As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 2023.
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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SURF AIR MOBILITY INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware |
4522 |
36-5025592 |
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(State or other jurisdiction of |
(Primary Standard Industrial |
(I.R.S. Employer |
12111 S. Crenshaw Blvd.
Hawthorne, CA 90250
(310) 365-3675
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
_________________
Carl Albert
Surf Air Mobility Inc.
12111 S. Crenshaw Blvd.
Hawthorne, CA 90250
(310) 365-3675
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
_________________
With copies to:
C. Brophy Christensen, Jr., Esq. |
Gregory P. Rodgers, Esq. |
_________________
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement is declared effective.
If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. ☒
If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box. ☐
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Emerging growth company |
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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 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:
Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer) ☐
Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer) ☐
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Surf Air Mobility Inc., a Delaware corporation (“SAM”), is filing this registration statement on Form S-1 and Form S-4 (Registration No. 333- ) to register the shares of SAM common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“SAM Common Stock”), to be distributed to shareholders of Surf Air Global Limited (“Surf Air”) and Southern Airways Corporation (“Southern”) stockholders, as well as to register the resale of such shares by such holders (the “Registered Stockholders”), as part of the Internal Reorganization and the Southern Acquisition (each as defined herein), respectively. Concurrently with the effectiveness of this registration statement, SAGL Merger Sub Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM, will be merged with and into Surf Air, after which Surf Air will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM (the “Internal Reorganization”). Immediately prior to the listing, SAC Merger Sub Inc. (“SAC Merger Sub”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM, will be merged with and into Southern, after which Southern will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM (the “Southern Acquisition”). Pursuant to the Internal Reorganization, all ordinary shares of Surf Air (after giving effect to the Conversions (as defined herein)) outstanding as of immediately prior to the Closing (as defined below) will be canceled in exchange for the right to receive shares of our Common Stock and all rights to receive ordinary shares of Surf Air (after giving effect to the Conversions (as defined below)) will be exchanged for shares of our Common Stock (or options or RSUs to acquire our Common Stock, as applicable). Pursuant to the Southern Acquisition, Southern stockholders will receive the right to receive a number of shares of SAM Common Stock equal to the greater of (a) $81.25 million (based on the opening price per share of our Common Stock on the day of listing); or (b) 12.5% of the fully-diluted shares of our Common Stock upon listing (the “Southern Merger Consideration”).
Following the Internal Reorganization and Southern Acquisition, (i) Surf Air and Southern will be wholly-owned subsidiaries of SAM, (ii) the security holders of Surf Air (including the SAFE holders) and Southern will be security holders of SAM, and (iii) SAM will own directly or indirectly all of the equity securities, assets, business and operations of each of Surf Air and Southern. SAM will be the publicly traded company. The Southern Acquisition will occur immediately prior to the listing of our Common Stock. Listing of our Common Stock is subject to consummation of the Southern Acquisition. The consummation of the Southern Acquisition is subject to the effectiveness of the registration statement, the approval for listing of our Common Stock, the consummation of the Internal Reorganization, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
This registration statement contains two forms of prospectus (1) a primary prospectus (the “Primary Offering Prospectus”), to be used to register shares of SAM Common Stock to be distributed to shareholders of Surf Air and Southern stockholders in connection with the Internal Reorganization and the Southern Acquisition, as described more fully elsewhere in this prospectus, and (2) a resale prospectus (the “Registered Resale Prospectus”), to be used for the resale of SAM Common Stock by Registered Stockholders. The Primary Offering Prospectus and the Registered Resale Prospectus will be identical in all respects except for the following principal points:
• they contain different front covers;
• they contain different tables of contents;
• they contain different “About This Prospectus” sections;
• the “Registered Resale Prospectus Risk Factors” section included in the Registered Resale Prospectus includes additional risk factors, which supplement the “Risk Factors” section in the Primary Offering Prospectus;
• a “Principal and Registered Selling Stockholders” section is included in the Registered Resale Prospectus and a “Principal Stockholders” section is included in the Primary Offering Prospectus;
• the “Plan of Distribution” and “Use of Proceeds” sections are included in the Registered Resale Prospectus;
• the “Additional Transactions”, “Comparison of Stockholders Rights” and “Dissenters’ Rights” sections are deleted from the Registered Resale Prospectus;
• the “Legal Matters” section in the Registered Resale Prospectus adds the reference to counsel for the financial advisor; and
• they contain different back covers.
The registrant has included in this registration statement, after the financial statements, a set of alternate pages to reflect the foregoing differences between the Primary Offering Prospectus and the Registered Resale Prospectus.
The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. Securities may not be sold until the preliminary prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion. Dated ________, 2023.
Surf Air Mobility Inc.
Shares of Common Stock
This prospectus relates to the registration of shares of SAM common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“SAM Common Stock”), to be distributed to shareholders of Surf Air and Southern stockholders in connection with the Internal Reorganization and the Southern Acquisition, as described more fully below.
On or prior to effectiveness of this registration statement, we will have one class of authorized Common Stock. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote per share. As of , 2023, after giving effect to the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition, the Tuscan Payment, the SAFE Settlement, the Advisor Accrual, the Initial GEM Issuance and the GEM Advances (each as defined below), our directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders, and their respective affiliates, will hold approximately % of our outstanding Common Stock.
Prior to the initial listing, no public market existed for our Common Stock. There is only a limited history of trading in our Common Stock in private transactions. Based on information available to us, the high and low sales price per share of our Common Stock for such private transactions during the period from through was $ and $ , respectively. For more information, see the section entitled “Sale Price History of our Capital Stock”. Any recent trading prices in private transactions may have little or no relation to the opening trading price of our shares of Common Stock on the NYSE or the subsequent trading price of our shares of Common Stock on the NYSE. Further, the listing of our Common Stock on the NYSE without a traditional underwritten initial public offering is a novel method for commencing public trading in shares of our Common Stock, and consequently, the trading volume and price per share of our Common Stock may be more volatile than if shares of our Common Stock were initially listed in connection with an underwritten initial public offering.
We intend to apply to list our Common Stock on the NYSE under the symbol “SRFM”. We expect our Common Stock to begin trading on the NYSE on or about , 2023. The Southern Acquisition will occur immediately prior to the listing of our Common Stock. Listing of our Common Stock is subject to consummation of the Southern Acquisition. The consummation of the Southern Acquisition is subject to the effectiveness of the registration statement, the approval for listing of our Common Stock, the consummation of the Internal Reorganization, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Concurrently with the effectiveness of this registration statement, SAGL Merger Sub Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM, will be merged with and into Surf Air, after which Surf Air will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM (the “Internal Reorganization”). Immediately prior to listing, SAC Merger Sub Inc. (“SAC Merger Sub”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM, will be merged with and into Southern, after which Southern will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM (the “Southern Acquisition”). Pursuant to the Internal Reorganization, all ordinary shares of Surf Air (after giving effect to the Conversions (as defined below)) outstanding as of immediately prior to the Closing (as defined below) will be canceled in exchange for the right to receive shares of our Common Stock and all rights to receive ordinary shares of Surf Air (after giving effect to the Conversions (as defined below)) will be exchanged for shares of our Common Stock (or options or RSUs to acquire our Common Stock, as applicable). Pursuant to the Southern Acquisition, Southern stockholders will receive the right to receive a number of shares of our Common Stock equal to the greater of (a) $81.25 million (based on the opening price per share of our Common Stock on the day of listing); or (b) 12.5% of the fully-diluted shares of our Common Stock upon listing (the “Southern Merger Consideration”). As such, this prospectus relates to the registration of up to shares of our Common Stock to be issued or reserved for issuance pursuant to the Internal Reorganization and the Southern Acquisition, to be distributed to Surf Air shareholders and Southern stockholders.
We are an “emerging growth company” and “smaller reporting company”, as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and will be subject to reduced public company reporting requirements. This prospectus complies with the requirements that apply to an issuer that is an emerging growth company. See the sections entitled “Prospectus Summary — Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company” and “Prospectus Summary — Implications of Being a Smaller Reporting Company”.
See the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 26 to read about factors you should consider before buying shares of our Common Stock.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (as defined below) will limit the voting rights of persons holding any of our equity securities who are not citizens of the United States to 24.9%. Accordingly, if you are not a citizen of the United States, any shares of Common Stock that you purchase may be subject to voting restrictions. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock — Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation limits voting rights of certain foreign persons”.
We Are Not Asking You for a Proxy and You are Requested Not to Send Us a Proxy.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Prospectus dated , 2023.
Prospectus |
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Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information |
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Surf Air’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
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Southern’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
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Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information |
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Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders of our Common Stock |
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F-1 |
Through and including , 2023 (the 25th day after the listing date of our Common Stock), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus.
We have not authorized anyone to provide you with any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectuses we have prepared. We do not take any responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of our Common Stock. Our business, financial condition, and results of operations may have changed since that date.
For investors outside the United States: We have not done, and have not agreed to do, anything that would permit the use of or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside of the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the shares of our Common Stock by us and the distribution of this prospectus outside of the United States.
i
Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “the Company” or “Surf Air” are to the current business and operations of Surf Air Global Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the Internal Reorganization, references to “Southern” are to the current business and operations of Southern Airways Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the Southern Acquisition and references to “we”, “us”, “our” or “SAM” in this prospectus are to the proposed business and operations of SAM and its consolidated subsidiaries following the consummation of each of the Internal Reorganization and Southern Acquisition. The Southern Acquisition will occur immediately prior to the listing of our Common Stock. Listing of our Common Stock is subject to the consummation of the Southern Acquisition. The consummation of the Southern Acquisition is subject to the effectiveness of the registration statement, the approval for listing of our Common Stock, the consummation of the Internal Reorganization, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. See the section entitled “Business — Key Agreements — Related Agreements and Transactions — Southern Acquisition Agreement”.
The number of shares of Common Stock to be outstanding upon completion of this listing excludes shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of stock options outstanding as of , 2023, pursuant to the Surf Air Global Limited 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”), with a weighted average exercise price of $ per share, based on the Conversion Ratio.
Except as otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus assumes or gives effect to:
• the Internal Reorganization (including the Conversions);
• the Southern Acquisition;
• the issuance to Tuscan Holdings Corp. II, a Delaware corporation (“Tuscan”) of 635,000 shares of our Common Stock (or an equivalent number of shares of common equity of Surf Air) pursuant to the terms of the Termination Agreement (the “Tuscan Payment”). See the section entitled “Prospectus Summary — Recent Developments — Tuscan Termination and Amendment to Southern Acquisition Agreement” for additional information;
• the issuance of shares of our Common Stock pursuant to the SAFE Settlement;
• the issuance of shares of our Common Stock to be paid to a SAM advisor to satisfy the Advisor Accrual;
• the issuance of shares of our Common Stock, to GEM Global Yield LLC SCS (“GEM”) equal to 0.75% of the total shares outstanding of Common Stock upon listing, or shares of our Common Stock based on the Assumed Opening Price, for a purchase price of $0.01 per share of Common Stock (the “Equity Purchase Price”), as described under the Share Subscription Facility to be filed as an exhibit hereto (the “Initial GEM Issuance”); and
• the issuance of shares of our Common Stock pursuant to the GEM Advances.
The number of shares of our Common Stock to be issued in the Southern Acquisition, the SAFE Settlement, the Advisor Accrual, the Initial GEM Issuance and the GEM Advances depends in part on the opening trading price of our Common Stock. After giving effect to Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition, the Tuscan Payment, the SAFE Settlement, the Advisor Accrual, the Initial GEM Issuance and the GEM Advances, as of , 2023, based on an assumed opening price per share of our Common Stock on the initial listing date (the “Assumed Opening Price”) of $ (collectively, the “Other Transactions”), we would have had a total of shares of Common Stock outstanding. Between , 2023 and the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, we have not issued any additional shares of Common Stock or awards convertible or exercisable for shares of Common Stock except as noted above.
1
For illustrative purposes only, the table below shows the total number of shares of our Common Stock expected to be outstanding at various opening prices:
Assumed Opening Price ($) |
Total Shares of Common Stock |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
Immediately following the listing of our Common Stock on the NYSE, approximately shares of our Common Stock may be immediately sold either (i) by certain stockholders pursuant to a resale registration statement or (ii) by our other existing stockholders under Rule 144 under the Securities Act since such shares held by such other stockholders will have been beneficially owned by non-affiliates for at least one year. See also the section entitled “Shares Eligible For Future Sale”.
2
As used in this prospectus:
• “Advisor Accrual” means the shares of our Common Stock, based on the Assumed Opening Price, to be paid to an advisor in satisfaction of fees owed for services in connection with the transactions contemplated in this prospectus.
• “AeroTEC” means Aerospace Testing Engineering & Certification, Inc.
• “Amended and Restated Bylaws” means the amended and restated bylaws of SAM following Closing.
• “Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation” means the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of SAM following Closing.
• “Assumed Opening Price” means $ , the assumed opening price per share of our Common Stock on the listing date.
• “Closing” means the closing of the Internal Reorganization.
• “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
• “Common Stock” means the common stock of SAM, par value $0.0001 per share.
• “Company” or “Surf Air” means Surf Air Global Limited, a BVI business company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, and all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries.
• “Conversions” means the conversion of Surf Air’s issued and outstanding securities based on the Conversion Ratio in connection with the Internal Reorganization. For a further description of the Conversions, see the section entitled “Additional Transactions — Internal Reorganization”.
• “Conversion Ratio” means the conversion of Surf Air’s ordinary shares to SAM Common Stock at a ratio of .
• “COVID-19” means the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, including any evolutions or mutations thereof (including additional variants).
• “DGCL” means the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended.
• “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
• “GEM” means GEM Global Yield LLC SCS.
• “GEM Advances” means the issuance of shares of Common Stock (based on the Assumed Opening Price), which will be sold to GEM in order for SAM to utilize up to four advances of up to $25 million each under the Share Subscription Facility.
• “Initial GEM Issuance” means the issuance of shares of Common Stock to GEM equal to 0.75% of the total shares outstanding of Common Stock upon listing, or shares of Common Stock based on the Assumed Opening Price, in satisfaction of the Equity Purchase Price under the Share Subscription Facility. For a further description of such agreement and GEM’s commitment to purchase such shares, see the section entitled “Business — Key Agreements — Financing Arrangements — Share Subscription Facility”.
• “Internal Reorganization” means the transaction pursuant to which, concurrently with the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM will be merged with and into Surf Air, after which Surf Air will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM. As SAM has no assets or liabilities, financial statements for SAM have been omitted in this prospectus. See the section entitled “Business — Government Regulation — Principal Domestic Regulatory Authorities”.
• “IRS” means the Internal Revenue Service.
• “JOBS Act” means the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, as amended.
• “listing” means the initial listing of Common Stock on the NYSE.
• “magniX” means magniX USA, Inc.
• “NYSE” means the New York Stock Exchange.
3
• “Palantir” means Palantir Technologies, Inc.
• “public stockholders” means holders of public shares of Common Stock.
• “SAFE Settlement” means the issuance of shares of our Common Stock to holders of SAFEs under the terms of the respective SAFEs, based on the Assumed Opening Price.
• “SAFEs” means the Simple Agreements for Future Equity, by and between the Company and the respective investors listed therein.
• “SAM” means Surf Air Mobility Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, which will, after the Internal Reorganization and the Southern Acquisition, become a publicly traded company in connection with the listing, and will hold all of the equity securities, assets, business and operations of each of Surf Air and Southern.
• “SAM Board” means the board of directors of SAM.
• “SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
• “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
• “Share Subscription Facility” means the Company’s equity line of credit up to $400 million pursuant to the second amended and restated share purchase agreement, dated as of February 8, 2023, by and between the Company, GEM and GYBL, as further amended from time to time. The equity financing commitments under the Share Subscription Facility are contingent on the satisfaction of certain conditions, as more fully described in the section entitled “Business — Key Agreements — Financing Arrangements — Share Subscription Facility”. In connection with the listing and the Internal Reorganization, the Share Subscription Facility will be automatically assigned to SAM.
• “Southern” means Southern Airways Corporation, a Delaware corporation.
• “Southern Acquisition” means the business combination transaction pursuant to which, immediately prior to the listing, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM will be merged with and into Southern, after which Southern will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM. The Southern Acquisition is also subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
• “Southern Merger Consideration” means the number of shares of our Common Stock equal to the greater of (a) $81.25 million (based on the opening price per share of our Common Stock on the day of listing, or shares of our Common Stock, based on the Assumed Opening Price); or (b) 12.5% of the fully-diluted shares of our Common Stock upon listing and prior to the issuance of the Tuscan Payment, the SAFE Settlement, the Advisor Accrual, the initial GEM Issuance and the GEM Advances (or shares of our Common Stock, based on the Assumed Opening Price).
• “Surf Entities” means, collectively, the Company, SAM and SAC Merger Sub Inc.
• “TAI” means, collectively, Textron Aviation Inc. and its affiliates.
• “Tuscan Payment” means the issuance to Tuscan immediately prior to listing of 635,000 shares of our Common Stock (or an equivalent number of shares of common equity of Surf Air) pursuant to the terms of the Termination Agreement. See the section entitled “Prospectus Summary — Recent Developments — Tuscan Termination and Amendment to Southern Acquisition Agreement”.
• “U.S. GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.
For a further description of the terms used to refer to Surf Air’s business, please see the section entitled “Glossary of Terms Related to SAM’s, Surf Air’s and Southern’s Businesses” on page 5 of this prospectus.
4
GLOSSARY OF TERMS RELATED TO SAM’S, SURF AIR’S AND SOUTHERN’S BUSINESSES
As used in this prospectus:
• “Aircraft-as-a-Service” means the product we intend to offer, bundling certain aircraft ownership related costs, potentially including leasing, insurance, powertrain maintenance and operating software for both conventional internal combustion and/or electrified aircraft to operators with the goal of creating a recurring revenue stream.
• “airframes” means the mechanical structure of an aircraft.
• “ATC” means air traffic control, a service provided by air traffic controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and through a given section of controlled airspace.
• “Certificate” means a certificate issued under section 41102 of 49 U.S.C. Subtitle VII.
• “Cessna Caravan” refers to the family of aircraft produced by Textron Aviation’s Cessna, and includes the Caravan, Grand Caravan and Caravan EX models, as well as their cargo derivatives, unless a specific model of Caravan is denoted.
• “commuter airline” means a Part 135 Commuter Airline, which generally refers to an air operator that holds an FAA-issued Part 135 “Commuter” Operating Certificate, permitting scheduled intrastate operations using a propeller aircraft with a maximum passenger-seating configuration of nine seats and a maximum payload capacity of 7,500 pounds, and that typically also has interstate economic authority from the DOT to operate anywhere in the United States.
• “DOT” means the United States Department of Transportation.
• “EAS” means Essential Air Service, which is a program run by the DOT to guarantee that small communities are served by qualified air carriers that maintain a minimum level of scheduled air service.
• “EPU” means the magni650 Electric Power Unit.
• “FAA” means the United States Federal Aviation Administration, a transportation agency, which sits within the DOT.
• “FBO” means fixed base operator. An entity that is an FBO is granted the right by an airport to operate at the airport and provide services such as fueling, hangaring, parking and aircraft rental, along with other similar services.
• “OEM” means original equipment manufacturer, which is a company whose goods are used as components in the products of another company, which then sells the finished item to other users.
• “Part 135” means Part 135 of Title 14 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations.
• “Part 298” means Part 298 of Title 14 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations.
• “Part 380” means Part 380 of Title 14 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations.
• “powertrain” refers to the components in the aircraft that generate power and components that are used for propulsion.
• “SAF” means sustainable aviation fuel, which is biofuel used to power aircraft. This biofuel has similar properties to conventional jet fuel but with a smaller carbon footprint.
• “Supplemental Type Certificate” or “STC” is a certification issued by the FAA when an applicant has received FAA approval to modify an aeronautical product from its original design. The STC approves not only the modification, but also how the modification affects the original design of the aeronautical product.
• “TCB” is an FAA management team involved in the certification process for obtaining a STC.
• “TSA” means the Transportation Security Administration, an administration within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• “Type Certificate” or “TC” is a certification issued by the FAA when an applicant has received FAA approval for a new aeronautical product from its original design.
5
This summary highlights selected information that is presented in greater detail elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information you should consider before investing in our Common Stock. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the sections entitled “Risk Factors”, “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”, “Surf Air’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, “Southern’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, and Surf Air’s and Southern’s consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, before making an investment decision. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “the Company” or “Surf Air” are to the current business and operations of Surf Air Global Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries, references to “Southern” are to the current business and operations of Southern Airways Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries and references to “we”, “us”, “our” or “SAM” in this section are to the proposed business and operations of SAM and its consolidated subsidiaries following the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and listing. The Southern Acquisition will occur immediately prior to the listing of our Common Stock. Listing of our Common Stock is subject to the consummation of the Southern Acquisition. The consummation of the Southern Acquisition is subject to the effectiveness of the registration statement, the approval for listing of our Common Stock, the consummation of the Internal Reorganization, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Overview
Introduction to Surf Air Mobility
Surf Air Mobility is building a regional air mobility ecosystem that will aim to sustainably connect the world’s communities. Leveraging the combined operations of Surf Air and Southern, we intend to accelerate the adoption of green flying by developing, together with our commercial partners, hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrain technology to upgrade existing fleets, and by creating a financing and services infrastructure to enable this transition on an industry-wide level. We believe bringing electrified aircraft to market at scale will substantially reduce the cost and environmental impact of regional flying, and that such reductions are achievable by the end of the decade. Additionally, we believe operating as a publicly traded company and having efficient access to growth capital will allow us to accelerate the implementation of our strategic plan.
Surf Air Inc. was incorporated in 2011 and Surf Air Global Limited (formerly incorporated as Surf Airlines Inc.) was formed and became the parent company of the Surf Air group in 2016. Surf Air Mobility Inc. was incorporated in 2021. Surf Air is expanding the category of regional air travel, connecting underutilized regional airports and private terminals to create a “shared private” customer experience and a high frequency “commercial-like” air service, using small turboprop aircraft. Surf Air currently provides a regional air mobility platform with scheduled routes and on-demand charter flights operated by third parties that operate under Part 135 of Title 14 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (“Part 135”) and intends to develop powertrain technology with its commercial partners to electrify existing fleets, which it believes will reduce operating costs and emissions, starting with a hybrid-electric and a fully-electric variant of the Cessna Grand Caravan EX, which is one of the most prolific family of aircraft in the single engine turboprop category with approximately 3,000 aircraft in use worldwide.
Founded in 2013 as a Delaware corporation, as of March 31, 2023, Southern is the largest commuter airline in the United States and the largest passenger operator of Cessna Caravans in the United States by scheduled departures. As of March 31, 2023, Southern served 40 U.S. cities across six U.S. time zones and in the Mariana Islands. Southern ceased serving the Mariana Islands as of April 1, 2023. Southern has multi-year contracts with the U.S. federal government to operate Essential Air Service (“EAS”) routes, which ensures small communities in the United States can maintain a minimum level of scheduled air services.
The Southern Acquisition will result in a combined regional airline network servicing U.S. cities across the Mid-Atlantic, Gulf South, Midwest, Rocky Mountains, West Coast, New England and Hawaii. Surf Air and Southern together served over 99,000 passengers across 44 cities with over 18,000 departures for the three months ended March 31, 2023. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, Surf Air generated $5.5 million in revenue and Southern generated $22.7 million in revenue, an increase of 14.3% and an increase of 35.6%, respectively, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. Surf Air and Southern together served over 450,000 passengers across 48 cities with over 75,000 departures in 2022. Surf Air and Southern together served over 330,000 passengers in 2021, and over 150,000
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passengers in 2020. For the year ended December 31, 2022, Surf Air generated $20.3 million in revenue and Southern generated $80.7 million in revenue, compared to $11.8 million in revenue and $57.7 million in revenue, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2021 and $7.5 million in revenue and $38.2 million in revenue, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2020. We expect the combination of Surf Air and Southern will provide the basis for SAM’s expanded, nationwide regional air mobility platform.
SAM intends to electrify its existing fleet utilizing hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrain technology once it is fully designed and developed, and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) as part of the issuance of the Supplemental Type Certificate (“STC”). We are planning for FAA approval of our hybrid-electric and fully-electric Cessna Grand Caravan EX STCs to occur by the end of 2025, followed by the commercialization of the technology. See the section entitled “Risk Factors — Legal and Regulatory Risks Related to SAM’s Business — We may be unable to obtain or maintain relevant regulatory approvals for the commercialization of our electrification of aircraft”.
SAM has relationships with leading players across the value chain, which SAM believes provides significant competitive advantages as it pursues the scaling of its point-to-point regional air mobility ecosystem and the implementation of its aircraft electrification plans. SAM intends to be the exclusive supplier of hybrid-electric and battery electric propulsion systems for the Cessna Grand Caravan EX to Textron Aviation Inc. (“TAI”), one of the largest general aviation OEMs in the world by units sold. The effectiveness of SAM’s agreements with TAI are contingent upon SAM’s shares being publicly traded on a U.S. national securities exchange. SAM’s electrification and certification partner, AeroTEC, a leading aerospace engineering firm with experience in fully-electrified aircraft, has agreed to work exclusively with SAM to develop and obtain STCs for modified Cessna Caravans, and magniX, developer of one of the most powerful electric motors currently being certified, has agreed to exclusively sell certain electrified propulsion systems to SAM, subject to completion of conceptual design review and the execution of definitive agreements. Upon completion of conceptual design review SAM, AeroTEC and magniX have agreed to enter into further definitive agreements in relation to the remaining development steps for the STC. SAM and Jetstream Aviation Capital have entered into a Master Agreement to finance up to $450 million to fund the planned growth of SAM’s fleet of turboprop aircraft. In addition, Southern and SkyWest Airlines are partnered to provide a pilot hiring and training pathway, SAM has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Signature Flight Support for Fixed Base Operator (“FBO”) services and the support of SAM’s existing and future network and SAM has contracted with Palantir to leverage Palantir’s Foundry platform to support SAM’s planned growth across a range of business applications. See the sections entitled “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Surf Air’s and Southern’s Business and Industry — We are or may be subject to risks associated with strategic alliances, and our reliance on these arrangements, and the loss of any such alliances or arrangements or failure to identify future opportunities could affect our growth plans” and “Business — Key Agreements”.
Market Opportunity: Electric technology will be a disruptive factor in regional air travel
We believe regional turboprop aircraft can be electrified, creating the opportunity to disrupt existing regional (50-500 mile) air and ground travel patterns. The hybrid-electric technology we are developing with our commercial partners utilizes state-of-the-art technology that exists today. Electrified regional aircraft, with reduced operating costs and emissions, are expected to be capable of connecting, directly and cost-effectively, many of the United States’ 5,000 existing and underutilized public airports, striving to create a reasonably priced and more convenient mass-market regional travel experience, which we believe will be an attractive alternative to the use of major airport hubs and connecting flight service. Electrified regional aircraft can begin the process of abating aviation’s contribution to global CO2 emissions, which, according to Mission Possible Partnership’s Making Net Zero Aviation Possible July 2022 report, totaled approximately 1.2 billion metric tons in 2019. We believe our green aviation technology will have the added benefit of aligning with consumer preference, increasing demand for lower emission travel.
Over the last several decades regional air travel has suffered, declining in both seat capacity and flight departures, giving customers far fewer flight options and we believe a worse travel experience. Over this period, airlines consolidated into fewer hubs and began deploying aircraft with more seats to reduce cost, resulting in approximately 500 airports with commercial service and approximately 30 airports in the United States today that represent approximately 70% of all commercial traffic, according to a study conducted by NASA. This consolidation dramatically reduced regional connectivity for customers; over the last two decades, according to commercial airline schedule data from Airline Data Inc., capacity on 50 – 500 mile airline routes has gone down 25% while the number of departures has gone down 46%. Fewer airports are connected directly today with non-stop flights than were connected twenty years ago, and
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fewer available seats and frequencies are flown between airports that maintained their non-stop service. This decline in service is further exacerbated by hub congestion, which, on short regional trips, makes airport check-in and connection times a substantial part of the overall door-to-door travel time.
According to a 2021 study conducted by McKinsey & Company, approximately 90% of the U.S. population lived or worked within a 30 minute drive to one of 5,000 underutilized public use regional airports in the United States. Major airlines are largely unable to leverage this infrastructure due to their fleet type and instead send more of their traffic through already congested hubs. Regional airports are typically located conveniently near large metropolitan areas and can usually only be served with smaller regional aircraft (the same types of aircraft we believe will be the first to be electrified, given the current capabilities of battery technology). Using this existing regional airport infrastructure to create scheduled, high-frequency, non-stop flights in hybrid-electric and fully-electric aircraft, with reduced emissions and operating costs, we believe we can create a consumer experience with improved convenience offering an attractive alternative to long-haul driving and the use of congested airport hubs that often require connecting flights.
SAM believes these smaller regional aircraft will be the first to be electrified, given the current state of aircraft technology. SAM believes the most realistic, lowest risk, and fastest approach to electrification is to first develop and certify hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains to be installed in new and existing aircraft types that are already certified by the FAA, such as the Cessna Caravan. Typically, STCs are less difficult and require far less time to obtain than TCs for an entirely new “clean sheet” aircraft, which typically require capital-intensive investment in long certification processes as well as new tooling and production facilities. Additionally, hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains will not require or be dependent on the development and installation of charging infrastructure like fully-electric aircraft. As a result, SAM further believes the market and use cases for hybrid-electric aircraft may potentially exist for decades after the introduction of fully-electric aircraft as the introduction of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (“SAF”) effectively addresses much of the remaining “hybrid” emissions and the expected longer time horizon of charging infrastructure development.
We believe our business model creates a flywheel of growth
We believe SAM’s business model is designed to capitalize on this highly attractive market opportunity. It is our expectation that by executing on the below plan we can create a regional air travel ecosystem that provides ongoing growth potential to our company and our stakeholders.
Our future business strategy is built on six key premises:
1. Large Addressable Market
Our strategic plan is focused on capturing a meaningful portion of the point-to-point regional air mobility market currently served by automobiles and inefficient hub-and-spoke airline business models. Based on a study published by McKinsey & Company in 2023 and management’s estimates, we believe the total market opportunity for point-to-point regional air mobility of approximately 100 — 500 miles will be approximately $75 billion to $115 billion worldwide and approximately $15 billion to $22 billion in the United States by 2035.
2. Advantaged Path to Electrification
The component technology to electrify small aircraft exists today, in large part because of improvements in battery technology. We intend to pursue obtaining STCs from the FAA for variants of the Cessna Caravan with hybrid-electric powertrains, which will not require ground charging infrastructure, and fully-electric variants of the Cessna Caravan.
3. Aligned with Leading Players
To support our growth and technology plans, we have established important commercial relationships with leading players involved in the aviation and technology industries, including those expected to produce components for hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains for aircraft. We believe our strategic relationships with TAI, AeroTEC, magniX, Jetstream Aviation Capital, SkyWest Airlines, Signature Flight Support and Palantir empower our plan. We believe the result of these relationships will be the acceleration of our ability to bring hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains for the Cessna Caravan to market, to create a differentiated regional travel experience of scale, and to generate substantial demand from consumers for a new form of regional travel.
