. Environment and Sustainability

 

Virgin Orbit works to protect the health and safety of employees, and to limit our impact on the environment. We follow all environmental laws wherever we operate, and we include environmental, health and safety standards in our business operations to reduce risks, limit impacts and provide a safe workplace. Teammates have a responsibility to promptly report any known or suspected violations of environmental laws or any events that may result in a discharge or emission of hazardous materials.

 

B. Health and Safety

 

Every teammate has the responsibility, and the authority, to call a safety “time out” whenever they have serious questions about the safety of a work situation. Should it be a question about how we fly our spaceships or how our office workstations are set up, Teammates are expected to tell management about safety concerns so they can be examined and resolved.

 

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We are all expected to use good judgment, follow Company safety policies and to exercise caution in all work activities. Everyone is expected to promptly report any and all unsafe conditions, accidents or injuries, regardless of how insignificant they may appear, to their manager or the safety department without fear of retaliation. These reports are necessary to correct any potential hazards, treat injured Teammates, and to comply with laws governing workplace safety.

 

The Company and all Teammates must comply with applicable federal and state Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and guidelines. Safety education is essential and Teammates will attend safety training based on their position requirements and Company location.

 

Safety is our North Star. It’s a key driver in every teammate’s decision-making process and is threaded through the very fabric of our culture. Virgin Orbit is committed to ensuring that all of our Teammates enjoy a safe and healthy workplace.

 

Because we take protection of Teammates and safety compliance very seriously, any violation of Virgin Orbit’s safety procedures and policies may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

 

If you have any questions concerning workplace safety, please consult with either your manager, the Safety Team or the People Department.

 

C. Equal Opportunity Employment Practices, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy

 

The Company pursues fair employment practices in every aspect of its business. Consistent with the Company policy contained in Employee Handbook, the Company provides opportunity for all applicants and Teammates. The Company does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and /or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, and military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. The Company also prohibits harassment based on these characteristics in any form, whether physical or verbal and whether committed by supervisors, non-supervisory personnel or non-employees. Harassment may include, but is not limited to, offensive sexual flirtations, unwanted sexual advances or propositions, verbal abuse, sexually or racially degrading words, or the display in the workplace of sexually suggestive or racially degrading objects or pictures.

 

This policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation and benefits. This commitment applies to all persons involved in the operations of the Company, including contractors, vendors, interns and volunteers. Virgin Orbit prohibits unlawful discrimination by any teammate, including managers, co-workers, vendors, and customers.

 

The Company also makes reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled employees, including disabled veteran Teammates, and for Teammates’ religious observances, holidays and practices, unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the Company’s operations. The Company does not tolerate unlawful retaliation against Teammates, including against Teammates who request a disability or religious observance or religious practice accommodation.

 

Teammates should report any instance of unlawful discrimination to their manager or the People Department, regardless of whether they or someone else is the subject of the discrimination. The Company will conduct a prompt, effective, thorough and objective investigation of concerns of discrimination and provide a timely response. The Company prohibits any and all retaliation for submitting a good faith claim of unlawful discrimination or for cooperating in any investigation.

 

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The Company takes issues of discrimination seriously and is committed to ensuring a safe and respectful workplace for all our Teammates. Accordingly, if an investigation determines that prohibited discrimination or other conduct violated applicable Company policy or that anyone who participated in the investigation was retaliated against, then the offending party will be disciplined up to and including termination of employment. Please also see Anti-Harassment Policy in our Employee Handbook. Please contact your supervisor or the People Department to obtain a copy of the Employee Handbook or with any questions concerning the Anti-Harassment Policy. Teammates can also find the Employee Handbook on the Company’s intranet site.

 

V. PROTECTION AND USE OF VIRGIN ORBIT’S ASSETS

 

Teammates should protect the Company’s assets and ensure their efficient use for legitimate business purposes only and not for any personal benefit or the personal benefit of anyone else. Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on the Company’s financial performance. The use of Company funds or assets, whether or not for personal gain, for any unlawful or improper purpose is prohibited.

 

Teammates should be aware that Company property includes all data and communications transmitted or received to or by, or contained in, the Company’s electronic or telephonic systems. Company property also includes all written communications. Employees and other users of this property should have no expectation of privacy with respect to these communications and data. To the extent permitted by law, the Company has the ability, and reserves the right, to monitor all electronic and telephonic communication. These communications may also be subject to disclosure to law enforcement or government officials.

 

VI. INSIDER TRADING AND SECURITIES INFORMATION

 

Consistent with the Company’s Insider Trading Compliance Policy, the Company’s employees and directors are prohibited from trading in the stock or other securities of the Company while in possession of material nonpublic information about the Company. In addition, Company employees and directors are prohibited from recommending, “tipping” or suggesting that anyone else buy or sell the Company’s stock or other securities on the basis of material non-public information. Employees and directors who obtain material non-public information about another company in the course of their duties are prohibited from trading in the stock or securities of the other company while in possession of such information or “tipping” others to trade on the basis of such information. Violation of insider trading laws can result in severe fines and criminal penalties, as well as disciplinary action by the Company, up to and including, for an employee, termination of employment or, for a director, a request that such director resign from the Board of Directors.

 

You are required to read carefully and observe our Insider Trading Compliance Policy, as amended from time to time. Please contact the Legal Department for a copy of the Insider Trading Compliance Policy or with any questions you may have about insider trading laws.

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VII. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND REGULATION FD

 

A. Public Communications and Confidential Information

 

The Company puts tremendous value around our extended community and is committed to providing timely, consistent and credible information to the public about our businesses and philosophies. The Company’s activities are monitored by journalists, consultants, securities analysts, and others. Do not contact these individuals or groups or respond to their inquiries, whether online (including social media), by phone, or otherwise, unless you are authorized to do so. The Company requires Teammates to direct all media inquiries to the Brand Department or the Legal Department.

 

The Company has adopted a separate Policy Statement – Guidelines for Corporate Disclosure to maintain the Company’s credibility and reputation in the community, to maintain the confidentiality of competitive and proprietary information and to prevent selective disclosure of market-sensitive financial data. See “Compliance with Regulation FD,” below.

 

In addition, Teammates should take appropriate precautions to ensure that confidential or sensitive business information, whether it is proprietary to the Company or another company, is not communicated within the Company except to employees and directors who have a need to know such information to perform their responsibilities for the Company. Confidential information includes all non-public information that might be of use to competitors, or, if disclosed, harmful to the Company or its collaborators, customers or suppliers. Employees and directors have a duty to safeguard all confidential information of the Company or third parties with which the Company conducts business, except when disclosure is authorized or legally mandated, and disclosures of confidential information should be made in accordance with the Company’s Policy Statement – Guidelines for Corporate Disclosure and applicable law. Unauthorized disclosure of any confidential information is prohibited. Violations of this policy may include disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

 

B. Compliance with Regulation FD

 

In connection with its public communications, Virgin Orbit is required to comply with a rule under the federal securities laws referred to as Regulation FD (which stands for “fair disclosure”). Regulation FD provides that, when we disclose material non-public information about the Company to securities market professionals or the Company’s stockholders (where it is reasonably foreseeable that the stockholders will trade on the information), we must also disclose the information to the public. “Securities market professionals” generally include analysts, institutional investors and other investment advisors.

