UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 29, 2022
Ventoux CCM Acquisition Corp.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 001-39830 | 84-2968594 | ||
|
(State or Other Jurisdiction |
(Commission File Number) |
(IRS Employer |
1 East Putnam Avenue, Floor 4
Greenwich, CT 06830
(Address of principal executive office) (zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (646) 465-9000
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 (see General Instruction A.2. below):
| ☐ | 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 | VTAQ | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC | ||
| Warrants | VTAQW | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC | ||
| Rights | VTAQR | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC | ||
| Units | VTAQU | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☒
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
Amendment to Merger Agreement
On April 1, 2022, Ventoux CCM Acquisition Corp. (the “Company” or “Ventoux”), Ventoux Merger Sub I Inc., Ventoux Merger Sub II LLC, and E La Carte, Inc. (“Presto”) entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to that certain agreement and plan of merger dated November 10, 2021 (the “Merger Agreement”). The amendment amends the Merger Agreement to lower from $85 million to $65 million the amount of cash required to be available to the Company at the closing of the business combination (the “Closing”), consisting of cash held in its trust account and the aggregate amount of cash actually invested in (or contributed to) the Company pursuant to subscription agreements, after giving effect to redemptions of public shares, if any, but before giving effect to the consummation of the Closing and the payment of Presto’s and certain of the Company’s outstanding transaction expenses (including before giving effect to all audit and pre-audit consulting expenses incurred by Presto) as contemplated by the Merger Agreement.
The Amendment also amends the Merger Agreement to extend the Termination Date (as defined therein) of the Merger Agreement to August 31, 2022.
The foregoing description of the Amendment is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Amendment, which is filed with this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 2.1 and the terms of which are incorporated by reference herein.
Item 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.
On March 29, 2022, the Company issued two unsecured promissory notes (the “Extension Notes”) in amounts of $1,150,000 and $575,000 to Ventoux Acquisition Holdings LLC and Chardan International Investments, LLC, respectively (the “Sponsors”), in exchange for the Sponsors depositing such amounts into the Company’s trust account in order to extend the amount of time the Company has available to complete a business combination (the “Extension”) by three months from March 30, 2022 to June 30, 2022.
In addition, the Company also issued two unsecured promissory notes (the “Working Capital Notes” and together with the Extension Notes, the “Notes”) in amounts of $250,000 and $125,000 to Ventoux Acquisition Holdings LLC and Chardan International Investments, LLC, respectively, in connection with providing the Company with additional working capital.
The Notes do not bear interest and mature and are payable (subject to the waiver against trust provisions) upon the earlier of (i) the date on which the Company’s initial business combination is consummated and (ii) the date of the liquidation of the Company.
The Notes were issued pursuant to an exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
The foregoing description of the Notes is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by the Notes, which are filed as Exhibit 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 and 10.4 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated herein by reference.
1
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
On April 4, 2022, the Company issued a press release (the “Press Release”) announcing the Amendment and the Extension. A copy of the Press Release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto. The information in this Item 7.01 and Exhibit 99.1 hereto shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
Item 8.01 Other Events.
On April 1, 2022, the Company and Presto entered into a Consent and Waiver with respect to the Merger Agreement, pursuant to which the Company and Presto mutually consented to, among other things, certain financing transactions of Presto and certain issuances of restricted stock units of Presto.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed business combination involving Ventoux and Presto, Ventoux has filed a registration statement, which includes a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, with the SEC. The proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to stockholders of Ventoux. This Current Report on Form 8-K is not a substitute for the proxy statement/prospectus. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PRESTO, VENTOUX, THE PROPOSED BUSINESS COMBINATION AND RELATED MATTERS. The documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC relating to the proposed business combination (when they are available) can be obtained free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These documents (when they are available) can also be obtained free of charge from Ventoux upon written request at Ventoux CCM Acquisition Corp., 1 East Putnam Avenue, Floor 4, Greenwich, CT 06830.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to and shall not constitute a proxy statement or the solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities in respect of the proposed business combination and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for any securities or a solicitation of any vote of approval, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
Participants in Solicitation
This communication is not a solicitation of a proxy from any investor or security holder. However, Ventoux, Presto, and certain of their directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed business combination under the rules of the SEC. Information about Ventoux’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of Ventoux’s securities is set forth in filings with the SEC, including Ventoux’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 23, 2022. To the extent that holdings of Ventoux’s securities have changed since the amounts included in Ventoux’s most recent annual report, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the participants will also be included in the proxy statement/prospectus, when it becomes available. When available, these documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.
2
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future financial and operating results, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services and expectations regarding the proposed business combination between Presto and Ventoux; and other statements identified by words such as “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimated,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “projection,” “outlook” or words of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
In addition to factors previously disclosed or that will be disclosed in Ventoux’s reports filed with the SEC and those identified elsewhere in this communication, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements: (1) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement or could otherwise cause the transactions contemplated therein to fail to close; (2) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Ventoux, Presto, the Company or others following the announcement of the proposed business combination and any definitive agreements with respect thereto; (3) the inability to complete the proposed business combination due to the failure to obtain approval of the stockholders of Ventoux or Presto; (4) the inability of Presto to satisfy other conditions to closing; (5) changes to the proposed structure of the proposed business combination that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations or as a condition to obtaining regulatory approval of the proposed business combination; (6) the ability to meet stock exchange listing standards in connection with and following the consummation of the proposed business combination; (7) the risk that the proposed business combination disrupts current plans and operations of Presto as a result of the announcement and consummation of the proposed business combination; (8) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed business combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the Company to grow and manage growth profitably, grow its customer base, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its management and key employees; (9) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business of Presto and the Company (including the effects of the ongoing global supply chain shortage); (10) Presto’s limited operating history and history of net losses; (11) Presto’s customer concentration and reliance on a limited number of key technology providers and payment processors facilitating payments to and by Presto’s customers; (12) costs related to proposed business combination; (13) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (14) the possibility that Presto or the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, regulatory, and/or competitive factors; (15) Presto’s estimates of expenses and profitability; (16) the evolution of the markets in which Presto competes; (17) the ability of Presto to implement its strategic initiatives and continue to innovate its existing products; (18) the ability of Presto to adhere to legal requirements with respect to the protection of personal data and privacy laws; (19) cybersecurity risks, data loss and other breaches of Presto’s network security and the disclosure of personal information; and (20) the risk of regulatory lawsuits or proceedings relating to Presto’s products or services.