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4. Significant Operating Expertise
Surf Air and Southern together served over 99,000 passengers across 44 cities with over 18,000 departures for the three months ended March 31, 2023. On a combined basis, the number of passengers flown by Surf Air and Southern for the three months ended March 31, 2023 increased by approximately 1.8% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. Surf Air and Southern together served over 450,000 passengers across 48 cities with over 75,000 departures in 2022. On a combined basis, the number of passengers flown by Surf Air and Southern for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased by approximately 35% compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. Surf Air currently operates a technology-forward on-demand and scheduled regional aviation platform, is planning to develop hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains with its commercial partners for installation on the Cessna Caravan and has secured key strategic relationships to accelerate SAM’s electrification and operational growth plans. Southern operates the largest passenger fleet of Cessna Caravans in the United States by scheduled departures (as of November 1, 2022), has significant operating scale, has a robust set of EAS routes contracted with the U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) and has built a pilot development pipeline that helps to manage national pilot shortage issues.
5. Experienced Management Team and Board
SAM’s management team has significant experience in the aerospace and commercial aviation industry, as well as adjacent sectors, including hospitality and consumer branding. Our team brings with them previous senior level experience from a range of companies including Delta Air Lines, Fairchild Dornier, Flexjet, Lufthansa, Virgin America, and Wisk. The ongoing evolution and implementation of SAM’s strategy will be guided and overseen by an experienced and independent board of directors.
6. Ecosystem-Based Business Model
If we are able to achieve certification of hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains, we intend to introduce them into the market using business models which we expect will produce both one-time and recurring revenue streams. Among other steps, once developed and certified, we intend to sell or lease SAM’s electrification technology to other aircraft operators regardless of which network they serve and to work in close partnership with selected aircraft manufacturers and manufacturers of components of hybrid-electric and fully-electric propulsion systems to design and develop additional STCs. We believe operating at the center and providing valuable services across the value chain of the regional air mobility ecosystem and by coordinating the various parties can lead to additional earning opportunities for SAM.
We believe there is significant value to be created by leveraging our ability to serve both customers and operators within the regional flying ecosystem. We believe this will accelerate the demand for green regional flying. By enabling new demand through our digital marketplace operations and catalyzing new supply through new technology and financing solutions, we believe we can create an ongoing cycle of growth.
SAM plans to invest in creating a scheduled network connecting many of the underutilized regional airports in the United States. We have developed a regional air mobility network growth plan based on mobile device and various demographic data layers, which resulted in a network growth plan across approximately 30 U.S. regional networks with approximately 200 “tier 1” routes. We intend to pursue this plan using our own air operation and by leveraging third-party air operators.
Surf Air has extensive experience using third-party operators in its scheduled and on-demand operations. As a result, we believe SAM will have in-depth knowledge of the success factors and key challenges facing independent operators and can facilitate growth of its operator relationships by deploying our Aircraft-as-a-Service strategy. Aircraft-as-a-Service is the product we intend to offer, bundling certain aircraft ownership related costs, potentially including leasing, insurance, powertrain maintenance and operating software for both conventional internal combustion and/or electrified aircraft to operators with the goal of creating a recurring revenue stream.
Recent Developments
Second Amended and Restated Share Subscription Facility
On February 8, 2023, the Company entered into the Share Subscription Facility with GEM Global Yield LLC SCS (“GEM”) and GEM Yield Bahamas Limited (“GYBL”), which further amended and restated the Amended and Restated Share Subscription Facility entered into on May 17, 2022. Pursuant to the Share Subscription Facility, upon the terms of and subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, SAM will have the right from time to time at its option to
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direct GEM to purchase up to a specified maximum amount of shares of our Common Stock, up to a maximum aggregate purchase price of $400 million (the “Aggregate Limit”), over the Term (as defined below) of the Share Subscription Facility. SAM may request GEM Advances in an aggregate amount of up to $100 million, consisting of four incremental advances of up to $25 million each. Any GEM Advance will reduce amounts that Surf Air can request for future draw downs.
SAM’s ability to access and request each the GEM Advances and the draw downs described above under the Share Subscription Facility is contingent on the satisfaction of certain conditions, including among other things, (i) the listing of our Common Stock on a U.S. national securities exchange, (ii) the filing by SAM of one or more registration statements with respect to the shares of our Common Stock to be sold pursuant to the Share Subscription Facility and such registration statement(s) becoming effective, as well as no stop order (or proceedings for such purpose) suspending the effectiveness of any registration statement registering such shares of our Common Stock (the “Registration Condition”), (iii) no suspension of trading of our Common Stock on the NYSE, (iv) the shares of our Common Stock to be sold pursuant to the Share Subscription Facility must have been duly authorized, (v) average daily trading volume limitations requiring that the amount requested for each draw down (other than the GEM Advances) may not exceed 400% of the average daily trading volume for the 30 trading days immediately preceding a draw down (the “Trading Volume Condition”), (vi) limitations on GEM’s beneficial ownership of shares of our Common Stock (other than the GEM Advances), (vii) the payment of certain fees and (viii) the delivery by SAM of a compliance certificate certifying that SAM is in compliance with all covenants, agreements and conditions required by the Share Subscription Facility on the applicable request date, and that no Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Share Subscription Facility) has occurred since August 25, 2020 (clauses (ii) through (iv) are the “Specified Conditions”). Following the Southern Acquisition and the completion of the listing of our Common Stock, SAM intends to request the full amount of the GEM Advances when they become available in 2023 to augment its capital resources to address its capital needs. However, SAM will be unable to request any of the GEM Advances until a resale registration statement covering the shares to be sold to GEM in accordance with the terms of the Share Subscription Facility has been declared effective. To the extent that all conditions to each GEM Advance are satisfied other than with respect to one or more Specified Conditions, SAM will be able to delay a GEM Advance for a maximum of 90 calendar days in order to satisfy the Specified Conditions. SAM shall not be obligated to make any draw downs in respect of any GEM Advance or other draw downs and the failure to provide a draw down notice for any GEM Advance or other draw downs will not limit or preclude SAM’s ability to provide a draw down notice on any future GEM Advance or other draw down. The purchase price per share for the number of shares of our Common Stock to be sold to them is determined on the basis of the trading price of our Common Stock during a period of between 15 trading days (for any GEM Advance) and 20 trading days (for all other draw downs), which, with respect to the GEM Advances, may be extended by 15 trading days in GEM’s sole discretion upon notice to SAM. In the case of a GEM Advance, the purchase price is determined following funding of the purchase by GEM while in the case of any other purchase under the Share Subscription Facility, the purchase price is determined prior to the funding of the purchase by GEM. If the purchase price determined during the pricing period for any GEM Advance would result in GEM owning 10% or more of our outstanding shares of Common Stock, GEM may extend the pricing period for another 30 trading days. Under the terms of the Share Subscription Facility, GEM will purchase the shares at a per-share amount equal to 90% of the volume weighted average trading price during the draw down pricing period described above. In relation to the GEM Advances, SAM has agreed to deposit into escrow an amount equal to three times the number of shares of Common Stock set out in the advance request for the GEM Advances.
Unless earlier terminated, the Share Subscription Facility shall terminate automatically on the earlier of (i) 36 consecutive months from the date of listing, which such date shall be ; (ii) May 17, 2027; and (iii) the date GEM shall have purchased the Aggregate Limit (such earliest date, the “Term”).
GEM will also purchase an amount of shares of the Company equal to 0.75% of the total number of shares of our Common Stock outstanding on the listing date, on a fully-diluted basis, for a purchase price of $0.01 per share (the “Purchased Shares”).
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The terms of the Share Subscription Facility provide for, among other things, (i) payment by SAM of a commitment fee of $8 million (equal to 2% of the Aggregate Limit), payable in cash or stock, deliverable in installments, but no later than the first anniversary of SAM’s first trading day and (ii) that GEM will not be required to purchase shares of our Common Stock if the purchase would result in GEM beneficially owning more than 9.99% of outstanding Common Stock, subject to waiver of the limitation by GEM, which shall not apply to the GEM Advances. SAM has agreed with GEM not to enter into any other agreement of which the principal purpose is to secure an equity line similar to the financing provided under the Share Subscription Facility.
The foregoing description of the Share Subscription Facility does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Share Subscription Facility, which appears as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
For a further description of the Share Subscription Facility and other conditions to GEM’s commitment to purchase shares of our Common Stock, see the section entitled “Business — Key Agreements — Financing Arrangements — Share Subscription Facility”. For more information on the risks related to SAM’s ability to access some or all of the amounts available, see the section entitled “Risk Factors — Risks Related to SAM’s Financial Position and Capital Requirements — It is not possible to predict the actual number of shares SAM will need to sell under the Share Subscription Facility to GEM in order to draw down under such facility. Further, SAM may not have access to the full amount available under the Share Subscription Facility, or may not be able to draw down under the Share Subscription Facility in a timely manner (or at all) in order to meet its existing obligations”.
Tuscan Termination and Amendment to Southern Acquisition Agreement
On May 17, 2022, SAM entered into a Business Combination Agreement (the “Merger Agreement”) by and among Tuscan Holdings Corp. II, a Delaware corporation (“Tuscan”), Surf Air, THCA Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM (“Merger Sub I”), and SAGL Merger Sub Limited, a BVI business company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands and wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM (“Merger Sub II”) and SAM. Concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, Surf Air, SAM, SAC Merger Sub Inc. (“Merger Sub” and together with Surf Air, and SAM, the “Surf Entities”), and Southern entered into an Amendment No. 2 to that certain Acquisition Agreement dated as of March 17, 2021, as amended by that certain Amendment No. 1 to Acquisition Agreement dated as of August 22, 2021, pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions thereunder, the parties thereunder intend to effect a merger of SAC Merger Sub with and into Southern, with Southern continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM. It was intended that the Southern Acquisition and the transactions contemplated thereunder would close simultaneously with the merger with Tuscan.
On November 14, 2022, Tuscan, Tuscan Holdings Acquisition II LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Tuscan Sponsor”), Surf Air and SAM entered into a mutual termination and release agreement (the “Termination Agreement”) pursuant to which the parties agreed to mutually terminate the Merger Agreement and a mutual release of all claims under the Merger Agreement. Pursuant to the Termination Agreement, and in consideration for the agreements of Tuscan and Tuscan Sponsor, SAM has agreed to issue to Tuscan 600,000 shares of Common Stock (or an equivalent number of shares of common equity of Surf Air) immediately prior to the occurrence of a direct listing (including this listing), an initial public offering, a business combination involving a special purpose acquisition company or a Sale Transaction (as defined in the Termination Agreement). In connection with the incurrence of costs and expenses by Tuscan, SAM has agreed, immediately prior to listing, in its sole discretion, to either (a) issue to Tuscan 35,000 shares of Common Stock (or an equivalent number of shares of common equity of Surf Air) or (b) pay to Tuscan $700,000. Tuscan is entitled to certain customary resale registration rights in respect of the shares of Common Stock to be issued to Tuscan on listing. Tuscan and the Sponsor have also agreed to, jointly and severally, indemnify and hold harmless, Surf Air and SAM against losses arising from, as a result of or in connection with: (i) the termination of the Merger Agreement; (ii) the fact that the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement will not be consummated; and/or (iii) any other facts or circumstances arising from or relating to the Merger Agreement and the transactions that were contemplated thereby. In connection with the entry into the Termination Agreement, on November 11, 2022, the Surf Entities and Southern entered into Amendment No. 3 to the Acquisition Agreement to reflect, among other things, the termination of the Merger Agreement and the transactions that were contemplated thereby. On May 25, 2023, the Surf Entities and Southern entered into Amendment No. 4 to the Acquisition Agreement (the Acquisition Agreement along with Amendment No. 1, Amendment No. 2, and Amendment No. 3 and Amendment No. 4, the
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“Southern Acquisition Agreement”) to extend the outside date of the Southern Acquisition Agreement to July 31, 2023. For a further description of the Southern Acquisition Agreement, see the section entitled “Business — Key Agreements — Related Agreements and Transactions — Southern Acquisition Agreement”.
Term Notes
Since November 2022, the Company has entered into six term note agreements, as amended, with LamVen, an entity owned by an officer and co-founder of the Company, or LamJam II LLC (“LamJam”), an entity co-owned by an officer and co-founder of the Company, and a family member of such officer and co-founder. As of May 15, 2023, approximately $18.6 million in aggregate principal amount is outstanding under such notes. Each note is scheduled to mature on the earlier of December 31, 2023 or the date on which the note is accelerated due to default, as provided for in the agreement. The interest rate on the notes range from 8.25% to 10.0%. Interest is due upon maturity until the notes are paid in full at maturity or upon acceleration by prepayment.
For a further description of each of the term notes, see the section entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions — Surf Air Related Persons Transactions — LamVen and LamJam”.
SAFE note
On January 31, 2023, the Company entered into a SAFE note for $250,000 with a private investor on the same terms and conditions as the SAFEs entered into with the Company’s other investors. The SAFE provides, among other things, for the conversion of such SAFEs into ordinary shares of the Company in connection with a public listing. For a further description of the SAFEs, see the section entitled “Business — Key Agreements — Financing Arrangements — SAFEs”.
Preferred Stock Issuance
On June 2, 2023, the Company issued an aggregate of 5,665,722 shares of Preferred Class of B-6a to one accredited investor at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $3.0 million.
Additional Transactions
Concurrently with the effectiveness of this registration statement, SAGL Merger Sub Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM, will be merged with and into Surf Air, after which Surf Air will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM. Immediately prior to the listing, SAC Merger Sub, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM, will be merged with and into Southern, after which Southern will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM. Pursuant to the Internal Reorganization, all ordinary shares of Surf Air (after giving effect to the Conversions) outstanding as of immediately prior to the Closing will be canceled in exchange for the right to receive shares of our Common Stock and all rights to receive ordinary shares of Surf Air (after giving effect to the Conversions) will be exchanged for shares of our Common Stock (or options or RSUs to acquire our Common Stock, as applicable). In connection with the Internal Reorganization, Surf Air intends to enter into amendments with the SAFE holders whereby upon listing and pursuant to the SAFE Settlement, SAFE holders will receive shares of our Common Stock based on the exchange value set forth in the relevant SAFE. Pursuant to the Southern Acquisition, Southern stockholders will receive the right to receive a number of shares of our Common Stock equal to the greater of (a) $81.25 million (based on the opening price per share of our Common Stock on the day of listing); or (b) 12.5% of the fully-diluted shares of our Common Stock upon listing and prior to the issuance of the Tuscan Payment, the SAFE Settlement, the Advisor Accrual, the initial GEM Issuance and the GEM Advances (the “Southern Merger Consideration”). For additional information please see the section entitled, “Additional Transactions — Internal Reorganization” and “Additional Transactions — Southern Acquisition”.
Corporate Structure
The following diagrams sets forth the (1) a simplified version of the ownership structure of Surf Air before the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition, and the listing, and (2) a simplified version of the ownership structure of SAM after the consummation of the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and the listing. Listing of our Common Stock is subject to consummation of the Southern Acquisition. The consummation of the Southern Acquisition is subject to the effectiveness of the registration statement, the approval for listing of our Common Stock, the consummation of the Internal Reorganization, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
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The corporate structure of Surf Air prior to the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and listing:
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The corporate structure of SAM immediately after listing:
Risk Factors Summary
Investing in our Common Stock involves numerous risks, including the risks described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus. You should carefully consider these risks before making an investment. Below are some of these risks, any one of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.
Set forth below is only a summary of principal risks associated with SAM, Southern and Surf Air.
Risks Related to Surf Air’s and Southern’s Financial Position
• There is substantial doubt about Surf Air’s ability to continue as a going concern. Surf Air will need additional financing to execute its business plan, to fund its operations and to continue as a going concern.
• Surf Air has incurred significant losses since its inception and expects to incur significant expenses and continuing losses for the foreseeable future. SAM may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability or positive cash flows.
• There is substantial doubt about Southern’s ability to continue as a going concern. Southern will need additional financing to execute its business plan, to fund its operations and to continue as a going concern.
Risks Related to SAM’s Financial Position and Capital Requirements
• SAM has no operating history. Surf Air and Southern’s past financial results may not be a reliable indicator of SAM’s future success.
• It is not possible to predict the actual number of shares SAM will need to sell under the Share Subscription Facility to GEM in order to draw down under such facility. Further, SAM may not have access to the full amount available under the Share Subscription Facility, or may not be able to draw down under the Share Subscription Facility in a timely manner (or at all) in order to meet its existing obligations.
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• Surf Air has previously defaulted on its debt and other obligations and there can be no assurance that SAM will be able to fulfill its obligations under any current or future indebtedness it may incur.
Risks Related to Surf Air’s and Southern’s Business and Industry
• We may not be able to accurately predict our future capital needs, and we may not be able to obtain additional financing or access the capital markets to fund our ongoing operations and execute on our growth strategy on acceptable terms and conditions.
• Surf Air’s management has identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting. These material weaknesses could continue to adversely affect its, and, going forward, SAM’s ability to report its results of operations and financial condition accurately and in a timely manner. At this time, Surf Air cannot predict whether its efforts to remediate the identified material weaknesses will be successful, and it is expected that some or all of these material weaknesses will continue to persist for an extended period of time.
• Southern’s management has identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting. These material weaknesses could continue to adversely affect its, and, going forward, SAM’s ability to report its results of operations and financial condition accurately and in a timely manner. At this time, Southern cannot predict whether its efforts to remediate the identified material weaknesses will be successful, and it is expected that some or all of these material weaknesses will continue to persist for an extended period of time.
• If we are not able to successfully enter into new markets, offer new routes and services and enhance our existing offerings, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
• If we experience harm to our reputation and brand, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
• The success of our business will be highly dependent on our ability to effectively market and sell air transportation as a substitute for conventional methods of transportation.
Risks Related to the Development of Electrification Technology
• We, as well as our development and supply chain partners, have limited experience to date in the development and manufacturing of hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains and integrating those newly developed powertrains into existing certified airframes, and we may never develop or manufacture any hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains.
• We are substantially dependent upon our relationships with our strategic partners to develop our hybrid-electric powertrain and implement our planned business model.
• Our success will depend on our ability to economically outsource the production, assembly and installation of our hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrain solutions at scale, and our ability to develop and produce hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrain solutions of sufficient quality and appeal to customers on schedule and at scale is unproven.
• Our competitors may commercialize their technology before us, either in general or in specific markets, or we may otherwise not be able to fully capture the first mover advantage that we anticipate.
Risks Related to Surf Air’s and Southern’s Operations and Infrastructure
• If we are unable to obtain and maintain access to adequate facilities and infrastructure in desirable locations, including securing access to key infrastructure such as airports, we may be unable to offer our service in a way that is useful to passengers.
• Surf Air and Southern’s operations are currently concentrated in a small number of metropolitan areas and airports which makes their businesses particularly susceptible, and will make SAM’s business particularly susceptible, to natural disasters, outbreaks and pandemics, growth constraints, economic, social, weather and regulatory conditions or other circumstances affecting these metropolitan areas.
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• The profitability of our current operations is dependent on the availability and pricing of aircraft fuel. Periods of significant disruption in the supply of aircraft fuel or elevated pricing could have a significant negative impact on our results of operations and liquidity.
Risks Related to Surf Air’s and Southern’s Dependence on Third-Party Providers
• If our third-party aircraft operators are unable to support our operations or the growth of our business, or we are unable to add alternative third-party aircraft operators to meet demand, our costs may increase and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Risks Related to Surf Air’s and Southern’s Intellectual Property and Information Technology
• If we fail to adequately protect our intellectual property rights, our competitive position could be impaired and we may lose market share, generate reduced revenue and incur costly litigation to protect our rights.
• We will rely on our information technology systems to manage numerous aspects of our business. A cyber-attack of these systems could disrupt our ability to deliver services to our customers and could lead to increased overhead costs, decreased sales and harm to our reputation.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock
• The trading price of our Common Stock, upon listing on the NYSE, may have little or no relationship to the historical sales prices of our capital stock in private transactions, and such private transactions have been limited.
If we are unable to adequately address these and other risks we face, our business may be harmed.
Channels for Disclosure of Information
Following the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, we intend to announce material information to the public through filings with the SEC, the investor relations page on our website (www.surfair.com), press releases, public conference calls, and public webcasts.
The information disclosed by the foregoing channels could be deemed to be material information. As such, we encourage investors, the media, and others to follow the channels listed above and to review the information disclosed through such channels.
Any updates to the list of disclosure channels through which we will announce information will be posted on the investor relations page on our website.
Our Principal Stockholders
As of , 2023, after giving effect to the Other Transactions, our directors, executive officers, and 5% stockholders, and their respective affiliates will hold approximately % of our outstanding Common Stock.
Corporate Information
Surf Air
Surf Air, Inc. was incorporated in 2011 and Surf Air Global Ltd. was formed and became the parent company of the Surf Air group in 2016. SAM was incorporated under the laws of Delaware on January 5, 2021. SAM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Surf Air formed for the purpose of holding all of the equity securities, assets, business and operations of Surf Air and Southern. The mailing address of SAM’s principal executive office is 12111 S. Crenshaw Boulevard, Hawthorne, California 90250 and its telephone number is (310) 365-3675. Our website address is www.surfair.com. Information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider information on our website to be part of this prospectus.
Our logo, the “Surf Air” mark, and our other registered and common law trademarks, service marks, and trade names appearing in this prospectus are the property of Surf Air Global Ltd. or its affiliates. Other trade names, trademarks, and service marks used in this prospectus are the property of their respective owners.
16
Southern
Southern was incorporated under the laws of Delaware on April 5, 2013. The mailing address of Southern’s principal executive office is 2875 South Ocean Boulevard, Suite 256, Palm Beach, Florida 33480 and its telephone number is (901) 672-7820. After the consummation of the Southern Acquisition, Southern’s principal executive office will be that of the Company. Southern’s website address is www.iflysouthern.com. Information contained on, or that can be accessed through, Southern’s website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider information on Southern’s website to be part of this prospectus.
Southern’s logo, the “Southern Airways” mark, and its other registered and common law trademarks, service marks, and trade names appearing in this prospectus are the property of Southern Airways Corporation or its affiliates. Other trade names, trademarks, and service marks used in this prospectus are the property of their respective owners.
Dissenters’ Rights
For a description of the appraisal rights of Surf Air shareholders in connection with the Internal Reorganization and Southern stockholders in connection with the Southern Acquisition, see the sections entitled, “Additional Transactions — The Internal Reorganization — Dissenters’ Rights Under BVI Law” and “Additional Transactions — Southern Acquisition — Dissenters’ Rights”.
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
For a description of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to non-U.S. holders of our Common Stock, see the section entitled “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders of our Common Stock”.
Regulatory Matters
The Southern Acquisition is subject to the following regulatory matters, in addition to the filings with the State of Delaware and the British Virgin Islands necessary to effectuate the transactions. No notification or report forms are required to be filed with the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice or the United States Federal Trade Commission, and no statutory waiting period applies, under the HSR Act.
Air Carrier Fitness
The Surf Entities, together with Southern, must provide notice and extensive information to the Air Carrier Fitness Division of the DOT well in advance of the change of ultimate ownership of Southern Airways Express, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern and holder of a U.S. commuter air carrier authorization from the DOT, in connection with the Southern Acquisition and listing. See the section entitled “Risk Factors — Legal and Regulatory Risks Related to SAM’s Business — We must comply continuously with Fitness and Citizenship requirements administered by the DOT to perform scheduled air transportation”.
Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company
We are an “emerging growth company”, as defined under the JOBS Act. As an emerging growth company, each of Surf Air and Southern is eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. These include, but are not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and the requirement to obtain stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.
SAM may take advantage of these reduced reporting and other requirements until the last day of its fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this listing, or such earlier time that SAM is no longer an emerging growth company. However, if certain events occur prior to the end of such five-year period, including if SAM has more than $1.235 billion in annual gross revenue, has more than $700 million in market value of its Common Stock held by non-affiliates or issues more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period, SAM will cease to be an emerging growth company prior to the end of such five-year period. SAM may choose to take advantage of some, but not all, of the available exemptions
17
In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of an extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. Surf Air and Southern have elected to take advantage of such extended transition period. The utilization of these transition periods may make it difficult to compare our financial statements to those of non-emerging growth companies and other emerging growth companies that have opted out of the transition periods afforded under the JOBS Act.
Implications of Being a Smaller Reporting Company
We are a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act. As such, we are eligible for exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies that are not smaller reporting companies, including, but not limited to, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation. We will continue to be a smaller reporting company as long as either (i) the market value of our common shares held by non-affiliates is less than $250 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter or (ii) our annual revenue is less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and the market value of our common shares held by non-affiliates is less than $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter.
18
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OTHER DATA
Surf Air
The following summary financial data have been derived from Surf Air’s (i) unaudited condensed financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus as of March 31, 2023 and for three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 and (ii) audited financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 that are included elsewhere in this prospectus. The financial statements have been prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The results for the three months ended March 31, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for a full year or for future periods. In the opinion of Surf Air’s management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for interim periods include all adjustments consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results for such interim periods. This summary financial information should be read in conjunction with the section entitled “Surf Air’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information” and Surf Air’s audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
For the |
For the |
|||||||||||||||
2023 |
2022 |
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
(unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Revenue |
$ |
5,507 |
|
$ |
4,818 |
|
$ |
20,274 |
|
$ |
11,798 |
|
||||
Cost of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization |
$ |
6,650 |
|
$ |
5,320 |
|
$ |
24,824 |
|
$ |
14,495 |
|
||||
Operating loss |
$ |
(12,048 |
) |
$ |
(11,231 |
) |
$ |
(50,904 |
) |
$ |
(33,350 |
) |
||||
Net loss |
$ |
(20,573 |
) |
$ |
(10,647 |
) |
$ |
(74,362 |
) |
$ |
(35,784 |
) |
As of |
||||
(in thousands) |
(unaudited) |
|||
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: |
|
|
||
Cash |
$ |
241 |
|
|
Total assets |
$ |
13,344 |
|
|
Total liabilities |
$ |
124,194 |
|
|
Working capital deficit(1) |
$ |
(61,307 |
) |
____________
(1) Working capital deficit is defined as the difference between current assets and current liabilities.
Southern
The following summary financial data have been derived from Southern’s (i) unaudited condensed financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus as of March 31, 2023 and for three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 and (ii) audited financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 that are included elsewhere in this prospectus. The financial statements have been prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The results for the three months ended March 31, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for a full year or for future periods. In the opinion of Southern’s management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for interim periods include all adjustments consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results for such interim periods. This summary financial information should be read in conjunction
19
with the section entitled “Southern’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information” and Southern’s audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
For the |
For the |
||||||||||||||
2023 |
2022 |
2022 |
2021 |
||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
(unaudited) |
||||||||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Revenues |
$ |
22,674 |
|
$ |
16,720 |
|
$ |
80,716 |
|
$ |
57,679 |
||||
Total operating expenses |
$ |
24,542 |
|
$ |
17,239 |
|
$ |
84,728 |
|
$ |
45,919 |
||||
Operating income (loss) |
$ |
(1,868 |
) |
$ |
(519 |
) |
$ |
(4,012 |
) |
$ |
11,760 |
||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders |
$ |
(2,166 |
) |
$ |
(710 |
) |
$ |
(4,471 |
) |
$ |
10,660 |
As of |
||||
(in thousands) |
(unaudited) |
|||
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: |
|
|
||
Cash |
$ |
1,439 |
|
|
Total assets |
$ |
67,165 |
|
|
Total liabilities |
$ |
67,199 |
|
|
Working capital (deficit)(1) |
$ |
(19,887 |
) |
____________
(1) Working capital (deficit) is defined as the difference between current assets and current liabilities.
Key Operating Measures and Certain Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to the data presented in Surf Air’s and Southern’s respective consolidated financial statements, Surf Air and Southern use the following key operating measures and non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate their businesses, measure their performance, develop financial forecasts and make strategic decisions. See the sections entitled “Surf Air’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Key Operating Measures of Surf Air”, “Surf Air’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Non-GAAP Financial Measures”, “Southern’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Key Operating Measures of Southern” and “Southern’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Non-GAAP Financial Measures” included elsewhere in this prospectus for a description of, and additional information about, these key metrics.
Surf Air’s Key Operating Measures
The following table summarizes Surf Air’s key operating measures for each period presented below, which are unaudited.
Three Months Ended |
Change |
Year Ended |
Change |
|||||||||||||||||
2023 |
2022 |
Increase/ |
% |
2022 |
2021 |
Increase/ |
% |
|||||||||||||
Scheduled Flight Hours(1) |
722 |
863 |
(141 |
) |
(16 |
)% |
2,524 |
3,469 |
(945 |
) |
(27 |
)% |
||||||||
On-Demand Flights(2) |
454 |
393 |
61 |
|
16 |
% |
1,696 |
1,093 |
603 |
|
55 |
% |
||||||||
Scheduled Passengers(3) |
1,631 |
2,372 |
(741 |
) |
(31 |
)% |
7,131 |
9,243 |
(2,112 |
) |
(23 |
)% |
||||||||
Headcount(4) |
84 |
67 |
17 |
|
25 |
% |
85 |
81 |
4 |
|
5 |
% |
||||||||
Scheduled Departures(5) |
554 |
647 |
(93 |
) |
(14 |
)% |
2,002 |
2,612 |
(610 |
) |
(23 |
)% |
____________
(1) Scheduled Flight Hours represent actual flight time from takeoff through landing that were flown in the period and excludes departures for maintenance or repositioning events. This metric only measures flight hours for flights that generated scheduled revenue and does not include flight hours for flights that generated on-demand revenue. For a further discussion of how Surf Air generates revenue, see the section entitled “Surf Air’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Components of Surf Air’s Results of Operations — Revenue”.
20
(2) On-Demand Flights represent the number of flights that generate on-demand revenue taken by customers on Surf Air aircraft or third-party operated aircraft during the period.
(3) Scheduled Passengers represent the number of passengers flown during the period for scheduled service.
(4) Headcount represents all full-time and part-time employees at the end of the period.
(5) Scheduled Departures represent the number of takeoffs in the period, agnostic of operator of Surf Air’s services and excludes departures for maintenance or repositioning events. This metric only measures takeoffs that generated scheduled revenue and does not include takeoffs that generated on-demand revenue. For a further discussion of how Surf Air generates revenue, see the section entitled “Surf Air’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Components of Surf Air’s Results of Operations — Revenue”.
Surf Air’s Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Surf Air uses Adjusted EBITDA to identify and target operational results which is beneficial to management and investors in evaluating operational effectiveness. Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental measure of Surf Air’s performance that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of Surf Air’s financial performance under U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) or any other performance measure derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Surf Air’s calculation of this non-GAAP financial measure may differ from similarly titled non-GAAP measures, if any, reported by other companies. This non-GAAP financial measure should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in their usefulness to investors because they have no standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and are not prepared under any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. In addition, non-GAAP financial measures may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be directly comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Surf Air presents Adjusted EBITDA because it considers this measure to be an important supplemental measure of its performance and believes it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in its industry. Management believes that investors’ understanding of Surf Air’s performance is enhanced by including this non-GAAP financial measure as a reasonable basis for comparing its ongoing results of operations.
Surf Air calculates Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) adjusted for depreciation and amortization, interest expense, income tax expense, PPP Loans, stock-based compensation, changes in fair value of financial instruments, and transaction costs.
The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to loss for each of the periods indicated.