 

In the Company’s Guidelines for Corporate Disclosure, the Company has designated certain individuals as “spokespersons” who are responsible for communicating with analysts, institutional investors and representatives of the media. Any employee or director who is not a designated spokesperson of the Company is prohibited from communicating any information about the Company to analysts, institutional investors, other stockholders or representatives of the media, except at the request of the Company’s designated spokespersons. Requests for information should be referred to the Investor Relations Department.

 

For more information on the Company’s policies and procedures regarding public communications and Regulation FD, please contact the Legal Department for a copy of the Company’s Guidelines for Corporate Disclosure or with any questions you may have about disclosure matters.

 

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VIII. ACCURACY OF FINANCIAL REPORTS AND OTHER PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS

 

As a public company Virgin Orbit is subject to various securities laws, regulations and reporting obligations. Virgin Orbit is committed to provide full, fair, complete, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure of information, including financial information, in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in other public communications, in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.

 

Both federal law and our policies require the disclosure of accurate and complete information regarding the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Financial books, records and accounts must be maintained in reasonable detail, accurately reflect transactions and events, and conform to applicable legal and accounting requirements and to Virgin Orbit’s system of internal controls. In order to fulfill our responsibility for sound decision-making, we require honest and accurate recording and reporting of business information and transactions, including quality, safety and personnel data records, as well as financial transactions and records.

 

The Company’s principal financial officers and other employees working in the Finance Department have a special responsibility to ensure that all of our financial disclosures are full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable. These employees must understand and strictly comply with generally accepted accounting principles and all standards, laws and regulations for accounting and financial reporting of transactions, estimates and forecasts.

 

Inaccurate, incomplete or untimely reporting will not be tolerated and can severely damage the Company and result in legal liability. Falsification of any record or financial report, such as quality and safety data, time reports or expense reports, will result in immediate disciplinary action

 

IX. RAISING CONCERNS OR COMPLAINTS ABOUT ACCOUNTING OR AUDITING MATTERS

 

Any teammate or Third Party may submit a good faith concern or complaint regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters to Virgin Orbit, without fear of retaliation of any kind, in any of the following ways (these are general complaint procedures and may vary from country to country due to local laws and regulations):

 

Contact an Officer: Teammates with complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters may report their complaints to the Head of Legal or Head of Audit, in writing, by phone or via e-mail.

 

Call the Straight Up Hotline: Virgin Orbit’s Hotline permits Teammates to report complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and other matters confidentially and anonymously. The Straight Up Hotline can be reached by telephone at 844-796-6538 or over the Internet at https://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/66454/index.html.

 

X. RECORD RETENTION

 

Accurate and reliable records are crucial to our business. Our records are the basis of our earnings statements, financial reports, regulatory submissions and many other aspects of our business, and guide our business decision-making and strategic planning. Company records include financial records, personnel records, records relating to our technology, product development, collaborations, manufacturing and regulatory submissions, customer lists, and all other records maintained in the ordinary course of our business.

 

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All Company records must be complete, accurate and reliable in all material respects. Comply with the Document Retention Policy in your retention and disposal of Company documents. Please contact the Legal Department or the People Department to obtain a copy of any such policy or with any questions concerning any such policy.

 

XI. PUBLIC SECTOR CODE OF ETHICS AND BUSINESS CONDUCT

 

Virgin Orbit values its relationships with government customers throughout the United States and similarly values its partnerships with prime contractors and subcontractors who serve those customers (“Public Sector Customers”). The Company considers it a privilege to provide its products and services to assist critical government operations. All Company Teammates are committed to ethical behavior in all business dealings, including efforts to serve these Public Sector Customers. This Public Sector Code of Ethics and Business Conduct which supplements the Employee Handbook, is intended to inform and guide Teammates in those efforts.

 

Government contracting and subcontracting activities are covered by a complex set of laws, regulations and contract clauses which, some instances, vary from those governing relationships with commercial customers. Special rules, restrictions and procedures for dealing with government customers (including government-owned enterprises) may apply and may include enhanced disclosure requirements in contract negotiations, special billing or shipping procedures or stringent restrictions on gifts, travel and entertainment which can be offered to government employees.

 

It is important that each Teammate:

 

Read and understand this policy

 

Comply with all laws, regulations, Company policies and contract provisions governing our dealings with Public Sector Customers

 

Get help when questions arise relating to administration or performance of government contracts and subcontracts or other responsibilities relating to Public Sector Customers

 

A. Fair Dealing

 

All Teammates are required to deal fairly with the Company’s customers, suppliers, partners, service providers, competitors, employees, and anyone else with whom such Teammate has contact in the course of performing his or her job. Teammates are prohibited from taking unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of facts, or any other unfair dealing practice.

 

B. Responsible Manufacturing and Distribution Practices

 

Virgin Orbit strives to ensure that products are manufactured in a responsible and ethical manner. Our Supplier Code of Conduct is the cornerstone of our commitment to responsible manufacturing and distribution practices around the world. It addresses issues relating to living and working conditions as well as environmental sustainability, and serve as the basis for Virgin Orbit’s Corporate Responsibility audit program.

 

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C. Purchasing Practices

 

All suppliers should be treated fairly, ethically and impartially. Virgin Orbit’s suppliers should be selected on the basis of factors such as suitability, quality, price, and delivery. Teammates involved in the review and selection of suppliers, vendors and service providers should avoid actions that convey or imply that decisions will be influenced by gifts or favors, or by personal or family relationships.

 

D. Guidelines For Dealings With Public Sector Customers

 

Our dealings with Public Sector Customers are directed by the following Guidelines and basic principles:

 

Gifts/Bribes/Gratuities/Entertainment/Kickbacks. The rules for gifts, gratuities and entertainment relating to Public Sector Customers are very different from those relating to commercial customers. In particular, the Company and its Teammates recognize that it is illegal and unethical to: (1) compete for Public Sector Customer work or award Public Sector Customer work on anything other than the merits, and (2) provide anything of value or accept anything of value to reward or obtain favorable treatment. We will not offer, provide, solicit or accept anything of value in return for obtaining or rewarding favorable treatment concerning Public Sector Customer business; offer or provide anything of value in return for or to influence an act by a government teammate; or provide anything of value-- even a nominal value -- to a government teammate unless explicitly authorized by the Legal Department. Things of value include cash, meals, cocktails, lodging, transportation, greens fees, free goods, tickets to events and gift certificates -- among many others.

 

Books, Records and Communications. We will communicate truthfully and accurately with Public Sector Customers in all emails, letters, proposals, representations and certifications, and contract reports. We will never knowingly make a false statement or submit a false claim to a Public Sector Customer, directly or indirectly. This includes the submission of inaccurate or misleading information in support of prices offered by the Company, the submission of improper invoices, or inaccurate or misleading representations or certifications. We will maintain all relevant contract documentation in accordance with all applicable regulations and contract provisions.