3
Actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially, and potentially adversely, from any projections and forward-looking statements and the assumptions on which those forward-looking statements are based. There can be no assurance that the data contained herein is reflective of future performance to any degree. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a predictor of future performance as projected financial information and other information are based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to various significant risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. All information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof in the case of information about Ventoux and Presto or the date of such information in the case of information from persons other than Ventoux and Presto, and we disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication. Forecasts and estimates regarding Presto’s industry and end markets are based on sources we believe to be reliable, however there can be no assurance these forecasts and estimates will prove accurate in whole or in part. Annualized, pro forma, projected and estimated numbers are used for illustrative purposes only, are not forecasts and may not reflect actual results.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d) Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed with this report, except Exhibit 99.1 hereto, which shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
| Exhibit No. | Description | |
| 2.1 | Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger | |
| 10.1 | Promissory Note to Ventoux Acquisition Holdings LLC | |
| 10.2 | Promissory Note to Chardan International Investments, LLC | |
| 10.3 | Promissory Note to Ventoux Acquisition Holdings LLC | |
| 10.4 | Promissory Note to Chardan International Investments, LLC | |
| 99.1 | Press Release | |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
4
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Ventoux CCM Acquisition Corp. has duly caused this report to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| VENTOUX CCM ACQUISITION CORP. | ||
| Date: April 4, 2022 | By: | /s/ Edward Scheetz |
| Edward Scheetz | ||
| Chief Executive Officer | ||
5
Exhibit 2.1
Execution Version
AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
This Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger (this “Amendment”), dated as of April 1, 2022, is made by and among (a) Ventoux CCM Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Acquiror”), Ventoux Merger Sub I Inc., a Delaware corporation (“First Merger Sub”), Ventoux Merger Sub II LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Second Merger Sub”) and E La Carte, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and amends that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November 10, 2021, by and among Acquiror, First Merger Sub, Second Merger Sub and the Company (the “Merger Agreement”). Capitalized terms used and not defined in this Amendment have the respective meanings given to such terms in the Merger Agreement.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 11.10 of the Merger Agreement, the Merger Agreement may be amended or modified in whole or in part, only by a duly authorized agreement in writing executed in the same manner as the Merger Agreement which makes reference to the Merger Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the parties wish to amend the Merger Agreement as described herein.
NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
1. Amendment of Section 9.03(e). Section 9.03(e) of the Merger Agreement is hereby amended by deleting “$85,000,000” and replacing it with “$65,000,000”.
2. Amendment of Section 10.01(b). Section 10.01(b) of the Merger Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with:
“(b) prior to the Closing, by written notice to the Company from Acquiror if (i) there is any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of the Company set forth in this Agreement (or any breach of Section 1 of the Support Agreement), such that the conditions specified in Section 9.02(a) or Section 9.02(b) would not be satisfied at the Closing (a “Terminating Company Breach”), except that, if such Terminating Company Breach is curable by the Company through the exercise of its commercially reasonable efforts, then, for a period of up to 30 days (or any shorter period of the time that remains between the date Acquiror provides written notice of such violation or breach and the Termination Date) after receipt by the Company of notice from Acquiror of such breach, but only as long as the Company continues to use its commercially reasonable efforts to cure such Terminating Company Breach (the “Company Cure Period”), such termination shall not be effective, and such termination shall become effective only if the Terminating Company Breach is not cured within the Company Cure Period, (ii) the Closing has not occurred on or before August 31, 2022 (such date, the “Termination Date”), or (iii) the consummation of the Mergers is permanently enjoined or prohibited by the terms of a final, non-appealable Governmental Order or a statute, rule or regulation; provided, that the right to terminate this Agreement under Section 10.01(b)(ii) shall not be available if Acquiror’s failure to fulfill any obligation under this Agreement has been the primary cause of, or primarily resulted in, the failure of the Closing to occur on or before such date; provided, further, that the right to terminate this Agreement under Section 10.01(b)(ii) shall not be available if Acquiror is in material breach of its obligations under Section 7.06 on such date;”
3. Valid Amendment. This Amendment is made in accordance with Section 11.10 of the Merger Agreement and constitutes an integral part thereof.
4. Confirmation, Ratification and Entire Agreements. Except as expressly amended and modified herein, the Merger Agreement shall continue in full force and effect, and the parties hereby ratify and confirm the Merger Agreement as hereby amended. All references to the Merger Agreement in any document, instrument, agreement, or writing delivered pursuant to the Merger Agreement (as amended hereby) shall hereafter be deemed to refer to the Merger Agreement as amended hereby. The Merger Agreement (as amended hereby), the Confidentiality Agreement and any other documents, instruments, and agreements among the parties as contemplated by or referenced in the Merger Agreement comprise the complete and exclusive agreement between the parties regarding the subject matter of this Amendment, and supersede all oral and written communications, negotiations, representations or agreements in relation to that subject matter made or entered into before the date hereof.
5. Miscellaneous. Sections 11.01 (Waiver), 11.02 (Notices), 11.03 (Assignment), 11.04 (Rights of Third Parties), 11.05 (Expenses), 11.06 (Governing Law), 11.07 (Captions; Counterparts), 11.10 (Amendments), 11.11 (Severability), 11.12 (Jurisdiction; WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY), 11.13 (Enforcement) and 11.14 (Non-Recourse) of the Merger Agreement are incorporated herein by reference, mutatis mutandis. Upon the effectiveness of this Amendment, each reference in the Merger Agreement to “this Agreement,” “hereunder,” “herein,” “hereof” or words of like import referring to the Merger Agreement shall mean and refer to the Merger Agreement as amended by this Amendment.
The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to be executed and delivered on the date first set forth above.
| VENTOUX CCM ACQUISITION CORP. | ||
| By: | /s/ Edward Scheetz | |
| Name: | Edward Scheetz | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
| VENTOUX MERGER SUB I INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Edward Scheetz | |
| Name: | Edward Scheetz | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
| VENTOUX MERGER SUB II LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Edward Scheetz | |
| Name: | Edward Scheetz | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
| E LA CARTE, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Rajat Suri | |
| Name: | Rajat Suri | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
[Signature Page to Amendment to Merger Agreement]
Exhibit 10.1
THIS PROMISSORY NOTE (“NOTE”) HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”). THIS NOTE HAS BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED IN THE ABSENCE OF REGISTRATION OF THE RESALE THEREOF UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY IN FORM, SCOPE AND SUBSTANCE TO THE MAKER THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
PROMISSORY NOTE
| Issue Date March 29, 2022 |
| Principal Amount: $1,150,000 |
Ventoux CCM Acquisition Corp., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Maker”), promises to pay to the order of Ventoux Acquisition Holdings LLC or its registered assigns or successors in interest (the “Payee”), or order, the principal sum of One Million One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,150,000) in lawful money of the United States of America, on the terms and conditions described below. All payments on this Note shall be made by check or wire transfer of immediately available funds, without setoff or counterclaim, to such account as the Payee may from time to time designate by written notice in accordance with the provisions of this Note.
1. Maturity. The principal balance of this Note shall be due and payable by the Maker upon the closing of a Repayment/Conversion Trigger Event, as such term is defined below (the “Maturity Date”) The principal and balance may be prepaid at any time prior to the Maturity Date without penalty upon written notice by the Maker to the Payee.
| (a) | Each of the following shall constitute a “Repayment/Conversion Trigger Event”: |
| (i) | the closing of a merger, consolidation or other business combination pursuant to which the Maker acquires an entity for its initial business combination (a “DeSPAC Transaction”); or |
| (ii) | the liquidation of the Maker (a “Liquidation”) that occurs while the Note is outstanding or any time thereafter prior to the repayment of the Note. |
Maker shall provide Payee at least 10 days’ prior notice of any Repayment/Conversion Trigger Event and to the extent applicable a copy of the material terms of the DeSPAC Transaction. Under no circumstances shall any individual, including but not limited to any officer, director, employee or shareholder of the Maker, be obligated personally for any obligations or liabilities of the Maker hereunder.
(b) Form of Repayment. All amounts due under this Note shall be repaid in cash no later than two days following closing of the business combination.
2. Interest. This Note shall bear no interest.
3. Application of Payments. All payments shall be applied first to payment in full of any costs incurred in the collection of any sum due under this Note, including (without limitation) reasonable attorneys’ fees, then to the payment in full of any late charges, and finally to the reduction of the unpaid principal balance of this Note.