Three Months Ended |
Year End |
|||||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
2023 |
2022 |
2022 |
2021 |
||||||||||||
Net loss |
$ |
(20,573 |
) |
$ |
(10,647 |
) |
$ |
(74,362 |
) |
$ |
(35,784 |
) |
||||
Addback: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
258 |
|
|
257 |
|
|
1,027 |
|
|
1,052 |
|
||||
Interest expense |
|
171 |
|
|
360 |
|
|
596 |
|
|
2,140 |
|
||||
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
||||
PPP Loans(1) |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
(718 |
) |
||||
Share-based compensation expense(2) |
|
1,145 |
|
|
4,730 |
|
|
12,452 |
|
|
3,191 |
|
||||
Changes in fair value of financial instruments(3) |
|
8,096 |
|
|
926 |
|
|
27,711 |
|
|
76 |
|
||||
Transaction costs(4) |
|
1,337 |
|
|
368 |
|
|
4,828 |
|
|
— |
|
||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
$ |
(9,566 |
) |
$ |
(4,006 |
) |
$ |
(27,748 |
) |
$ |
(30,043 |
) |
____________
(1) Represents an adjustment for PPP Loans provided to Surf Air. For the year ended December 31, 2021, Surf Air received a PPP Loan of $717,500, which has been forgiven in full.
(2) Represents non-cash expenses related to equity-based compensation programs, which vary from period to period depending on various factors including the timing, number, and the valuation of awards.
(3) Represents fluctuations in the fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value. The fair values of the convertible notes, preferred stock warrant liabilities, and derivative liabilities were based on the values of the notes, warrants, and derivatives upon conversion due to the weighted probability associated with certain events.
(4) Represents costs related to a public company transaction, including accounting, legal, and listing costs.
21
Southern’s Key Operating Measures
The following table summarizes Southern’s key operating measures for each period presented below, which are unaudited.
Three Months Ended |
Change |
Year Ended December 31, |
Change |
|||||||||||||||
2023 |
2022 |
Inc |
% |
2022 |
2021 |
Inc |
% |
|||||||||||
Scheduled Flight Hours(1) |
17,666 |
14,899 |
2,767 |
19 |
% |
68,316 |
54,274 |
14,042 |
26 |
% |
||||||||
Scheduled Passengers(2) |
97,972 |
95,460 |
2,512 |
3 |
% |
442,893 |
324,634 |
118,259 |
36 |
% |
||||||||
Headcount(3) |
662 |
548 |
114 |
21 |
% |
632 |
583 |
49 |
8 |
% |
||||||||
Scheduled Departures(4) |
17,670 |
17,087 |
583 |
3 |
% |
74,918 |
62,452 |
12,466 |
20 |
% |
__________
(1) Scheduled Flight Hours represent flight time from takeoff through landing that were flown in the period and excludes departures for maintenance or repositioning events. This metric only measures flight hours for flights that generated passenger revenue and does not include flight hours for flights that generated charter revenue. For a further discussion of how Southern generates revenue, see the section entitled “Southern’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Components of Southern’s Results of Operations — Revenues”.
(2) Scheduled Passengers represent the number of passengers flown during the period for scheduled service.
(3) Headcount represents all full-time and part-time employees at the end of the period.
(4) Scheduled Departures represent the number of takeoffs in the period and excludes departures for maintenance or repositioning events. This metric only measures departures that generated passenger revenue and does not include departures that generated charter revenue. For a further discussion of how Southern generates revenue, see the section entitled “Southern’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Components of Southern’s Results of Operations — Revenues”.
Southern’s Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Southern uses Adjusted EBITDA to identify and target operational results which is beneficial to management and investors in evaluating operational effectiveness. Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental measure of our performance that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of Southern’s financial performance under U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) or any other performance measure derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP, or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of our liquidity. Southern’s calculation of this non-GAAP financial measure may differ from similarly titled non-GAAP measures, if any, reported by other companies. This non-GAAP financial measure should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in their usefulness to investors because they have no standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and are not prepared under any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. In addition, non-GAAP financial measures may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be directly comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Southern presents Adjusted EBITDA because it considers this measure to be an important supplemental measure of its performance and believes it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in its industry. Management believes that investors’ understanding of Southern’s performance is enhanced by including this non-GAAP financial measure as a reasonable basis for comparing its ongoing results of operations.
Southern calculates Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) adjusted for depreciation and amortization, interest expense, income tax expense, incentive income from the Marianas joint venture and PPP/PSP grants.
22
The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss) for each of the periods indicated.
Three Months Ended |
Year Ended |
|||||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
2023 |
2022 |
2022 |
2021 |
||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ |
(2,367 |
) |
$ |
(710 |
) |
$ |
(5,148 |
) |
$ |
10,660 |
|
||||
Addback: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
937 |
|
|
548 |
|
|
3,051 |
|
|
1,604 |
|
||||
Interest expense |
|
666 |
|
|
183 |
|
|
1,764 |
|
|
744 |
|
||||
Income tax provision (benefit) |
|
5 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
(409 |
) |
|
440 |
|
||||
Incentive income from Marianas joint venture |
|
(171 |
) |
|
— |
|
|
(282 |
) |
|
— |
|
||||
PPP/PSP grants(1) |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
(11,092 |
) |
||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
$ |
(930 |
) |
$ |
26 |
|
$ |
(1,024 |
) |
$ |
2,356 |
|
____________
(1) Represents an adjustment for PPP Loans and Payroll Support Program grants provided to Southern. For the year ended December 31, 2021, Southern recognized a total of $11.1 million in government assistance comprised of grants totaling $9.6 million under the Payroll Support Program maintained and administered by the Treasury, which is not required to be paid back to the Treasury and a PPP Loan of $1.5 million, which has been forgiven in full.
23
SUMMARY UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following summary unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data (the “Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information”) gives effect to the Internal Reorganization, Southern Acquisition and related equity conversions and transaction costs, as more fully described in the section titled “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information”. The Southern Acquisition will occur immediately prior to the listing of our Common Stock. Listing of our Common Stock is subject to the consummation of the Southern Acquisition. The consummation of the Southern Acquisition is subject to the effectiveness of the registration statement, the approval for listing of our Common Stock, the consummation of the Internal Reorganization, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. See the section entitled “Business — Key Agreements — Related Agreements and Transactions — Southern Acquisition Agreement”.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of March 31, 2023 combines the historical unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet of Surf Air as of March 31, 2023 and the historical unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet of Southern as of March 31, 2023 on a pro forma basis as if the Internal Reorganization, Southern Acquisition and related transactions had been consummated on March 31, 2023.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 combines the historical unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations of Surf Air for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and the historical unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations of Southern for the three months ended March 31, 2023 on a pro forma basis to reflect (i) the Internal Reorganization (including the Conversions) and the Southern Acquisition; (ii) the Tuscan Payment; (iii) the SAFE Settlement; (iv) the Advisor Accrual; (iv) the Initial GEM Issuance and the GEM Advances; and (v) other adjustments as if they had been consummated on January 1, 2022.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 combines the historical audited consolidated statement of operations of Surf Air for the year ended December 31, 2022 and the historical audited consolidated statement of operations of Southern for the year ended December 31, 2022 on a pro forma basis to reflect (i) the Internal Reorganization (including the Conversions) and the Southern Acquisition; (ii) the Tuscan Payment; (iii) the SAFE Settlement; (iv) the Advisor Accrual; (iv) the Initial GEM Issuance and the GEM Advances; and (v) other adjustments as if they had been consummated on January 1, 2022.
The historical financial information has been adjusted to give effect to factually supportable events that are related and/or directly attributable to the Southern Acquisition and related transactions. The adjustments presented on the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements have been identified and presented to offer relevant information necessary to provide a reasonable basis for understanding of the combined company upon consummation of the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and related transactions as specified above.
The Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information has been derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information included in the section entitled “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information” in this prospectus and the accompanying notes thereto. The Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information is based upon, and should be read in conjunction with, the historical financial statements and related notes of Surf Air and Southern for the applicable periods included elsewhere in this prospectus. The Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information has been presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of what SAM’s financial position or results of operations actually would have been had the
24
Internal Reorganization and Southern Acquisition been completed as of the dates indicated. In addition, the Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information does not purport to project the future financial position or operating results of SAM following the effectiveness of the listing.
(in thousands) |
As of |
||
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet Data: |
|
||
Cash(1) |
$ |
93,847 |
|
Total assets |
$ |
311,595 |
|
Total liabilities |
$ |
131,904 |
|
Total shareholders’ equity |
$ |
179,691 |
____________
(1) Following the Southern Acquisition and the completion of the listing of our Common Stock, SAM intends to request the full amount of the GEM Advances when they become available in 2023 to augment its capital resources to address its capital needs. However, SAM will be unable to request any of the GEM Advances until a resale registration statement covering the shares to be sold to GEM in accordance with the terms of the Share Subscription Facility has been declared effective.
(in thousands, except share and per share data) |
Three Months Ended |
Year Ended |
||||||
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations Data: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Revenue |
$ |
27,981 |
|
$ |
100,615 |
|
||
Net loss – attributable to SAM common shareholders |
$ |
(15,207 |
) |
$ |
(112,345 |
) |
||
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted |
|
49,839,818 |
|
|
46,839,818 |
|
||
Net loss per share – basic and diluted |
$ |
(0.31 |
) |
$ |
(2.40 |
) |
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Investing in our Common Stock involves a high degree of risk. You should consider and read carefully all of the risks and uncertainties described below, as well as other information included in this prospectus. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the sections entitled “Surf Air’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, “Southern’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, and Surf Air’s and Southern’s financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, before making an investment decision. The risks described below are not the only ones we face. The occurrence of any of the following risks or additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations. In such case, the trading price of our Common Stock could decline, and you may lose some or all of your original investment.
Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “the Company” or “Surf Air” are to the current business and operations of Surf Air Global Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the Internal Reorganization and Southern Acquisition, references to “Southern” are to the current business and operations of Southern Airways Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the Southern Acquisition and references to “we”, “us”, “our” or “SAM” in this section are to the proposed business and operations of SAM and its consolidated subsidiaries following the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and listing. Accordingly, the risks described below relating to Surf Air and Southern could also materially adversely affect SAM after the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. The Southern Acquisition will occur immediately prior to the listing of our Common Stock. Listing of our Common Stock is subject to the consummation of the Southern Acquisition. The consummation of the Southern Acquisition is subject to the effectiveness of the registration statement, the approval for listing of our Common Stock, the consummation of the Internal Reorganization, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. See the section entitled “Business — Key Agreements — Related Agreements and Transactions — Southern Acquisition Agreement”.
Risks Related to Surf Air’s and Southern’s Financial Position
There is substantial doubt about Surf Air’s ability to continue as a going concern. Surf Air will need additional financing to execute its business plan, to fund its operations and to continue as a going concern.
The Company has incurred losses from operations, negative cash flows from operating activities and has a working capital deficit. The Company is currently in default of certain excise and property taxes, as well as certain debt, tax and other contractual obligations as further described in “Surf Air’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources” and “— Risks Related to SAM’s Financial Position and Capital Requirements — Surf Air has previously defaulted on its debt and other obligations and there can be no assurance that SAM will be able to fulfill its obligations under any current or future indebtedness it may incur”. In addition, COVID-19 related disruptions in air travel significantly impacted our business and contributed to a decrease in membership sales, flight cancellations and significant operational volatility. There can be no assurances that the Company can cure any defaults that remain outstanding, or if cured, that the Company will not default on future obligations.
The airline industry and the Company’s operations are cyclical and highly competitive. The Company’s success is largely dependent on the ability to raise debt and equity capital, increase its membership base, increase passenger loads, and continue to expand into regions profitably throughout the United States.
The Company has funded its operations and capital needs primarily through the net proceeds received from the issuance of various debt instruments, convertible securities and preferred and common share financing arrangements. A significant amount of funding to date has been provided by entities affiliated with a co-founder of the Company. The Company is evaluating strategies to obtain the additional funding for future operations. These strategies may include, but are not limited to, obtaining additional equity financing, issuing additional debt or entering into other financing arrangements, restructuring of operations to grow revenues and decrease expenses.
If the Company is unable to raise sufficient financing when needed or events or circumstances occur such that the Company does not meet its strategic plans, the Company will be required to take additional measures to conserve liquidity, which could include, but are not necessarily limited to, reducing spending on payroll, marketing, station rent and aircraft purchases necessary for the Company’s planned network, altering or scaling back development plans, including plans to equip regional airline operations with hybrid electric aircraft and reducing funding of capital expenditures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows and ability to achieve its intended business objectives. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
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The Company’s prospects and ongoing business activities are subject to the risks and uncertainties frequently encountered by companies in new and rapidly evolving markets. Risks and uncertainties that could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition include, but are not limited to the ability to raise additional capital (or financing) to fund operating losses, refinance its current outstanding debt, sustain ongoing operations, the ability to attract and maintain members, the ability to integrate, manage and grow recent acquisitions and new business initiatives, obtain and maintain relevant regulatory approvals, and the ability to measure and manage risks inherent to the Company’s business model.
In addition to the risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s emerging business model, there continues to be a worldwide impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 has resulted in changes in consumer and business behavior, pandemic fears, market downturns, and restrictions on business and individual activities, which created significant volatility in global economy and has led to reduced economic activity particularly in the air travel industry. Due to enhanced virtual meeting and teleconferencing technology that was adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are meeting over virtual meeting platforms than in person, despite the waning of the pandemic, which reduces the need for transportation, including our services. Specifically, COVID-19 related disruption in air travel has led to a decrease in membership sales, flight cancellations and significant operational volatility which was a significant contributing factor to Surf Air defaulting on certain debt arrangements and amending the terms and conditions of certain debt arrangements, in order to meet liquidity needs.
In addition, other natural events, short-term and long-term interest rates, inflation, money supply, political issues (including as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the effects of sanctions and retaliatory cyber-attacks on the world economy and markets, elections and governmental shutdowns), legislative and regulatory changes, fluctuations in both debt and equity capital markets and broad negative trends in the banking industry and financial markets, which are beyond the Company’s control, have indirectly impacted the Company, and may continue to indirectly impact the Company in the future. Macroeconomic conditions that affect the economy and the economic outlook of the United States and the rest of the world could adversely affect the Company and its vendors and suppliers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, some of the Company’s vendors and suppliers likewise rely on capital raising activities to fund their operations and capital expenditures, which may be more difficult or expensive in the event of downturns in the economy or disruptions in the financial and credit markets (including as a result of the aforementioned factors that have impacted our operations). If such vendors or suppliers are unable to raise adequate capital to fund their business plans, they may not be able to comply with their obligations to the Company, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Surf Air has incurred significant losses since its inception and expects to incur significant expenses and continuing losses for the foreseeable future. SAM may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability or positive cash flows.
Surf Air has incurred significant losses since its inception. Surf Air incurred net losses of $20.6 million and $10.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $74.4 million and $35.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. In addition, Southern incurred net losses attributable to common shareholders of $2.2 million and $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, respectively, and $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. We expect our operating expenses to increase over the next several years as we endeavor to increase our flight cadence, hire more employees and fund third-party research and development efforts relating to the development of our electrification technology, as well as due to macroeconomic factors such as rising inflation rates. These efforts may be more costly than we expect and may not result in increased revenue or growth in our business. Any failure to increase our revenue sufficiently to keep pace with our investments and other expenses could prevent us from achieving or maintaining profitability or positive cash flow. Furthermore, if our future growth and operating performance fail to meet investor or analyst expectations, or if we continue to have negative cash flow or losses resulting from our investment in increasing our member base and passenger loads or expanding our operations into regions throughout the United States, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Going forward, SAM’s future losses and the losses that Surf Air has incurred may be larger than anticipated, and SAM may not achieve profitability when expected, or at all. Even if SAM achieves profitability, SAM may not be able to maintain or increase profitability.
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The continued growth of our business will require significant investments in the development of hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains, our aircraft fleet, ground-based infrastructure, information technology and marketing and sales efforts. Surf Air’s current cash flow has not been sufficient to support these needs to date. Surf Air has historically had negative cash flows and a working capital deficit, and has funded its operations and capital needs to date through the proceeds received from the issuance of various debt and equity instruments. Going forward, SAM’s ability to effectively manage growth and expansion of its operations will also require it to enhance various systems, including in relation to research and development, operations and internal controls and reporting. These enhancements will require significant capital expenditures and allocation of valuable management and employee resources. If our business does not generate the level of available cash flow required to support these operations and investments, and we are not able to determine an alternative solution to obtain the funding needed for our future operations, there may be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
There is substantial doubt about Southern’s ability to continue as a going concern. Southern will need additional financing to execute its business plan, to fund its operations and to continue as a going concern.
Southern incurred greater than expected operating losses and negative cash flows from operating activities in April and May 2023 due to inefficient aircraft utilization, primarily caused by an underutilization of pilots and a shortage of maintenance personnel and critical aircraft components, which, in the aggregate, have challenged Southern’s ability to serve its customers as desired and, in turn, cover expenses, as further described in “Southern’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources”. There can be no assurances that Southern can cure any cash flow challenges, or if cured, that Southern will not incur future losses.
The airline industry and Southern’s operations are cyclical and highly competitive. Southern’s success going forward is dependent on the ability to achieve a high level of aircraft and crew utilization, increase flight services and the number of passengers flown, and ready access to capital to fund operations and planned growth.
Southern is evaluating strategies to obtain additional funding for future operations. These strategies may include, but are not limited to, obtaining additional equity financing, issuing additional debt or entering into other financing arrangements, and restructuring of operations to efficiently utilize aircraft and pilots, grow revenues and decrease expenses. There can be no assurance that Southern will be successful in achieving its strategic plans, that new financing will be available to Southern in a timely manner or on acceptable terms, if at all. If Southern is unable to raise sufficient financing when needed or events or circumstances occur such that Southern does not meet its strategic plans, Southern may be required to take additional measures to enhance and conserve liquidity, which could include, but not necessarily limited to, increasing ticket prices, reducing certain spending, selling of aircraft, altering or scaling back operational footprint, which may have a material adverse effect on Southern’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and ability to achieve its intended business objectives. These factors raise substantial doubt about Southern’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Southern’s prospects and ongoing business activities are subject to the risks and uncertainties frequently encountered by companies in new and rapidly evolving markets. Risks and uncertainties that could materially and adversely affect Southern’s business, results of operations or financial condition include, but are not limited to the ability to raise additional capital (or financing) to fund operating losses, refinance its current outstanding debt, sustain ongoing operations, the ability to attract and maintain members, the ability to integrate, manage and grow recent acquisitions and new business initiatives, obtain and maintain relevant regulatory approvals, and the ability to measure and manage risks inherent to Southern’s business model.
In addition to the risks and uncertainties associated with Southern’s business model, there continues to be a worldwide impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 has resulted in changes in consumer and business behavior, pandemic fears, market downturns, and restrictions on business and individual activities, which created significant volatility in global economy and has led to reduced economic activity particularly in the air travel industry. Due to enhanced virtual meeting and teleconferencing technology that was adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are meeting over virtual meeting platforms than in person, despite the waning of the pandemic, which reduces the need for transportation, including our services.
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In addition, other natural events, short-term and long-term interest rates, inflation, money supply, political issues (including as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the effects of sanctions and retaliatory cyber-attacks on the world economy and markets, elections and governmental shutdowns), legislative and regulatory changes, fluctuations in both debt and equity capital markets and broad negative trends in the banking industry and financial markets, which are beyond Southern’s control, have adversely impacted Southern, and may continue to adversely impact Southern in the future. Macroeconomic conditions that affect the economy and the economic outlook of the United States and the rest of the world could adversely affect Southern and its vendors and suppliers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, some of Southern’s vendors and suppliers likewise rely on capital raising activities to fund their operations and capital expenditures, which may be more difficult or expensive in the event of downturns in the economy or disruptions in the financial and credit markets (including as a result of the aforementioned factors that have impacted our operations). If such vendors or suppliers are unable to raise adequate capital to fund their business plans, they may not be able to comply with their obligations to Southern, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to SAM’s Financial Position and Capital Requirements
SAM has no operating history. Surf Air and Southern’s past financial results may not be a reliable indicator of SAM’s future success.
SAM was incorporated in 2021 and has no operating history. Surf Air and Southern’s past financial results may not be a reliable indicator of SAM’s future success. There can be no assurance that SAM will be successful in achieving its strategic plans. Further, SAM will need financing to implement its full business plan, including its plans to electrify its fleet, which is a core part of its growth strategy, and to service its ongoing operations. Following the completion of the listing, SAM intends to request the full amount of the GEM Advances when they become available in 2023 to augment its capital resources to address its capital needs. However, SAM will be unable to request any of the GEM Advances until a resale registration statement covering the shares to be sold to GEM in accordance with the terms of the Share Subscription Facility has been declared effective and such registration statement must become effective by a certain date. SAM’s ability to access and request each such GEM Advance is contingent on, among other conditions, the successful listing of our Common Stock on a U.S. national securities exchange and the Specified Conditions. For a further description of the Share Subscription Facility and the other conditions to GEM’s commitment to purchase shares, see the section entitled “Business — Key Agreements — Financing Arrangements — Share Subscription Facility”.
SAM may also seek additional capital through a combination of equity offerings and debt financings. Debt financing, if obtained, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting its ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, and could increase its expenses, require that its assets secure such debt, or provide for high interest rates, discounted conversion prices, or other unfavorable terms. Equity financing, in addition to the GEM Advances, if obtained, would result in dilution to its then-existing stockholders and/or require such stockholders to waive certain rights and preferences.
If SAM is unable to obtain additional financing, including the GEM Advances, when it is needed, or on acceptable terms, it will need to restructure its operations and possibly divest all or a portion of its business. SAM may be required to cease operations which could result in its stockholders losing all or almost all of their investment.
It is not possible to predict the actual number of shares SAM will need to sell under the Share Subscription Facility to GEM in order to draw down under such facility. Further, SAM may not have access to the full amount available under the Share Subscription Facility, or may not be able to draw down under the Share Subscription Facility in a timely manner (or at all) in order to meet its existing obligations.
Pursuant to the Share Subscription Facility, upon the terms of and subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, SAM will have the right from time to time at its option to direct GEM to purchase up to a specified maximum amount of shares of our Common Stock, up to a maximum aggregate purchase price equal to the Aggregate Limit over the Term of the Share Subscription Facility. SAM may request GEM Advances in an aggregate amount of up to $100 million, consisting of four incremental advances of up to $25 million each. Any GEM Advance will reduce amounts that Surf Air can request for future draw downs. Following the Southern Acquisition and the completion of the listing, SAM intends to request the full amount of the GEM Advances in 2023 when they become available to augment its capital resources to address its capital needs. However, SAM will be unable to request any of the GEM Advances until a resale registration
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statement covering the shares to be sold to GEM in accordance with the terms of the Share Subscription Facility has been declared effective. SAM’s ability to access and request each such advance under the Share Subscription Facility is contingent on, among other conditions, the listing of our Common Stock on a U.S. national securities exchange and the satisfaction of the Registration Condition and the other Specified Conditions. For a further description of the Share Subscription Facility and the other conditions to GEM’s commitment to purchase shares, see the section entitled, “Business — Key Agreements — Financing Arrangements — Share Subscription Facility”.
SAM will not have the right to commence any sales of our Common Stock to GEM under the Share Subscription Facility until the commencement date, which is the date on which all of the conditions to GEM’s purchase obligations set forth in the Share Subscription Facility, including the filing by SAM of one or more registration statements with respect to the shares of our Common Stock to be sold pursuant to the Share Subscription Facility and such registration statement(s) becoming effective, have been satisfied. The failure to satisfy the Specified Conditions or any conditions under the GEM Facility before the Term expires, may result in SAM’s inability to request any or all of the GEM Advances or other draw downs pursuant to the Share Subscription Facility. In addition, upon requesting any GEM Advance under the Share Subscription Facility, SAM has agreed to deposit into escrow an amount of shares of Common Stock equal to three times the number of shares of Common Stock set out in the applicable advance request for a GEM Advance. There can be no assurances that SAM will be able to accurately estimate the number of shares of our Common Stock to be deposited since SAM will need to determine this number prior to the trading period of our Common Stock that will determine the actual purchase price for a GEM Advance. GEM will not be obligated to (but may, at its option, choose to) purchase shares of our Common Stock to the extent such purchase would result in beneficial ownership (as calculated pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and Rule 13d-3 promulgated thereunder) by GEM, together with its affiliates, of more than 9.99% of our issued and outstanding Common Stock. Such beneficial ownership limitation will not apply to the GEM Advances. In addition, the amount requested for each draw down (other than a GEM Advance) available under the Share Subscription Facility may not exceed 400% of the average daily trading volume for the 30 trading days immediately preceding any draw down. There can be no guarantee that SAM will be able to access any or all of the GEM Advances or other draw downs available under the Share Subscription Facility. SAM’s inability to access a portion or the remaining amounts available under the Share Subscription Facility, in the absence of any other financing sources, will have a material adverse effect on its business and its ability to operate as a going concern.
The purchase price per share to be paid by GEM for the shares of our Common Stock that SAM may elect to sell to GEM under the Share Subscription Facility pursuant to the GEM Advances or draw downs, if any, will fluctuate based on the volume weighted average trading price of our Common Stock during the applicable period for each purchase made pursuant to the Share Subscription Facility. Accordingly, it is not possible to predict, prior to any such sales, the number of shares of our Common Stock that SAM will sell to GEM under the Share Subscription Facility, the purchase price per share that GEM will pay for shares purchased from SAM under the Share Subscription Facility, or the aggregate gross proceeds that SAM will receive from those purchases by GEM (other than a GEM Advance) under the Share Subscription Facility, if any. Therefore, sales to GEM by SAM in order to utilize the GEM Advance will, and any future draw downs under the Share Subscription Facility could, result in substantial dilution to the interests of other holders of its shares of our Common Stock.
Sales of shares of our Common Stock, if any, to GEM under the Share Subscription Facility will be determined by SAM from time to time in its sole discretion and will depend on a variety of factors, many of which are outside of SAM’s control, including, among other things, market conditions and the terms, conditions and limitations set forth in the Share Subscription Facility (subject to certain limitations on the obligation of GEM to purchase shares including, among other things, beneficial ownership limitations (other than in respect of the GEM Advances)). SAM may ultimately decide to sell to GEM all, some or none of the shares of our Common Stock that may be available for SAM to sell to GEM pursuant to the Share Subscription Facility. Depending on market liquidity at the time, resales of those shares by GEM may cause the public trading price of our Common Stock to decrease.
As a result of the above factors, it is possible that SAM may need to issue and sell more than the number of shares that it initially expects to issue to GEM under the Share Subscription Facility in order to receive aggregate gross proceeds equal to GEM’s $400 million total aggregate purchase commitment under the Share Subscription Facility, which could cause additional substantial dilution to holders of our Common Stock. The number of shares of our Common Stock ultimately offered for sale by GEM is dependent upon the number of shares of our Common Stock SAM ultimately sells to GEM under the Share Subscription Facility.
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Surf Air has previously defaulted on its debt and other obligations and there can be no assurance that SAM will be able to fulfill its obligations under any current or future indebtedness it may incur.
As of March 31, 2023, Surf Air had $24.4 million in debt outstanding, representing principal related to promissory notes and convertible notes. The incurrence of existing or future indebtedness could have important consequences on our business, including, but not limited to:
• increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
• requiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to servicing our debt, thereby reducing the availability of cash to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and investments and other general corporate purposes;
• limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, challenges and opportunities, and changes in our businesses and the markets in which we operate; and
• leading to the possibility of default on future debt obligations.
SAM’s ability to service its debt will depend on SAM’s future operating performance and financial results, which may be subject to factors beyond its control, including general economic, financial and business conditions. If SAM does not have sufficient cash flow to service its debt, it may need to refinance all or part of its existing debt, borrow more money or sell securities or assets, some or all of which may not be available at acceptable terms or at all. In addition, SAM may need to incur additional debt in the future in the ordinary course of business. Surf Air’s current debt and any future additional debt SAM may incur may impose significant operating and financial restrictions. A breach of any of these restrictions could result in a default. If a default occurs, the relevant lenders could elect to accelerate payments due. If SAM’s operating performance declines, or if SAM is unable to comply with any restrictions, SAM may need to obtain amendments to its existing debt documents or waivers from the lenders to avoid default. These factors could have a material adverse effect on SAM’s business.
Further, if there were an event of default under SAM’s debt instruments or a change of control, the holders of the defaulted debt could cause all amounts outstanding with respect to that debt to be due and payable immediately and may be cross-defaulted to other debt. SAM’s assets or cash flow may not be sufficient to fully repay borrowings under its outstanding debt instruments if accelerated upon an event of default, and there is no guarantee that the SAM would be able to repay, refinance or restructure the payments on those debt securities.
Surf Air has previously defaulted on various debt and other obligations. During 2017, the Company entered into a loan and security agreement with a commercial lender (the “Lender”), which was subsequently amended and restated in 2018 (the “2017 Term Note”). In connection with these amendments, the Company issued the Lender warrants for a total of up to 4,291,884 Surf Air ordinary shares with an exercise price of $0.01 per ordinary share and expiration dates in 2027 and 2028. In connection with the payment of interest on behalf of the Company, in September 2018, the Company issued a warrant to LamVen for a total of up to 4,447,605 Surf Air ordinary shares with an exercise price of $0.01 per ordinary share and an expiration date of September 15, 2028. On January 31, 2019, the Company defaulted on its obligation to pay the principal and accrued interest due on the 2017 Term Notes. On April 7, 2020, Surf Air entered into a Forbearance Agreement with the Lender, under which the Lender agreed not to exercise any remedies that it had against the Company for any event of default in 2020. On May 1, 2020, the Company further defaulted on the payment of principal and interest required under the Forbearance Agreement and on May 31, 2021, the Company entered into an amendment to the 2017 Term Note under which (1) the Lender agreed to not exercise any remedies that it had against the Company for any event of default in 2020; (2) the maturity date of the 2017 Term Note was extended to December 31, 2021 (the “New Maturity Date”), and (3) interest accrued on the unpaid principal amount of the 2017 Term Note at 12.0%. Subsequent to the New Maturity Date, the outstanding balance of the 2017 Term Note was due on demand. In connection with the 2021 amendment, the Company issued to the Lender a warrant to purchase up to 16,168,295 Surf Air ordinary shares with an exercise price of $0.01 per ordinary share and expiration date of June 9, 2031. On May 17, 2022, the 2017 Term Note was converted, via a payoff letter, into a SAFE note, allowing for the purchase of a total of $15.2 million of the Company’s ordinary shares following a qualifying exchange event, defined as any qualified financing, IPO, direct listing, reverse merger, or change in control. The
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payoff letter provided the Lender, in the event that a qualifying exchange event does not occur by December 31, 2022, an option to reinstate the indebtedness under the 2017 Term that was intended to be repaid by the SAFE note. On May 24, 2023, the payoff letter was amended to extend the option to exchange to July 31, 2023.
Additionally, in April 2018, the Company entered into a SAFE-T note for $500,000 with a financial institution which the Company defaulted on in July 2019. As of December 31, 2022, the Company remained in default on this SAFE-T note. This instrument was subordinate to the Lender, and therefore had no recourse prior to payment of the 2017 Term Note. In addition, in May 2020, the Company entered into a 6.25% convertible note with a vendor for approximately $541,000, which was subsequently amended in September 2020 and March 2021 to increase the amount of the note to approximately $633,000. In October 2022, the Company amended the note to re-instate the $5,000 monthly payment under the terms of the note. In April 2023, the Company amended the note to extend the maturity to November 1, 2023. As of March 31, 2023, the Company was in default of these payments.