 

Contingent Fee Agreements. We will comply with all laws and regulations that relate to contingent fee agreements for soliciting or receiving Public Sector Customer contracts. We will not execute any agreement that could involve improper attempts to influence the award of these contracts.

 

Cooperation with Government Reviews. Under the guidance and direction of our Legal Department, we will cooperate fully with all reviews (including audits) of our government contracts and subcontracts, and will make full disclosure, as appropriate, of legal violations of those agreements when required by regulation, contract or Company policies and procedures. As part of our cooperation, we shall not alter or delete documents relating to these agreements except in accordance with established record retention requirements or as otherwise directed by the Legal Department.

 

Cost Records. When required by contracts and subcontracts, we will make and retain accurate records relating to time billed and work performed. We will comply with all laws, regulations, contract/subcontract provisions and Company policies regarding cost reporting, including time charging.

 

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Hiring Government Teammates. We will fully comply with all laws and regulations relating to employment discussions and employment decisions involving government officials and Teammates.

 

Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCIs). In addition to avoiding personal conflicts of interest with the Company’s business (as set forth in the Employee Handbook), we must comply with the rules governing OCls applicable to government contractors and subcontractors. When requested, and as appropriate, we will identify and disclose to Public Sector Customers any OCls, which include circumstances when we or our business partners have (1) access to non-public information as part of performing a government contract if that information would give us a competitive advantage in future contract competitions; (2) set the “ground rules” through performance of a government contract (for example, by writing work statements or specifications) for future contract competitions in which we may participate; or (3) “impaired objectivity” because of product or performance evaluations or similar efforts that could have an impact on future contract awards.

 

Procurement Integrity. We will neither solicit nor accept competitors’ bid or proposal information or source selection information )such as internal government proposal evaluation information) when such actions are prohibited by law or regulation. We may not attempt to influence an ongoing source selection by means other than the bid or proposal process. The U.S. Procurement Integrity Act specifically prohibits any contractor from soliciting or obtaining certain nonpublic bid proposal, cost and pricing, and source selection information.

 

Product Substitution. We provide products and services to Public Sector Customers that comply fully with all specifications, statement of work and other contract provisions. We make substitutions of products, services or personnel only when (1) permitted by contract or subcontract and (2) when approved in a written modification by an authorized representative of the customer. All invoices must accurately reflect what has been ordered and delivered, consistent with the terms of the contract.

 

XII. FAIR COMPETITION

 

A. Gathering Competitive Information

 

Virgin Orbit does not seek to obtain competitive information by illegal or unethical means, and we do not knowingly use any information obtained that way. Any employee who finds that Virgin Orbit has information that may have been obtained illegally or unethically, such as information provided to us in violation of a confidentiality agreement, should immediately inform the Legal Department. The employee should turn the information over to a member of the Law Department staff, without sharing it with other Virgin Orbit employees.

 

14

 

 

B. Anti-Competition and Anti-Trust Policy

 

Antitrust laws of the United States and other countries are designed to protect consumers and competitors against unfair business practices and to promote and preserve competition. Competition and antitrust laws prohibit making agreements with competitors, customers, suppliers, or other third parties that limit competition.

 

Virgin Orbit’s policy is to abide by all competition and antitrust laws that apply to us, avoiding situations that could put us at risk of even appearing to violate these laws. Violations of antitrust laws may result in severe penalties against the Company and its employees, including potentially substantial fines and criminal sanctions. No Teammate shall engage in discussions with competitors to, among other things:

 

fix prices;

 

divide sales opportunities or territories;

 

agree not to solicit each other’s customers;

 

boycott or refuse to sell a particular product to a certain customer, supplier, or vendor;

 

rig bids; or

 

share confidential information about pricing, profits, costs, sale terms, credit terms; customers, discounts, promotions, marketing or strategic plans, mergers and acquisitions, or any other sensitive information.

 

XIII. COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS

 

Virgin Orbit is incorporated in the United States. The laws of the United States often extend to Virgin Orbit’s operations throughout the world, and to the business activities of Virgin Orbit’s employees wherever we live and work. Virgin Orbit’s operations are regulated by many different laws at the same time. There may be a conflict between the applicable laws of two or more countries. Any employee who thinks there may be a conflict should ask the Law Department for advice.

 

The Code of Conduct is intended to promote compliance with the laws and regulations that apply to Virgin Orbit’s business. However, if we find that compliance with the Code of Conduct might cause us to violate the law, we must obey the law and ask the Law Department for advice as soon as possible. On the other hand, if following any local business custom or practice would cause us to violate the Code of Conduct, we must comply with the Code of Conduct and notify our supervisors of the conflict.

 

A. Export Control Compliance

 

As developers, manufacturers and operators of advanced aerospace equipment and technology we have access to and maintain highly sophisticated equipment, technical data and information that are subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations. These rules include the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) administered by the U.S. Department of State and the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

 

U.S. export control laws and regulations are designed to ensure that transfers of products, technology, and services to foreign persons (i.e. persons that are not U.S. citizens or do not have permanent residency status in the United States) are accomplished in a manner that is consistent with U.S. national security and foreign policy goals.

 

15

 

 

These requirements apply not only to physical export shipments but also to “intangible” releases of export- controlled information or data that may occur via email; network/server access; facility tours; telephone discussions and meetings with non-U.S. persons (i.e. someone who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident).

 

U.S. persons (including organizations) can face heavy fines and penalties if they have, without authorization, provided non-U.S. persons with access to export-controlled items. As it is Company policy to strictly adhere to these requirements it is critical that each teammate understands their obligation to support the Company policy and ensure that we handle controlled equipment, data and information responsibly and appropriately and transfer or disseminate it only as authorized by law or by license issued by the U.S. government.

 

Under no circumstances will an export, re-export, or import - whether in the form of an item, technical data, or in the provision of services - be made contrary to U.S. law or to the guidelines mandated by our internal trade compliance policies and procedures. In addition to the penalties that the U.S. Government may impose, noncompliance will be met with Company disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Any questionable, unauthorized, or illegal export-related activities should be reported to the Legal department.

 

To ensure compliance, each teammate must have an understanding of U.S. export controls, be familiar with our corporate compliance procedures, and seek appropriate guidance in a timely manner whenever an export control question arises in the course of our business activities. Virgin Orbit is dedicated to providing every teammate with the education, training, resources and support necessary to implement and maintain an effective export compliance program. All Teammates are required to attend export compliance training in order to understand and abide by the export compliance rules the Company has implemented.