4. Use of Proceeds. On the date of this Note, the Payee shall remit the full principal amount to the Maker in accordance with the wiring instructions attached here to as Exhibit A. The Maker hereby represents, warrants and covenants to the Payee, that the entire principal amount will be used by the Maker solely for purposes of making a payment pursuant to the Investment Management Trust Agreement dated December 23, 2020 by and between Maker and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, a New York limited liability trust company, for an Extension (as defined therein).
5. Events of Default. The following shall constitute an event of default (“Event of Default”):
(a) Failure to Make Required Payments. Failure by Maker to pay any principal amount pursuant to this Note within five (5) business days of the Maturity Date.
(b) Breach of Use of Proceeds. Failure by Maker to comply with the provisions of Section 4 of this Note.
(c) Voluntary Bankruptcy, Etc. The commencement by Maker of a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, rehabilitation or other similar law, or the consent by it to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian, sequestrator (or other similar official) of Maker or for any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of any assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the failure of Maker generally to pay its debts as such debts become due, or the taking of corporate action by Maker in furtherance of any of the foregoing.
(d) Involuntary Bankruptcy, Etc. The entry of a decree or order for relief by a court having jurisdiction in the premises in respect of Maker in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator (or similar official) of Maker or for any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding-up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.
6. Remedies.
(a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Section 5(a) or Section 5(b) hereof, Payee may, by written notice to Maker, declare this Note to be due immediately and payable, whereupon the unpaid principal amount of this Note, and all other amounts payable hereunder, shall become immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, anything contained herein or in the documents evidencing the same to the contrary notwithstanding.
(b) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Sections 5(c) and 5(d), the unpaid principal balance of this Note, and all other sums payable with regard to this Note, shall automatically and immediately become due and payable, in all cases without any action on the part of Payee.
7. Enforcement Costs. In case any principal of this Note is not paid when due Maker shall be liable for all costs of enforcement and collection of this Note incurred by the Payee and any other Holders, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses.
8. Waivers. Maker and all endorsers and guarantors of, and sureties for, this Note waive presentment for payment, demand, notice of dishonor, protest, and notice of protest with regard to the Note, all errors, defects and imperfections in any proceedings instituted by Payee under the terms of this Note, and all benefits that might accrue to Maker by virtue of any present or future laws exempting any property, real or personal, or any part of the proceeds arising from any sale of any such property, from attachment, levy or sale under execution, or providing for any stay of execution, exemption from civil process, or extension of time for payment; and Maker agrees that any real estate that may be levied upon pursuant to a judgment obtained by virtue hereof or any writ of execution issued hereon, may be sold upon any such writ in whole or in part in any order desired by Payee.
9. Unconditional Liability. Maker hereby waives all notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default, or enforcement of the payment of this Note, and agrees that its liability shall be unconditional, without regard to the liability of any other party, and shall not be affected in any manner by any indulgence, extension of time, renewal, waiver or modification granted or consented to by Payee, and consents to any and all extensions of time, renewals, waivers, or modifications that may be granted by Payee with respect to the payment or other provisions of this Note, and agrees that additional makers, endorsers, guarantors, or sureties may become parties hereto without notice to Maker or affecting Maker’s liability hereunder. Any failure of the Payee to exercise any right hereunder shall not be construed as a waiver of the right to exercise the same or any other right at any time and from time to time thereafter. The Payee may accept late payments, or partial payments, even though marked “payment in full” or containing words of similar import or other conditions, without waiving any of its rights.
2
10. Notices. All notices, statements or other documents which are required or contemplated by this Note shall be made in writing and delivered: (i) personally or sent by first class registered or certified mail, overnight courier service or facsimile or electronic transmission to the address designated in writing, (ii) by facsimile to the number most recently provided to such party or such other address or fax number as may be designated in writing by such party or (iii) by electronic mail, to the electronic mail address most recently provided to such party or such other electronic mail address as may be designated in writing by such party. Any notice or other communication so transmitted shall be deemed to have been given on the day of delivery, if delivered personally, on the business day following receipt of written confirmation, if sent by facsimile or electronic transmission, one (1) business day after delivery to an overnight courier service or five (5) days after mailing if sent by mail. As of the date of this Note, the following addresses are designated for notices: Maker: 1 East Putnam Avenue, Floor 4, Greenwich, CT 06830, Attn: Edward Scheetz, email: ed@ventouxccm.com; Payee: 1 East Putnam Avenue, Floor 4, Greenwich, CT 06830, Attn: Edward Scheetz, email: ed@ventouxccm.com.
11. Construction; Governing Law; Venue; Waiver Of Jury Trial; Etc. THIS NOTE SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF. MAKER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS NOTE, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE OR, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THIS NOTE SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT THE PAYEE OR ANY OTHER HOLDER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS NOTE AGAINST THE MAKER OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION. THE MAKER WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF ANY AND ALL PROCESS UPON IT AND CONSENTS THAT ALL SUCH SERVICE OF PROCESS BE MADE BY REGISTERED MAIL DIRECTED TO THE MAKER AT ITS ADDRESS SET FORTH IN SECTION 10 OR TO ANY OTHER ADDRESS AS MAY APPEAR IN THE PAYEE’S OR SUCH OTHER HOLDER’S RECORDS AS THE ADDRESS OF THE MAKER. IN ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING IN RESPECT OF OR ARISING OUT OF THIS NOTE, THE PAYEE AND THE MAKER WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY, AND EACH OF MAKER AND PAYEE WAIVES (I) THE RIGHT TO INTERPOSE ANY SET-OFF OR COUNTERCLAIM OF ANY NATURE OR DESCRIPTION, (II) ANY OBJECTION BASED ON FORUM NON CONVENIENS OR VENUE, AND (III) ANY CLAIM FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR SPECIAL DAMAGES.
12. Severability. Any provision contained in this Note which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
3
13. Trust Waiver. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, but subject to the following sentence of this Section 13, the Payee hereby waives any and all right, title, interest or claim of any kind (“Claim”) in or to any distribution of or from the trust account (the “Trust Account”) established in which the proceeds of the initial public offering (“the “IPO”) conducted by the Maker (including the deferred underwriters’ discounts and commissions) and the proceeds of the sale of the warrants issued in a private placement that occurred prior to the closing of the IPO were deposited, as described in greater detail in Maker’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (333- 251048) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the IPO (the “Registration Statement”), and hereby agrees not to seek recourse, reimbursement, payment or satisfaction for any Claim against the Trust Account for any reason whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Payee does not waive any Claims and does not waive its rights to seek recourse, reimbursement, payment or satisfaction for any Claim against the Trust Account for distributions of remaining funds released to the Maker from the Trust Account following redemptions or other distributions to the Maker’s public shareholders.
14. Amendment; Waiver. Any amendment hereto or waiver of any provision hereof may be made with, and only with, the written consent of the Maker and the Payee.
15. Assignment. This Note binds and is for the benefit of the successors and permitted assigns of the Maker and the Payee. No assignment or transfer of this Note or any rights or obligations hereunder may be made by any party hereto (by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other party hereto and any attempted assignment without the required consent shall be void; provided, that upon the announcement of a DeSPAC Transaction or occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, Payee shall have the right to assign this Note in its discretion without the consent of Maker.