As of May 31, 2023, the Company is also in default in the aggregate amount of approximately $0.1 million on payments under a payment plan entered into in relation to unpaid invoices, as well as certain amounts owed under judgements related to legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of its business.
The Company is currently in default of certain excise and property taxes. On May 15, 2018, the Company received a notice of a tax lien filing from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for unpaid federal excise taxes for the quarterly periods beginning October 2016 through September 2017 in the amount of $1.9 million, including penalties and interest as of the date of the notice. The Company agreed to a payment plan (“Installment Plan”) whereby the IRS would take no further action and remove such liens at the time such amounts have been paid. In 2019, the Company defaulted on the Installment Plan. Defaulting on the Installment Plan can result in the IRS nullifying such plan, placing the Company in default and taking collection action against the Company for any unpaid balance. The Company’s total outstanding federal excise tax liability including accrued penalties and interest of approximately $6.3 million is included in accrued expenses on the balance sheet as of March 31, 2023. In May 2023, the Company made a payment to the IRS totaling $0.2 million. The Company intends to negotiate with the IRS to reduce the amount owed and/or apply for a revised installment plan for any amounts left remaining. The Company has also defaulted on its property tax obligations in various California counties in relation to fixed assets, plane usage and aircraft leases. The Company’s total outstanding property tax liability including penalties and interest is approximately $2.0 million as of March 31, 2023. Additionally, Los Angeles County has imposed a tax lien on four of the Company’s aircraft due to the late filing of its 2022 property tax return. As of March 31, 2023, the amount of property tax, interest and penalties was approximately $0.2 million. The Company is in the process of remediating the late filing and payment of the property taxes due. The Company also owed the city of Hawthorne, California for past due business license fees from 2018 through 2022 in the total of approximately $0.2 million as of December 31, 2022, which, as of March 31, 2023, had been paid. Also, in connection with certain past due rental and maintenance payments under its aircraft leases totaling in aggregate approximately $6.0 million, Surf Air has entered into a payment plan pursuant to which all repayments of the past due amounts are deferred until such time as SAM receives at least $30 million in aggregate funds in connection with any capital contribution, at which time it is required to repay $1 million of such past due payments, with the eventual full repayment of the remaining amounts being required upon the receipt of at least $50 million in capital contributions. Such repayment will be triggered by utilization of the GEM Advances when they become available.
Our results of operations may fluctuate significantly, which makes our future results of operations difficult to predict and could cause our results of operations to fall below expectations or any guidance it may provide.
Our quarterly and annual results of operations may fluctuate significantly, which makes it difficult for us to predict our future results of operations. As a result, comparing our results of operations on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful. Investors should not rely on Surf Air’s and Southern’s past results as an indication of SAM’s future performance.
This variability and unpredictability could also result in SAM failing to meet the expectations of industry or financial analysts or investors for any period. If SAM’s revenue or results of operations fall below the expectations of analysts or investors or below any forecasts we may provide to the market, or if the forecasts we provides to the market are below the expectations of analysts or investors, the price of our Common Stock could decline substantially. Such a stock price decline could occur even when we have met any previously publicly stated revenue or earnings guidance it may provide.
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SAM’s ability to use net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax attributes to offset future taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be significantly limited due to various circumstances, including certain possible future transactions involving the sale or issuance of Common Stock, or if taxable income does not reach sufficient levels.
SAM’s ability to use Net Operating Loss (“NOL”) carryforwards and certain other tax attributes will depend on the amount of taxable income it generates in future periods and, as a result, certain of Surf Air and Southern’s NOL carryforwards and other tax attributes may expire before Surf Air or Southern can generate sufficient taxable income to use them in full. In addition, our ability to use NOL carryforwards and certain other tax attributes to offset future taxable income may be limited if we experience an “ownership change” as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Potential future transactions involving the sale or issuance of Common Stock may increase the possibility that we will experience a future “ownership change” under Section 382. Such transactions may include the exercise of warrants, the issuance of Common Stock for cash, the conversion of any future convertible debt, the repurchase of any debt with Common Stock, the acquisition or disposition of any stock by a stockholder owning 5% or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, or a combination of the foregoing.
We may never realize the full value of our intangible assets or our long-lived assets causing us to record impairments that may negatively affect our financial condition and operating results.
In accordance with applicable accounting standards, Surf Air and Southern are, and SAM will be, required to test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently where there is an indication of impairment, and certain other assets for impairment where there is any indication that an asset may be impaired. We may be required to recognize losses in the future due to, among other factors, extreme fuel price volatility, tight credit markets, government regulatory changes, decline in the fair values of certain tangible or intangible assets.
Our obligations in connection with our contractual obligations could impair our liquidity and materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Surf Air and Southern have, and SAM will have, significant long-term lease obligations primarily relating to its aircraft fleet. As of March 31, 2023, Surf Air had four aircraft under operating leases, with an average remaining lease term of approximately 4 months and Southern had 27 aircraft under operating leases, with the weighted average remaining lease term of approximately 2.82 years. Surf Air leases its four aircraft from Park Lane, an entity owned by a family member of one of Surf Air’s co-founders and officers, through TVPX ARS (“TVPX”), who is trustee for the aircraft. As of March 31, 2023, future minimum lease payments due under all long-term operating leases were approximately $0.8 million for Surf Air and $17.8 million for Southern. In addition, as further described in the section titled “Surf Air’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources”, in connection with certain past due rental and maintenance payments under its aircraft leases totaling approximately $6.0 million, Surf Air has in place a payment plan under the terms of which all repayments are deferred until such time as SAM receives at least $30 million in aggregate funds in connection with any capital contribution, which repayment may be triggered by utilization of the first $50 million of drawdowns under the GEM Advances or other new capital commitments. Our future ability to pay our contractual obligations and our liquidity will depend on our operating performance, cash flow and our ability to secure adequate financing, which will in turn depend on, among other things, the success of our business strategy, U.S. and global economic conditions, the availability and cost of financing, as well as general economic and political conditions and other factors that are, to some extent, beyond our control. If our liquidity is materially diminished, there may be a material adverse effect on our cash flow available to fund working capital requirements, capital expenditures and business development efforts.
Risks Related to Surf Air’s and Southern’s Business and Industry
We may not be able to accurately predict our future capital needs, and we may not be able to obtain additional financing or access the capital markets to fund our ongoing operations and execute on our growth strategy on acceptable terms and conditions.
We will need to raise capital in the future to fund our operations and to execute on our anticipated growth strategy, including the development of our planned electrification technology. For example, the cost of aircraft is a significant portion of our operating costs and is subject to change. As part of our agreement with TAI, we have committed to the purchase of 100 Cessna Grand Caravan EXs over a five-year period beginning in 2024, which we believe are
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currently competitively priced, but which may increase in price pursuant to price escalation clauses by the time we execute the purchase. Historically, Surf Air and Southern have each financed their respective operations and capital expenditures primarily through private financing rounds and the issuance of debt and equity. A significant amount of Surf Air’s funding to date has been provided by entities affiliated with an officer and co-founder of the Company.
Following the completion of the listing, SAM intends to request the full amount of the GEM Advances when they become available in 2023 to augment its capital resources to address its capital needs. However, SAM will be unable to request any of the GEM Advances until a resale registration statement covering the shares to be sold to GEM in accordance with the terms of the Share Subscription Facility has been declared effective and such registration statement must become effective by a certain date. SAM’s ability to access and request each such GEM Advance is contingent on, among other conditions, the successful listing of our Common Stock on a U.S. national securities exchange and the Specified Conditions. For a further description of the Share Subscription Facility and the other conditions to GEM’s commitment to purchase shares, see the section entitled “Business — Key Agreements — Financing Arrangements — Share Subscription Facility”.
Any additional financing required by SAM may not be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all. There are a number of factors that may limit our ability to raise financing or access capital markets in the future, including current and future debt and contractual obligations, our liquidity and credit status, our operating cash flows, market conditions in the aviation industry, U.S. and global economic conditions, the financial impact of global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the general state of the banking system and capital markets and the financial position of the major providers of aircraft and other aviation industry financing. We cannot assure you that we will be able to source external financing for our capital needs, and if we are unable to source financing on acceptable terms, or unable to source financing at all, our business could be materially adversely affected. If we are unable to raise sufficient funds, we will have to significantly reduce our spending, delay or cancel our planned activities or substantially change our corporate structure. We may not be able to obtain any funding, and we may not have sufficient resources to conduct our business as projected, both of which could mean that we would be forced to curtail or discontinue our operations. In particular, if we are unable to obtain additional financing, including the GEM Advances, when needed or on acceptable terms, we will need to restructure our operations and possibly divest all or a portion of our business. We may be required to cease operations which could result in its stockholders losing all or almost all of their investment.
If, in the future, we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities (including the GEM Advances), convertible debt or other similar securities, investors may experience significant dilution of their ownership interest, and these newly issued securities may have rights senior to those of the holders of Common Stock. If we raise additional funds by obtaining loans from third parties, the terms of those financing arrangements may include negative covenants or other restrictions on our business that could impair our operational flexibility, including restricting our ability to pursue our business strategy, and would also require us to incur interest expense. Higher interest rates could increase debt service requirements on our current variable rate indebtedness, and on any debt we subsequently incur, and could reduce funds available for operations, future business opportunities or other purposes. If we need to repay debt during periods of rising interest rates, we could be required to refinance our then-existing debt on unfavorable terms or liquidate one or more of our assets to repay such debt at times which may not permit realization of the maximum return on such assets and could result in a loss. The occurrence of either or both of such events could materially and adversely affect our profitability, cash flows and results of operations. If additional financing is not available when required or is not available on acceptable terms, we may have to scale back our operations, and we may not be able to expand our business, take advantage of business opportunities or respond to competitive pressures, which could negatively impact our revenue and the competitiveness of our services.
Surf Air’s management has identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting. These material weaknesses could continue to adversely affect its, and, going forward, SAM’s ability to report its results of operations and financial condition accurately and in a timely manner. At this time, Surf Air cannot predict whether its efforts to remediate the identified material weaknesses will be successful, and it is expected that some or all of these material weaknesses will continue to persist for an extended period of time.
Surf Air’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As of March 31, 2023, material weaknesses continued to exist in our internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
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The material weaknesses are as follows:
• Surf Air did not design and maintain an effective control environment commensurate with its financial reporting requirements. Specifically, Surf Air lacked a sufficient complement of resources with (i) an appropriate level of accounting knowledge, training and experience to appropriately analyze, record and disclose accounting matters timely and accurately, and (ii) an appropriate level of knowledge and experience to establish effective processes and controls. Additionally, the lack of a sufficient complement of resources resulted in an inability to consistently establish appropriate authorities and responsibilities in pursuit of Surf Air’s financial reporting objectives, as demonstrated by, among other things, insufficient segregation of duties in its finance and accounting functions.
• Surf Air did not design and maintain effective controls in response to the risks of material misstatement. Specifically, changes to existing controls or the implementation of new controls have not been sufficient to respond to changes to the risks of material misstatement to financial reporting.
These material weaknesses contributed to the following additional material weaknesses:
• Surf Air did not design and maintain effective controls related to the identification of and accounting for certain non-routine, unusual or complex transactions, including the proper application of U.S. GAAP of such transactions. Specifically, Surf Air did not design and maintain effective controls to timely identify and account for capitalizable costs, revenue, share based compensation, and debt and equity financing transactions.
• Surf Air did not design and maintain effective controls related to the period-end financial reporting process, including designing and maintaining formal accounting policies, procedures and controls to achieve complete, accurate and timely financial accounting, reporting and disclosures. Additionally, Surf Air did not design and maintain controls over the preparation and review of account reconciliations and journal entries, including maintaining appropriate segregation of duties.
These material weaknesses resulted in audit adjustments to substantially all of Surf Air accounts, which were recorded prior to the issuance of the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for the years then ended. Additionally, these material weaknesses could result in a misstatement of substantially all of Surf Air’s accounts or disclosures that would result in a material misstatement to the annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected.
• Surf Air did not design and maintain effective controls over information technology (“IT”) general controls for information systems that are relevant to the preparation of their financial statements. Specifically, Surf Air did not design and maintain: (i) program change management controls to ensure that information technology program and data changes affecting financial IT applications and underlying accounting records are identified, tested, authorized, and implemented appropriately; (ii) user access controls to ensure appropriate segregation of duties and that adequately restrict user and privileged access to financial applications, programs, and data to appropriate Surf Air personnel; (iii) computer operations controls to ensure that data backups are authorized and monitored; and (iv) testing and approval controls for program development to ensure that new software development is aligned with business and IT requirements.
These IT deficiencies did not result in a misstatement to the financial statements; however, the deficiencies, when aggregated, could impact Surf Air’s ability to maintain effective segregation of duties, as well as the effectiveness of IT-dependent controls (such as automated controls that address the risk of material misstatement to one or more assertions, along with the IT controls and underlying data that support the effectiveness of system-generated data and reports) that could result in misstatements potentially impacting all financial statement accounts and disclosures that would result in a material misstatement to the annual or interim financial statements that would not be prevented or detected. Accordingly, Surf Air’s management determined these deficiencies in the aggregate constitute a material weakness.
Surf Air’s management has developed a plan to remediate these material weaknesses. This remediation plan consists primarily of the following:
• Hiring additional senior level accounting personnel to bolster Surf Air’s financial reporting and technical accounting capabilities.
• Designing and implementing controls to formalize roles and review responsibilities to align with Surf Air team’s skills and experience and designing and implementing controls over segregation of duties.
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• Engaging a third party to assist in identifying risks of material misstatement and designing and implementing controls to address the identified risks of material misstatement.
• Designing and implementing formal accounting policies, procedures and controls supporting our period-end financial reporting process, including controls over the preparation and review of account reconciliations and journal entries.
• Designing and implementing IT general controls, including controls over change management, the review and update of user access rights and privileges, controls over batch jobs and data backups, and program development approvals and testing.
Surf Air has begun to implement aspects of this remediation plan, however, the remediation measures will be ongoing and it is expected that these will result in future costs for SAM. Specifically, Surf Air has begun the process of strengthening its internal resources, specifically within the finance and accounting function. This has been in the form of hiring additional financial and accounting personnel. However, the material weaknesses will not be considered remediated until management completes the design and implementation of the processes and controls described above and the controls operate for a sufficient period of time and SAM has concluded, through testing, that the newly implemented and enhanced controls are operating effectively. At this time, neither Surf Air, nor SAM can predict the success of such efforts or the outcome of future assessments of the remediation efforts. Surf Air and SAM’s efforts may not remediate these material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, and may not prevent additional material weaknesses from being identified in the future. Failure to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in errors in SAM’s consolidated financial statements that could result in a revision or restatement of its consolidated financial statements, and could cause it to fail to meet its reporting obligations, any of which could diminish investor confidence in SAM, negatively impact the trading price of our Common Stock and cause a decline in its equity value. Additionally, ineffective internal control over financial reporting could expose SAM to an increased risk of financial reporting fraud and the misappropriation of assets, and may further subject it to potential delisting from the stock exchange on which it lists, or to other regulatory investigations, litigation and civil or criminal sanctions. Restatements or revisions of SAM’s consolidated financial statements could cause SAM’s management’s attention to be diverted from the operation of the business and could also cause SAM to incur additional expenses.
While SAM believes these efforts will remediate the material weaknesses identified, it may not be able to complete its evaluation, testing or any required remediation in a timely fashion. There can be no assurances that the measures taken to date and/or actions SAM may take in the future will be sufficient to remediate the control deficiencies that led to Surf Air’s material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting or that they will prevent or avoid potential future material weaknesses.
Southern’s management has identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting. These material weaknesses could continue to adversely affect its, and going forward, SAM’s ability to report its results of operations and financial condition accurately and in a timely manner. At this time, Southern cannot predict whether its efforts to remediate the identified material weaknesses will be successful, and it is expected that some or all of these material weaknesses will continue to persist for an extended period of time.
Southern’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As a public company, SAM’s management will be required, on a quarterly basis, to evaluate the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting and to disclose any changes and material weaknesses identified through such evaluation. As of March 31, 2023, material weaknesses continued to exist in our internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
These material weaknesses are as follows:
• Southern did not design and maintain an effective control environment commensurate with its financial reporting requirements. Specifically, Southern lacked a sufficient complement of resources with (i) an appropriate level of accounting knowledge, training and experience to appropriately analyze, record and disclose accounting matters timely and accurately, and (ii) an appropriate level of knowledge and experience to establish effective processes and controls. Additionally, the lack of a sufficient complement of resources
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resulted in an inability to consistently establish appropriate authorities and responsibilities in pursuit of its financial reporting objectives, as demonstrated by, among other things, insufficient segregation of duties in its finance and accounting functions.
• Southern did not design and maintain effective controls in response to the risks of material misstatement. Specifically, changes to existing controls or the implementation of new controls have not been sufficient to respond to changes to the risks of material misstatement to financial reporting.
These material weaknesses contributed to the following additional material weaknesses:
• Southern did not design and maintain effective controls to achieve complete, accurate and timely accounting for debt, deferred liabilities, leases, property and equipment, redeemable convertible preferred shares, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities.
• Southern did not design and maintain effective controls related to the period-end financial reporting process, including designing and maintaining formal accounting policies, procedures and controls to achieve complete, accurate and timely financial accounting, reporting and disclosures. Additionally, Southern did not design and maintain controls over the preparation and review of account reconciliations and journal entries, including maintaining appropriate segregation of duties.
These material weaknesses resulted in a revision to the previously issued consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for the years then ended, and the interim periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, to correct for errors in revenues and deferred revenues. These material weaknesses also resulted in audit adjustments to substantially all of Southern accounts, which were recorded prior to the issuance of the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 and for the years then ended. Additionally, these material weaknesses could result in a misstatement of substantially all of Southern’s accounts or disclosures that would result in a material misstatement to the annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected.
• Southern did not design and maintain effective information technology (“IT”) general controls for information systems that are relevant to the preparation of its financial statements. Specifically, Southern did not design and maintain: (i) program change management controls to ensure that program and data changes are identified, tested, authorized, and implemented appropriately; (ii) user access controls to ensure appropriate segregation of duties and to adequately restrict user and privileged access to appropriate personnel; (iii) computer operations controls to ensure that processing and transfer of data, and data backups and recovery are monitored; and (iv) program development controls to ensure that new software development is tested, authorized and implemented appropriately.
These IT deficiencies did not result in a misstatement to the financial statements; however, these deficiencies, when aggregated, could impact Southern’s ability to maintain effective segregation of duties, as well as the effectiveness of IT-dependent controls (such as automated controls that address the risk of material misstatement to one or more assertions, along with the IT controls and underlying data that support the effectiveness of system-generated data and reports) that could result in misstatements potentially impacting all financial statement accounts and disclosures that would result in a material misstatement to the annual or interim financial statements that would not be prevented or detected. Accordingly, Southern’s management determined these deficiencies in the aggregate constitute a material weakness.
In connection with the preparation of Southern’s financial statements for the interim period ended March 31, 2023, Southern identified an error related to the accounting for prepaid passenger ticket deposits. Southern’s management determined that this error was the result of the material weaknesses identified above. This error was corrected in Southern’s financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for the years then ended and the interim periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 as a revision to previously issued financial statements.
Southern’s management has developed a plan to remediate these material weaknesses. This remediation plan consists primarily of the following:
• Hiring additional senior level accounting personnel to bolster Southern’s financial reporting and technical accounting capabilities.
• Designing and implementing controls to formalize roles and review responsibilities to align with Southern team’s skills and experience and designing and implementing controls over segregation of duties.
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• Engaging a third party to assist in identifying risks of material misstatement and designing and implementing controls to address the identified risks of material misstatement.
• Designing and implementing formal accounting policies, procedures and controls supporting our period-end financial reporting process, including controls over the preparation and review of account reconciliations and journal entries as well as additional procedures and controls within our debt, deferred liabilities, leases, property and equipment, redeemable convertible preferred shares, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities processes.
• Designing and implementing IT general controls, including controls over change management, the review and update of user access rights and privileges, controls over batch jobs and data backups, and program development approvals and testing.
Southern has begun to implement aspects of the remediation plan, however the remediation measures will be ongoing and it is expected that these will result in future costs for SAM. Specifically, Southern has begun the process of strengthening its internal resources, specifically within the finance and accounting function. This has been in the form of hiring additional financial and accounting personnel. However, the material weaknesses will not be considered remediated until management completes the design and implementation of the processes and controls described above and the controls operate for a sufficient period of time, and SAM has concluded, through testing, that the newly implemented and enhanced controls are operating effectively. At this time, neither Southern, nor SAM can predict the success of such efforts or the outcome of future assessments of the remediation efforts. Southern and SAM’s efforts may not remediate these material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, and may not prevent additional material weaknesses from being identified in the future. Failure to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in errors in SAM’s consolidated financial statements that could result in a revision or restatement of its consolidated financial statements, and could cause it to fail to meet its reporting obligations, any of which could diminish investor confidence in SAM, negatively impact the trading price of our Common Stock and cause a decline in its equity value. Additionally, ineffective internal control over financial reporting could expose SAM to an increased risk of financial reporting fraud and the misappropriation of assets, and may further subject it to potential delisting from the stock exchange on which it lists, or to other regulatory investigations, litigation and civil or criminal sanctions. Restatements or revisions of SAM’s consolidated financial statements could cause SAM’s management’s attention to be diverted from the operation of the business and could also cause SAM to incur additional expenses.
While Southern and SAM believe these efforts will remediate the material weaknesses identified, Southern may not be able to complete its evaluation, testing or any required remediation in a timely fashion. There can be no assurances that the measures taken to date and/or actions that may be taken in the future, will be sufficient to remediate the control deficiencies that led to Southern’s material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting or that they will prevent or avoid potential future material weaknesses.
We are or may be subject to risks associated with strategic alliances, and our reliance on these arrangements, and the loss of any such alliances or arrangements or failure to identify future opportunities could affect our growth plans.
SAM intends to collaborate with leading aerospace OEMs and industry leading engineering-for-hire firms to develop a set of hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains. SAM has entered into agreements with TAI for, among other things, the purchase of 100 new Cessna Grand Caravan EXs, with an option for 50 additional Cessna Grand Caravan EXs, as well as the provision of certain services, in anticipation of the development of hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains. SAM has also entered into a three-party agreement with AeroTEC and magniX to develop, and to apply for STCs from the FAA for, hybrid-electric and fully-electric variants of the Cessna Caravan, as well as the development and supply of aircraft electric propulsion units (“EPUs”) for a hybrid-electric powertrain, to be initially designed for the Cessna Grand Caravan EX. SAM has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Signature Flight Support LLC (“Signature”) for, among other things, Fixed Base Operator (“FBO”) services and support for SAM’s network at existing and new Signature locations. For further descriptions of each of these agreements see the section entitled “Business — Key Agreements”.
Some of our current arrangements are contingent upon certain conditions or the entry into definitive documentation in the future. For example, our agreements with TAI only become effective on the date that SAM shares are publicly traded on a U.S. national securities exchange which must be by July 31, 2023. Once effective, our agreements with TAI are subject to certain milestones that, if we do not meet, may result in TAI’s option to terminate the agreements. Under our agreement with
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AeroTEC and magniX, the parties must complete (1) an examination of the functional and performance requirements of the system and the preliminary program or project plan, to ensure that the requirements and the selected concept will satisfy the goals, and (2) an examination of the proposed requirements, the mission architecture and the flow down to all functional elements of the mission to ensure that the overall concept is complete, feasible and consistent with available resources, at which point the parties will develop a comprehensive program plan and schedule for preliminary design review, critical design review and other design, component selection, supply chain validation, product support capabilities and appropriate issues related to obtaining the STC (the “Program Plan”). The parties will also enter into separate, definitive two-party agreements in relation to the remaining development steps for the STC, including preliminary design review and critical design review. If the Program Plan has not occurred by October 28, 2023 or if the parties fail to reach an agreement on definitive agreements within six (6) months of the Program Plan completion, our agreement with AeroTEC and magniX will terminate. With regard to Signature, we have only entered into an MOU, which is subject to termination by either SAM or Signature for convenience at any time with three months’ written notice.
Such strategic business relationships will be a critical component in the growth and success of our business and, in particular, our ability to develop and commercialize hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains and related aircraft. However, there are no assurances that we will be able to meet all of the conditions of these agreements (or do so prior to the outside date of our obligations under these agreements), maintain these relationships or continue to identify or secure suitable business relationship opportunities in the future or our competitors may capitalize on such opportunities before we do. Moreover, identifying such opportunities could require substantial management time and resources, and negotiating and financing relationships involves significant costs and uncertainties. If we are unable to successfully maintain, source and execute on strategic relationship opportunities in the future related to electrification or other technologies relevant to our competitive position, or if any of our agreements with our strategic partners were to be terminated, our overall growth could be impaired, and there could be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The market for regional air mobility has not been established with precision, is still emerging and may not achieve the growth potential we expect or may grow more slowly than expected.
The regional air mobility market is still emerging and has not been established with precision. It is uncertain to what extent market acceptance will grow, if at all. Surf Air and Southern have historically operated in a limited number of regional areas. The success of the regional markets in which Surf Air and Southern operate and the opportunity for future growth for SAM in such markets may not be representative of the potential market for regional air mobility in other regional areas. SAM’s success will depend to a substantial extent on the willingness of commuters and travelers to widely adopt regional air mobility, particularly point-to-point versus the currently predominant hub-and-spoke industry configuration, as an alternative for ground transportation. Although we believe our ability to develop and integrate hybrid-electric and electric technology with our commercial partners to present a cost-effective solution to address the needs of consumers in this market will also be a key factor to the success of our future growth, if the market that we seek to address does not perceive electrification as beneficial, or chooses not to adopt electrification as a result of concerns regarding safety, affordability, value proposition or for other reasons, then the market for our offerings may not develop, may develop more slowly than we expect or may not achieve the growth potential we expect. As a result, the number of potential customers using SAM’s future services and the number of operators adopting SAM’s planned hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty, and we cannot provide assurance that we will be able to operate in a profitable manner in any of our current or targeted future markets. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our prospects and operations may be adversely affected by changes in consumer preferences, discretionary spending and other economic conditions that affect demand for our services.
Surf Air and Southern’s businesses are, and SAM’s business will be, concentrated on air mobility, which is vulnerable to changes in consumer preferences, discretionary spending and other market changes impacting luxury goods and discretionary purchases (including as a result of concerns regarding the impact of a global recession). The global economy has in the past, and will in the future, experience recessionary periods and periods of economic instability, such as uncertainty in the banking system, rising fuel costs and ongoing business disruptions and related financial impacts resulting from the global COVID-19 pandemic and continuing outbreaks, including changes in inflation and interest rates, and disruptions in manufacturing, delivery and overall supply chain. In particular, as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the current conflict in Eastern Europe and rising prices and interest rates, many market observers anticipate that the global economy could face a recession in the foreseeable future. During such periods, Surf Air and Southern’s customers have chosen, and SAM’s future customers may choose, not to make discretionary
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purchases or to reduce overall spending on discretionary purchases. Such changes could result in reduced consumer demand for air transportation, including our air mobility services, or could shift demand from our air mobility services to other methods of air or ground transportation for which we do not offer a competing service. If we are unable to generate demand or there is a future shift in consumer spending away from air mobility, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We expect to face intense competition in the regional air mobility industry.
The regional air mobility industry is still developing and evolving, but we expect it to be highly competitive. Surf Air and Southern currently have, and SAM will have, a number of competitors in the regional air mobility market. For example, Surf Air and Southern compete against existing on-demand mobility air travel services, as well as ground transportation alternatives. Additionally, for certain of Surf Air and Southern’s longer routes, Surf Air and Southern compete against providers, including legacy commercial airlines, which have larger aircraft. Surf Air and Southern compete, and SAM will compete, against companies that use technology that differs from the technology SAM intends to deploy in its aircraft in the future. For example, Surf Air and Southern will likely compete against other companies that utilize and develop fixed-wing electrification aircraft as well as competitors which pursue electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Our potential competitors may be able to devote greater resources to the development of their current and future technologies or the promotion and sale of their offerings, or offer lower prices. Our potential competitors also may establish cooperative or strategic relationships among themselves or with third parties, including regional or national airport operations that we rely on to offer our air mobility services, which may further enhance their resources and offerings. It is possible that domestic or foreign companies or governments, some with greater experience in the air mobility industry or greater financial resources than we possess, will seek to provide products or services that compete directly or indirectly with ours in the future. Any such foreign competitor could benefit from subsidies or other protective measures provided by its home country.
We believe our ability to compete successfully as an air mobility service will depend on a number of factors, which may change in the future due to increased competition, including the price of our offerings, consumer confidence in the safety of our offerings, consumer satisfaction for the experiences we offer and the routes, frequency of flights and availability of seats offered through our platform. If we are unable to compete successfully, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we are not able to successfully enter into new markets, offer new routes and services and enhance our existing offerings, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Our growth will depend in part on our ability to successfully enter into new markets, create and introduce new routes, and expand our existing routes by adding more frequent flights. We expect that the acquisition of Southern, which, as of March 31, 2023, served 40 U.S. cities, will significantly expand the routes that SAM will be able to operate. Significant changes to our existing routes or the introduction of new and unproven routes may require us to obtain and maintain applicable permits, authorizations or other regulatory approvals. If these new or expanded routes are unsuccessful or fail to attract a sufficient number of customers to be profitable, or we are unable to bring new or expanded routes to market efficiently, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. Furthermore, new third-party aircraft operator or flier demands regarding our services, including the availability of superior routes or a deterioration in the quality of our existing routes, could adversely affect the attractiveness of our platform and the economics of our business and require us to make substantial changes to and additional investments in our routes or our business model.
Developing and launching new routes or enhancements to routes historically flown by Surf Air and Southern involves significant risks and uncertainties, including risks related to the reception of such routes by existing and potential future third-party aircraft operators and customers, increases in operational complexity, unanticipated delays or challenges in implementing such routes or enhancements, increased strain on our operational and internal resources (including an impairment of our ability to accurately forecast flier demand and the number of third-party aircraft operators using our platform) and negative publicity in the event such new or enhanced routes are perceived to be unsuccessful. Significant new initiatives have in the past resulted in similar operational challenges, and our growth strategy contemplates scaling our business rapidly, such as through the Southern Acquisition. In addition, developing and launching new routes and enhancements to our existing routes may involve significant upfront investment, such
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as additional marketing and terminal build-out, and such investments may not generate return on investment. Any of the foregoing risks and challenges could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our long-term growth strategy includes the establishment of a regional air travel ecosystem, including the implementation of our Aircraft-as-a-Service initiative. This involves (1) expanding the existing Surf Air platform and brand to become the commercialization path for current and future sustainable air mobility technology, including sustainable aviation fuel flights, (2) providing bundled aircraft leasing, powertrain maintenance and operating software for conventional internal combustion and, in the future, our planned electrified aircraft, (3) once developed and certified, selling or leasing SAM’s electrification technology to other operators regardless of which network they serve and (4) working in close partnership with selected aircraft manufacturers and manufacturers of components of hybrid-electric and fully-electric propulsion systems to design and build the technology required to develop, and apply to obtain STCs for, the hybrid-electric and fully-electric propulsion systems that SAM intends to develop with its commercial partners. This ecosystem is complex and involves risk at each stage of implementation. There can be no assurance that we will successfully implement each stage of this ecosystem or that the establishment of this ecosystem will result in the market opportunities we anticipate, and our failure to successfully achieve part or all of this ecosystem could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our customers’ perception of us and our reputation may be impacted by the broader industry, and customers may not differentiate our services from those of our competitors.