 

B. Anti-Trafficking Policy

 

The United States Government has a zero tolerance policy regarding trafficking in persons. As a government contractor/subcontractor, the Company also has adopted a zero tolerance policy regarding trafficking in persons consistent with the terms and definitions of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.222-50

 

Teammates involved in the performance of work for a federal government contract or subcontract shall not, during the period of performance of a federal government contract or subcontract:

 

Engage in forms of trafficking in persons during the period of performance of the contract;

 

Procure commercial sex acts during the period of performance of the contract;

 

Use forced labor in the performance of the contract;

 

Destroy, conceal, confiscate, or otherwise deny access by a teammate to the teammate’s identity or immigration documents, such as passports or drivers’ licenses, regardless of issuing authority;

 

Use misleading or fraudulent practices during the recruitment of Teammates or offering of employment, such as failing to disclose, in a format and language accessible to the worker, basic information or making material misrepresentations during the recruitment of Teammates regarding the key terms and conditions of employment, including wages and fringe benefits, the location of work, the living conditions, housing and associated costs (if employer or agent provided or arranged), any significant cost to be charged to the teammate, and, if applicable, the hazardous nature of the work;

 

16

 

 

Use recruiters that do not comply with local labor laws of the country in which the recruiting takes place;

 

Charge Teammates recruitment fees;

 

Fail to provide return transportation or pay for the cost of return transportation upon the end of employment;

 

Provide or arrange housing that fails to meet the host country housing and safety standards; or

 

If required by law or contract, fail to provide an employment contract, recruitment agreement, or other required work document in writing. Such written work document shall be in a language the teammate understands. If the teammate must relocate to perform the work, the work document shall be provided to the teammate at least five days prior to the teammate relocating. The teammate’s work document shall include, but is not limited to, details about work description, wages, prohibition on charging recruitment fees, work location(s), living accommodations and associated costs, time off, roundtrip transportation arrangements, grievance process, and the content of applicable laws and regulations that prohibit trafficking in persons.

 

All definitions applicable to this policy are found in FAR 52.222-50, which is available via the following link https://www.acquisition.gov/far/. Teammates directly involved in the performance of a government contract/subcontract must review the terms and definitions applicable to this policy. Additional information regarding the issues covered by the policy may be found at http://www.state.gov/j/tip/. If you have any questions about this policy, please contact your manager. To report a potential or suspected violation, please contact the People Department, your manager or any member of the leadership team.

 

Failure to comply with this policy will result in disciplinary action, which may include, but is not limited to, removal from the performance of the government contract/subcontract, reduction in benefits, and/or termination of employment.

 

C. Anti-Corruption Policy

 

Virgin Orbit does not tolerate bribery or corruption in any form in the public or private sector. Paying bribes or engaging in other corrupt activity can result in the Company being prohibited from bidding on contracts, personal and Company fines and even imprisonment.

 

D. Anti-Money Laundering Policy

 

Money laundering is the process by which funds generated through criminal activity (such as terrorism, drug dealing, or fraud) are processed through commercial transactions in order to hide the source of the proceeds, avoid reporting requirements, or evade taxes. Virgin Orbit seeks to comply with all applicable anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing laws. The Company does not condone or facilitate money laundering and expects all Teammates in customer and supplier facing roles to conduct robust “know your customer” identification and screening processes, and expects all Teammates to remain alert for possible instances of money laundering. Teammates should immediately notify the Legal Department of any suspicious activity (without informing the third party in question).

 

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E. Political Activity

 

Teammates must notify the Legal Department about plans to run for political office (including, but not limited to, municipal, state, federal office) and excuse themselves from any political matters involving the Company. Teammates are prohibited from pressuring or influencing co-workers, customers, or business partners who such Teammate knows through his or her job at the Company in matters related to such Teammates own personal political activity. Teammates must take special care to make it clear that such Teammate’s political activities and expressed political views are personal and not those of the Company.

 

XIV. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

 

To help ensure compliance with the Code of Conduct, Virgin Orbit requires that all directors, officers and Teammates review the Code of Conduct and acknowledge in writing their understanding of, and their agreement to comply with the Code of Conduct.

 

XV. CONCLUSION

 

This Code of Conduct contains general guidelines for conducting the business of the Company consistent with the highest standards of business ethics.

 

This Code of Conduct, as applied to the Company’s principal financial officers, shall be our “code of ethics” within the meaning of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules promulgated thereunder.

 

This Code and the matters contained herein are neither a contract of employment nor a guarantee of continuing Company policy. The Company reserves the right to amend, supplement or discontinue this Code and the matters addressed herein, without prior notice, at any time.

 

 

18 

 

Exhibit 16.1

 

January 5, 2022

 

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, N.E.

Washington, DC 20549

 

Commissioners:

 

We have read the statements made by Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc. under Item 4.01 of its Form 8-K dated December 29, 2021. We agree with the statements concerning our Firm in such Form 8-K; we are not in a position to agree or disagree with other statements contained therein.

 

Very truly yours,  
   
/s/ Marcum llp  
   
Marcum llp  
Houston, Texas  

 

 

Exhibit 21.1

 

Name of Subsidiary   Jurisdiction
     
Vieco USA, Inc.   Delaware
Virgin Orbit, LLC   Delaware
VOX Space, LLC   Delaware
JACM Holdings, Inc.   Delaware
Virgin Orbit UK Limited   United Kingdom
Ground Station Mexico S.A. de C.V.   Mexico

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Capitalized terms included below but not defined in this Exhibit 99.1 have the same meaning as terms defined and included elsewhere in the Current Report on Form 8-K (the “Report”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on January 5, 2022 and, if not defined in the Report, the final prospectus and definitive proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”) filed with the SEC on December 7, 2021. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this section to “Virgin Orbit” or “Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc.” refer to NextGen and its wholly owned subsidiaries after giving effect to the Business Combination.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of Virgin Orbit has been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X, as amended by the final rule, Release No. 33-10786 and presents the combination of the historical financial information of NextGen and Vieco USA adjusted to give effect to the Business Combination and the other related events contemplated by the Merger Agreement. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of Virgin Orbit also gives effect to other financing events consummated by Vieco USA that are not yet reflected in the historical financial information of Vieco USA and are considered material transactions separate from the Business Combination.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2021 combines the historical unaudited balance sheet of NextGen as of September 30, 2021 with the historical unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Vieco USA as of September 30, 2021 on a pro forma basis as if the Business Combination and the other events, summarized below, had been consummated on September 30, 2021.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 combines the historical unaudited condensed statement of operations of NextGen for the period from January 11, 2021 (inception) through September 30, 2021 and the historical unaudited consolidated statement of operations of Vieco USA for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 on a pro forma basis as if the Business Combination and the other events, summarized below, had been consummated on January 1, 2020, the beginning of the earliest period presented. The unaudited pro forma condensed statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 adjusts the historical audited consolidated statement of operations of Vieco USA for the year ended December 31, 2020 on a pro forma basis as if the Business Combination and the other events, summarized below, had been consummated on January 1, 2020, the beginning of the earliest period presented.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information was derived from and should be read in conjunction with the following historical financial statements and the accompanying notes, which were included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus:

 

the historical unaudited condensed financial statements of NextGen as of and for the period from January 11, 2021 (date of inception) through September 30, 2021, and the historical audited financial statements of NextGen for the period from January 11, 2021 (date of inception) to January 18, 2021;

 

the historical unaudited consolidated financial statements of Vieco USA as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and the historical audited consolidated financial statements of Vieco USA as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020; and

 

other information relating to NextGen and Vieco USA included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, including the Merger Agreement and the description of certain terms thereof set forth under the section entitled “Proposal No. 1 — The BCA Proposal.”