[Signature page follows]
4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Maker, intending to be legally bound hereby, has caused this Note to be duly executed by the undersigned as of the day and year first above written.
| Ventoux CCM Acquisition Corp. | ||
| By: | /s/ Edward Scheetz | |
| Name: Edward Scheetz | ||
| Title: Chief Executive Officer | ||
5
EXHIBIT A
Wire Instructions
ACCOUNT INFORMATION
Account Name:
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company as Trustee for Ventoux CCM Acquisition Corp.
Short Name: CST&T ATF Ventoux CCM Acquisition Corp.
Address: 1 State Street, 30th Floor
New York, NY 10004
BANK
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
4 NYP, Floor 15
New York, NY 10004
ACCOUNT #
[ ]
ABA #
021000021
SWIFT CODE
CHASUS33
Reference
Attn: Celeste Gonzalez
| PRIMARY CONTACT: | SECONDARY CONTACT: |
|
Celeste Gonzalez SPAC & Escrow Administrator Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company Agency & Escrow Services 1 State Street, 30th Floor
|
Patrick Small SPAC & Escrow Administrator Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company Agency & Escrow Services 1 State Street, 30th Floor New York, NY 10004 0: (212) 845-5284 F: (212) 558-6718 E: psmall@continentalstock.com |
Exhibit 10.2
THIS PROMISSORY NOTE (“NOTE”) HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”). THIS NOTE HAS BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED IN THE ABSENCE OF REGISTRATION OF THE RESALE THEREOF UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY IN FORM, SCOPE AND SUBSTANCE TO THE MAKER THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
PROMISSORY NOTE
| Issue Date March 29, 2022 |
| Principal Amount: $575,000 |
Ventoux CCM Acquisition Corp., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Maker”), promises to pay to the order of Chardan International Investments, LLC or its registered assigns or successors in interest (the “Payee”), or order, the principal sum of Five Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($575,000) in lawful money of the United States of America, on the terms and conditions described below. All payments on this Note shall be made by check or wire transfer of immediately available funds, without setoff or counterclaim, to such account as the Payee may from time to time designate by written notice in accordance with the provisions of this Note.
1. Maturity. The principal balance of this Note shall be due and payable by the Maker upon the closing of a Repayment/Conversion Trigger Event, as such term is defined below (the “Maturity Date”) The principal and balance may be prepaid at any time prior to the Maturity Date without penalty upon written notice by the Maker to the Payee.
(a) Each of the following shall constitute a “Repayment/Conversion Trigger Event”:
| (i) | the closing of a merger, consolidation or other business combination pursuant to which the Maker acquires an entity for its initial business combination (a “DeSPAC Transaction”); or |
| (ii) | the liquidation of the Maker (a “Liquidation”) that occurs while the Note is outstanding or any time thereafter prior to the repayment of the Note. |
Maker shall provide Payee at least 10 days’ prior notice of any Repayment/Conversion Trigger Event and to the extent applicable a copy of the material terms of the DeSPAC Transaction. Under no circumstances shall any individual, including but not limited to any officer, director, employee or shareholder of the Maker, be obligated personally for any obligations or liabilities of the Maker hereunder.
(b) Form of Repayment. All amounts due under this Note shall be repaid in cash no later than two days following closing of the business combination.
2. Interest. This Note shall bear no interest.
3. Application of Payments. All payments shall be applied first to payment in full of any costs incurred in the collection of any sum due under this Note, including (without limitation) reasonable attorneys’ fees, then to the payment in full of any late charges, and finally to the reduction of the unpaid principal balance of this Note.
4. Use of Proceeds. On the date of this Note, the Payee shall remit the full principal amount to the Maker in accordance with the wiring instructions attached here to as Exhibit A. The Maker hereby represents, warrants and covenants to the Payee, that the entire principal amount will be used by the Maker solely for purposes of making a payment pursuant to the Investment Management Trust Agreement dated December 23, 2020 by and between Maker and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, a New York limited liability trust company, for an Extension (as defined therein).
5. Events of Default. The following shall constitute an event of default (“Event of Default”):
(a) Failure to Make Required Payments. Failure by Maker to pay any principal amount due pursuant to this Note within five (5) business days of the Maturity Date.
(b) Breach of Use of Proceeds. Failure by Maker to comply with the provisions of Section 4 of this Note.
(c) Voluntary Bankruptcy, Etc. The commencement by Maker of a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, rehabilitation or other similar law, or the consent by it to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian, sequestrator (or other similar official) of Maker or for any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of any assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the failure of Maker generally to pay its debts as such debts become due, or the taking of corporate action by Maker in furtherance of any of the foregoing.
(d) Involuntary Bankruptcy, Etc. The entry of a decree or order for relief by a court having jurisdiction in the premises in respect of Maker in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator (or similar official) of Maker or for any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding-up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.
6. Remedies.
(a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Section 5(a) or Section 5(b) hereof, Payee may, by written notice to Maker, declare this Note to be due immediately and payable, whereupon the unpaid principal amount of this Note, and all other amounts payable hereunder, shall become immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, anything contained herein or in the documents evidencing the same to the contrary notwithstanding.
(b) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Sections 5(c) and 5(d), the unpaid principal balance of this Note, and all other sums payable with regard to this Note, shall automatically and immediately become due and payable, in all cases without any action on the part of Payee.
7. Enforcement Costs. In case any principal of this Note is not paid when due, Maker shall be liable for all costs of enforcement and collection of this Note incurred by the Payee and any other Holders, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses.
8. Waivers. Maker and all endorsers and guarantors of, and sureties for, this Note waive presentment for payment, demand, notice of dishonor, protest, and notice of protest with regard to the Note, all errors, defects and imperfections in any proceedings instituted by Payee under the terms of this Note, and all benefits that might accrue to Maker by virtue of any present or future laws exempting any property, real or personal, or any part of the proceeds arising from any sale of any such property, from attachment, levy or sale under execution, or providing for any stay of execution, exemption from civil process, or extension of time for payment; and Maker agrees that any real estate that may be levied upon pursuant to a judgment obtained by virtue hereof or any writ of execution issued hereon, may be sold upon any such writ in whole or in part in any order desired by Payee.
9. Unconditional Liability. Maker hereby waives all notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default, or enforcement of the payment of this Note, and agrees that its liability shall be unconditional, without regard to the liability of any other party, and shall not be affected in any manner by any indulgence, extension of time, renewal, waiver or modification granted or consented to by Payee, and consents to any and all extensions of time, renewals, waivers, or modifications that may be granted by Payee with respect to the payment or other provisions of this Note, and agrees that additional makers, endorsers, guarantors, or sureties may become parties hereto without notice to Maker or affecting Maker’s liability hereunder. Any failure of the Payee to exercise any right hereunder shall not be construed as a waiver of the right to exercise the same or any other right at any time and from time to time thereafter. The Payee may accept late payments, or partial payments, even though marked “payment in full” or containing words of similar import or other conditions, without waiving any of its rights.
2
10. Notices. All notices, statements or other documents which are required or contemplated by this Note shall be made in writing and delivered: (i) personally or sent by first class registered or certified mail, overnight courier service or facsimile or electronic transmission to the address designated in writing, (ii) by facsimile to the number most recently provided to such party or such other address or fax number as may be designated in writing by such party or (iii) by electronic mail, to the electronic mail address most recently provided to such party or such other electronic mail address as may be designated in writing by such party. Any notice or other communication so transmitted shall be deemed to have been given on the day of delivery, if delivered personally, on the business day following receipt of written confirmation, if sent by facsimile or electronic transmission, one (1) business day after delivery to an overnight courier service or five (5) days after mailing if sent by mail. As of the date of this Note, the following addresses are designated for notices: Maker: 1 East Putnam Avenue, Floor 4, Greenwich, CT 06830, Attn: Edward Scheetz, email: ed@ventouxccm.com; Payee: 1 East Putnam Avenue, Floor 4, Greenwich, CT 06830, Attn: Jonas Grossman, email: jgrossman@chardan.com.