Customers and other stakeholders may not differentiate between us and the broader aviation industry or, more specifically, the regional air mobility industry. If our competitors or other participants in this market have problems in areas including safety, technology development, engagement with aircraft certification bodies or other regulators, engagement with communities, target demographics or other positioning in the market, data security, data privacy, flight delays or bad customer service, such problems could impact the public perception of the entire industry, including our business. We may fail to adequately differentiate our brand, our services and our aircraft from others in the market, which could impact our ability to attract customers or engage with other key stakeholders. The failure to differentiate ourselves and the impact of poor public perception of the regional air mobility industry could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, customers may have specific perceptions of the safety and performance of certain types of aircraft, such as single-engine versus twin-engine aircraft or propeller-powered aircraft versus jet-powered aircraft, which may impact their decision to engage us and our services. To that end, companies may also have policies that prevent them from utilizing our services due to the aircraft we operate. If we cannot convince these customers to change their perception we may be unable to compete against our competitors, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we experience harm to our reputation and brands, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
We must continue to increase the strength of our reputation and brands as reliable, experience-driven and cost-effective air mobility in order to attract and retain qualified third-party aircraft operators and customers. In addition, our growth strategy includes, among other things, exploring complementary strategic mergers and acquisitions, as well as strategic partnerships, to expand our capabilities and market opportunities, all of which benefit from our reputation and brand recognition. The successful development of our reputation and brands will depend on a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control. Negative perception of our business or platform may have a material adverse effect on our reputation and brands, including as a result of:
• complaints or negative publicity or reviews about us, our third-party aircraft operators or customers, our air mobility services, certain other brands or events we associate with or our flight operations policies (e.g., cancellation or baggage fee policies), even if factually incorrect or based on isolated incidents;
• changes to our flight operations, safety and security, data privacy or other policies that users or others perceive as overly restrictive, unclear or inconsistent with our values;
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• a failure to enforce our flight operations policies in a manner that users perceive as effective, fair and transparent;
• illegal, negligent, reckless or otherwise inappropriate behavior by our customers, our third-party aircraft operators or other third parties involved in the operation of our business or by our management team or other employees;
• a failure to provide routes and flight schedules sought by customers;
• actual or perceived disruptions or defects in our platform, such as data security incidents, platform outages, payment processing disruptions or other incidents that impact the availability, reliability or security of our offerings;
• litigation over, or investigations by regulators into, our operations or those of our third-party aircraft operators;
• inadequate or unsatisfactory customer support service experiences;
• negative responses by third-party aircraft operators or customers to new mobility offerings on our platform;
• perception of our treatment of employees, contractors or third-party aircraft operators and our response to their sentiment related to political or social causes or actions of management; or
• disputes with any of our strategic partners; or
• any of the foregoing with respect to our competitors, to the extent such resulting negative perception affects the public’s perception of us or our industry as a whole.
In addition, changes we may make to enhance and improve our offerings, and to balance the needs and interests of our third-party aircraft operators and customers may be viewed positively from one group’s perspective (such as customers) but negatively from another’s perspective (such as third-party aircraft operators), or may be viewed negatively by either third-party aircraft operators or customers. If we fail to balance the interests of third-party aircraft operators and customers or make changes that they view negatively, third-party aircraft operators and customers may stop using our platform or take fewer flights, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, brands, business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may be unable to reduce end-user pricing for our air mobility services over time at rates sufficient to stimulate demand and drive expected growth for our air mobility services.
We may not be able to successfully reduce end-user pricing for our air mobility services over time to increase demand, address new market segments and develop a significantly broader customer base. Our end-user pricing may be most applicable to relatively affluent consumers who are willing to purchase our services, and we will need to address additional markets and expand our customer demographic in order to further grow our business. In particular, we intend for our air mobility services to be economically accessible to a broad segment of the population and appeal to the customers of ground-based travel services, taxis and other methods of transportation.
Reducing end-user pricing in a timely manner is dependent on management accurately estimating the unit economics of our aircraft and the corresponding service. For example, if management’s estimates are inaccurate regarding utilization rates, demand elasticity, operating conditions, production costs, indirect cost of goods sold, landing fees, charging fees, electricity availability and/or other operating expenses, we may be unable to offer our service at end-user pricing that is sufficiently compelling to initiate the local network effects that we are predicting. This could negatively impact our reputation or brand and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected Surf Air and Southern’s business operations and financial results, and similar public health threats that we may face in the future could result in additional adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic, along with the measures governments and private organizations worldwide implemented in an attempt to contain the spread of the pandemic, resulted in a severe decline in demand for air travel and adversely affected Surf Air’s and Southern’s business, financial condition and results of operations to an unprecedented extent.
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Measures such as travel restrictions, “shelter in place” and quarantine orders, limitations on public gatherings, cancellation of public events and many other restrictions resulted in a precipitous decline in demand for business and leisure travel generally, including demand for our air mobility services. For example, historically Surf Air and Southern’s businesses have been comprised of business travel and commuter traffic, which largely was replaced by “virtual meeting” and teleconferencing products, or in some cases, became unnecessary as a result of the significant number of people now working from home. If a similar public health threat like the COVID-19 pandemic occurs again in the future, it could have a material adverse effect on SAM’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
The impact of COVID-19 has resulted in changes in consumer and business behavior, pandemic fears, market downturns and restrictions on business and individual activities, which created and continues to create significant volatility in the economy and led to reduced economic activity, particularly in the air travel industry, and continues to have lingering impacts on pilot availability and flight operations as the public has returned to air travel. Due to enhanced virtual meeting and teleconferencing technology that has been adopted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are meeting over virtual meeting platforms than in person, which reduces the need for transportation. Specifically, COVID-19 related disruption in air travel has led to a decrease in membership sales, flight cancellations and significant operational volatility which significantly contributed to Surf Air defaulting on convertible notes owed to one of its lenders and related renegotiations of terms and conditions of such debt arrangements, as well as redundancies, in order to meet liquidity needs. In addition, Southern implemented a one-month pay reduction for all employees.
Surf Air received loans from the Paycheck Protection Program under the CARES Act (the “PPP Loan”) of $719,000 in 2020 and $717,500 in 2021, all of which have been forgiven. Surf Air used the proceeds of the PPP Loan to help sustain its employee payroll costs and rent due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During 2020 and 2021, Southern received a total of $22.3 million in government assistance comprised of grants totaling $11.1 million under the Payroll Support Program maintained and administered by the Treasury and a PPP Loan of $11.2 million. The PPP Loan has been forgiven, and the amounts under the Payroll Support Program grants are not required to be paid back to the Treasury. During 2022, no additional grant was received under the Payroll Support Program. There can be no assurance that similar government-backed loans or other assistance would be available to us in the future if our other sources of liquidity, including operating revenue, are not sufficient to meet our cash requirements.
As a result of any continued impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, we could experience continued fluctuations in demand, increased operating costs, delayed development of our electrified powertrain and purchases of aircraft, and disruptions to other elements of our supply chains, among other negative effects, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation.
From time to time, the aircraft industry has experienced periods of oversupply during which lease rates and aircraft values have declined, and any future oversupply could materially adversely affect our financial results and growth prospects.
Historically, the aircraft leasing business has experienced periods of aircraft oversupply. The oversupply of a specific type of aircraft is likely to depress the lease rates for and the value of that type of aircraft. The supply and demand for aircraft is affected by various cyclical and non-cyclical factors that are outside of our control, including:
• passenger and air cargo demand;
• fuel costs and general economic conditions;
• geopolitical events, including war, prolonged armed conflict and acts of terrorism;
• outbreaks of communicable diseases and natural disasters;
• governmental regulation;
• interest rates;
• the availability of credit;
• airline restructurings and bankruptcies;
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• manufacturer production levels and technological innovation;
• manufacturers merging or exiting the industry or ceasing to produce aircraft types;
• retirement and obsolescence of aircraft models;
• reintroduction into service of aircraft previously in storage; and
• airport and air traffic control infrastructure constraints.
In addition, due to the recent economic downturn and increased financial pressures, a number of operating lessors may be sold or merged with other operating lessors. The sale of any of these operating lessors (which may include a reduction in their aircraft fleets) and, in particular, their aircraft portfolios, could increase supply levels of used and older aircraft in the market.
These factors may produce sharp and prolonged decreases in aircraft lease rates and values and have a material adverse effect on our ability to lease or re-lease the commercial aircraft that we ultimately acquire and on our ability to sell such aircraft and parts at acceptable prices. Any of these factors could materially and adversely affect our financial results and growth prospects.
Any failure to offer high-quality customer support may harm our relationships with customers and could adversely affect our reputation, brands, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Through our marketing, advertising and communications with customers, we intend to set the tone for our brands as aspirational but also within reach. Surf Air strives to create high levels of customer satisfaction through the experience it provides in its terminal lounges and the support provided by its team and representatives. The ease and reliability of its offerings, including its ability to provide high-quality flier support, helps Surf Air attract and retain customers. Customers depend on the Surf Air team to resolve any issues relating to its services, such as lost luggage and personal belongings, flight cancellations or scheduling changes. Surf Air’s ability to provide effective and timely support is largely dependent on its ability to attract and retain skilled employees who can support customers and are sufficiently knowledgeable about its services. As SAM grows its business and improves its air mobility service platform, we will face challenges related to providing quality support at scale. Any failure to provide efficient flier support, or a market perception that we do not maintain high-quality support, could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, brands, business, financial condition and results of operations.
The success of our business will be highly dependent on our ability to effectively market and sell air transportation as a substitute for conventional methods of transportation.
Surf Air and Southern currently generate substantially all of their respective revenue from the sale of air transportation. Our success will depend in part on our ability to cost-effectively attract new customers, retain existing customers and increase utilization of our platform by existing customers. Our growth is highly dependent upon the adoption by consumers of an enhanced form of mobility offered by our hybrid-electric aircraft, once developed, and the growth of the regional air mobility industry. This market is new, rapidly evolving, characterized by rapidly changing technologies, price competition, additional competitors, evolving government regulation and industry standards, new aircraft announcements and changing consumer demands and behaviors. If customers do not broadly adopt this new form of mobility or are not willing to pay the prices we anticipate for our air mobility services, our business, including our planned Aircraft-as-a-Service initiative, may never materialize and there could be a material adverse effect on our prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Passengers have a wide variety of options for transportation, including business aviation, commercial airlines, private aircraft operators, personal vehicles, rental cars, taxis, public transit and ridesharing offerings. To expand our customer base, we must appeal to new customers who have historically used other forms of transportation for regional travel. If customers do not perceive our air mobility services to be reliable, safe and cost-effective, or if we fail to offer new and relevant services and features on our platform, we may not be able to attract or retain customers or increase their utilization of our platform. If we fail to grow our customer base, retain existing customers or increase the overall utilization of our platform, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our success in a given market will also depend on our ability to maintain and further develop our network of customers and accurately assess and predict customer demand and price sensitivity. Demand and price sensitivity may fluctuate
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based on a variety of factors, including macroeconomic factors, quality of service, negative publicity, safety incidents, corporate reporting related to safety, quality of customer service and support, perceived political or geopolitical affiliations and dissatisfaction with our products and offerings in general. If we fail to attract new customers or fail to accurately predict demand and price sensitivity, it may harm our financial performance, and our competitors’ services and products may achieve greater market adoption and as a result may grow at a faster rate than our service.
We expect that a large driver of customer demand for our service will be time savings when compared with alternative modes of transportation. If we are unable to deliver a sufficient level of time savings for our customers or if expected time savings are impacted by delays or cancellations, it may reduce demand for our services. If we are unable to generate demand or demand falls, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions and results of operations.
We will be dependent on our senior management team and other highly skilled personnel, and if we are not successful in attracting and/or retaining highly qualified personnel, we may not be able to successfully implement our business strategy.
Our success will depend, in significant part, on the continued services of our senior management team and on our ability to attract, motivate, develop and retain a sufficient number of other highly skilled personnel, including finance, marketing, sales and technology and support personnel. The loss of any one or more members of our senior management team, for any reason, including resignation or retirement, could impair our ability to execute our business strategy and have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we are unable to attract and retain skilled employees to support our operations and growth, there could be a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
As part of our growth strategy, we are engaging in, and may in the future engage in, acquisitions that could disrupt our business and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
We intend to consummate the Southern Acquisition concurrently with the listing. The listing of our Common Stock on the NYSE is conditioned upon the consummation of the Southern Acquisition. Therefore, if the Southern Acquisition is not consummated, we will not become a publicly traded company as expected. We intend to explore other potential strategic acquisitions of businesses, as well as strategic partnerships, to expand our capabilities and market opportunities, as well as the establishment of a wholly-owned or joint venture aircraft and powertrain financing company. There can be no assurance that any future acquisitions or partnerships will be consummated, including the Southern Acquisition, or, if consummated, will be successful. We may also not be successful in identifying appropriate targets for such transactions. In addition, we may not be able to continue the operational success of such businesses or successfully finance or integrate any businesses that we acquire or with which we form a partnership, including with respect to the Southern Acquisition. We may have potential write-offs of acquired assets and/or an impairment of any goodwill recorded as a result of acquisitions. Furthermore, the integration of any acquisition, including the Southern Acquisition, or the establishment of a partnership or joint venture may divert management’s time and resources from our core business and disrupt our operations or may result in conflicts with our business. Any acquisition, partnership or joint venture may not result in anticipated synergies or cost savings over time, may reduce our cash reserves, may negatively affect our earnings and financial performance, to the extent financed with the proceeds of debt, may increase our indebtedness and to the extent financed with the proceeds of equity, and may result in dilution to our existing equity holders. We cannot ensure that any acquisition or partnership we make will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may be unable to manage our future growth effectively, which could make it difficult to execute our business strategy.
If our operations continue to grow as planned, of which there can be no assurance, we will need to expand our sales, marketing, operations and the number of aircraft operators with whom we do business. Our continued growth could increase the strain on our resources, and we could experience operating difficulties, including difficulties in hiring, training and managing an increasing number of employees. These difficulties may result in the erosion of our brand image, divert the attention of management and key employees and impact our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, in order to continue to increase our presence, we expect to incur substantial expenses as we continue to attempt to increase our route offerings, flight frequency, passenger terminal footprint and employee base. The continued expansion of our
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business may also require additional space for administrative support. If we are unable to drive commensurate growth, these costs, which include lease commitments, marketing costs and headcount, could result in decreased margins, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we have limited cost-effective access to additional financing sources, we may be required to defer capital expenditures or seek other sources of liquidity, which may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. Such increased costs subject us to a number of risks, which are beyond our control and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
Risks Related to the Development of Electrification Technology
We, as well as our development and supply chain partners, have limited experience to date in the development and manufacturing of hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains and integrating those newly developed powertrains into existing certified airframes, and we may never develop or manufacture any hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains.
Neither Surf Air nor Southern has prior experience or operating history in the development and manufacturing of electrification technology. We have entered into agreements with development and supply chain partners, such as TAI, AeroTEC and magniX, who each have limited experience in the development and manufacturing of the hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains that we are planning to produce, as well as in the integration of this newly developed technology into existing certified airframes. Our hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains are currently in the developmental stage. We do not expect to successfully commercialize our first hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains before the end of 2025, if at all. There can be no assurance as to whether our current or future third-party partners will be able to develop efficient, automated, low-cost production capabilities and processes and/or obtain reliable sources of component supply to allow us to meet the quality, price, engineering, design and production standards and production volumes required to successfully develop, manufacture and market our hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains. Moreover, unlike the market for electric automobiles, the commercialization of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft remains unproven. Although we believe that the component technology to electrify small aircraft exists today, there is currently no other producer of electric or hybrid-electric aircraft in the industry. Any delay in the development, manufacture and launch of electrification technology could adversely affect our brand, operations and the delivery of our growth strategy, particularly if it results in a failure to expand our market share in the regional air mobility market as anticipated. Any such delays could require us to incur additional costs. Even if we and our third-party partners are successful in developing our hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains and reliably sourcing our component supply, we do not know whether we will be able to do so in a manner that avoids significant delays and cost overruns, including as a result of factors beyond our control such as problems with suppliers and vendors, force majeure events, delays in meeting commercialization schedules, or failure to satisfy the requirements of customers and potential customers. Any such failure could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
As a new entrant into the nascent market of hybrid-electric and battery electric aircraft, we anticipate that SAM will face risks and significant challenges that would impact our ability to, among other things:
• design and produce safe, reliable and quality hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains on an ongoing basis;
• obtain necessary regulatory approvals in a timely manner, or at all;
• build a well-recognized and respected brand;
• attract and maintain core commercial partnerships;
• establish and expand our customer base;
• successfully service our aircraft after sales and maintain a good flow of spare parts and customer goodwill;
• improve and maintain our operational efficiency;
• predict our future revenues and appropriately budget for our expenses;
• attract, retain and motivate talented employees;
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• anticipate trends that may emerge and affect our business;
• anticipate and adapt to changing market conditions, including technological developments and changes in our competitive landscape; and
• navigate an evolving and complex regulatory environment.
If we fail to adequately address any or all of these risks and challenges, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Our suppliers for the parts and components in our planned hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains are an important part of our business model, and any interruptions, disagreements or delays could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our suppliers, including single source suppliers for certain components, are a key part of our business model in order to manufacture our planned hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains for the Cessna Caravan in the coming years. We have strategically partnered with companies that we believe to be industry leaders in order to supply the highest quality components for, and to help us develop, our hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains. Many of the components for our planned hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains will be custom made for us, which may expose us to additional risks if one or more components become unavailable. This supply chain exposes us to multiple potential sources of delivery failure or component shortages for our future powertrain, most of which are out of our control, including shortages of, or disruptions in the supply of, the raw materials used by our suppliers in the manufacturing of components, disruptions to our suppliers’ workforce (such as strikes or labor shortfalls) and disruptions to, or capacity constraints affecting, shipping and logistics.
While we believe that we may be able to establish alternative supply relationships and obtain replacement components, we may be unable to do so in the short-term or at all at prices that are acceptable to us or we may need to re-certify components. We may experience source disruptions in our or our suppliers’ supply chains, which may cause delays in our overall production process for both prototype and commercial production of the powertrain or the subsequent modification of aircraft. If we need to find alternative suppliers for any of the key components of our planned hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains, then this could increase our costs and adversely affect our ability to receive such components on a timely basis, or at all, which could cause significant delays in our overall projected timelines for the delivery of our powertrain and could have a material adverse effect on our future relationships with our customers.
Further, if we are unable to successfully manage our relationships with our suppliers, the quality and availability of our powertrain and modified aircraft may be harmed. Our suppliers could, under some circumstances, decline to accept new purchase orders from, or otherwise reduce their business, with us. Any disruptions in the supply of components from our suppliers could lead to delays in powertrain production and subsequent modification of aircraft, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We have not yet selected manufacturers and suppliers of certain components of the proposed hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains for the Cessna Caravan, or entered into any agreements in relation to the development and manufacture of these components. Delays or difficulties in selecting and entering agreements with such manufacturers and suppliers may impact the timelines we envisage for developing the powertrain, and adversely affect the results of our operations.
We are substantially dependent upon our relationships with our strategic partners to develop our hybrid-electric powertrain and implement our planned business model.
If any conflicts arise between our strategic partners and us, the other party may act in a manner adverse to us and could limit our ability to implement our business strategies, which could impact our projected production timelines and number of powertrains produced or aircraft modified. Our strategic partners may also develop, either alone or with others, products in related fields that are competitive with our products. Specifically, conflicts with our key strategic
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partners, including TAI, AeroTEC and magniX, could adversely impact our ability to develop and manufacture our planned powertrain and our planned subsequent modification of aircraft, which, in turn could have a material adverse effect on our prospects, business, financial condition and results of operation. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain these arrangements with our strategic partners for the long-term. See the section entitled “— Risks Related to Surf Air’s and Southern’s Business and Industry — We are or may be subject to risks associated with strategic alliances, and our reliance on these arrangements, and the loss of any such alliances or arrangements or failure to identify future opportunities could affect our growth plans”.
SAM’s collaboration with TAI for SAM’s development of hybrid-electric battery electric powertrains for the Cessna Grand Caravan EX and SAM’s relationship with TAI as its exclusive supplier of certain hybrid-electric and battery electric powertrains are subject to a number of conditions and milestones. If the conditions and milestones in the TAI agreements governing SAM’s relationship with TAI are not met, or if the agreements or exclusive relationship are canceled, modified or delayed, SAM’s prospects, business, financial condition and results of operations will be harmed.
The agreements governing SAM’s collaboration with TAI for SAM’s development of its proprietary hybrid-electric and battery electric powertrains to power the Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft are subject to a number of conditions and milestones, including the issuance of an STC for the powertrain by the FAA within sixty (60) months of the initial listing date of our shares of Common Stock as part of the supplemental type certification for installation of that powertrain in the Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft and meeting certain design and performance objectives upon the timeline specified in the agreements with TAI. For more information, see the section entitled, “Business — Key Agreements — Textron Aviation Inc. — Collaboration Agreement”. The effectiveness of SAM’s agreements with TAI are contingent upon SAM’s shares being publicly traded on a U.S. national securities exchange. In the event that SAM is unable to meet these conditions and objectives as verified by TAI, the obligations of TAI to SAM under the agreements can be terminated by TAI. In addition, SAM’s relationship as the exclusive supplier of certain electrified and hybrid-electric powertrains to TAI can be terminated by TAI if the conditions and milestones relating to SAM’s agreements with TAI are not met. If either SAM’s agreements or its exclusive relationship with TAI are canceled, modified or delayed, or otherwise not consummated, or if SAM is otherwise unable to convert its strategic relationship with TAI into revenue, SAM’s prospects, business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely affected.
Our success will depend on our ability to economically outsource the production, assembly and installation of our hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrain solutions at scale, and our ability to develop and produce hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrain solutions of sufficient quality and appeal to customers on schedule and at scale is unproven.
Our business depends in large part on our ability to execute our plans to develop, produce, assemble, market, sell, install and service our hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrain solutions. We plan to outsource the majority of the production, assembly and installation of our hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrain solutions. We anticipate that a significant concentration of this production, assembly and installation will be performed by a small number of outsourcing partners. While these arrangements can lower operating costs, they also reduce our direct control over production and distribution. Such diminished control may have an adverse effect on the quality or quantity of products or services, or our flexibility to respond to changing conditions.
We expect to rely on single-source suppliers to supply and produce many components, and anticipate relying on outsourcing partners for assembly and installation of our hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrain solutions. Any failure of these suppliers or outsourcing partners to perform could require us to seek alternative suppliers or to expand our production capabilities, which could incur additional costs and have a negative impact on our cost or supply of components or finished goods. In addition, production or logistics in supply or production areas or transit to final destinations can be disrupted for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, natural and man-made disasters, information technology system failures, commercial disputes, military actions, economic, business, labor, environmental, public health or political issues or international trade disputes. Any failure to develop such production processes and capabilities within our projected costs and timelines could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Our competitors may commercialize their technology before us, either in general or in specific markets, or we may otherwise not be able to fully capture the first mover advantage that we anticipate.
While we strive to be the first to market providing air mobility services with a hybrid-electric aircraft, we expect this industry to be increasingly competitive and it is possible that our competitors could get to market before us, either generally or in specific markets. We are planning for FAA approval of our hybrid-electric and fully-electric Cessna Grand Caravan EX STCs to occur by the end of 2025, followed by the commercialization of the technology. The timing of our production ramp is dependent upon finalizing certain aspects of the design, engineering, component procurement, testing, build out and manufacturing plans in a timely manner and upon our ability to execute these plans within the current timeline. It is also dependent on being able to timely obtain STCs from the FAA. In addition, we will also need to do extensive testing to ensure that the propulsion system is in compliance with applicable FAA safety regulations and other relevant regulations prior to our suppliers beginning mass production. Production approval involves initial FAA manufacturing approval and extensive ongoing oversight of mass produced aircraft components. If we are unable to obtain production approval for the hybrid-electric propulsion system, or the FAA imposes unanticipated restrictions as a condition of approval, our projected costs of production could increase substantially.
Even if we are first to market with hybrid-electric aircraft, we may not fully realize the benefits we anticipate, and we may not receive any competitive advantage or may be overcome by other competitors. New companies or existing aerospace companies may launch competing solutions, including hybrid-electric and fully-electric aircraft in the markets in which we intend to operate, or hybrid-electric or fully-electric aircraft utilizing different technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, and obtain large scale capital investment, which may result in increased competition.
Additionally, our competitors may benefit from our efforts in developing consumer and community acceptance for hybrid-electric aircraft and air mobility, making it easier for them to obtain the permits and authorizations required to operate an air mobility service in the markets in which we intend to launch or in other markets. In the event we do not capture the first mover advantage that we anticipate, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
The planned hybrid-electric powertrain solutions may not result in the operating cost savings we anticipate, which could negatively impact the future economics of our network operations as well as our ability to successfully sell and market our planned future Aircraft-as-a-Service initiative.
In developing our business strategy for future aircraft electrification and network expansion, we have assumed implementing hybrid-electric technology will result in operating cost savings of approximately 25% compared to current internal combustion powertrain technologies, while maintaining similar performance characteristics. If this assumption changes by a material amount, our network expansion plans could be negatively impacted and we would be unlikely to be able to develop significant future revenues and earnings from our planned Aircraft-as-a-Service initiative.
Our future electric and hybrid-electric aircraft may require maintenance at frequencies or at costs which are unexpected and could adversely affect our business and operations.
Our future electric and hybrid-electric aircraft will be highly technical products that will require maintenance and support. We are still developing our understanding of the long-term maintenance profile of the electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, and if useful lifetimes are shorter than expected, this may lead to greater maintenance costs than previously anticipated. If our future electric and hybrid-electric aircraft and related equipment require maintenance more frequently than we plan for or at costs that exceed our estimates, that would disrupt the operation of our service and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Surf Air’s and Southern’s Operations and Infrastructure
If we are unable to obtain and maintain access to adequate facilities and infrastructure in desirable locations, including securing access to key infrastructure such as airports, we may be unable to offer our service in a way that is useful to passengers.
Our air mobility service will depend on our ability to operate in desirable metropolitan and regional locations. This will require permits and approvals from federal, state and local regulatory authorities and government bodies and our ability to operate our service will depend on such permits and approvals, as well as our ability to lease and license
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access to passenger terminal infrastructure. Surf Air and Southern lease and license access to passenger terminal infrastructure, such as hangars, from airport operators in certain of the markets in which they operate. These lease agreements have termination dates ranging from two to three years, and often include the right to extend on a month to month basis. We may face competition for capacity at passenger facilities in our preferred locations, which may impact our ability to service customers effectively. We also cannot predict whether we will receive any such permits and approvals, whether we will receive them for desirable locations or whether we will receive them in a timely manner. If we are prohibited, restricted or delayed from developing and operating desirable locations, there could be a material adverse effect on our business.
Surf Air and Southern’s operations are currently concentrated in a small number of metropolitan areas and airports which makes their businesses particularly susceptible, and will make SAM’s business particularly susceptible, to natural disasters, outbreaks and pandemics, growth constraints, economic, social, weather and regulatory conditions or other circumstances affecting these metropolitan areas.
Surf Air currently derives a significant portion of its revenue from regional flights that either originate from or fly into the airports around Los Angeles, and Southern currently derives revenues from regional flights operated in Hawaii and the Mid-Atlantic, Gulf South, Rocky Mountains, West Coast and New England regions. As a result of this geographic concentration, Surf Air’s and Southern’s businesses historically have been, and going forward SAM’s business will be, particularly susceptible to natural disasters, outbreaks and pandemics, growth constraints, economic, social, weather and regulatory conditions or other circumstances applicable to metropolitan areas. A significant interruption or disruption in service at an airport where we have a significant volume of flights could result in the cancellation or delay of a significant portion of our flights and, as a result, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, any changes to local laws or regulations within key metropolitan areas that affect our ability to operate or increase our operating expenses in these markets could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Disruption of operations at airports, whether caused by natural disasters including tornados, hurricanes, floods, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, and severe weather conditions, such as heavy rains, strong winds, dense fog, blizzards or snowstorms, or labor relations, utility or communications issues, power outages, or changes in federal, state and local regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our aircraft utilization may be lower than expected and our aircraft may be limited in performance during certain weather conditions. We are vulnerable to delays, cancellations or flight rescheduling, as we will rely on maintaining a high daily aircraft usage rate, and need to aggregate customers on our by-the-seat flights to lower direct costs to third-party operators.
Our aircraft may not be able to fly safely in poor weather conditions, including snowstorms, thunderstorms, lightning, hail, known icing conditions and/or fog. The aircraft models that Surf Air and Southern have flown to date and the smaller airports out of which they operate are more vulnerable to delays of this nature and both Surf Air and Southern have experienced delays and disruptions as a result of extreme weather. Our inability to operate in these conditions in the future will reduce our aircraft utilization and cause delays and disruptions in our services. We intend to maintain a high daily aircraft utilization rate which is the amount of time our aircraft spend in the air carrying passengers. High daily aircraft utilization is achieved in part by reducing turnaround times at airports so we can fly more hours on average in a day. Aircraft utilization is reduced by delays and cancellations from various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including adverse weather conditions, security requirements, air traffic congestion and unscheduled maintenance events. The success of our business is dependent, in part, on the utilization rate of our aircraft and reductions in utilization will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition as well as cause passenger dissatisfaction.
Our success also depends on our ability to generate more revenue per flight by maintaining high customer utilization rates (i.e., the number of seats purchased on each flight). Customer utilization rates may be reduced by a variety of factors, including the introduction of new routes or schedules. In some cases, we may choose to offer flights with low customer utilization rates to increase or maintain customer satisfaction, brand recognition, and for marketing or other purposes. We have utilized monthly and annual commuter passes and annual corporate bulk purchasing options to increase our customer utilization rates in the past; however, these products may be less appealing following COVID-19.
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While historically we have maintained daily aircraft and customer utilization rates sufficient to offset the costs we pay to operators, we may be unable to resume Surf Air and Southern’s pre-COVID utilization rates or maintain and increase utilization rates as our business grows and expands. The risk of delays, cancellations and flight rescheduling, which could negatively impact our utilization rates, may increase as we expand our business to include new markets and destinations, more frequent flights on current routes and expanded facilities.
The supply of pilots to the airline industry is limited and may negatively affect our operations and financial condition. Increases in our labor costs, which constitute a substantial portion of our total operating costs, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our pilots are subject to stringent pilot qualification and crew member flight training standards (“FAA Qualification Standards”), which among other things require minimum flight time for pilots and mandate strict rules to minimize pilot fatigue. The existence of such requirements effectively limits the supply of qualified pilot candidates and increases pilot salaries and related labor costs. Such requirements also impact pilot scheduling, work hours and the number of pilots required to be employed for our operations, all of which could have a material adverse effect our business, results of operation and financial condition.
Southern has had a pilot pipeline agreement with SkyWest to hire, train and provide a pipeline of pilots for Southern’s operations and a potential subsequent transition into SkyWest’s operations, and SAM intends to continue this arrangement going forward. However, this potentially exposes SAM to a number of risks. This arrangement may not be sufficient to offset a significant and/or prolonged shortage of pilots, and we will be increasingly reliant on this partnership as we look to expand our operations following the integration of Southern with Surf Air’s existing business. If this pipeline is unable to provide us with pilots in the expected numbers or at the appropriate times, or if the agreement with SkyWest were to be terminated, we would be required to incur significant labor costs to find replacement or substitute pilots, which would result in a material reduction in our earnings. If we are unable to find a sufficient supply of pilots to fly our routes, we may be forced to cancel flights. In addition, our competitors may seek to use this training program as a way to generate negative publicity about us, which could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business and results of operation.