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information should also be read together with the sections entitled “NextGen’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Vieco USA’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and other financial information included elsewhere in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

 

 

 

 

Description of the Business Combination

 

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, NextGen was renamed “Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc.” Merger Sub merged with and into Vieco USA, with Vieco USA surviving the Merger. Vieco USA became a wholly owned subsidiary of Virgin Orbit. Upon the consummation of the Business Combination, holders of all issued and outstanding Vieco USA common stock received a total of 303,320,884 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock at a deemed value of $10.00 per share after giving effect to the Exchange Ratio issued and outstanding as of the Closing and all holders of issued and outstanding Vieco USA Options received Virgin Orbit Options, covering 10,825,081 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock after giving effect to the Exchange Ratio, based on the following events contemplated by the Merger Agreement:

 

the surrender and exchange of all 100 issued and outstanding shares of Vieco USA common stock and 242,423,615 shares of VO Holdings common stock into 242,423,615 shares of Vieco USA common stock pursuant to the merger of VO Holdings with and into Vieco USA with Vieco USA being the surviving entity occurred prior to the Closing;

 

the vesting and settlement of 290,689 granted and outstanding VO Holdings SARs with 174,825 shares of Vieco USA common stock for which the performance condition was deemed satisfied upon the merger of VO Holdings with and into Vieco USA occurred prior to the Closing;

 

the surrender and exchange of all issued and outstanding shares of Vieco USA common stock into 303,320,884 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock as adjusted by the Exchange Ratio; and

 

the cancellation and exchange of all 8,658,565 granted and outstanding vested and unvested Vieco USA Options into 10,825,081 Virgin Orbit Options exercisable for shares of Virgin Orbit common stock with the same terms and vesting conditions except for the number of shares exercisable and the exercise price, each of which was adjusted by the Exchange Ratio.

 

Other Related Events in connection with the Business Combination

 

Other related events that occurred in connection with the Business Combination are summarized below:

 

the filing and effectiveness of Virgin Orbit’s certificate of incorporation and the effectiveness of Virgin Orbit’s bylaws, each of which occurred immediately prior to the Effective Time and the closing of the PIPE Investment;

 

the sale and issuance of 10,000,000 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock at a purchase price of $10.00 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $100.0 million pursuant to the Subscription Agreements entered in connection with the PIPE Investment;

 

the sale and issuance of 6,020,000 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock, of which 5,820,000 shares were issued to Virgin Group, pursuant to the Additional Equity Amount, and 200,000 shares were issued to the co-chairmen of NextGen, at a price of $10.00 per share, in order to satisfy the Minimum Cash Condition included in the Merger Agreement;

 

the forfeiture and cancellation of 765,000 Class B ordinary shares held by the Sponsor for no consideration prior to the Closing;

 

2

 

 

the grant of a warrant to purchase 500,000 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock at $10.00 per share to a Third-Party PIPE Investor upon the Closing. The accounting treatment of the warrant is being evaluated to assess if the arrangement qualifies as an equity classified instrument or a liability classified instrument. If the arrangement is required to be accounted for as a liability, then the warrant will be recognized as a liability at fair value upon the Closing and remeasured to fair value at each balance sheet date in the future reporting periods with changes in fair value recorded in the Virgin Orbit consolidated statement of operations. Accordingly, no effect has been given to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information pursuant to the grant of the warrant;

 

the effectiveness of Vieco USA’s new commercial relationships with Third-Party PIPE Investors that includes refundable prepayments by Virgin Orbit upon the Closing contingent on the delivery of services by the Third-Party PIPE Investors. The terms of these new commercial relationships, including payments, have not been finalized and remain subject to change. Accordingly, no effect has been given to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information pursuant to commercial relationships;

 

the grant of stock options upon the Closing to executives of Virgin Orbit to purchase a number of shares of Virgin Orbit common stock. The stock options have a total grant date fair value of approximately $7.2 million and are subject to vest over four years. No effect has been given to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information for transactions pursuant to the grant of stock options. See subsection entitled “Incentive Award Plan Proposal – Plan Benefits” in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus;

 

the effectiveness of Virgin Orbit, LLC’s trademark license agreement with VEL that was amended and restated and novated to Virgin Orbit (the Amended TMLA) upon consummation of the Business Combination as agreed upon by Virgin Orbit, LLC, NextGen and VEL on August 22, 2021. Pursuant to the terms of the Amended TMLA, Virgin Orbit will be obligated to pay VEL quarterly royalties equal to the greater of (a) a low single-digit percentage of its gross sales and (b) a mid-six figure amount in dollars, which increases to a low-seven figure amount in dollars over a four-year ramp up and thereafter increases in correlation with the consumer price index. See the subsection entitled “Information about Vieco USA — Intellectual Property — Virgin Trademark License Agreement” in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus;

 

during the Earnback Period following the Closing, the Sponsor has subjected 1,319,980 shares of issued and outstanding Virgin Orbit common stock, comprised of two separate tranches of 659,990 shares per tranche, to potential forfeiture to Virgin Orbit for no consideration until the occurrence (or deemed occurrence) of the respective Earnback Triggering Events. As the Earnback Triggering Events have not yet been achieved, these issued and outstanding Sponsor Earnback Shares are treated as contingently recallable in the pro forma condensed combined financial information; and

 

during the Earnback Period following the Closing, the Sponsor has subjected 1,015,190 warrants of issued and outstanding Virgin Orbit warrants underlying Virgin Orbit common stock, comprised of two separate tranches of 507,595 shares per tranche, to potential forfeiture to Virgin Orbit for no consideration until the occurrence (or deemed occurrence) of the respective Earnback Triggering Events. As the Earnback Triggering Events have not yet been achieved, these issued and outstanding Sponsor Earnback Warrants are treated as contingently recallable in the pro forma condensed combined financial information.

 

Other Reorganization Events

 

Other reorganization and financing events consummated by NextGen and Vieco USA that are not yet reflected in the historical financial information of NextGen and Vieco USA and are considered material transactions separate from the Business Combination are summarized below:

 

the surrender and exchange of all 100 issued and outstanding shares of Vieco USA common stock and 242,423,615 shares of VO Holdings common stock into 242,423,615 shares of Vieco USA common stock pursuant to the merger of VO Holdings with and into Vieco USA with Vieco USA being the surviving entity that had occurred prior to the Closing; and

 

the vesting and settlement of 290,689 granted and outstanding VO Holdings SARs with 174,825 shares of Vieco USA common stock for which the performance condition is deemed satisfied upon the merger of VO Holdings with and into Vieco USA that had occurred prior to the Closing.

 

Expected Accounting Treatment of the Business Combination

 

The Business Combination will be accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with GAAP. Under this method of accounting, NextGen will be treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the financial statements of Virgin Orbit will represent a continuation of the financial statements of Vieco USA with the Business Combination treated as the equivalent of Vieco USA issuing shares for the net assets of NextGen, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of NextGen will be stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded. Operations prior to the Business Combination will be those of Vieco USA in future reports of Virgin Orbit.