11. Construction; Governing Law; Venue; Waiver Of Jury Trial; Etc. THIS NOTE SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF. MAKER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS NOTE, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE OR, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THIS NOTE SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT THE PAYEE OR ANY OTHER HOLDER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS NOTE AGAINST THE MAKER OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION. THE MAKER WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF ANY AND ALL PROCESS UPON IT AND CONSENTS THAT ALL SUCH SERVICE OF PROCESS BE MADE BY REGISTERED MAIL DIRECTED TO THE MAKER AT ITS ADDRESS SET FORTH IN SECTION 10 OR TO ANY OTHER ADDRESS AS MAY APPEAR IN THE PAYEE’S OR SUCH OTHER HOLDER’S RECORDS AS THE ADDRESS OF THE MAKER. IN ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING IN RESPECT OF OR ARISING OUT OF THIS NOTE, THE PAYEE AND THE MAKER WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY, AND EACH OF MAKER AND PAYEE WAIVES (I) THE RIGHT TO INTERPOSE ANY SET-OFF OR COUNTERCLAIM OF ANY NATURE OR DESCRIPTION, (II) ANY OBJECTION BASED ON FORUM NON CONVENIENS OR VENUE, AND (III) ANY CLAIM FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR SPECIAL DAMAGES.
12. Severability. Any provision contained in this Note which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
3
13. Trust Waiver. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, but subject to the following sentence of this Section 13, the Payee hereby waives any and all right, title, interest or claim of any kind (“Claim”) in or to any distribution of or from the trust account (the “Trust Account”) established in which the proceeds of the initial public offering (“the “IPO”) conducted by the Maker (including the deferred underwriters’ discounts and commissions) and the proceeds of the sale of the warrants issued in a private placement that occurred prior to the closing of the IPO were deposited, as described in greater detail in Maker’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (333- 251048) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the IPO (the “Registration Statement”), and hereby agrees not to seek recourse, reimbursement, payment or satisfaction for any Claim against the Trust Account for any reason whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Payee does not waive any Claims and does not waive its rights to seek recourse, reimbursement, payment or satisfaction for any Claim against the Trust Account for distributions of remaining funds released to the Maker from the Trust Account following redemptions or other distributions to the Maker’s public shareholders.
14. Amendment; Waiver. Any amendment hereto or waiver of any provision hereof may be made with, and only with, the written consent of the Maker and the Payee.
15. Assignment. This Note binds and is for the benefit of the successors and permitted assigns of the Maker and the Payee. No assignment or transfer of this Note or any rights or obligations hereunder may be made by any party hereto (by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other party hereto and any attempted assignment without the required consent shall be void; provided, that upon the announcement of a DeSPAC Transaction or occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, Payee shall have the right to assign this Note in its discretion without the consent of Maker.
[Signature page follows]
4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Maker, intending to be legally bound hereby, has caused this Note to be duly executed by the undersigned as of the day and year first above written.
| Ventoux CCM Acquisition Corp. | ||
| By: | /s/ Edward Scheetz | |
| Name: Edward Scheetz | ||
| Title: Chief Executive Officer | ||
5
EXHIBIT A
Wire Instructions
ACCOUNT INFORMATION
Account Name:
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company as Trustee for Ventoux CCM Acquisition Corp.
| Short Name: | CST&T ATF Ventoux CCM Acquisition Corp. | |
| Address: | 1 State Street, 30th Floor | |
| New York, NY 10004 | ||
BANK
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
4 NYP, Floor 15
New York, NY 10004
ACCOUNT #
[ ]
ABA #
021000021
SWIFT CODE
CHASUS33
Reference
Attn: Celeste Gonzalez
| PRIMARY CONTACT: | SECONDARY CONTACT: |
| Celeste Gonzalez | Patrick Small |
| SPAC & Escrow Administrator | SPAC & Escrow Administrator |
| Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company | Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company |
| Agency & Escrow Services | Agency & Escrow Services |
| 1 State Street, 30th Floor | 1 State Street, 30th Floor |
| New York, NY 10004 | |
| 0: (212) 845-5284 | |
| F: (212) 558-6718 | |
| E: psmall@continentalstock.com |
Exhibit 10.3
THIS PROMISSORY NOTE (“NOTE”) HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”). THIS NOTE HAS BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED IN THE ABSENCE OF REGISTRATION OF THE RESALE THEREOF UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY IN FORM, SCOPE AND SUBSTANCE TO THE MAKER THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
PROMISSORY NOTE
| Issue Date March 29, 2022 |
| Principal Amount: $250,000 |
Ventoux CCM Acquisition Corp., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Maker”), promises to pay to the order of Ventoux Acquisition Holdings LLC or its registered assigns or successors in interest (the “Payee”), or order, the principal sum of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) in lawful money of the United States of America, on the terms and conditions described below. All payments on this Note shall be made by check or wire transfer of immediately available funds, without setoff or counterclaim, to such account as the Payee may from time to time designate by written notice in accordance with the provisions of this Note.
1. Maturity. The principal balance of this Note shall be due and payable by the Maker upon the closing of a Repayment/Conversion Trigger Event, as such term is defined below (the “Maturity Date”) The principal and balance may be prepaid at any time prior to the Maturity Date without penalty upon written notice by the Maker to the Payee.
(a) Each of the following shall constitute a “Repayment/Conversion Trigger Event”:
| (i) | the closing of a merger, consolidation or other business combination pursuant to which the Maker acquires an entity for its initial business combination (a “DeSPAC Transaction”); or |
| (ii) | the liquidation of the Maker (a “Liquidation”) that occurs while the Note is outstanding or any time thereafter prior to the repayment of the Note. |
Maker shall provide Payee at least 10 days’ prior notice of any Repayment/Conversion Trigger Event and to the extent applicable a copy of the material terms of the DeSPAC Transaction. Under no circumstances shall any individual, including but not limited to any officer, director, employee or shareholder of the Maker, be obligated personally for any obligations or liabilities of the Maker hereunder.
(b) Form of Repayment. All amounts due under this Note shall be repaid in cash no later than two days following closing of the business combination.
2. Interest. This Note shall bear no interest.
3. Application of Payments. All payments shall be applied first to payment in full of any costs incurred in the collection of any sum due under this Note, including (without limitation) reasonable attorneys’ fees, then to the payment in full of any late charges, and finally to the reduction of the unpaid principal balance of this Note.
4. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of this Note shall be used for the Maker’s general working capital purposes.
5. Events of Default. The following shall constitute an event of default (“Event of Default”):
(a) Failure to Make Required Payments. Failure by Maker to pay any principal amount due pursuant to this Note within five (5) business days of the Maturity Date.
(b) Breach of Use of Proceeds. Failure by Maker to comply with the provisions of Section 4 of this Note.
(c) Voluntary Bankruptcy, Etc. The commencement by Maker of a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, rehabilitation or other similar law, or the consent by it to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian, sequestrator (or other similar official) of Maker or for any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of any assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the failure of Maker generally to pay its debts as such debts become due, or the taking of corporate action by Maker in furtherance of any of the foregoing.