In addition, our operations and financial condition may be negatively impacted if we are unable to train pilots in a timely manner. Due to an industry-wide shortage of qualified pilots, driven by the flight hours requirements under the FAA Qualification Standards and attrition resulting from the hiring needs of other industry participants, pilot training timelines have significantly increased and stressed the availability of flight simulators, instructors and related training equipment. As a result, the training of our pilots may not be accomplished in a cost-efficient manner or in a manner timely enough to support our operational needs.
We are subject to risks associated with climate change, including the potential increased impacts of severe weather events on our operations and infrastructure.
All climate change-related regulatory activity and developments may adversely affect our business and financial condition by requiring us to reduce our emissions at a faster rate than is currently intended, make capital investments to modernize certain aspects of our operations, purchase carbon offsets, or otherwise pay for our emissions. Such activity may also impact us indirectly by increasing our operating costs. Additionally, we may be subject to risks associated with climate change litigation, and to avoid the risks associated with climate change litigation, we would be required to manage our climate change impacts responsibly, which may result in considerable expenses being incurred.
The potential physical effects of climate change, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, floods, fires, fog, mist, freezing conditions, sea-level rise and other climate-related events, could affect our operations, infrastructure and financial results. Operational impacts, such as the delay or cancellation of flights, could result in loss of revenue. In addition, certain of our terminals are in locations susceptible to the impacts of storm-related flooding and sea-level rise, which could result in costs and loss of revenue. We could incur significant costs to improve the climate resiliency of our infrastructure and otherwise prepare for, respond to, and mitigate such physical effects of climate change. We are not able to accurately predict the materiality of any potential losses or costs associated with the physical effects of climate change.
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Our business may be adversely affected by union activities.
Although none of Surf Air or Southern’s employees are currently represented by a labor union, it is common throughout the airline industry generally for many employees to belong to a union, which can result in higher employee costs and increased risk of work stoppages. As we expand our business there can be no assurances that our employees will not join or form a labor union or that we will not be required to become a union signatory. We are also directly or indirectly dependent upon companies with unionized work forces, such as parts suppliers, and work stoppages or strikes organized by such unions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. If a work stoppage occurs, it could delay the manufacture and sale of our performance hybrid-electric vehicles and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our insurance may become too difficult or expensive for us to obtain. Increases in insurance costs or reductions in insurance coverage may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Surf Air maintains general liability aviation insurance and Southern maintains general liability insurance policies. Both companies maintain directors and officers insurance, as well as other insurance policies, and we believe our level of coverage is customary in the industry and adequate to protect against claims. However, there can be no assurance that SAM’s insurance policies will be sufficient to cover potential claims or that present levels of coverage will be available in the future at reasonable cost. Further, we expect our insurance needs and costs to increase as we grow our commercial operations, add routes, increase flight and passenger volumes and expand into new markets. It is too early to determine what impact, if any, the commercial operation of our future hybrid-electric aircraft will have on our insurance costs.
Accordingly, we may not have adequate insurance coverage. The successful assertion of one or more large claims against us that exceeds our available insurance coverage, or results in changes to our insurance policies (including premium increases or the imposition of large deductible or co-insurance requirements), could have an adverse effect on our business. In addition, we cannot be sure that our existing insurance coverage will continue to be available on acceptable terms or that our insurers will not deny coverage as to any future claim.
We may incur substantial maintenance costs as part of our leased aircraft return obligations.
Some of our aircraft lease agreements contain provisions that require us to return aircraft airframes and engines to the lessor in a specified condition or pay an amount to the lessor based on the actual return condition of the equipment. These lease return costs are recorded in the period in which they are incurred. On our financial statements, we estimate the cost of maintenance lease return obligations and accrue such costs over the remaining lease term when the expense is probable and can be reasonably estimated. Any unexpected increase in maintenance return costs may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We are exposed to operational disruptions due to maintenance.
SAM’s fleet will require regular maintenance work, which may cause operational disruption. SAM’s inability to perform timely maintenance and repairs could result in our aircraft being underutilized which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, during the first quarter of 2023 Surf Air was required to perform additional maintenance and repairs due to unforeseen weather conditions, which resulted in lower utilization of aircraft and a decrease in scheduled flight hours, which negatively impacted scheduled revenue. In addition, Southern experienced an increase in maintenance as a result of an increase in flight hours on its aircraft, which resulted in an increase in maintenance and repair costs. A prolonged period of maintenance or repair work would result in disruptions to our routes lower revenues and/or increased costs. On occasion, airframe manufacturers and/or regulatory authorities require mandatory or recommended modifications to be made across a particular fleet which may mean having to ground a particular type of aircraft. This may cause operational disruption to and impose significant costs on us. Furthermore, our operations in remote locations, where delivery of components and parts could take a significant period of time, could result in delays in our ability to maintain and repair our aircraft. Any such delays may pose a risk to our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, as our aircraft base increases, our maintenance costs could potentially increase. We have no historical experience maintaining hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains. While we believe the newly developed powertrains will require reduced maintenance activity per flight hour, our operations could be negatively impacted if our assumptions on reliability or cost of maintenance prove incorrect.
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The profitability of our current operations is dependent on the availability and pricing of aircraft fuel. Periods of significant disruption in the supply of aircraft fuel or elevated pricing could have a significant negative impact on our results of operations and liquidity.
Although Surf Air and Southern’s current third-party aircraft operators and Southern, in the limited circumstances, such as operations in Hawaii, where it purchases fuel directly, are currently able to obtain adequate supplies of aircraft fuel, we cannot predict the future availability. Natural disasters (including hurricanes or similar events in the southeast United States and on the Gulf Coast where a significant portion of domestic refining capacity is located), political disruptions or wars involving oil-producing countries, economic sanctions imposed against oil-producing countries or specific industry participants, changes in fuel-related governmental policy, the strength of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, changes in the cost to transport or store petroleum products, changes in access to petroleum product pipelines and terminals, speculation in the energy futures markets, changes in aircraft fuel production capacity, environmental concerns and other unpredictable events may result in fuel supply shortages or distribution challenges in the future leading to volatile aircraft fuel pricing. Any of these factors or events could cause a disruption in or increased demands on oil production, refinery operations, pipeline capacity or terminal access and possibly result in diminished availability of aircraft fuel supply for our third-party aircraft operators. The impact of such events may limit our third-party aircraft operators’ ability to perform our flights, which could result in loss of revenue and adversely affect our ability to provide our services.
Additionally, high fuel prices or significant disruptions in the supply of aircraft fuel could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. During the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, Southern’s fuel expense was $4.0 million and $2.9 million, respectively, and the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, Southern’s fuel expense was $15.7 million and $8.3 million, respectively. The timely and adequate supply of fuel to meet operational demand depends on the continued availability of reliable fuel supply sources as well as related service and delivery infrastructure. Although we have some ability to cover short-term fuel supply disruptions, we depend significantly on the continued performance of our third-party service providers to maintain supply integrity. Consequently, we can neither predict nor guarantee the continued timely availability of aircraft fuel throughout our operations.
Unsatisfactory safety performance of our aircraft could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
While we intend to maintain operational processes designed to ensure that the design, testing, manufacture, performance, operation and servicing of our aircraft meet rigorous quality standards, there can be no assurance that we will not experience operational or process failures and other problems, including through flight test accidents or incidents, manufacturing or design defects, pilot error, cyber-attacks or other inadvertent or intentional acts or omissions, that could result in potential safety risks. Any actual or perceived safety issues may result in significant reputational harm to our business, in addition to tort liability, maintenance, increased safety infrastructure and other costs that may arise. Such issues could result in delaying or cancelling planned flights, increased regulation or other systemic consequences. Our inability to meet our safety standards or adverse publicity affecting our reputation as a result of accidents, mechanical or operational failures, or other safety incidents could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation. In addition, our aircraft may be grounded by regulatory authorities due to safety concerns that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Crashes, accidents or incidents of aircraft involving us or our competitors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Crashes, accidents or incidents involving our aircraft, or involving aircraft operating our powertrains, once developed, are possible. Any such occurrence would negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations in a number of ways. An accident or incident involving an aircraft operated by us or by a third-party operator on our behalf or using our powertrains, could result in significant potential claims of injured passengers and others, as well as repair or replacement of a damaged aircraft and its consequential temporary or permanent loss from service. In the event of an accident, our liability insurance may not be adequate to offset our exposure to potential claims and we may be forced to bear substantial losses from the accident. Substantial claims resulting from an accident in excess
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of our related insurance coverage would harm our operational and financial results. Moreover, any aircraft accident or incident, even if fully insured or due to reasons not attributable to us or our operations or products, could result in negative public perception that our operations are less safe or reliable than other providers and have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business and results of operations. In addition, safety issues experienced by a particular model of aircraft could result in customers refusing to use that particular aircraft model or a regulatory body grounding that particular aircraft model. If we or other operators experience accidents with aircraft models that we operate, obligating us to take such aircraft out of service until the cause of such accidents is determined and rectified, we might lose revenues and might lose customers. The value of the aircraft model might also be permanently reduced in the secondary market if the model were to be considered less desirable for future service. Such accidents or safety issues related to aircraft models that we operate would negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The operation of aircraft is subject to various risks, and we expect demand for our air mobility services to be impacted by accidents or other safety issues regardless of whether such accidents or issues involve our aircraft. Such accidents or incidents could also have a material impact on our ability to obtain or maintain FAA certification for our aircraft, in a timely manner or at all. Such events could impact confidence in a particular aircraft type or the air transportation services industry as a whole, particularly if such accidents or disasters were due to a safety fault.
If our personnel, third-party contractors with whom we have arrangements, our aircraft, other types of aircraft or other companies in the industry are involved in a public incident, accident, catastrophe or regulatory enforcement action, we could be exposed to significant reputational harm and/or potential legal liability. The insurance we carry may be inapplicable or inadequate to cover any such incident, accident, catastrophe or action. In the event that our insurance is inapplicable or inadequate, we may be forced to bear substantial losses from an incident or accident. In addition, any such incident, accident, catastrophe or action involving our employees, our aircraft or other types of aircraft could create an adverse public perception, which could harm our reputation, result in passengers being reluctant to use our services and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Furthermore, as we develop and manufacture hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains and as these powertrains are implemented in aircraft that we sell to other operators, we may be exposed to additional risks and demand for our newly developed products will be negatively impacted by accidents or incidents involving the powertrains, including during test flights of prototypes. Such events could impact confidence in not just our products, but the development of electrification technology as a whole. This could have a material adverse effect on our future growth, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Surf Air’s and Southern’s Dependence on Third-Party Providers
If our third-party aircraft operators are unable to support our operations or the growth of our business, or we are unable to add alternative third-party aircraft operators to meet demand, our costs may increase and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Surf Air is, and SAM will be, dependent on a finite number of certificated third-party aircraft operators to provide a significant portion of our network services. Surf Air has, in the past, experienced delays, cancellations and difficulties engaging third-party operators with sufficient capacity to operate the number of routes necessary to meet demand. This risk is exacerbated when there is a transition between operators, which Surf Air experienced from May to August 2022 when transitioning to Southern as its operator, resulting in a significant number of canceled and delayed flights.
In the event potential competitors establish cooperative or strategic relationships with third-party aircraft operators in the markets we serve, offer to pay third-party aircraft operators more attractive rates or guarantee a higher volume of flights than we offer, we may not have access to the necessary number of aircraft to achieve our planned growth. Though Surf Air has successfully incentivized its operators to add aircraft to support its growth in the past, there is no guarantee SAM will be able to continue doing so without incurring significant additional costs. Increased use of private aircraft since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has added competitive pressure for access to aircraft, which may make it more difficult or costly for third-party operators to expand to meet our needs. If our third-party aircraft operators are unable or unwilling to add aircraft, or are only able to do so at significantly increased expense, or otherwise do not have capacity or desire to support our growth, or we are unable to add new operators on reasonable terms, or at all, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected. As the air mobility market grows,
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we expect competition for third-party aircraft operators to increase. Further, we expect that as competition in the air mobility market grows, the use of exclusive contractual arrangements with third-party aircraft operators, sometimes requiring volume guarantees, may increase, as may the cost of securing their services.
If we encounter problems, such as workforce disruptions, with any of our third-party aircraft operators or third-party service providers, our operations could be adversely affected by a resulting decline in revenue or negative public perception about our services.
Many of Surf Air’s flight operations are conducted by third-party aircraft operators on its behalf and both Surf Air and Southern rely on third-party service providers to support their operations. Due to our reliance on third parties to provide these services going forward, we are subject to the risk of disruptions to their operations, such as the impact of adverse economic conditions and the inability of third parties to hire or retain skilled personnel, including pilots and mechanics, as well as any failure to deliver services at the level expected of them. Surf Air has, in the past, experienced issues with third-party aircraft operators. For example, in June 2018 Surf Air terminated a charter and aircraft sublease agreement it had with a key third-party scheduled aircraft operator in California because the operator had been providing increasingly unreliable and substandard service quality, resulting in frequent and last minute flight cancellations, while overcharging Surf Air and refusing to provide the requisite financial and operating data transparency. This had a negative impact on Surf Air’s results of operations and required approximately eight months to re-establish revenue levels similar to those prior to this event. Several of these third-party operators provide significant capacity that we would be unable to replace in a short period of time should that operator fail to perform its obligations. Disruptions to capital markets, shortages of skilled personnel and adverse economic conditions in general, such as conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, have subjected certain of these third-party regional operators to significant financial and operational pressures, which have in the past and could in the future result in the temporary or permanent cessation of their operations.
Union strikes or staff shortages among airport workers or certain pilots of third-party aircraft operators may result in disruptions of our air mobility service and thus could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any significant disruption to our operations as a result of problems with any of our third-party aircraft operators could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, Surf Air, Southern and SAM have entered into agreements with contractors to provide various facilities and services required for SAM’s operations. Because SAM will rely on others to provide such services, its ability to control the efficiency and timeliness of such services will be limited. Similar agreements may be entered into in any new markets we decide to serve. If any of these service providers cease operations, there is no guarantee that we could replace these providers on a timely basis with comparably priced providers, or at all. Any material problems with the efficiency and timeliness of contract services, resulting from financial hardships or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our third-party aircraft operators’ insurance may become too difficult or expensive for them to obtain. If our third-party aircraft operators are unable to maintain sufficient insurance coverage, it may materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Hazards are inherent in the aviation industry and may result in loss of life and property, potentially exposing us to substantial liability claims arising from the operation of aircraft. Safe operation of aircraft is the responsibility of ourselves and our third-party operators who are held liable for accidents, thus incidents related to aircraft operation are covered by ours and our third-party operators’ insurance. A limited number of hull and liability insurance underwriters provide coverage for our third-party aircraft operators. Insurance underwriters are required by various federal and state regulations to maintain minimum levels of reserves for known and expected claims. However, there can be no assurance that underwriters have established adequate reserves to fund existing and future claims. The number of air medical or tourism accidents, as well as the number of insured losses within the commercial airline industry, and the impact of general economic conditions on underwriters may result in increases in premiums above the rate of inflation. If our third-party aircraft operators’ insurance costs increase, such operators are likely to pass the increased costs to us, which could cause us to increase the prices paid by our customers. Such cost increases could adversely affect demand for our services and harm our business. Additionally, under all aircraft operating agreements, our third-party aircraft operators have agreed to indemnify us against liability arising from the operation of aircraft and to maintain insurance covering such liability. However, there can be no assurance there will be no challenge to the indemnification rights or that the aircraft operator will have sufficient assets or insurance coverage to fulfill its indemnity obligations.
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We rely on third-party web service providers to deliver our offerings to users on our platform, and any disruption of or interference with our use of third-party web services could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our platform’s continuing and uninterrupted performance is critical to our success. Surf Air and Southern currently host their respective platforms and support their respective operations using third-party providers of cloud infrastructure services. While Surf Air and Southern have engaged reputable vendors to provide these services, they do not have control over the operations of the facilities used by its third-party provider and their facilities may be vulnerable to damage or interruption from natural disasters, cybersecurity attacks, human error, terrorist attacks, power outages and similar events or acts of misconduct. In addition, any changes to the service levels from these third-party cloud infrastructure providers may adversely affect SAM’s future ability to meet the requirements of users to search for flights and book travel. While we expect to implement reasonable backup and disaster recovery plans, Southern has experienced, and SAM expects that in the future it may experience, interruptions, delays and outages in service and availability from time to time due to a variety of factors, including infrastructure changes, human or software errors, website hosting disruptions and capacity constraints. Sustained or repeated system failures would reduce the attractiveness of our offerings. It may become increasingly difficult to maintain and improve our performance, especially during peak usage times, as we expand our service offerings. Any negative publicity or user dissatisfaction arising from these disruptions could harm our reputation and brands and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation.
Aircraft purchase agreements are often subject to indexed price escalation clauses which could subject SAM to unanticipated expenses.
Commercial aircraft sales contracts are often entered into years before the aircraft are delivered. In order to help account for economic fluctuations between the contract date and delivery date, aircraft pricing generally consists of a fixed amount as modified by price escalation formulas derived from labor, commodity and other price indices, the actual escalation amounts of which are outside of the purchaser’s control. Escalation factors can fluctuate significantly from period to period and changes in escalation amounts can significantly impact expenses and operating margins. The terms and conditions of the aircraft purchase agreement with TAI do contain price escalation clauses and future purchase orders with other suppliers may also contain price escalation clauses yet to be determined, and there is no assurance that they will be determined in a manner that will mitigate the risks described above.
Risks Related to Surf Air’s and Southern’s Intellectual Property and Information Technology
If we fail to adequately protect our intellectual property rights, our competitive position could be impaired and we may lose market share, generate reduced revenue and incur costly litigation to protect our rights.
Our success depends in part on our ability to protect our intellectual property rights, including trademarks and service marks applicable to Surf Air and Southern and, in the future once developed, certain technologies and software that we expect to be deployed in our aircraft or that we expect to utilize in arranging air transportation. To date, Surf Air and Southern have relied primarily on trademarks to distinguish us from our competitors, and trade secrets and other forms of legal protection and contractual agreements to establish and protect our proprietary rights.
Although we plan to control the STC once certified, and may own certain intellectual property rights relating to the powertrain, we do not anticipate owning intellectual property rights in any particular component of the hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains to be produced. Under our agreement with AeroTEC, it will provide services for us to obtain one or more STCs that relate to the powertrains. Such an STC would provide us the right to operate and otherwise commercialize Cessna Caravans modified with such a powertrain. However, an STC does not provide an exclusive right to commercialize the component that the STC describes, and other companies may file for and obtain an STC to modify a Cessna Caravan or other light aircraft with a substantially similar or superior powertrain compared to the powertrains we plan to develop with our commercial partners. Moreover, there is no guarantee that we will obtain an STC for our planned hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains, through our collaboration with our commercial partners or otherwise. Any reference to “our proprietary powertrain technology” or similar phrases herein refer to our anticipated rights in one or more STCs relating to such technology, and not to any intellectual property rights in such technology.
We expect that in the future we will rely on patents and trade secrets to protect any proprietary technology we develop. Surf Air routinely enters into agreements with employees, consultants, third parties and other relevant persons and takes other measures to protect its intellectual property rights, such as limiting access to our trade secrets and other
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confidential information, and we expect that we will routinely enter into such agreements following the Southern Acquisition. However, we cannot guarantee that we have entered into or will enter into such an agreement with each person that has access to such information or that the steps we take to protect our intellectual property will otherwise be adequate. For example, unauthorized parties may attempt to obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary and, if successful, may potentially harm our ability to compete, accelerate the development programs of our competitors, and/or our competitive position in the market. Moreover, our agreements do not prevent our competitors from independently developing technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to ours, and there can be no assurance that our counterparties will comply with the terms of these agreements, or that we will be able to successfully enforce such agreements or obtain sufficient remedies if they are breached. There can be no assurance that the intellectual property rights we own or license will offer us meaningful protection for our business, provide competitive advantages or will not be challenged or circumvented by our competitors.
Further, obtaining and maintaining patent and trademark protection can be costly, and we may choose not to, or may fail to, pursue or maintain such forms of protection for our technology, products or services in the United States or foreign jurisdictions, which could harm our ability to obtain or maintain a competitive advantage in such jurisdictions. It is also possible that we will fail to identify patentable aspects of our technology before it is too late to obtain patent protection, that we will be unable to devote the resources needed to file and prosecute patent applications for such technology, or that we will inadvertently abandon them by failing to comply with all procedural, documentary, payment, and similar obligations during the patent prosecution process. Even if we obtain patent protection in future, we cannot assure you that such patents would be sufficiently broad to protect our proprietary technology to prevent competitors or other third parties from using the same or similar technologies. Failure to comply with legal requirements to maintain a patent or trademark registration can result in lapse or cancellation of the patent or trademark registration, which could result in the loss of patent or trademark rights. If this occurs, we may not be able to exclude our competitors from using patented technology that we have developed or our trademarks. Also, patents and trademark registrations may be challenged in court or administrative proceedings.
The laws of some countries do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States, and mechanisms for enforcement of intellectual property rights in some foreign countries may be inadequate to prevent other parties from infringing our proprietary technology. To the extent we expand our international activities, our exposure to unauthorized use of our technologies and proprietary information may increase. We may also fail to detect unauthorized use of our intellectual property, or be required to expend significant resources to monitor and protect our intellectual property rights, including engaging in litigation, which may be costly, time-consuming, and divert the attention of management and resources, and may not ultimately be successful. If we fail to meaningfully establish, maintain, protect and enforce our intellectual property rights, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may need to defend ourselves against intellectual property infringement claims or misappropriation claims, which may be time-consuming and expensive and, if adversely determined, could limit our ability to commercialize our aircraft.
Third parties, including our competitors, may own or obtain patents, trademarks or other proprietary rights that could prevent or limit our ability to operate under our current branding, provide air mobility services or to make, use, develop or deploy our aircraft, the powertrain we are developing with our commercial partners or other aircraft components, which could harm our business.
For example, third parties owning patents or other intellectual property rights relating to airline services or aircraft components (e.g., battery packs, electric motors, aircraft configurations, fly-by-wire flight control software, electronic power management systems or other components) may allege infringement or misappropriation of such rights. In response to a determination that we have infringed upon or misappropriated a third-party’s intellectual property rights, we may be required to do one or more of the following:
• cease development, sales or use of its or our products or services;
• trade under a different name or rebrand our services;
• pay substantial damages;
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• obtain a license from the owner of the asserted intellectual property right, which license may not be available on reasonable terms or available at all; or
• re-design one or more aspects or systems of its or our aircraft or other offerings.
A successful claim of infringement or misappropriation against us could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Even if we are successful in defending against these claims, litigation could result in substantial costs, business disruption and demand on management resources.
We will rely on our information technology systems to manage numerous aspects of our business. A cyber-attack of these systems could disrupt our ability to deliver services to our customers and could lead to increased overhead costs, decreased sales and harm to our reputation.
We will rely on information technology networks and systems to operate and manage our business. Our information technology networks and systems process, transmit and store personal and financial information, proprietary information of our business, and also allow us to coordinate our business across our operation bases and allow us to communicate with our employees and externally with customers, suppliers, partners and other third parties. To date, neither Surf Air nor Southern have implemented comprehensive security measures to secure these information technology networks and systems and the data processed, transmitted, and stored on them, and the integration of these two separate information technology systems following the merger will be more challenging as a result. These networks, systems, and data will be susceptible to cyberattacks, viruses, malware or other unauthorized access or damage (including by environmental, malicious or negligent acts), which could result in unauthorized access to, or the release and public exposure of, our proprietary information or our users’ personal information. In addition, cyberattacks, viruses, malware, or other damage or unauthorized access to our information technology networks and systems, will result in damage, disruptions or shutdowns to our platform. Any of the foregoing could cause substantial harm to our business, require us to make notifications to our customers, governmental authorities, or the media, and could result in litigation, investigations or inquiries by government authorities, and subject us to penalties, fines, and other losses relating to the investigation and remediation of such an attack or other unauthorized access or damage to our information technology systems and networks.
SAM will in the future be subject to data breaches. A significant data breach or any failure, or perceived failure, by us to comply with any federal, state or data foreign privacy laws, regulations or other principles or orders to which we may be subject could adversely affect our reputation, brand and business, and may result in claims, investigations, proceedings or actions against us by governmental entities, litigation, including class action litigation, from our customers, fines, penalties, or other liabilities, or require us to change our operations or cease using certain data sets. Depending on the nature of the information compromised, we may also have obligations to notify users, law enforcement, government authorities, payment companies, consumer reporting agencies or the media about the incident and may be required to expend additional resources in connection with investigating and remediating such an incident, and otherwise complying with applicable privacy and data security laws.
System failures, defects, errors or vulnerabilities in our website, applications, backend systems or other technology systems or those of third-party technology providers could harm our reputation and brand and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our systems, or those of third parties upon which we rely, may experience service interruptions, outages or degradation because of hardware and software defects or malfunctions, human error or malfeasance by third parties or our employees, contractors, service providers, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, natural disasters, power losses, disruptions in telecommunications services, fraud, military or political conflicts, terrorist attacks, cyberattacks, ransomware attacks or other events. We do not carry cyber insurance, which may expose us to certain potential losses for damages or result in penalization with fines in an amount exceeding our resources. As we do not currently have insurance protection for cybersecurity breaches, we may not have sufficient remedies available to us from our third-party service providers, to cover all of our losses that may result from such interruptions, outages or degradations.
Our software and the third-party software that we incorporate into our platform may be subject to errors, defects or vulnerabilities. Any errors, defects or vulnerabilities discovered in our platform, whether in our code or that of third-party software on which our software relies, could result in negative publicity, a loss of customers or loss of revenue, access or other performance issues, security incidents or other liabilities. Errors, defects and vulnerabilities could also prevent customers from booking flights, which would adversely affect our flyer utilization rates, or disrupt communications within the company (e.g., flight schedules or passenger manifests), which could affect our on-time
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performance. We may need to expend significant financial and development resources to analyze, correct, eliminate or work around errors or defects or to address and eliminate vulnerabilities. Any failure to timely and effectively resolve any such errors, defects or vulnerabilities could negatively impact our reputation or brand, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, our transition of our workforce to a hybrid work environment, where our employees are often working remotely, could also increase our vulnerability to risks related to our hardware and software systems, including risks of phishing and other cybersecurity attacks. Our systems may be subject to additional risk introduced by software that we license from third parties. This licensed software may introduce vulnerabilities within our own operations as it is integrated with our systems, or as we provide services to our customers.
Surf Air and Southern may experience cyberattacks, system failures and other events or conditions that interrupt the availability or reduce or affect the speed or functionality of our technology platform, especially because we are in the process of maturing our security programs and have not yet implemented the expected security controls to prevent such disruptions. These events could result in losses of revenue due to increased difficulty of booking services through our technology platform, impacts to on-time performance and resultant errors in operating our business. A prolonged interruption in the availability or reduction in the availability or other functionality of our platform could adversely affect our business and reputation and could result in the loss of customers. For example, in 2022, Southern experienced a prolonged interruption in its platform functionality as a result of a ransomware attack on a third-party service provider, which caused two flights to be canceled and the need to revert to manual processes. Moreover, to the extent that any system failure or similar event results in harm or losses to the customers using our platform, such as the inability to book or change flights because of a system failure, we may make voluntary payments to compensate for such harm or the affected users could seek monetary recourse or contractual remedies from us for their losses and such claims, even if unsuccessful, would likely be time consuming and costly for us to address.
It is also possible our security controls over personal and other data may not prevent unauthorized access to, or destruction, loss, theft, misappropriation or release of personally identifiable or other proprietary, confidential, sensitive or valuable information of ours or others; this access could lead to potential unauthorized disclosure of confidential personal, Company or customer information that others could use to compete against us or for other disruptive, destructive or harmful purposes and outcomes. Any such disclosure or damage to our networks and systems could subject us to third-party claims against us and reputational harm, including statutory damages under California or other state law, regulatory penalties and significant costs of breach investigation, remediation and notification. If these events occur, our ability to attract new clients may be impaired or we may be subjected to damages or penalties.
We will continue to rely on mobile operating systems and application marketplaces to make our app available to users of our platform. If we do not effectively operate with or receive favorable placements within such application marketplaces and maintain high user reviews, our usage or brand recognition could decline and our business, financial results and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Surf Air, and Southern will, after the launch of its mobile application, depend in part on mobile operating systems, such as Android and iOS, and their respective application marketplaces to make their respective platforms available to customers. The majority of Surf Air’s flights are booked through its app. In the future, these mobile operating systems or application marketplaces could limit or prohibit us from making our current and future apps available to customers, make changes that degrade their functionality, increase the difficulty of using them, impose terms of use unsatisfactory to us or users, or modify search or ratings algorithms in ways that are detrimental to us. Additionally, if any future competitor’s placement in such mobile operating system’s application marketplace is more prominent than the placement of our current and future apps, overall growth in our customer base could slow and the usage of our platform could be adversely affected. The Surf Air app has experienced fluctuations in the number of downloads in the past, and we anticipate similar fluctuations in the future. Any of the foregoing risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
As new mobile devices and mobile platforms are released, there is no guarantee that certain mobile devices will continue to support our platform or effectively roll out updates to our current and future apps. Additionally, in order to deliver high-quality apps, we need to ensure that our offerings are designed to work effectively with a range of mobile technologies, systems, networks and standards. We may not be successful in developing or maintaining relationships with key participants in the mobile technology industry to make, or continue to make, such technologies, systems,
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networks or standards available to our customers. If users on our platform encounter any difficulty accessing or using our apps on their mobile devices or if we are unable to adapt to changes in popular mobile operating systems, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We will need to improve our financial and operational systems to manage our growth effectively and support our business arrangements, and an inability to do so could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
To manage our growth and business operations, especially as we expand our network and work with our commercial partners to electrify our fleet, we will need to upgrade our operational and financial systems and procedures, which requires management time and may result in significant additional expense. In particular, we are in the process of replacing Surf Air’s and Southern’s legacy enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) systems in order to accommodate our expanding operations and address our deficiencies in IT general controls for information systems. See “— Risks Related to Surf Air’s and Southern’s Business and Industry — Surf Air’s management has identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting. These material weaknesses could continue to adversely affect its, and, going forward, SAM’s ability to report its results of operations and financial condition accurately and in a timely manner. At this time, Surf Air cannot predict whether its efforts to remediate the identified material weaknesses will be successful, and it is expected that some or all of these material weaknesses will continue to persist for an extended period of time” and “— Risks Related to Surf Air’s and Southern’s Business and Industry — Southern’s management has identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting. These material weaknesses could continue to adversely affect its, and going forward, SAM’s ability to report its results of operations and financial condition accurately and in a timely manner. At this time, Southern cannot predict whether its efforts to remediate the identified material weaknesses will be successful, and it is expected that some or all of these material weaknesses will continue to persist for an extended period of time”. We cannot be certain that we will successfully institute, in a timely or efficient manner or at all, our new ERP system or the improvements to our managerial, operational and financial systems and procedures necessary to support our anticipated increased levels of operations. Problems associated with, or disruptions resulting from, any improvement or expansion of our operational and financial systems could adversely affect our relationships with our customers, commercial partners and suppliers, inhibit our ability to expand or take advantage of market opportunities, cause harm to our reputation, result in errors in our financial and other reporting and affect our ability to maintain an effective internal control environment and meet our external reporting obligations, any of which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Legal and Regulatory Risks Related to SAM’s Business
Our business will be subject to a variety of extensive and evolving laws and regulations, which may result in increases in our costs, disruptions to our operations, limits on our operating flexibility, reductions in the demand for air travel and competitive disadvantages.