 

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Vieco USA has been determined to be the accounting acquirer based on evaluation of the following facts and circumstances:

 

Vieco USA Stockholders have a relative majority of the voting power of Virgin Orbit;

 

The Virgin Orbit Board initially has seven (7) members, and Vieco USA stockholders will have the ability to nominate the majority of the members of the Virgin Orbit Board;

 

Vieco USA’s senior management comprises the senior management roles of Virgin Orbit and will be responsible for the day-to-day operations;

 

Virgin Orbit will assume the Vieco USA’s name of business; and

 

The intended strategy and operations of Virgin Orbit will continue Vieco USA’s current strategy and operations to develop small satellite launch solutions.

 

We currently expect the contingently forfeitable Sponsor Earnback Shares to be accounted for as equity classified instruments upon the Closing as the Earnback Triggering Events that determine the number of Sponsor Earnback Shares earned upon settlement or forfeited upon expiration only include events and adjustments that are considered solely indexed to the fair value of the Virgin Orbit common stock.

 

We currently expect the public warrants and the private placement warrants to remain liability classified instruments upon the Closing.

 

Basis of Pro Forma Presentation

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X, as amended by the final rule, Release No. 33-10786. The adjustments in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information have been identified and presented to provide relevant information in accordance with GAAP necessary for an illustrative understanding of Virgin Orbit upon consummation of the Business Combination. Assumptions and estimates underlying the unaudited pro forma adjustments set forth in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information are described in the accompanying notes.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results and financial position that would have been achieved had the Business Combination occurred on the dates indicated, and does not reflect adjustments for any anticipated synergies, operating efficiencies, tax savings or cost savings. Any cash proceeds remaining after the consummation of the Business Combination and the other related events contemplated by the Merger Agreement are expected to be used for general corporate purposes. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not purport to project the future operating results or financial position of Virgin Orbit following the completion of the Business Combination. The unaudited pro forma adjustments represent management’s estimates based on information available as of the date of these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information and are subject to change as additional information becomes available and analyses are performed. NextGen and Vieco USA 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 unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information reflects NextGen stockholders’ approval of the Business Combination on December 28, 2021 and the redemption of 31,480,291 public shares of NextGen’s Class A ordinary shares at approximately $10.00 per share based on trust account figures prior to the Closing on December 29, 2021 for an aggregate payment of $314.8 million.

 

4

 

 

The following summarizes the Virgin Orbit common stock issued and outstanding immediately after the Closing of the Business Combination on December 29, 2021:

 

    Fully Diluted Share Ownership in Virgin Orbit
    Pro Forma Combined
    Number of Shares     %
Ownership
Requisite Vieco USA Stockholder(1)     307,801,419                  85.3 %
Other Vieco USA Stockholders     1,339,465       0.4 %
Vieco USA PIPE Investors(2)     4,500,000       1.3 %
Sponsor and Sponsor Related PIPE Investors(3)     17,267,791       4.8 %
Public shareholders     6,779,166       1.9 %
Third-Party PIPE Investors(4)     4,000,000       1.1 %
Vieco USA Options(5)     10,825,081       3.0 %
Public warrants     7,651,891       2.1 %
Third-Party PIPE Investor warrant(6)     500,000       0.1 %
Total     360,664,813       100.0 %

 

(1) Represents shares of Vieco USA common stock owned by the Requisite Vieco USA Stockholder at the Closing, of which approximately 81% was distributed to VIL following the Closing and the remainder was distributed to Fifteenth, as converted based on the Exchange Ratio, and 5,820,000 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock issued and sold to VIL pursuant to the Additional Equity Amount in order to satisfy the Minimum Cash Condition included in the Merger Agreement.
(2) Reflects the sale and issuance of 4,500,000 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock to the Vieco USA PIPE Investors, including VIL and Fifteenth, at $10.00 per share.
(3) The 17,267,791 shares owned by the Sponsor are inclusive of the 10,499,864 shares held by the Sponsor (exclusive of the 765,000 forfeited Class B ordinary shares and inclusive of the 1,319,980 Sponsor Earnback Shares), the 6,767,927 shares which may be acquired upon exercise of the private placement warrants held by the Sponsor (inclusive of the 1,015,190 Sponsor Earnback Warrants), the 1,500,000 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock issued at the Closing to the Sponsor Related PIPE Investors, and the 200,000 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock issued and sold to the co-chairmen of NextGen, affiliates of the Sponsor, for their contribution to satisfy the Minimum Cash Condition included in the Merger Agreement. The 1,319,980 Sponsor Earnback Shares and the 1,015,190 Sponsor Earnback Warrants have been restricted from transfer (subject to exceptions), subject to the occurrence (or deemed occurrence) of the Earnback Triggering Events during the Earnback Period. Any such securities not released from these transfer restrictions during the Earnback Period will be forfeited back to Virgin Orbit for no consideration.
(4) Reflects the sale and issuance of 4,000,000 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock to the Third-Party PIPE Investors at $10.00 per share.
(5) Includes equity awards under the 2017 Plan outstanding at the Closing as converted based on the Exchange Ratio.
(6) Represents shares of Virgin Orbit common stock issuable under a warrant issued to a Third-Party PIPE Investor upon the Closing.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet and statements of operations are based on the assumption that there are no adjustments for the issued and outstanding public warrants issued in connection with NextGen’s initial public offering as such securities are not exercisable until the later of 30 days after the Closing of the Business Combination or 12 months from the closing of NextGen’s initial public offering. There are also no adjustments for the issued and outstanding Virgin Orbit Options with an estimated underlying 10,825,081 shares reserved for the potential future issuance of Virgin Orbit common stock and for the 33,491,991 shares reserved under the Virgin Orbit Equity Plans for the potential future issuance of common stock, as such events have not yet occurred.

 

If the actual facts are different than these assumptions, then the amounts and shares outstanding in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information will be different and those changes could be material.

 

5

 

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet
As of September 30, 2021
(in thousands)

 

          Historical     Other         Transaction         Pro  
    Historical     Vieco     Reorganization         Accounting         Forma  
    NextGen     USA     Events     Notes   Adjustments     Notes   Combined  
Assets                                      
Current assets                                                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 3     $ 31,176     $          -       $ 382,614     B   $ 211,936  
      -       -       -           100,000     C     -  
      -       -       -           (47,233 )   D     -  
                                  (314,824 )   E     -  
                                  60,200     F     -  
Restricted cash     -       828       -           -           828  
Accounts receivable, net     -       1,323       -           -           1,323  
Contract assets     -       2,668       -           -           2,668  
Inventory     -       22,841       -           -           22,841  
Prepayments     783       8,913       -           -           9,696  
Total current assets     786       67,749       -           180,757           249,292  
                                                 
Investments held in Trust Account     382,614       -       -           (382,614 )   B     -  
Property, plant and equipment, net     -       56,172       -           -           56,172  
Right-of-use assets     -       15,046       -           -           15,046  
Investments     -       11,558       -           -           11,558  
Deferred transaction costs     -       6,300       -           -           6,300  
Other noncurrent assets     -       388       -           -           388  
Total assets     383,400     $ 157,213     $ -         $ (201,857 )       $ 338,756  
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                                                
Current liabilities                                                
Accounts payable   $ 192     $ 9,712     $ -         $ -         $ 9,904  
Current portion of lease obligation     -       1,617       -           -           1,617  
Accrued liabilities     195       24,816       -           -           25,011  
Deferred revenue     -       828       -           -           828  
Due to related party     1       34       -           -           35  
Note payable     770       -       -           -           770  
Total current liabilities     1,158       37,007       -           -           38,165  
                                                 