(d) Involuntary Bankruptcy, Etc. The entry of a decree or order for relief by a court having jurisdiction in the premises in respect of Maker in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator (or similar official) of Maker or for any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding-up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.
6. Remedies.
(a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Section 5(a) or Section 5(b) hereof, Payee may, by written notice to Maker, declare this Note to be due immediately and payable, whereupon the unpaid principal amount of this Note, and all other amounts payable hereunder, shall become immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, anything contained herein or in the documents evidencing the same to the contrary notwithstanding.
(b) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Sections 5(c) and 5(d), the unpaid principal balance of this Note, and all other sums payable with regard to this Note, shall automatically and immediately become due and payable, in all cases without any action on the part of Payee.
7. Enforcement Costs. In case any principal of this Note is not paid when due, Maker shall be liable for all costs of enforcement and collection of this Note incurred by the Payee and any other Holders, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses.
8. Waivers. Maker and all endorsers and guarantors of, and sureties for, this Note waive presentment for payment, demand, notice of dishonor, protest, and notice of protest with regard to the Note, all errors, defects and imperfections in any proceedings instituted by Payee under the terms of this Note, and all benefits that might accrue to Maker by virtue of any present or future laws exempting any property, real or personal, or any part of the proceeds arising from any sale of any such property, from attachment, levy or sale under execution, or providing for any stay of execution, exemption from civil process, or extension of time for payment; and Maker agrees that any real estate that may be levied upon pursuant to a judgment obtained by virtue hereof or any writ of execution issued hereon, may be sold upon any such writ in whole or in part in any order desired by Payee.
9. Unconditional Liability. Maker hereby waives all notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default, or enforcement of the payment of this Note, and agrees that its liability shall be unconditional, without regard to the liability of any other party, and shall not be affected in any manner by any indulgence, extension of time, renewal, waiver or modification granted or consented to by Payee, and consents to any and all extensions of time, renewals, waivers, or modifications that may be granted by Payee with respect to the payment or other provisions of this Note, and agrees that additional makers, endorsers, guarantors, or sureties may become parties hereto without notice to Maker or affecting Maker’s liability hereunder. Any failure of the Payee to exercise any right hereunder shall not be construed as a waiver of the right to exercise the same or any other right at any time and from time to time thereafter. The Payee may accept late payments, or partial payments, even though marked “payment in full” or containing words of similar import or other conditions, without waiving any of its rights.
10. Notices. All notices, statements or other documents which are required or contemplated by this Note shall be made in writing and delivered: (i) personally or sent by first class registered or certified mail, overnight courier service or facsimile or electronic transmission to the address designated in writing, (ii) by facsimile to the number most recently provided to such party or such other address or fax number as may be designated in writing by such party or (iii) by electronic mail, to the electronic mail address most recently provided to such party or such other electronic mail address as may be designated in writing by such party. Any notice or other communication so transmitted shall be deemed to have been given on the day of delivery, if delivered personally, on the business day following receipt of written confirmation, if sent by facsimile or electronic transmission, one (1) business day after delivery to an overnight courier service or five (5) days after mailing if sent by mail. As of the date of this Note, the following addresses are designated for notices: Maker: 1 East Putnam Avenue, Floor 4, Greenwich, CT 06830, Attn: Edward Scheetz, email: ed@ventouxccm.com; Payee: 1 East Putnam Avenue, Floor 4, Greenwich, CT 06830, Attn: Edward Scheetz, email: ed@ventouxccm.com.
2
11. Construction; Governing Law; Venue; Waiver Of Jury Trial; Etc. THIS NOTE SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF. MAKER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS NOTE, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE OR, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THIS NOTE SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT THE PAYEE OR ANY OTHER HOLDER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS NOTE AGAINST THE MAKER OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION. THE MAKER WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF ANY AND ALL PROCESS UPON IT AND CONSENTS THAT ALL SUCH SERVICE OF PROCESS BE MADE BY REGISTERED MAIL DIRECTED TO THE MAKER AT ITS ADDRESS SET FORTH IN SECTION 10 OR TO ANY OTHER ADDRESS AS MAY APPEAR IN THE PAYEE’S OR SUCH OTHER HOLDER’S RECORDS AS THE ADDRESS OF THE MAKER. IN ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING IN RESPECT OF OR ARISING OUT OF THIS NOTE, THE PAYEE AND THE MAKER WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY, AND EACH OF MAKER AND PAYEE WAIVES (I) THE RIGHT TO INTERPOSE ANY SET-OFF OR COUNTERCLAIM OF ANY NATURE OR DESCRIPTION, (II) ANY OBJECTION BASED ON FORUM NON CONVENIENS OR VENUE, AND (III) ANY CLAIM FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR SPECIAL DAMAGES.
12. Severability. Any provision contained in this Note which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
13. Trust Waiver. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, but subject to the following sentence of this Section 13, the Payee hereby waives any and all right, title, interest or claim of any kind (“Claim”) in or to any distribution of or from the trust account (the “Trust Account”) established in which the proceeds of the initial public offering (“the “IPO”) conducted by the Maker (including the deferred underwriters’ discounts and commissions) and the proceeds of the sale of the warrants issued in a private placement that occurred prior to the closing of the IPO were deposited, as described in greater detail in Maker’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (333- 251048) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the IPO (the “Registration Statement”), and hereby agrees not to seek recourse, reimbursement, payment or satisfaction for any Claim against the Trust Account for any reason whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Payee does not waive any Claims and does not waive its rights to seek recourse, reimbursement, payment or satisfaction for any Claim against the Trust Account for distributions of remaining funds released to the Maker from the Trust Account following redemptions or other distributions to the Maker’s public shareholders.
14. Amendment; Waiver. Any amendment hereto or waiver of any provision hereof may be made with, and only with, the written consent of the Maker and the Payee.
15. Assignment. This Note binds and is for the benefit of the successors and permitted assigns of the Maker and the Payee. No assignment or transfer of this Note or any rights or obligations hereunder may be made by any party hereto (by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other party hereto and any attempted assignment without the required consent shall be void; provided, that upon the announcement of a DeSPAC Transaction or occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, Payee shall have the right to assign this Note in its discretion without the consent of Maker.
[Signature page follows]
3
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Maker, intending to be legally bound hereby, has caused this Note to be duly executed by the undersigned as of the day and year first above written.
| Ventoux CCM Acquisition Corp. | ||
| By: | /s/ Edward Scheetz | |
| Name: Edward Scheetz | ||
| Title: Chief Executive Officer | ||
4
Exhibit 10.4
THIS PROMISSORY NOTE (“NOTE”) HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”). THIS NOTE HAS BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED IN THE ABSENCE OF REGISTRATION OF THE RESALE THEREOF UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY IN FORM, SCOPE AND SUBSTANCE TO THE MAKER THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
PROMISSORY NOTE
| Issue Date March 29, 2022 |
| Principal Amount: $125,000 |
Ventoux CCM Acquisition Corp., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Maker”), promises to pay to the order of Chardan International Investments, LLC or its registered assigns or successors in interest (the “Payee”), or order, the principal sum of One Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($125,000) in lawful money of the United States of America, on the terms and conditions described below. All payments on this Note shall be made by check or wire transfer of immediately available funds, without setoff or counterclaim, to such account as the Payee may from time to time designate by written notice in accordance with the provisions of this Note.