We are subject to a wide variety of laws and regulations relating to various aspects of our business, including employment and labor, health care, tax, data privacy and data security, safety and environmental issues. Laws and regulations at the foreign, federal, state and local levels frequently change, especially in relation to new and emerging industries, and we cannot always reasonably predict the impact from, or the ultimate cost of compliance with, current or future legal or regulatory changes. SAM will monitor these developments closely, and ensure that adequate resources are dedicated to compliance. Moreover, changes in law, the imposition of new or additional regulations or the enactment of any new or more stringent legislation that impacts our business could require us to change the way we operate or limit our ability to expand into certain jurisdictions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Surf Air and Southern’s operations are, and SAM’s operations will be, highly regulated by several U.S. government agencies, including the DOT, the FAA and the TSA. Requirements imposed by these regulators (and others) may restrict the ways we may conduct our business, as well as the operations of our third-party aircraft operator customers. Failure to comply with such requirements in the future may result in fines and other enforcement actions by the regulators. For example, the TSA is responsible for civil aviation security matters, including passenger and baggage screening at U.S. airports. If the TSA were to impose additional or more burdensome security requirements, demand for our services could decrease and/or the costs required to comply with these requirements could increase. In addition, the FAA can assess civil penalties or seek criminal sanctions for failure to comply with FAA regulations, as well as
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modify, suspend or revoke licenses granted to us for our operations. In the future, any new regulatory requirements, particularly requirements that limit our third-party aircraft operators’ ability to operate or new maintenance directives or mandatory orders related to airworthiness, could have a material adverse effect on us and the industry.
For example, on March 7, 2023, the TSA issued a new cybersecurity amendment on an emergency basis to the security programs of aircraft operators, consistent with the efforts of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to increase cybersecurity resilience of U.S. critical infrastructure. The emergency amendment requires operators in the aviation sector to develop approved implementation plans, and to assess the effectiveness of those measures, in addition to current regulatory requirements to report significant cybersecurity incidents to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, establish a cybersecurity point of contact, develop and adopt a cybersecurity incident response plan and complete a cybersecurity vulnerability assessment.
Other laws, regulations, taxes and airport rates and charges have also been imposed from time to time that significantly increase the cost of airline operations, reduce revenues or otherwise impact our business. The industry is heavily taxed. Additional taxes and fees, if implemented, could negatively impact our results of operations.
In addition to state and federal regulation, airports and municipalities enact rules and regulations that affect our operations. From time to time, various airports throughout the country have considered limiting the use of smaller aircraft, such as the aircraft used in our operations, at such airports. The imposition of any limits on the use of such aircraft at any airport at which we operate could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
Our results of operations and the manner in which we conduct business each may be affected by changes in law and future actions taken by governmental agencies, including:
• changes in law or regulation that affect the services that can be offered by us in particular markets or at particular airports, or the types of fares offered or fees that can be charged;
• changes in law or regulation that specifically address hybrid-electric, all-electric or alternative fuel aircraft that could delay our ability to deliver products, implement aircraft modifications or launch service;
• the adoption of new passenger security standards or regulations that impact customer processing or service;
• restrictions on airport operations, such as restrictions on the use of particular airports; and
• the adoption of new or increased aircraft noise restrictions.
Surf Air and Southern currently, and SAM will, receive, collect, store, process, transmit, share and use personal information, including passenger data, and rely in part on third parties that are not directly under our control to manage certain of these operations and to receive, collect, store, process, transmit, share, and use such personal information, including payment information. Each additional regulation or other form of expanded regulatory oversight increases costs, adds greater complexity to operations and, in some cases, may reduce the demand for air travel. There can be no assurance that the increased costs or greater complexity associated with compliance with new or expanded rules, anticipated rules or other forms of regulatory oversight will not have a material adverse effect on us. Failure to comply with data privacy laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, financial condition or results of operations, or have other adverse consequences.
We and other U.S. carriers are subject to U.S. and foreign laws regarding privacy of passenger and employee data that are not consistent in all countries in which we operate and which are continuously evolving, requiring ongoing monitoring and updates to our privacy and information security programs. Although we dedicate resources to manage compliance with data privacy obligations, this challenging regulatory environment may pose material risks to our business, including increased operational burdens and costs, regulatory enforcement, and legal claims or proceedings.
Even when we believe we are in complete compliance, a regulatory agency may determine that we are not. Failure to comply with legal and regulatory requirements, such as obtaining and maintaining licenses, certificates, authorizations and permits critical for the operation of our business, may result in civil penalties or private lawsuits, or the suspension or revocation of licenses, certificates, authorizations or permits, which would prevent us from operating all or significant portions of our business.
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We may be unable to obtain or maintain relevant regulatory approvals for the commercialization of our electrification of aircraft.
The development and commercialization of new hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains to be used in aircraft and the operation of an air mobility service requires multiple regulatory authorizations and certifications, including STCs, and an air carrier certificate issued by the FAA under Part 119 with Part 135 operations specifications. We are planning for FAA approval of our hybrid-electric and fully-electric Cessna Grand Caravan EX STCs to occur by the end of 2025, followed by the commercialization of the technology. While we anticipate being able to meet the requirements of such authorizations and certificates, we may be unable to obtain or maintain such authorizations and certifications, or to do so on the timeline we project. The failure to obtain any of the required authorizations or certificates, or do so in a timely manner, or if any of these authorizations or certificates are modified, suspended or revoked after we obtain them, may render us unable to develop our powertrains and implement our plans to install them in aircraft on the timelines we project, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
An STC will be issued by the FAA only if: (i) the pertinent technical data from the manufacturer has been examined and found satisfactory by the FAA; (ii) all necessary tests and compliance inspections have been completed; and (iii) the alteration has been found to conform with the technical data. There are a number of steps involved in obtaining an STC, including FAA application, preliminary type certification board (“TCB”) meetings, development of certification program plans, establishment of certification basis by the FAA, data submission, FAA design evaluation, interim type certification meetings, FAA conformity inspections, pre-flight TCB meeting, ground inspections, ground tests, flight tests, FAA review of in-flight test results, issuance of Type Inspection Authorization, FAA conformity inspections, witnessing of tests and performance of official certification flight tests, flight standards evaluations, functional and reliability testing, FAA approval of flight manual supplement or supplemental flight manual, and final TCB meeting and Aircraft Evaluation Group completion of continuing airworthiness determination. Failure to achieve any of these milestones in a timely manner will delay our ability to attain the requisite STCs on the expected timeline or could result in failure to obtain STC approval at all. Furthermore, the FAA may determine that the modification requested by the STC is so complex that a new (rather than supplemental) aircraft type certification process must be undertaken instead. The process to obtain a TC is typically longer, more complex and more capital intensive than the process to obtain an STC.
Our agreement with AeroTEC contemplates that it will apply for and obtain STCs for the hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains for Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft, and transfer the STCs to us. If the FAA issues AeroTEC such an STC, FAA consent will be required for AeroTEC to transfer the STC to us, and we will still be required to comply with certain requirements in order to maintain that regulatory approval, including obligations to: (i) report failures, malfunctions and defects; (ii) make the type certificate and underlying data available to FAA and National Transportation Safety Board upon request; (iii) make instructions for continued airworthiness available to aircraft owners and operators; (iv) make required design changes to address Airworthiness Directives issued by FAA and make them available to aircraft owners and operators; and (v) make flight manual supplements and supplemental flight manuals available with each alteration. Failure to continue to comply with these and other requirements may result in the suspension or revocation of the STC or other licenses, certificates, authorizations or permits required to operate our business.
We may be unable to comply with relevant regulations applicable to our on-demand business.
Surf Air provides a technology platform to match air passengers with seats on certified aircraft. Depending on how this platform and our business evolves, it is possible that, as a result of our on-demand services, the DOT may view us as operating as either an “air charter broker” and/or a “charter operator”. Each of these roles carries with it varying levels of regulatory obligations. To the extent applicable, failure to comply with the regulations applicable to each of these roles could result in the imposition of fines and/or civil penalties, and, in severe cases, the suspension or revocation of licenses, certificates, authorizations or permits, which would prevent us from operating all or a significant portion of our business.
Continued access to Essential Air Service revenue is of critical importance to Southern and SAM.
Southern has historically received EAS subsidies as compensation for providing essential air service to numerous small communities. Over the last decade, overall funding of the EAS program by the U.S. government has increased from $193 million in 2012 to $466.4 million in 2022, which includes an increase in Congressional appropriation from $143 million in 2012 to $350 million in 2022. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, EAS revenue was $10.0 million, or approximately 44% of Southern’s total revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2022, EAS revenue
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was $31.9 million, or approximately 40% of Southern’s total revenue. The total amount of EAS revenue ultimately received by us will be determined by, among other things, the number of subsidized flights flown by Southern, overall funding levels of the EAS program by the U.S. Congress (which could be reduced) and competitive bids for EAS revenue awards by other carriers (which could cause us to lose EAS revenue to competitors). The EAS program was initially intended to last ten years from 1978 but has been modified and extended in the years since. The EAS program may continue to be modified or changed or may be canceled in the future, or we may be unable to continue to participate successfully in the EAS program. Any such developments could materially adversely affect our business. EAS revenue awards generally have a term of two years, during which time, a carrier is paid a subsidy amount in accordance with the maximum allowances stipulated in the EAS revenue award and is paid monthly in arrears on a per-flight-completed basis. The DOT has the right to terminate a route for breach of contract or in exceptional circumstances. The DOT, which administers the EAS program, has the right to cancel EAS revenue rewards if it deems that the communities served by such arrangements are no longer eligible. There can be no assurance that current EAS legislation will remain unchanged, or that Congress will continue to provide funding for the EAS program at any particular level. A reduction of EAS revenue, a loss of EAS revenue awards either due to termination or failure to renew at the end of the two-year term or a change to or termination of the EAS program could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation.
We may fail to continue to meet the requirements necessary to operate our air services.
Regional airline services are currently regulated by both the DOT, which provides the economic authority to operate as an airline, and the FAA, which provides the safety authority. Southern currently holds a Commuter Air Carrier Authorization issued by the DOT under 14 C.F.R. Part 298 (“Part 298”) and an Air Carrier Certificate issued by the FAA under 14 C.F.R. Part 119 with Operations Specifications issued under 14 C.F.R. Part 135 (“Part 135”). The requirements of Part 298 and Part 135 are continuing in nature and Southern, as well as SAM going forward, must comply with them at all times, with a failure to meet any relevant requirements could subject us to possible penalties and/or certificate actions.
We must comply continuously with Fitness and Citizenship requirements administered by the DOT to perform scheduled air transportation.
Carriers like Southern must be found to be fit, willing, and able to perform the air transportation for which they are licensed by the DOT. This involves a DOT evaluation of the citizenship, competence and compliance disposition of the airline and its management as well as an evaluation of the financial viability of the carrier and its ability to carry out its operations without putting customers’ money at unnecessary risk. In connection with DOT review of the proposed Transactions, Southern is undergoing a continuing fitness review by the DOT keyed to these factors. The scope of the DOT review includes SAM. To the extent the DOT were to raise concerns about any of these matters, we may have to make adjustments to our operating team, management or ownership structure in order to address the concerns. A protracted failure to address any DOT concerns might result in the suspension or revocation of licenses, certificates, authorizations or permits, which would prevent us from operating our business.
Risks Related to SAM Operating as a Public Company
The obligations associated with being a public company will involve significant expenses and will require significant resources and management attention, which may divert from SAM’s business operations.
As a privately held company, Surf Air has not been required to comply with certain corporate governance and financial reporting practices and policies required of a publicly traded company. As a publicly traded company, SAM will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we were not required to incur in the recent past. In addition, new and changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as well as under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and the rules and regulations of the SEC and national securities exchanges have created uncertainty for public companies and will increase the costs and the time that the SAM Board and management must devote to complying with these rules and regulations. We expect these rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and lead to a diversion of management time and attention from revenue generating activities.
Furthermore, the need to establish the corporate infrastructure demanded of a public company may divert management’s attention from implementing our growth strategy, which could prevent us from improving our business, results of operations and financial condition. We have made, and will continue to make, changes to our
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internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and accounting systems to meet our reporting obligations as a publicly traded company. However, the measures we take may not be sufficient to satisfy our obligations as a publicly traded company.
Our management has no experience in operating a public company.
Our executive officers have no experience in the management of a publicly traded company. Our management team may not successfully or effectively manage our transition to being a public company that will be subject to significant regulatory oversight and reporting obligations under federal securities laws. Their lack of experience in dealing with the increasingly complex laws pertaining to public companies could be a significant disadvantage in that it is likely that an increasing amount of their time may be devoted to these activities which will result in less time being devoted to the management and growth of our business and operations. We may not have adequate personnel with the appropriate level of knowledge, experience and training in the accounting policies, practices or internal control over financial reporting required of public companies in the United States. We are in the process of upgrading our finance and accounting systems to an enterprise system suitable for a public company, and a delay could impact our ability or prevent it from timely reporting our results of operations, timely filing required reports with the SEC and complying with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (“Section 404”). The development and implementation of the standards and controls necessary for us to achieve the level of accounting standards required of a public company in the United States may require costs greater than expected. It is possible that we will be required to expand our employee base and hire additional employees to support our operations as a public company which will increase our operating costs in future periods.
If we fail to maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, our ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements or comply with applicable regulations could be impaired.
As a public company, we will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the rules and regulations of the applicable listing standards of the NYSE. The requirements of these rules and regulations have increased and may continue to increase our legal, accounting and financial compliance costs, have made some activities more difficult, time-consuming and costly and have placed significant strain on our personnel, systems and resources.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. In particular, as a result of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we are required to perform system and process evaluation and testing of our internal control over financial reporting to allow management to report on, and our independent registered public accounting firm potentially to attest to, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Any failure to maintain effective disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and could cause a decline in the trading price of our Common Stock.
As private companies, Surf Air and Southern have not endeavored to establish and maintain internal control over financial reporting meeting the standards required of public companies. Any failure to maintain internal control over financial reporting could severely inhibit SAM’s ability to accurately report its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. If SAM is unable to conclude that its internal control over financial reporting is effective as a result of a material weakness(es) in our internal control over financial reporting, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, the market price of our Common Stock could decline, and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the NYSE, the SEC or other regulatory authorities.
We are continuing to develop and refine our disclosure controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we will file with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed in reports under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our principal executive and financial officers. We are also continuing to improve our internal control over financial reporting. See the sections entitled “— Risks Related to Surf Air’s and Southern’s Business and Industry — Surf Air’s management has identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting. These material weaknesses could continue to adversely affect its, and, going forward, SAM’s ability to report its results of operations and financial condition accurately and in a timely manner. At this time, Surf Air cannot predict whether its efforts to remediate the identified material weaknesses will be successful, and it is expected that some or all of these material weaknesses will continue to persist for an extended period of time” and “— Risks Related to Surf Air’s and Southern’s Business and Industry — Southern’s
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management has identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting. These material weaknesses could continue to adversely affect its, and going forward, SAM’s ability to report its results of operations and financial condition accurately and in a timely manner. At this time, Southern cannot predict whether its efforts to remediate the identified material weaknesses will be successful, and it is expected that some or all of these material weaknesses will continue to persist for an extended period of time”. In order to develop, maintain and improve the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, we have expended, and anticipate that we will continue to expend, significant resources, including accounting-related and audit-related costs and significant management oversight.
The unaudited pro forma financial information included elsewhere in this prospectus may not be indicative of what SAM’s actual financial condition or results of operations would have been.
Surf Air and Southern currently operate as separate companies and have had no prior history as a combined entity, and Surf Air’s and Southern’s operations have not previously been managed on a combined basis. The unaudited pro forma financial information included in this prospectus is presented for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the future financial condition or results of operations of SAM. The unaudited pro forma financial information does not reflect future events that may occur after the completion of the Internal Reorganization and the Southern Acquisition, and does not consider potential impacts of future market conditions on revenues or expenses. In addition, the assumptions used in preparing the unaudited pro forma financial information may not prove to be accurate and other factors may affect Surf Air’s and Southern’s financial condition or results of operations in the future. Any potential decline in Surf Air’s and Southern’s financial condition or results of operations may cause significant variations in the stock price of SAM.
The unaudited pro forma financial information included in the sections entitled “Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information” and “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information” have been derived from Surf Air’s and Southern’s historical financial statements and certain adjustments and assumptions have been made regarding Surf Air and Southern after giving effect to the Internal Reorganization, Southern Acquisition and the other events noted elsewhere in this prospectus. There may be differences between the preliminary estimates in the pro forma financial information and the final acquisition accounting, which could result in material differences from the pro forma information presented in this prospectus in respect of the estimated financial condition and results of operations of Surf Air and Southern.
We may be subject to securities litigation, which is expensive and could divert management attention.
The market price of our Common Stock may be volatile and, in the past, companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Securities litigation against SAM could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention from other business concerns, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Delaware law and SAM’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws contain certain provisions, including anti-takeover provisions that limit the ability of stockholders to take certain actions and could delay or discourage takeover attempts that stockholders may consider favorable.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws, and the Delaware General Corporation Law (as amended, the “DGCL”) all contain provisions that could have the effect of rendering more difficult, delaying, or preventing an acquisition that stockholders may consider favorable, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares. These provisions could also limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our Common Stock, and therefore depress the trading price of our Common Stock. These provisions could also make it difficult for stockholders to take certain actions, including electing directors who are not nominated by the current members of SAM’s Board or taking other corporate actions, including effecting changes in our management. Among other things, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws include provisions:
• establishing a classified board of directors with staggered, three-year terms;
• authorizing SAM’s Board to issue shares of preferred stock, including “blank check” preferred stock and to determine the price and other terms of those shares, including preferences and voting rights, without stockholder approval, which could be used to significantly dilute the ownership of a hostile acquirer;
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• prohibiting cumulative voting in the election of directors, which limits the ability of minority stockholders to elect director candidates;
• limiting the liability of, and providing for the indemnification of, SAM’s directors and officers;
• authorizing SAM’s Board to amend the bylaws, which may allow SAM’s Board to take additional actions to prevent an unsolicited takeover and inhibit the ability of an acquirer to amend the bylaws to facilitate an unsolicited takeover attempt; and
• establishing advance notice procedures with which stockholders must comply to nominate candidates to SAM’s Board or to propose matters to be acted upon at a stockholders’ meeting, which could preclude stockholders from bringing matters before annual or special meetings of stockholders and delay changes in SAM’s Board and also may discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirer’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of SAM.
These provisions, alone or together, could delay or prevent hostile takeovers and changes in control or changes in SAM’s Board or management.
Our Amended and Restated Bylaws limits voting rights of certain foreign persons.
Our Amended and Restated Bylaws limits the total percentage of our voting interest held by persons who are not “citizens of the United States”, as defined in Section 40102 of Title 49 of the United States Code and administrative interpretations thereof issued by DOT (“Non-Citizens”), to no more than 25% of our total voting interest. In the event that Non-Citizens own (beneficially or of record) or have voting control over any shares of our capital stock, the voting rights of such persons will be subject to automatic suspension to the extent required to ensure that we are in compliance with applicable provisions of law and regulations.
The provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation requiring exclusive forum in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware for certain types of lawsuits may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, and unless SAM consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, in the event that the Chancery Court does not have jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware or other state courts of the State of Delaware) will be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of SAM, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer, other employee or stockholder of SAM to SAM or SAM’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Amended and Restated Bylaws (as either may be amended or restated) or as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine of the law of the State of Delaware. Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. However, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that federal district courts will be the sole and exclusive forum for claims under the Securities Act. Section 27 of the Exchange Act creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. As a result, the exclusive forum provision in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation will not apply to suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction.
These provisions may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against SAM’s directors and officers. The enforceability of similar choice of forum provisions in other companies’ certificates of incorporation has been challenged in legal proceedings, and it is possible that, in connection with any applicable action brought against SAM, a court could find the choice of forum provisions contained in the proposed certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in such action. In this regard, stockholders may not be deemed to have waived SAM’s compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder, including Section 22 of the Securities Act.
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Changes in laws or regulations, or a failure to comply with any laws and regulations, may adversely affect our business, including our results of operations.
Surf Air and Southern are, and going forward SAM will be, subject to laws and regulations enacted by national, regional and local governments. In particular, we will be required to comply with certain SEC and other legal requirements. Compliance with, and monitoring of, applicable laws and regulations may be difficult, time consuming and costly. Those laws and regulations and their interpretation and application may also change from time to time and those changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, investments and results of operations. In addition, a failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations, as interpreted and applied, could have a material adverse effect on our business, including our results of operations.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock
The price of Common Stock may be volatile.
The price of Common Stock, may fluctuate due to a variety of factors, including:
• changes in the industries in which we and our customers operate;
• developments involving our competitors;
• changes in laws and regulations affecting our business;
• variations in our operating performance and the performance of our competitors in general;
• actual or anticipated fluctuations in SAM’s quarterly or annual results of operations;
• publication of research reports by securities analysts about SAM or our competitors or our industry;
• the public’s reaction to SAM’s press releases, our other public announcements and our filings with the SEC;
• actions by stockholders, including the sale by the third-party investors of any of their shares of Common Stock;
• additions and departures of key personnel;
• commencement of, or involvement in, litigation involving the combined company;
• changes in our capital structure, such as future issuances of securities or the incurrence of additional debt;
• the volume of shares of Common Stock available for public sale; and
• general economic and political conditions, such as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, recessions, interest rates, local and national elections, fuel prices, international currency fluctuations, corruption, political instability and acts of war or terrorism.
These market and industry factors may materially reduce the market price of Common Stock regardless of our operating performance. Furthermore, an active trading market for SAM’s securities may never develop, or, if developed, may not be sustained. Holders of SAM’s securities may be unable to sell their securities unless a market can be established or sustained.
Surf Air shareholders will experience dilution as a consequence of the issuance of SAM Common Stock as consideration in the Southern Acquisition, as well as pursuant to the other transactions contemplated by this prospectus, and may experience dilution from several additional sources in connection with and after the listing.
The Southern Acquisition will occur immediately prior to the listing of our Common Stock. Listing of our Common Stock is subject to consummation of the Southern Acquisition. The consummation of the Southern Acquisition is subject to the effectiveness of the registration statement, the approval for listing of our Common Stock, the consummation of the Internal Reorganization, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The issuance of SAM Common Stock in the transactions set forth below will dilute the equity interests of stockholders and may adversely affect prevailing market prices for the SAM Common Stock. Surf Air shareholders may experience dilution from several sources to varying degrees in connection with and after the registration and listing, including in each of the following instances:
• in connection with Conversions as part of the Internal Reorganization.
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• in connection with the Southern Acquisition, Southern stockholders will be allocated a number of shares of SAM Common Stock representing the greater of (a) $81.25 million (based on the opening price per share of our Common Stock on the day of listing); or (b) 12.5% of the fully-diluted shares of Common Stock upon listing.
• 635,000 shares of SAM Common Stock are anticipated to be issued as the Tuscan Payment. This represents approximately % of the outstanding shares of SAM Common Stock following listing.
• the issuance of shares of our Common Stock pursuant to the SAFE Settlement. This represents approximately % of the outstanding shares of SAM Common Stock following listing.
• shares of our Common Stock to be paid to a SAM advisor to satisfy the Advisor Accrual.
• shares of SAM Common Stock are anticipated to be issued to GEM in connection with the initial GEM Issuance and the GEM Advances. This represents approximately % of the outstanding shares of SAM Common Stock following listing.
• % of the number of outstanding shares of SAM Common Stock as of immediately following the listing will be reserved for issuance pursuant to the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan.
• % of the number of outstanding shares of SAM Common Stock as of immediately following the listing will be reserved for issuance pursuant to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
In addition, SAM may issue shares of SAM Common Stock for the remainder of the undrawn amounts under the Share Subscription Facility. Because the purchase price per share for the shares of SAM Common Stock during the applicable period for each sale under the Share Subscription Facility, if any, will fluctuate based on the market prices of the SAM Common Stock at the time SAM elects to sell such shares, it is not possible for SAM to predict, as of the date of this prospectus and prior to any such sales, the number of shares of SAM Common Stock that SAM will sell pursuant to the Share Subscription Facility, the purchase price per share for such shares, or the aggregate gross proceeds that SAM will receive from such purchases. However, the sale of such shares may substantially dilute the ownership of SAM’s stockholders.
We do not intend to pay cash dividends for the foreseeable future.
The SAM Board currently intends to retain any future earnings to support operations and to finance the growth and development of SAM’s business and does not intend to pay cash dividends on our Common Stock for the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of SAM’s Board and will depend on its financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, restrictions contained in future agreements and financing instruments, business prospects and such other factors as SAM’s Board deems relevant.
If analysts do not publish research about our business or if they publish inaccurate or unfavorable research, SAM’s stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our Common Stock will depend in part on the research and reports that analysts publish about our business. We do not have any control over these analysts. If one or more of the analysts who cover SAM downgrade our Common Stock or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the price of our Common Stock would likely decline. If few analysts cover SAM, demand for Common Stock could decrease and our Common Stock price and trading volume may decline. Similar results may occur if one or more of these analysts stop covering SAM in the future or fail to publish reports on us regularly.
None of our stockholders are party to any contractual lock-up agreement or other contractual restrictions on transfer. Following our listing, sales of substantial amounts of our Common Stock in the public markets, or the perception that sales might occur, could cause the trading price of our Common Stock to decline.
In addition to the supply and demand and volatility factors discussed above, sales of a substantial number of shares of our Common Stock into the public market, particularly sales by our directors, executive officers, and principal stockholders, or the perception that these sales might occur in large quantities, could cause the trading price of our Common Stock to decline. None of our securityholders are subject to any contractual lock-up or other contractual restriction on the transfer or sale of their shares.
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Upon the listing of our Common Stock on the NYSE, approximately shares of our Common Stock may be immediately sold by the Registered Stockholders pursuant to this prospectus. In addition to the shares of Common Stock that may be immediately sold by the Registered Stockholders pursuant to this prospectus, approximately shares may be immediately sold by our other existing stockholders under Rule 144 since such shares held by such other stockholders will have been beneficially owned by non-affiliates for at least one year. Moreover, once we have been a reporting company subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act for 90 days and assuming the availability of certain public information about us, (i) non-affiliates who have beneficially owned our common stock for at least six months may rely on Rule 144 to sell their shares of common stock, and (ii) our directors, executive officers, and other affiliates who have beneficially owned our Common Stock for at least six months, including certain of the shares of our Common Stock covered by this prospectus to the extent not sold hereunder, will be entitled to sell their shares of our Common Stock subject to volume limitations under Rule 144.
In addition, we intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register all shares subject to outstanding stock options or reserved for future issuance under our equity compensation plans. As of March 31, 2023, Surf Air had options outstanding that, if fully exercised, would result in the issuance of shares of Common Stock based on the Conversion Ratio. As of March 31, 2023, Surf Air also had shares of Common Stock subject to RSU awards granted prior to March 31, 2023 for which the time-based vesting condition had not been satisfied as of such date. These shares will be able to be freely sold in the public market upon issuance, subject to applicable vesting requirements and compliance by affiliates with Rule 144.
Following the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, GEM will be entitled to rights with respect to the registration of shares purchased by them under the Share Subscription Facility, Tuscan will be entitled to rights with respect to the registration of shares issued to it in connection with the Tuscan Payment and the advisor receiving the Advisor Accrual will be entitled to rights with respect to the registration of such shares. Any registration statement we file to register additional shares, whether as a result of registration rights or otherwise, could cause the trading price of our Common Stock to decline or be volatile.
The United States Supreme Court’s decision in Slack Technologies, Inc. v. Pirani (No. 22-200) potentially makes it more difficult for shareholders to bring actions under Section 11 of the Securities Act. However, an adverse outcome in such litigation brought against us may still result in a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and/or financial condition.
Slack Technologies, Inc. (“Slack”), a technology company that offers an instant messaging platform for businesses and organizations, opted to go public through a direct listing on the New York Stock Exchange in June 2019. Beginning in September 2019, several purported class action lawsuits were filed against Slack, its directors, certain of its officers and certain investment funds associated with certain of its directors, each alleging violations of securities laws in connection with Slack’s registration statement on Form S-1 related to such direct listing (the “Slack Registration Statement”) filed with the SEC. One of those actions was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Case No. 19-cv-05857-SI. In 2021, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Pirani v. Slack Technologies, Inc. (No. 20-16419 (9th Cir. 2021)) affirmed the conclusion of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in 2020 that Pirani, who bought Slack common stock in its direct listing, had standing to bring claims under Sections 11 and 12(a)(2) of the Securities Act, despite the fact that he was unable to determine whether the shares he bought were registered under the Slack Registration Statement. In question was one of the longest standing precedents in federal securities law — that claimants must “trace” the shares they purchased to the allegedly defective registration statement and/or prospectus in order to pursue claims under Sections 11 and 12(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
In June 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court vacated the Ninth Circuit’s decision when it unanimously held that shareholders filing suit under Section 11 of the Securities Act must plead and prove that they purchased shares traceable to the allegedly defective registration statement, and remanded the case to the Ninth Circuit to decide whether Mr. Pirani’s pleadings could satisfy that standard. Because it found the Ninth Circuit’s Section 11 analysis flawed, the Supreme Court also vacated the Ninth Circuit’s judgment with respect to Pirani’s claim under Section 12(a)(2) of the Securities Act and remanded for reconsideration in the light of the Supreme Court’s holding about the meaning of Section 11. In doing so, the Supreme Court expressed no views about the proper interpretation of Section 12(a)(2) of the Securities Act, but cautioned that Section 11 and Section 12(a)(2) contain distinct language that warrants careful consideration.
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Because direct listings (and other offerings, such as follow-on offerings) typically involve a greater proportion of unregistered to registered shares in the public pool of listed shares, the tracing requirement is more pronounced in a typical direct listing as compared to a traditional firm commitment underwritten IPO where the majority of the unregistered shares of the issuer will be generally subject to a customary 180-day lock-up agreement with the underwriters. The Supreme Court’s holding that Section 11 liability attaches only to shares that are traceable to a specific registration statement likely forecloses the Ninth Circuit’s significant expansion of liability under Section 11, but the scope of Section 12(a)(2) of the Securities Act remains unclear. If a shareholder is nonetheless successful in bringing a Securities Act claim against us stemming from our direct listing, any adverse outcome in such litigation may have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and/or financial condition.
In making your investment decision, you should understand that we have not authorized any other party to provide you with information concerning us or this transaction.
You should carefully evaluate all of the information in this prospectus. We have in the past received, and may continue to receive, a high degree of media coverage, including coverage that is not directly attributable to statements made by our officers and employees, that incorrectly reports on statements made by our officers or employees or financial advisors or that is misleading as a result of omitting information provided by us, our officers or employees or financial advisors. We have not authorized any other party to provide you with information concerning us or this transaction.
Our business and financial performance may differ from any projections that we disclose or any information that may be attributed to us by third parties.