Derivative warrant liabilities     24,225       -       -           -           24,225  
Deferred underwriting commissions     13,391       -       -           (13,391 )   D     -  
Lease obligation, net of current portion     -       14,450       -           -           14,450  
Deferred revenue, net of current portion     -       38,492       -           -           38,492  
Other long-term liabilities     -       290       -           -           290  
Total liabilities     38,774       90,239       -           (13,391 )         115,622  
                                                 
NextGen’s Class A shares subject to possible redemption     382,595       -       -           (314,824 )   E     -  
                                  (67,771 )   H     -  
                                                 
Stockholders’ equity                                                
Vieco USA common stock     -       -       24     A     (24 )   G     -  
VO Holdings common stock     -       -       (2,421 )   A     2,421     G     -  
NextGen Class A ordinary shares     -       -       -           -     H     -  
NextGen Class B ordinary shares     1       -       -           (1 )   I     -  
Virgin Orbit common stock     -       -       -           1     C     40  
                                  1     F        
      -       -       -           30     G     -  
      -       -       -           7     H     -  
      -       -       -           1     I     -  
Additional paid-in capital     -       815,444       31,868     A     99,999     C     1,001,035  
      -       -       -           (16,939 )   D     -  
      -       -       -           60,199     F        
      -       -       -           (2,427 )   G     -  
      -       -       -           67,764     H        
                                  -     I        
      -       -       -           (54,873 )   J     -  
Accumulated deficit     (37,970 )     (777,973 )     -           54,873     J     (777,973 )
      -       -       -           (16,903 )   D     -  
Accumulated other comprehensive income     -       32       -           -           32  
Total stockholders’ equity of Vieco USA     (37,969 )     37,503       29,471           (188,466 )         223,134  
Non-controlling interests in VO Holdings     -       29,471       (29,471 ) A     -           -  
Total stockholders’ equity     (37,969 )     66,974       -         (188,466 )         223,134  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 383,400       157,213     $ -         $ (201,857 )       $ 338,756  

 

6

 

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
(in thousands, except per share data)

 

    Historical
NextGen
    Historical
Vieco USA
    Other
Reorganization
Events
    Notes   Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments
    Notes   Pro Forma Combined  
Revenue   $ -     $ 7,230     $ -         $ -         $ 7,230  
Cost of revenue     -       25,370       -           -           25,370  
Gross profit     -       (18,140 )     -           -           (18,140 )
Selling, general and administrative expenses     2,492       69,352       -           2,190     AA     74,034  
General and administrative expenses - related party     140       -                   -           140  
Research and development expenses     -       36,026       -           -           36,026  
Operating loss     (2,632 )     (123,518 )     -           (2,190 )         (128,340 )
Interest expense, net     -       (19 )     -           -           (19 )
Other income     -       8,204       -           -           8,204  
Loss upon issuance of private placement warrants     (9 )     -       -           -           (9 )
Change in fair value of derivative warrant liabilities     (3,532 )     -       -           -           (3,532 )
Financing costs - derivative warrant     (606 )     -       -           -           (606 )
Net gain from cash equivalents held in Trust Account     20       -       -           (20 )   BB     -  
Loss before income taxes     (6,759 )     (115,333 )     -           (2,210 )         (124,302 )
Provision for income taxes     -       -       -           -           -  
Net loss     (6,759 )     (115,333 )     -           (2,210 )         (124,302 )
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests in VO Holdings     -       9,829       -           (9,829 )   CC     -  
Net loss attributable to Vieco USA   $ (6,759 )   $ (105,504 )   $ -         $ (12,039 )       $ (124,302 )
                                                 
Net loss attributable to common stockholders per share – basic and diluted   $ (0.18 )   $ (1,055,040.00 )   $ 0.00         $ 0.00         $ (0.39 )
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted     9,294,304       100       -           -           315,157,947  
                                                 
Net loss attributable to NextGen Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption – basic and diluted   $ (0.18 )   $ 0.00     $ 0.00         $ 0.00         $ 0.00  
Weighted average shares outstanding of NextGen Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption – basic and diluted     28,153,778       -       -           -           -  

 

7

 

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020
(in thousands, except per share data)

 

  Historical
NextGen
    Historical
Vieco USA
    Other
Reorganization
Events
    Notes   Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments
    Notes   Pro Forma
Combined
 
Revenue   $ -     $ 3,840     $ -         $ -         $ 3,840  
Cost of revenue     -       3,168       -           -           3,168  
Gross profit     -       672       -           -           672  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     -       42,855       1,179     DD     1,420     EE     62,357  
      -       -       -           16,903     FF     -  
Research and development expenses     -       137,135       219     DD     -           137,354  
Operating loss     -       (179,318 )     (1,398 )         (18,323 )         (199,039 )
Interest expense, net     -       (4,852 )               -         (4,852 )
Other income     -       62,671       -           -           62,671  
Loss before income taxes     -       (121,499 )     (1,398 )         (18,323 )         (141,220 )
Provision for income taxes     -       5       -           -           5  
Net loss     -       (121,504 )     (1,398 )         (18,323 )         (141,225 )
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests in VO Holdings     -       3,397       -           (3,397 )   GG        
Net loss attributable to Vieco USA   $ -     $ (118,107 )   $ (1,398 )       $ (21,720 )       $ (141,225 )
                                                 
Net loss attributable to common stockholders per share – basic and diluted   $ 0.00     $ (1,181,070.00 )   $ 0.00         $ 0.00         $ (0.51 )
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted     -       100       -         -           275,762,993  
                                                 
Net loss attributable to NextGen Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption – basic and diluted   $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00         $ 0.00         $ 0.00  
Weighted average shares outstanding of NextGen Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption – basic and diluted     -       -       -         -           -  

 

8

 

 

Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information

 

1. Basis of Presentation

 

The Business Combination will be accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with GAAP. Under this method of accounting, NextGen will be treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the financial statements of Virgin Orbit will represent a continuation of the financial statements of Vieco USA with the Business Combination treated as the equivalent of Vieco USA issuing stock for the net assets of NextGen, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of NextGen will be stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded. Operations prior to the Business Combination will be presented as those of Vieco USA in future reports of Virgin Orbit.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2021 gives pro forma effect to the Business Combination and the other events as if consummated on September 30, 2021. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020 gives pro forma effect to the Business Combination and the other events as if consummated on January 1, 2020, the beginning of the earliest period presented.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information was derived from and should be read in conjunction with the following historical financial statements and the accompanying notes, which are included elsewhere in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus:

 

the historical unaudited financial statements of NextGen;

 

the historical audited consolidated financial statements of Vieco USA as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020;

 

the historical unaudited financial statements of Vieco USA for the nine months ended September 30, 2021; and

 

other information relating to NextGen and Vieco USA included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, including the Merger Agreement and the description of certain terms thereof set forth under the section entitled “BCA Proposal.”