1. Maturity. The principal balance of this Note shall be due and payable by the Maker upon the closing of a Repayment/Conversion Trigger Event, as such term is defined below (the “Maturity Date”) The principal and balance may be prepaid at any time prior to the Maturity Date without penalty upon written notice by the Maker to the Payee.
(a) Each of the following shall constitute a “Repayment/Conversion Trigger Event”:
| (i) | the closing of a merger, consolidation or other business combination pursuant to which the Maker acquires an entity for its initial business combination (a “DeSPAC Transaction”); or |
| (ii) | the liquidation of the Maker (a “Liquidation”) that occurs while the Note is outstanding or any time thereafter prior to the repayment of the Note. |
Maker shall provide Payee at least 10 days’ prior notice of any Repayment/Conversion Trigger Event and to the extent applicable a copy of the material terms of the DeSPAC Transaction. Under no circumstances shall any individual, including but not limited to any officer, director, employee or shareholder of the Maker, be obligated personally for any obligations or liabilities of the Maker hereunder.
(b) Form of Repayment. All amounts due under this Note shall be repaid in cash no later than two days following closing of the business combination.
2. Interest. This Note shall bear no interest.
3. Application of Payments. All payments shall be applied first to payment in full of any costs incurred in the collection of any sum due under this Note, including (without limitation) reasonable attorneys’ fees, then to the payment in full of any late charges, and finally to the reduction of the unpaid principal balance of this Note.
4. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of this Note shall be used for the Maker’s general working capital purposes.
5. Events of Default. The following shall constitute an event of default (“Event of Default”):
(a) Failure to Make Required Payments. Failure by Maker to pay any principal amount due pursuant to this Note within five (5) business days of the Maturity Date.
(b) Breach of Use of Proceeds. Failure by Maker to comply with the provisions of Section 4 of this Note.
(c) Voluntary Bankruptcy, Etc. The commencement by Maker of a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, rehabilitation or other similar law, or the consent by it to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian, sequestrator (or other similar official) of Maker or for any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of any assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the failure of Maker generally to pay its debts as such debts become due, or the taking of corporate action by Maker in furtherance of any of the foregoing.
(d) Involuntary Bankruptcy, Etc. The entry of a decree or order for relief by a court having jurisdiction in the premises in respect of Maker in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator (or similar official) of Maker or for any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding-up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.
6. Remedies.
(a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Section 5(a) or Section 5(b) hereof, Payee may, by written notice to Maker, declare this Note to be due immediately and payable, whereupon the unpaid principal amount of this Note, and all other amounts payable hereunder, shall become immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, anything contained herein or in the documents evidencing the same to the contrary notwithstanding.
(b) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Sections 5(c) and 5(d), the unpaid principal balance of this Note, and all other sums payable with regard to this Note, shall automatically and immediately become due and payable, in all cases without any action on the part of Payee.
7. Enforcement Costs. In case any principal of this Note is not paid when due, Maker shall be liable for all costs of enforcement and collection of this Note incurred by the Payee and any other Holders, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses.
8. Waivers. Maker and all endorsers and guarantors of, and sureties for, this Note waive presentment for payment, demand, notice of dishonor, protest, and notice of protest with regard to the Note, all errors, defects and imperfections in any proceedings instituted by Payee under the terms of this Note, and all benefits that might accrue to Maker by virtue of any present or future laws exempting any property, real or personal, or any part of the proceeds arising from any sale of any such property, from attachment, levy or sale under execution, or providing for any stay of execution, exemption from civil process, or extension of time for payment; and Maker agrees that any real estate that may be levied upon pursuant to a judgment obtained by virtue hereof or any writ of execution issued hereon, may be sold upon any such writ in whole or in part in any order desired by Payee.
9. Unconditional Liability. Maker hereby waives all notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default, or enforcement of the payment of this Note, and agrees that its liability shall be unconditional, without regard to the liability of any other party, and shall not be affected in any manner by any indulgence, extension of time, renewal, waiver or modification granted or consented to by Payee, and consents to any and all extensions of time, renewals, waivers, or modifications that may be granted by Payee with respect to the payment or other provisions of this Note, and agrees that additional makers, endorsers, guarantors, or sureties may become parties hereto without notice to Maker or affecting Maker’s liability hereunder. Any failure of the Payee to exercise any right hereunder shall not be construed as a waiver of the right to exercise the same or any other right at any time and from time to time thereafter. The Payee may accept late payments, or partial payments, even though marked “payment in full” or containing words of similar import or other conditions, without waiving any of its rights.
10. Notices. All notices, statements or other documents which are required or contemplated by this Note shall be made in writing and delivered: (i) personally or sent by first class registered or certified mail, overnight courier service or facsimile or electronic transmission to the address designated in writing, (ii) by facsimile to the number most recently provided to such party or such other address or fax number as may be designated in writing by such party or (iii) by electronic mail, to the electronic mail address most recently provided to such party or such other electronic mail address as may be designated in writing by such party. Any notice or other communication so transmitted shall be deemed to have been given on the day of delivery, if delivered personally, on the business day following receipt of written confirmation, if sent by facsimile or electronic transmission, one (1) business day after delivery to an overnight courier service or five (5) days after mailing if sent by mail. As of the date of this Note, the following addresses are designated for notices: Maker: 1 East Putnam Avenue, Floor 4, Greenwich, CT 06830, Attn: Edward Scheetz, email: ed@ventouxccm.com; Payee: 1 East Putnam Avenue, Floor 4, Greenwich, CT 06830, Attn: Jonas Grossman, email: jgrossman@chardan.com.
2
11. Construction; Governing Law; Venue; Waiver Of Jury Trial; Etc. THIS NOTE SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF. MAKER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS NOTE, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE OR, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THIS NOTE SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT THE PAYEE OR ANY OTHER HOLDER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS NOTE AGAINST THE MAKER OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION. THE MAKER WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF ANY AND ALL PROCESS UPON IT AND CONSENTS THAT ALL SUCH SERVICE OF PROCESS BE MADE BY REGISTERED MAIL DIRECTED TO THE MAKER AT ITS ADDRESS SET FORTH IN SECTION 10 OR TO ANY OTHER ADDRESS AS MAY APPEAR IN THE PAYEE’S OR SUCH OTHER HOLDER’S RECORDS AS THE ADDRESS OF THE MAKER. IN ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING IN RESPECT OF OR ARISING OUT OF THIS NOTE, THE PAYEE AND THE MAKER WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY, AND EACH OF MAKER AND PAYEE WAIVES (I) THE RIGHT TO INTERPOSE ANY SET-OFF OR COUNTERCLAIM OF ANY NATURE OR DESCRIPTION, (II) ANY OBJECTION BASED ON FORUM NON CONVENIENS OR VENUE, AND (III) ANY CLAIM FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR SPECIAL DAMAGES.
12. Severability. Any provision contained in this Note which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
13. Trust Waiver. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, but subject to the following sentence of this Section 13, the Payee hereby waives any and all right, title, interest or claim of any kind (“Claim”) in or to any distribution of or from the trust account (the “Trust Account”) established in which the proceeds of the initial public offering (“the “IPO”) conducted by the Maker (including the deferred underwriters’ discounts and commissions) and the proceeds of the sale of the warrants issued in a private placement that occurred prior to the closing of the IPO were deposited, as described in greater detail in Maker’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (333- 251048) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the IPO (the “Registration Statement”), and hereby agrees not to seek recourse, reimbursement, payment or satisfaction for any Claim against the Trust Account for any reason whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Payee does not waive any Claims and does not waive its rights to seek recourse, reimbursement, payment or satisfaction for any Claim against the Trust Account for distributions of remaining funds released to the Maker from the Trust Account following redemptions or other distributions to the Maker’s public shareholders.