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information should also be read together with the sections entitled “NextGen’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Vieco USA’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and other financial information included elsewhere in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

 

Management has made significant estimates and assumptions in its determination of the pro forma adjustments based on information available as of the date of the Report. 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 as additional information becomes available. Management considers this basis of presentation to be reasonable under the circumstances.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not reflect the income tax effects of the pro forma adjustments as any change in the deferred tax balance would be offset by an increase in the valuation allowance given Vieco USA incurred significant losses during the historical periods presented.

 

9

 

 

2. Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information

 

Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet

 

The adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2021 are as follows:

 

(A) Reflects the surrender and exchange of all 100 issued and outstanding shares of Vieco USA common stock and all 242,598,440 shares of VO Holdings common stock and in exchange for the issuance of 242,598,440 shares of Vieco USA common stock and the vesting and settlement of 290,689 granted and outstanding VO Holdings SARs with 174,825 shares of Vieco USA common stock for which the performance condition was deemed satisfied upon the merger of VO Holdings with and into Vieco USA occurred prior to the Closing.

 

(B) Reflects the liquidation and reclassification of $382.6 million of investments held in the trust account to cash and cash equivalents that become available for generate corporate use by Virgin Orbit.

 

(C) Reflects the proceeds of $100.0 million from the sale and issuance of 10,000,000 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock, of which the Sponsor Related PIPE Investors purchased 1,500,000 of such shares and the Vieco USA PIPE Investors, including VIL and Fifteenth, purchased 4,500,000 of such shares at a purchase price of $10.00 per share pursuant to the Subscription Agreements entered in connection with the PIPE Investment.

 

(D) Represents the cash disbursement for the estimated direct and incremental transaction costs of $47.2 million, of which $16.9 million were incurred by NextGen and $19.3 million were incurred by Vieco USA in connection with the Business Combination, $1.4 million were incurred by NextGen in connection with the PIPE Investment, and $9.6 million relates to deferred underwriting fees in connection with NextGen’s initial public offering. The $16.9 million transaction costs incurred by NextGen in connection with the Business Combination were reflected as an adjustment to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations as described in Note 2(FF) and accumulated deficit.

 

(E) Represents the cash disbursed for the redemption of 31,480,291 public shares of NextGen’s Class A ordinary shares at approximately $10.00 per share based on trust account figures prior to the Closing on December 29, 2021 for an aggregate payment of $314.8 million.

 

(F) Represents the issuance of 6,020,000 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock to satisfy the Minimum Cash Condition included in the Merger Agreement.

 

  (G) Represents the issuance of 303,320,884 shares of Virgin Orbit common stock to the holders of outstanding Vieco USA common stock at the Closing pursuant to the Merger Agreement to effect the reverse recapitalization.

 

(H) Reflects the reclassification of the remaining 6,779,166 public shares of NextGen’s Class A ordinary shares after redemptions into permanent equity and the immediate conversion into shares of Virgin Orbit common stock on a one-to-one basis in connection with the Business Combination.

 

(I) Reflects the conversion of 8,799,864 shares of NextGen’s Class B ordinary shares, after the forfeiture and cancellation of 765,000 shares held by the Sponsor for no consideration, into shares of Virgin Orbit common stock on a one-to-one basis upon the Closing.

 

(J) Reflects the elimination of NextGen’s historical accumulated deficit after recording the transaction costs to be incurred by NextGen as described in Note 2(D) above with a corresponding adjustment for APIC of Virgin Orbit in connection with the reverse recapitalization at the Closing.

 

Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations

 

The adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 were as follows:

 

(AA) Represents the net increase in trademark license royalty expense under the Amended TMLA.

 

(BB) Represents the elimination of investment income related to investments held in the trust account.

 

(CC) Represents the elimination of net loss attributable to non-controlling interests in VO Holdings.

 

10

 

 

The adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the year end December 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

(DD) Represents the estimated stock-based compensation expense associated with the granted and outstanding VO Holdings SARs for which the performance condition is deemed to be satisfied upon the merger of VO Holdings with and into Vieco USA with Vieco USA being the surviving entity occurred prior to the Closing.

 

(EE) Represents the net increase in trademark license royalty expense under the Amended TMLA.

 

(FF) Represents the estimated NextGen transaction costs in connection with the Business Combination.

 

(GG) Represents the elimination of net loss attributable to non-controlling interests in VO Holdings.

 

3. Net Loss per Share

 

Represents the net loss per share calculated using the pro forma basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding of Virgin Orbit common stock as a result of the pro forma adjustments. As the Business Combination are being reflected as if the reverse recapitalization had occurred on January 1, 2020, the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for pro forma basic and diluted net loss per share reflects (i) the historical Vieco USA common stock, as adjusted by the Exchange Ratio, outstanding as of the respective issuance date and (ii) assumes that the new shares issuable relating to the other reorganization and financing events, as adjusted by the Exchange Ratio, and the Business Combination have been outstanding as of January 1, 2020, the beginning of the earliest period presented.

 

Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders are presented in conformity with the two-class method required for participating securities. The 1,319,980 Sponsor Earnback Shares are securities that do not contractually entitle the holders of such shares to participate in nonforfeitable dividends and do not contractually obligate the holders of such shares to participate in losses. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations reflects a net loss for the period presented and, accordingly, no loss amounts have been allocated to the Sponsor Earnback Shares. The Sponsor Earnback Shares have also been excluded from basic and diluted pro forma net loss per share attributable to common stockholders as such shares of Virgin Orbit common stock are contingently recallable until the Earnback Triggering Events have occurred.

 

11

 

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined per share information has been presented as follows:

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,
2021

   

Year Ended

December 31,
2020

 
Numerator:            
Net loss attributable to common shareholders – basic and diluted   $ (124,302 )   $ (141,225 )
                 
Denominator:                
Virgin Group(1)     293,339,352       254,160,362  
Other Vieco USA Stockholders     539,565       323,601  
Sponsor     10,499,864       10,499,864  
Public shareholders     6,779,166       6,779,166  
Third-Party PIPE Investors     4,000,000       4,000,000  
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted     315,157,947       275,762,993  
Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders – basic and diluted   $ (0.39 )   $ (0.51 )

 

(1) Includes 4,500,000 shares issued to Vieco USA PIPE Investors and 5,820,000 shares to VIL pursuant to the Additional Equity Amount upon the Closing.

 

Following the Closing, the following outstanding shares of common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of pro forma diluted net loss per share for all the periods and scenarios presented because including them would have had an anti-dilutive effect:

 

    Nine Months Ended     Year Ended  
    September 30, 2021     December 31, 2020  
Vieco USA Options     10,825,081       10,825,081  
Private placement warrants     5,752,737       5,752,737  
Public warrants     7,651,891       7,651,891  
Third-Party PIPE Investor warrant     500,000       500,000  

 

The 1,015,190 Sponsor Earnback Warrants are excluded from the pro forma anti-dilutive table as the underlying shares are contingently recallable until the Earnback Triggering Events have occurred.

 

 

12