14. Amendment; Waiver. Any amendment hereto or waiver of any provision hereof may be made with, and only with, the written consent of the Maker and the Payee.
15. Assignment. This Note binds and is for the benefit of the successors and permitted assigns of the Maker and the Payee. No assignment or transfer of this Note or any rights or obligations hereunder may be made by any party hereto (by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other party hereto and any attempted assignment without the required consent shall be void; provided, that upon the announcement of a DeSPAC Transaction or occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, Payee shall have the right to assign this Note in its discretion without the consent of Maker.
[Signature page follows]
3
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Maker, intending to be legally bound hereby, has caused this Note to be duly executed by the undersigned as of the day and year first above written.
| Ventoux CCM Acquisition Corp. | |||
| By: | /s/ Edward Scheetz | ||
| Name: | Edward Scheetz | ||
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | ||
4
Exhibit 99.1
VENTOUX CCM ACQUISITION CORP. ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTION TO TRUST ACCOUNT TO EXTEND DEADLINE TO CONSUMMATE BUSINESS COMBINATION
Also amends Merger Agreement to reduce minimum cash condition to $65 million and extends termination date
New York, April 4, 2022 – Ventoux CCM Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: VTAQ) (the “Company”) announced today that its sponsors, Ventoux Acquisition Holdings LLC and Chardan International Investments, LLC (the “Sponsors”), timely deposited an aggregate of $1,725,000 (the “Extension Payment”), representing $0.10 per public share, into the Company’s trust account in order to extend the date by which the Company has to consummate a business combination from March 30, 2022, to June 30, 2022.
The Sponsors loaned the Extension Payment to the Company in exchange for promissory notes in the amount of $1,150,000 and $575,000 to Ventoux Acquisition Holdings LLC and Chardan International Investments, LLC, respectively. The loans under the promissory notes are non-interest bearing and will be repaid upon the consummation of a business combination. The Company’s stockholders are not entitled to vote on or redeem their shares in connection with such extension.
In addition, the Company and Presto have amended the merger agreement to lower the minimum cash condition from $85 million to $65 million and extend the termination date of the merger agreement to August 31, 2022.
As previously announced, on November 10, 2021, the Company entered into a business combination agreement with Presto, a leading provider of restaurant labor productivity technologies, that will result in Presto becoming a publicly listed company upon closing of the business combination.
About Ventoux CCM Acquisition Corp.
Ventoux is a special purpose acquisition company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. VTAQ began trading on the Nasdaq on December 23, 2020 following its initial public offering. Its shares of common stock, units, warrants and rights trade under the ticker symbols VTAQ, VTAQU, VTAQW, and VTAQR respectively. VTAQ is co-sponsored by Ventoux Acquisition Holdings and an affiliate of Chardan Capital International.
About Presto
Presto overlays next-gen digital solutions onto the physical world. Presto’s enterprise-grade touch, vision, and voice technologies help hospitality businesses thrive while delighting guests. With over 250,000 systems shipped, Presto is one of the largest labor automation technology providers in the industry. Founded at M.I.T. in 2008, Presto is headquartered in Silicon Valley, Calif. with customers including many of the top 20 restaurant chains in the U.S.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed business combination involving Ventoux and Presto, Ventoux has filed a registration statement, which includes a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, with the SEC. The proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to stockholders of Ventoux. This press release is not a substitute for the proxy statement/prospectus. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PRESTO, VENTOUX, THE PROPOSED BUSINESS COMBINATION AND RELATED MATTERS. The documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC relating to the proposed business combination (when they are available) can be obtained free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These documents (when they are available) can also be obtained free of charge from Ventoux upon written request at Ventoux CCM Acquisition Corp., 1 East Putnam Avenue, Floor 4, Greenwich, CT 06830.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to and shall not constitute a proxy statement or the solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities in respect of the proposed business combination and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for any securities or a solicitation of any vote of approval, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
Participants in Solicitation
This communication is not a solicitation of a proxy from any investor or security holder. However, Ventoux, Presto, and certain of their directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed business combination under the rules of the SEC. Information about Ventoux’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of Ventoux’s securities is set forth in filings with the SEC, including Ventoux’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 23, 2022. To the extent that holdings of Ventoux’s securities have changed since the amounts included in Ventoux’s most recent annual report, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the participants will also be included in the proxy statement/prospectus, when it becomes available. When available, these documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future financial and operating results, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services and expectations regarding the proposed business combination between Presto and Ventoux; and other statements identified by words such as “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimated,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “projection,” “outlook” or words of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
In addition to factors previously disclosed or that will be disclosed in Ventoux’s reports filed with the SEC and those identified elsewhere in this communication, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements: (1) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement or could otherwise cause the transactions contemplated therein to fail to close; (2) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Ventoux, Presto, the Company or others following the announcement of the proposed business combination and any definitive agreements with respect thereto; (3) the inability to complete the proposed business combination due to the failure to obtain approval of the stockholders of Ventoux or Presto; (4) the inability of Presto to satisfy other conditions to closing; (5) changes to the proposed structure of the proposed business combination that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations or as a condition to obtaining regulatory approval of the proposed business combination; (6) the ability to meet stock exchange listing standards in connection with and following the consummation of the proposed business combination; (7) the risk that the proposed business combination disrupts current plans and operations of Presto as a result of the announcement and consummation of the proposed business combination; (8) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed business combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the Company to grow and manage growth profitably, grow its customer base, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its management and key employees; (9) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business of Presto and the Company (including the effects of the ongoing global supply chain shortage); (10) Presto’s limited operating history and history of net losses; (11) Presto’s customer concentration and reliance on a limited number of key technology providers and payment processors facilitating payments to and by Presto’s customers; (12) costs related to proposed business combination; (13) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (14) the possibility that Presto or the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, regulatory, and/or competitive factors; (15) Presto’s estimates of expenses and profitability; (16) the evolution of the markets in which Presto competes; (17) the ability of Presto to implement its strategic initiatives and continue to innovate its existing products; (18) the ability of Presto to adhere to legal requirements with respect to the protection of personal data and privacy laws; (19) cybersecurity risks, data loss and other breaches of Presto’s network security and the disclosure of personal information; and (20) the risk of regulatory lawsuits or proceedings relating to Presto’s products or services. Actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially, and potentially adversely, from any projections and forward-looking statements and the assumptions on which those forward-looking statements are based. There can be no assurance that the data contained herein is reflective of future performance to any degree. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a predictor of future performance as projected financial information and other information are based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to various significant risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. All information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof in the case of information about Ventoux and Presto or the date of such information in the case of information from persons other than Ventoux and Presto, and we disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication. Forecasts and estimates regarding Presto’s industry and end markets are based on sources we believe to be reliable, however there can be no assurance these forecasts and estimates will prove accurate in whole or in part. Annualized, pro forma, projected and estimated numbers are used for illustrative purposes only, are not forecasts and may not reflect actual results.
Contact
Brock Strasbourger
brock@ventouxccm.com
(970) 948-9787