From time to time, we may provide guidance via public disclosures regarding our projected business or financial performance. However, any such projections involve risks, assumptions, and uncertainties, and our actual results could differ materially from such projections. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified in these risk factors, some or all of which are not predictable or within our control. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could adversely impact our performance, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any projections, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. In addition, various news sources, bloggers, and other publishers often make statements regarding our historical or projected business or financial performance, and you should not rely on any such information even if it is attributed directly or indirectly to us.
The trading price of our Common Stock, upon listing on the NYSE, may have little or no relationship to the historical sales prices of our capital stock in private transactions, and such private transactions have been limited.
Prior to the registration and listing of our Common Stock on the NYSE, there has been no public market for our capital stock. There has been limited trading of our capital stock historically in private transactions. In the section entitled “Sale Price History of our Capital Stock”, we have provided the historical sales prices of our non-voting Common Stock and voting common stock in private transactions. Given the limited history of sales, this information may have little or no relation to broader market demand for our Common Stock and thus the initial trading price of our Common Stock on the NYSE once trading begins. As a result, you should not place undue reliance on these historical sales prices as they may differ materially from the opening trading prices and subsequent trading prices of our Common Stock on the NYSE.
General Risk Factors
An overall decline in the health of the economy and other factors impacting consumer spending, such as recessionary conditions, governmental instability, inclement weather, and natural disasters, may affect consumer purchases, which could reduce demand for our products and harm our business, financial conditions, and results of operations.
Our business depends on consumer demand for our services and, consequently, is sensitive to a number of factors that influence consumer confidence and spending, such as general economic conditions, consumer disposable income, energy and fuel prices, recession and fears of recession, unemployment, minimum wages, availability of consumer credit, consumer debt levels, conditions in the housing market, interest rates, tax rates and policies, inflation, consumer confidence in future economic conditions and political conditions, war and fears of war, inclement weather, natural disasters, terrorism, uncertainty in the banking system, outbreak of viruses or widespread
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illness, and consumer perceptions of personal well-being and security. Unfavorable economic conditions may lead consumers forgo our services and consumer demand for our services may not grow as we expect. SAM believes perceived recessionary risks may impact its results of operation for 2023. For example, perceived recessionary risks may cause companies and individuals to reduce travel for either professional or personal reasons and drive higher prices in the supply chains Surf Air and Southern rely upon.
We are exposed to the impact of rising inflation rates, which could negatively affect our results of operations and our ability to invest and hold our cash.
The United States has recently experienced historically high levels of inflation. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic and associated decline in economic activity and increase in unemployment levels had a severe and prolonged effect on the global economy generally. A rapid economic expansion following the height of the pandemic resulted in significant inflationary pressures, which have increased our costs for aircraft fuel, wages and benefits and other goods and services we require to operate our business. Additionally, on February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation launched an invasion of Ukraine that has continued to escalate without any resolution of the invasion foreseeable in the near future, with the short and long-term impact on financial and business conditions worldwide remaining highly uncertain. The United States has been joined by other countries across the globe in imposing new and stricter sanctions against the Russian Federation in a manner that has resulted in higher energy prices and higher prices for raw materials and goods and services and disruptions to supply and distribution chains in a manner that has contributed to higher inflation.
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, a widely followed inflation gauge published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, increased by 4.9% from April 2022 to April 2023. The general effects of inflation on the global economy can be wide-ranging, evidenced by rising wages and rising costs of consumer goods and necessities. If the inflation rate continues to increase, this will result in, for example, increases in the cost of fuel, labor and other costs, which will adversely affect our expenses, such as employee compensation which accounts for a significant portion of our operating expenses.
Our fuel purchase, labor and airport operations contracts generally do not provide meaningful price protection against increases in costs. Our current policy is not to enter into transactions to hedge our fuel consumption, although we review this policy from time to time based on market conditions and other factors. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we did not have any fuel hedging contracts outstanding to hedge our fuel consumption. Additionally, we do not typically enter long-term labor agreements with our pilots or ground service personnel to fix our employee-related costs. Assuming we do not enter into any future transactions to hedge our fuel consumption, or otherwise fix our labor costs, we will continue to be fully exposed to fluctuations in prices of material operating costs.
The requirements of being a public company may strain SAM’s resources, divert management’s attention and affect our ability to attract and retain qualified board members.
As a public company, we will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and any rules promulgated thereunder, as well as the rules of the NYSE. The requirements of these rules and regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly and increase demand on our systems and resources. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that SAM maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control for financial reporting. In order to maintain and, if required, improve our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting to meet this standard, significant resources and management oversight are required, and, as a result, management’s attention may be diverted from other business concerns. These rules and regulations can also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified independent members of the SAM Board. As a public company, we expect to increase the coverage limits of our director and officer liability insurance from $2.5 million to in excess of $20 million, which will likely result in materially higher insurance premiums. The increased costs of compliance with public company reporting requirements and our potential failure to satisfy these requirements could have a material adverse effect on our operations, business, financial condition or results of operations.
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We are an emerging growth company and a smaller reporting company within the meaning of the Securities Act, and if we take advantage of certain exemptions from disclosure requirements available to emerging growth companies or smaller reporting companies, this could make our securities less attractive to investors and may make it more difficult to compare our performance with other public companies.
We are an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. As a result, our shareholders may not have access to certain information they may deem important. We could be an emerging growth company until December 31, 2028, although circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if the market value of our ordinary shares held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the end of any second quarter of a fiscal year, in which case we would no longer be an emerging growth company as of the end of such fiscal year and would become an accelerated filer. We cannot predict whether investors will find our securities less attractive because we will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result of our reliance on these exemptions, the trading prices of our securities may be lower than they otherwise would be, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and the trading prices of our securities may be more volatile.
Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. We have elected not to opt out of such extended transition period, which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, we, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make it difficult or impossible to compare our financial results with the financial results of another public company that is either not an emerging growth company or is an emerging growth company that has chosen not to take advantage of the extended transition period exemptions because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.
Additionally, we are a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K. Smaller reporting companies may take advantage of certain reduced disclosure obligations, including, among other things, providing only two years of audited financial statements. We will remain a smaller reporting company until the last day of the fiscal year in which (a) (1) the market value of our ordinary shares held by non-affiliates equals or exceeds $250 million as of the end of that year’s second fiscal quarter, and (2) our annual revenues equal or exceeded $100 million during such completed fiscal year or (b) the market value of our ordinary shares held by non-affiliates equals or exceeds $700 million as of the end of that year’s second fiscal quarter. To the extent we take advantage of such reduced disclosure obligations, it may also make comparison of our financial statements with other public companies difficult or impossible.
If our estimates or judgments relating to our critical accounting policies prove to be incorrect, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, as provided in the sections entitled “Surf Air’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” and “Southern’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates”. The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets, liabilities, and equity, and the amount of revenue and expenses. Significant estimates and judgments involve: valuation of our share-based compensation, fair value measurements of our debt and equity transactions; and income taxes. Our results of operations may be adversely affected if our assumptions change or if actual circumstances differ from those in our assumptions, which could cause our results of operations to fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, resulting in a decline in the market price of our Common Stock.
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We are entering a new era of flying.
Most people fly. Travel connects us to loved ones, helps us succeed in business, and allows us to explore and appreciate the world beyond our homes.
Flying can bring us so much joy, but too often the hassles and disruptions of today’s commercial air travel can hold us back. The world around us has also changed over the last few years. We’ve changed how we work, where we live, and how we value our time. Moreover, consumers are seeking more sustainable products as concern for our planet becomes increasingly top-of-mind.
These are the kinds of opportunities we like to solve. For nearly a decade, our companies have been committed to changing how airline travelers fly. In that period, we have saved them time, eliminated hassles, and have given over a million passengers a more delightful experience.
Today, we have an even bigger vision. Surf Air Mobility is seeking to build a regional air travel ecosystem to sustainably connect the world’s communities. We call this new era of electrified air travel “green flying”. We believe electrification is a game changer for our company and the wider ecosystem, and we believe we can get there first.
We have a practical plan to develop hybrid-electric technology utilizing state-of-the-art battery technology that exists today and leveraging the existing air service and experience of Surf Air and Southern with the goal of making flying more convenient, easier to manage, more affordable for the customer and profitable for the operator. All while targeting a reduction of the 1.2 billion metric tons of CO2 emissions (as of 2019) produced by the aviation industry annually.
Start with small planes on shorter regional routes.
We’re focusing on using electrification technology to upgrade existing turboprop aircraft. Upon consummation of our acquisition of Southern, we will be one of the largest passenger operators of turboprop planes flying on regional routes, and we believe we can be the first to benefit from electrified propulsion. This would give us a first-mover advantage and an understanding of what is needed to deploy green aviation at scale.
There are over 5,000 underutilized public-use airports in the U.S. alone. That’s a huge existing asset onto which we can layer a new kind of point-to-point regional flying with better connectivity between existing airports and that sets the stage to develop electrified propulsion for increasingly larger and longer range aircraft.
Lower operating costs of electrification will also provide a big incentive to change for the consumer and for the industry. Our first generation hybrid electric Cessna Caravans are targeted to reduce direct operating costs for operators by up to 25% and reduce CO2 emissions compared to traditional combustion models by up to 50%. We plan for those savings to only grow as we improve upon hybrid and fully-electric models in future generations.
The building blocks to make green flying a reality.
Our strength lies in assembling the team, operational scale, exclusive partnership agreements, and capital to make the next era of flying come to life.
Here’s a selection of what we’ve already accomplished:
• We’re incredibly proud and grateful for the team of multidisciplinary experts we’ve assembled, with prior leadership experience from Delta Air Lines, Fairchild Dornier, Flexjet, Lufthansa, Virgin America, and Wisk, and a talented group of advisors from Airbnb, Roku, SpaceX and more;
• Surf Air and Southern are combining to create the largest regional commuter air service in the U.S. and the largest passenger operator of the Cessna Caravan, one of the world’s most popular turboprop aircraft with over 20 million flights hours across multiple mission types and environments, and the first plane we plan to electrify;
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• We have entered into an exclusive relationship with one of the world’s largest and best known general aviation aircraft manufacturers, Textron Aviation Inc., that will support our efforts to develop hybrid electric and fully-electric Cessna Grand Caravan EX models, and to engage in joint marketing and sales efforts to distribute aircraft;
• We have an exclusive three-party agreement with AeroTEC and magniX, two leading aviation innovation companies, that will help us develop hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains and obtain Supplemental Type Certificates for them. Together, these companies have already demonstrated the ability to fly an all-electric Cessna Caravan;
• We have up to $850 million of capital commitments in the form of a sale-leaseback financing arrangement of up to $450 million with Jetstream Aviation Capital that, subject to the terms and conditions thereto, will fund the planned growth of SAM’s fleet and subject to, among other conditions, our successful listing, we have a share subscription facility from GEM for up to $400 million.
Powering the wider ecosystem.
In addition to operating our own green airline, we are looking to create a platform to empower others in the ecosystem to bring new products to market, from operators to aircraft manufacturers. We believe this will put us at the center of an industry-wide shift to green flying and support the successful expansion and development of electrified aircraft for everyone.
The wider, global opportunity is potentially very large: from helping operators find easy solutions to upgrade to electric propulsion and providing them with access to the capital and financing to do so, to aircraft manufacturers looking to electrify their own aircraft, to the data resources for fleet and route optimization, to tools that better maintain aircraft and measure performance, to pilot training and scheduling resources, and to the expansion of airport ground infrastructure.
We created Surf Air Mobility to catalyze the next generation of air travel.
We believe the future of regional air travel will soon be better for consumers, more profitable for operators, and vastly more sustainable. That’s a great thing for travelers, for the airline industry trying to decarbonize, and for the planet that needs immediate solutions. Electrification is poised to make regional air travel cleaner, more affordable, and accessible in more places for more people than ever before.
With nearly a decade of aviation innovation already behind us, we hope to advance the future of flight for the good of people and the planet and lead the industry’s transition as it enters into what’s likely to be its most transformative decade yet.
The best of aviation is yet to come. Let’s go.
Liam Fayed |
Sudhin Shahani |
Stan Little |
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Co-founder |
Co-founder |
Co-founder |
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Surf Air Mobility |
Surf Air Mobility |
Southern Airways |
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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this prospectus may be forward-looking statements. Statements regarding SAM’s future results of operations and financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “estimate”, “plan”, “project”, “forecast”, “intend”, “will”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “seek”, “target”, “designed to” or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends, although the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. SAM cautions readers of this prospectus that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond SAM’s control, that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding estimates and forecasts of financial and performance metrics, projections of market opportunity and market share, potential benefits and the commercial attractiveness to its customers of SAM’s products and services and the dependence on third-party partnerships in the development of hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains, the potential success of SAM’s marketing and expansion strategies. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this prospectus, and on the current expectations of Surf Air’s and Southern’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied upon by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including:
• SAM’s future ability to pay contractual obligations and liquidity will depend on operating performance, cash flow and ability to secure adequate financing;
• SAM’s limited operating history and that SAM has not yet manufactured any hybrid-electric or fully-electric aircraft;
• the powertrain technology SAM plans to develop does not yet exist;
• the inability to maintain and strengthen Surf Air’s brand and its reputation as a regional airline;
• any accidents or incidents involving hybrid-electric or fully-electric aircraft;
• the inability to accurately forecast demand for products and manage product inventory in an effective and efficient manner;
• the dependence on third-party partners and suppliers for the components and collaboration in SAM’s development of hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains, and any interruptions, disagreements or delays with those partners and suppliers;
• the inability to execute business objectives and growth strategies successfully or sustain SAM’s growth;
• the inability of SAM’s customers to pay for SAM’s services;
• the inability of SAM to obtain additional financing or access the capital markets to fund its ongoing operations on acceptable terms and conditions;
• the outcome of any legal proceedings that might be instituted against Surf Air, Southern or SAM;
• changes in applicable laws or regulations, and the impact of the regulatory environment and complexities with compliance related to such environment; and
• other risks and uncertainties indicated in this prospectus, including those indicated under the section entitled “Risk Factors”.
You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this prospectus.
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All forward-looking statements included herein attributable to any of SAM, Surf Air, Southern or any person acting on any party’s behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Except to the extent required by applicable laws and regulations, Surf Air and Southern undertake no obligations to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
There may be events in the future that SAM, Surf Air and Southern are not able to predict accurately or over which they have no control. The section in this prospectus entitled “Risk Factors”, “Surf Air’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, “Southern’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the other cautionary language discussed in this prospectus provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations described by SAM in such forward-looking statements.
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This prospectus includes industry position and industry data and estimates that have been obtained or derived from independent consultant reports, publicly available information, various industry publications and other industry sources. Some data are also based on good faith estimates, which are derived from internal company analyses or review of internal company reports as well as the independent sources referred to above. Although we believe that the information on which these estimates of industry position and industry data are based are generally reliable, the accuracy and completeness of this information is not guaranteed and they have not independently verified any of the data from third-party sources nor have they ascertained the underlying economic assumptions relied upon therein. Our internal company reports have not been verified by any independent source. Statements as to industry position are based on market data currently available. While we are not aware of any misstatements regarding the industry data presented herein, these estimates involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in this prospectus. Among other items, certain of the market research included in this prospectus was published prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 and did not anticipate the pandemic or the impact it has had on our industry. We have utilized this pre-pandemic market research in the absence of updated sources. These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in these publications and reports.
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The payment of cash dividends in the future will be dependent upon SAM’s revenue and earnings, if any, capital requirements and general financial condition. The SAM Board currently intends to retain any future earnings to support operations and to finance the growth and development of SAM’s business and does not intend to pay cash dividends on its Common Stock for the foreseeable future. The payment of any cash dividends will be within the discretion of the SAM Board.
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Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “the Company” or “Surf Air” are to the current business and operations of Surf Air Global Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries, references to “Southern” are to the current business and operations of Southern Airways Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries and references to “we”, “us”, “our” or “SAM” in this section are to the proposed business and operations of SAM and its consolidated subsidiaries following the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and listing. The Southern Acquisition will occur immediately prior to the listing of our Common Stock. Listing of our Common Stock is subject to the consummation of the Southern Acquisition. The consummation of the Southern Acquisition is subject to the effectiveness of the registration statement, the approval for listing of our Common Stock, the consummation of the Internal Reorganization, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
The Internal Reorganization
As of , 2023, Surf Air had the following issued and outstanding:
• ordinary shares, par value $0.001 (“Ordinary Shares”);
• Founder Preferred Shares, Class A-1 Preferred Shares, Class A-2 Preferred Shares, Class A-3 Preferred Shares, Class A-4 Preferred Shares, Class A-5 Preferred Shares, Class B-1 Preferred Shares, Class B-2 Preferred Shares, Class B-3 Preferred Shares, Class B-4 Preferred Shares, Class B-5 Preferred Shares, Class B-6a Preferred Shares, and Class B-6s Preferred Shares (together, the “Surf Air Preferred Shares”);
• warrants to purchase up to Class B-2 Preferred Shares at an exercise price of $1.7068 (collectively, the “Class B-2 Preferred Warrants”), warrants to purchase up to Class B-3 Preferred Shares at an exercise price of $1.7068 (collectively, the “Class B-3 Preferred Warrants”), warrants to purchase up to Class B-4 Preferred Shares at an exercise price of $1.7068 (collectively, the “Class B-4 Preferred Warrants”) and warrants to purchase up to Ordinary Shares (collectively, the “Ordinary Warrants” and, together with the Class B-2 Preferred Warrants, the Class B-3 Preferred Warrants and the Class B-4 Preferred Warrants, the “Surf Air Warrants”);
• approximately $ million (in principal and interest) of 22% convertible notes due May 2023 and approximately $ million (in principal and interest) of 6.25% convertible notes due May 2023 (the “Surf Air Convertible Notes”);
• shares of Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of stock options outstanding pursuant to the Surf Air Global Limited 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”), with a weighted average exercise price of $ per share (the “Surf Air Options”); and
• shares of Ordinary Shares issuable (i) in connection with restricted share units, (ii) in connection with restricted share purchase agreements, and (iii) in connection with the vesting and settlement of restricted share grant agreements, in each case pursuant to the 2016 Plan (the “Surf Air RSU awards”).
Immediately prior to the effectiveness of this registration statement and in connection with the Internal Reorganization, Surf Air will effect the following transactions (the “Conversions”):
• all Surf Air Preferred Shares will convert into Ordinary Shares in accordance with their terms;
• all Surf Air Warrants that will not expire or be canceled as a result of the Internal Reorganization will be canceled and extinguished (to the extent not exercised) for the right to receive a number of shares equal to the number of Ordinary Shares that would be issued assuming (i) the net exercise of the applicable Surf Air Warrant and (ii) the conversion of the Surf Air Preferred Stock;
• all Surf Air Convertible Notes that will not expire or be canceled as a result of the Internal Reorganization will be canceled and extinguished (to the extent not converted) for the right to receive a number of shares equal to the number of Ordinary Shares that would be issued assuming the conversion of the applicable Surf Air Convertible Note;
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• each Ordinary Share (including all ordinary shares issued or issuable upon the foregoing conversions) outstanding as of immediately prior to the closing of the Internal Reorganization will be canceled in exchange for shares of our Common Stock based on the Conversion Ratio (with any vesting conditions applicable to such Ordinary Shares to apply to such shares of our Common Stock);
• each Surf Air Option will be automatically converted into an option to acquire a number of shares of Common Stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) based on the Conversion Ratio at a per share exercise price for shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of such converted option equal to the exercise price per Ordinary Share applicable to the Surf Air Option immediately prior to the Internal Reorganization (rounded up to the nearest whole cent) divided by the Conversion Ratio. Such converted option will otherwise be on substantially the same terms and conditions as the corresponding Surf Air Option; and
• each Surf Air RSU award will be automatically converted into an award with respect to a number of shares of our Common Stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) based on the Conversion Ratio that will be subject to the same vesting and other terms as the corresponding Surf Air RSU award (with all such RSUs that are then outstanding to become vested upon the listing of our Common Stock).
Immediately prior to the effectiveness of this registration statement, SAM will effect the Internal Reorganization, whereby a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM will be merged with and into Surf Air, after which Surf Air will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM.
The shares of Common Stock to be attributed to Surf Air shareholders as a result of the Internal Reorganization are expected to represent approximately % of the total outstanding shares of Common Stock, based on shares outstanding as of , 2023.
Dissenters’ Rights Under BVI Law
Under Section 179 of the BVI Business Companies Act, 2004 As Revised, holders of Surf Air ordinary shares will have the right to dissent from the Internal Reorganization. Assuming that the Internal Reorganization is approved by way of written consent of the members without a meeting, Surf Air must give notice to any Surf Air shareholder who did not vote in favor of the Internal Reorganization within 20 days of the date of effective date of the written consent approving the Internal Reorganization. Within 20 days following the date of receipt of that notice, the dissenting shareholder must give notice to Surf Air of their election to dissent, which notice must include: (a) the shareholder’s name and address; (b) the number and class of shares in respect of which they dissent (which must be all of the shares that the shareholder holds in Surf Air); and (c) a demand for payment of the fair value of the shares. Once such notice has been given to Surf Air, the dissenting shareholder ceases to have any rights as a shareholder of Surf Air except for the right to be paid the fair value of their shares.
Within seven days of the expiration of the 20-day period in which a Surf Air shareholder may serve notice of dissent (or seven days following the Internal Reorganization, whichever is the later), Surf Air shall make a written offer to each dissenting shareholder to purchase their shares at a specified price that Surf Air determines to be their fair value. If, within 30 days of the date on which that offer is made, Surf Air and the dissenting shareholder agree upon the price to be paid for the shares, Surf Air shall pay that amount to the shareholder upon the surrender of the certificates representing their shares.
If agreement on the price to be paid for the shares cannot be reached, within 20 days of the expiration of the 30-day period referred to above the following procedure shall be followed:
a) Surf Air and the dissenting shareholder shall each designate an appraiser;
b) the two designated appraisers together shall designate an appraiser;
c) the three appraisers shall fix the fair value of the shares owned by the dissenting shareholder as of the close of business on the day prior to the date on which the Internal Reorganization was approved, excluding any appreciation or depreciation directly or indirectly induced by the Internal Reorganization or its proposal, and that value is binding on Surf Air and the dissenting shareholder for all purposes; and
d) Surf Air shall pay to the dissenting shareholder that amount in money, upon the surrender of the certificates representing their shares.
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SAFEs
On May 17, 2022 and June 30, 2022 the Company entered into SAFEs with LamVen LLC, Broader Media Holdings, LLC, Park Lane Investments, LLC, Partners for Growth V, L.P. and Palantir Technologies, Inc. for an aggregate amount of approximately $49 million (of which approximately $15 million was funded through the cancellation of obligations owing by the Company to a counterparty, approximately $19 million was funded through in-kind services and approximately $15 million was funded in cash). Two additional SAFEs were entered into with individual private investors on September 12, 2022 and January 31, 2023. LamVen LLC, Broader Media Holdings, LLC, Park Lane Investments, LLC, Partners for Growth V, L.P., Palantir Technologies, Inc. and two private investors, are, together, the “SAFE holders”. The SAFEs provide, among other things, for the conversion of such SAFEs into shares of Ordinary Shares in connection with a public listing. In connection with the Internal Reorganization, Surf Air intends to enter into amendments with the SAFE holders whereby upon listing and pursuant to the SAFE Settlement, SAFE holders will receive shares of our Common Stock based on a conversion price equal to 65% of the initial listing price.
The shares of Common Stock to be attributed to the SAFE holders as a result of the SAFE Settlement are expected to represent approximately % of the total outstanding shares of Common Stock, based on shares outstanding as of , 2023.
Southern Acquisition
Immediately prior to the listing and subject to consummation of the Internal Reorganization, SAM will effect the Southern Acquisition, whereby a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM will be merged with and into Southern, after which Southern will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM. Pursuant to the Southern Acquisition, Southern stockholders will receive the right to receive a number of shares of our Common Stock equal to the greater of (a) $81.25 million (based on the opening price per share of our Common Stock on the day of listing); or (b) 12.5% of the fully-diluted shares of our Common Stock upon listing and prior to the issuance of the Tuscan Payment, the SAFE Settlement, the Advisor Accrual, the initial GEM Issuance and the GEM Advances.
The shares of Common Stock to be attributed to Southern stockholders as a result of the Southern Acquisition are expected to represent approximately % of the total outstanding shares of Common Stock, based on shares outstanding as of , 2023.
Following the Internal Reorganization and Southern Acquisition, (i) Surf Air and Southern will be wholly-owned subsidiaries of SAM, (ii) the security holders of Surf Air (including the SAFE holders) and Southern will be security holders of SAM, and (iii) SAM will own directly or indirectly all of the equity securities, assets, business and operations of each of Surf Air and Southern. SAM will be the publicly traded company. The Southern Acquisition will occur immediately prior to the listing of our Common Stock. Listing of our Common Stock is subject to consummation of the Southern Acquisition. The consummation of the Southern Acquisition is subject to the effectiveness of the registration statement, the approval for listing of our Common Stock, the consummation of the Internal Reorganization, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
In connection with the Southern Acquisition, SAM will deposit shares of our Common Stock into an account serviced by the transfer agent on the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Upon consummation of the Southern Acquisition, SAM shall instruct the transfer agent to release such shares to Southern stockholders. In the event that the number of shares held in the account is less than the number of shares constituting the Southern Merger Consideration, SAM will issue such additional number of shares, based on the opening trading price, to Southern stockholders to satisfy the Southern Merger Consideration. In the event that the number of shares held in the account is greater than the number of shares constituting the Southern Merger Acquisition, the transfer agent will return any excess shares to SAM.
Dissenters’ Rights
Under the DGCL, with certain exceptions, Southern stockholders have appraisal rights in connection with the Southern Acquisition. Pursuant to Section 262 of the DGCL, stockholders who properly demand and perfect appraisal rights in connection with the Southern Acquisition will have the right to receive payment of the fair value of their shares as determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery.
The Southern Acquisition Agreement provides that any shares of Southern capital stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (as therein defined) and with respect to which the holder thereof has properly demanded
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appraisal rights in accordance with Section 262 of the DGCL and who has otherwise not effectively withdrawn or lost such holder’s appraisal rights under the DGCL (the “Dissenting Shares”) shall not be converted into or represent a right to receive the applicable consideration under the Southern Acquisition Agreement, but the holder thereof shall only be entitled to such rights as are provided by the DGCL.
If any holder of Dissenting Shares withdraws or loses such holder’s appraisal rights under the DGCL, then, as of the later of the Effective Time (as therein defined) and the occurrence of such event, such holder’s shares shall automatically be converted into and represent only the right to receive the applicable consideration under the Southern Acquisition Agreement, without interest thereon, upon surrender of the certificate representing such shares.
To the extent that Southern makes, prior to closing of the Merger (as defined in the Southern Acquisition Agreement), any payment or payments in respect of any Dissenting Shares in excess of the value of consideration that otherwise would have been payable in respect of such shares in accordance with the Southern Acquisition Agreement (the “Dissenting Share Payments”), SAM and the Company shall be entitled to deduct the amount of such Dissenting Share Payments from the Aggregate Merger Consideration (as defined therein).
Background of the Southern Acquisition
This chronology does not purport to catalogue every correspondence among representatives of Surf Air and Southern or other target companies.
Beginning in late 2020, Surf Air determined to explore strategic opportunities including a business combination transaction with a special purpose acquisition company (a “SPAC”) for the purpose of raising additional capital to execute its business plan and access public equity markets. During the period commencing in December 2020 until late 2021, Surf Air met with approximately 30 to 40 different SPACs. During this time, Surf Air entered into non-binding letters of intent with four different SPACs. However, Surf Air ultimately did not proceed with any of the potential business combinations as Surf Air did not reach agreements that secured the capital necessary to fund its business plan on terms acceptable to it. In April 2022, Surf Air began discussing the possibility of a business combination with Tuscan and, after multiple meetings, entered into a letter of intent on April 22, 2022. From late April through mid-May 2022, O’Melveny & Myers LLP, counsel to Surf Air (“OMM”), negotiated and exchanged drafts of a business combination agreement and various ancillary agreements with Graubard Miller, counsel to Tuscan. On May 17, 2022, Surf Air entered into a business combination agreement with Tuscan pursuant to which Tuscan and Surf Air would merge into newly formed subsidiaries of SAM (the “Tuscan Business Combination”). The consideration to be initially paid at the closing of the Tuscan Business Combination was valued at $850 million and certain additional consideration, scaling up to $1.42 billion, would have been received upon the achievement of certain milestones. Effective as of November 14, 2022, Tuscan and Surf Air mutually agreed to terminate the Tuscan Business Combination and Surf Air decided to proceed with the listing.
During 2020, Surf Air was in discussions with various aircraft OEMs regarding the electrification of their airframes and had determined to pursue electrification of the Cessna Caravan.
Surf Air also explored the possibility of certain other acquisitions consistent with its strategic objective of providing electrified aircraft for regional air travel. Surf Air had substantive discussions with a regional airline (“Airline A”) regarding a potential acquisition. On October 28, 2019, Surf Air and Airline A entered into non-binding term sheet to serve as the basis for continuing discussion between Surf Air and Airline A, but ultimately did not proceed with this acquisition as Surf Air determined that other target companies operated aircraft fleets that would allow Surf Air to more effectively build out its electrification technology. Additionally, in 2020, Surf Air had substantive discussions with a second regional airline (“Airline B”) regarding a potential acquisition. Surf Air decided to continue looking for other strategic acquisition opportunities.
In March 2020, Sudhin Shahani, Surf Air’s Chief Executive Officer, had an introductory phone call with R. Stanley Little, Southern’s Chief Executive Officer, to explore the possibility of working together.
On April 15, 2020, Surf Air and Southern entered into a mutual non-disclosure agreement. From April 25 to April 27, 2020, Mr. Little met with representatives of Surf Air, including Mr. Shahani, Liam Fayed, an officer of Surf Air, Bill Woodward, a Surf Air investor, and Ed Mady, a member of the Surf Air board, to discuss the terms of a potential acquisition of Southern. On April 27, 2020, Surf Air and Southern entered into a non-binding letter of intent which provided for the acquisition of Southern at a purchase price of $50 million consisting of shares of Surf Air stock
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as determined by the IPO listing price-per-share, which was subsequently amended on May 20, 2020 to revise the non-solicit provision. Surf Air and Southern determined the purchase price of $50 million based on Southern’s revenue in 2019, as well as based on a multiple of Southern’s projected 2020 revenue.
From June 7 to June 10, 2020, Mr. Little, Mr. Shahani, Mark Rimer, a member of the Southern board, Mr. Fayed and Mr. Woodward met to discuss the revised terms of the proposed acquisition. Over the next several months the parties met to negotiate and draft definitive documents for the Southern Acquisition.
At the same time that Surf Air was having discussions with Southern, it held discussions with Ampaire Inc. (“Ampaire”), a company developing hybrid electric technology for aircraft. On February 14, 2021, Surf Air, SAM, Surf Air Inc., and Ampaire Merger Sub Inc. a Delaware corporation, entered into an Acquisition Agreement pursuant to which Ampaire would be acquired by SAM and become a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM. Ultimately, Surf Air abandoned this acquisition due to a shift in strategies regarding the electrification technology being pursued by Ampaire.
On March 17, 2021, Surf Air, SAM, Surf Air Inc., SAC Merger Sub, and Southern entered into the Southern Acquisition Agreement, pursuant to which the parties thereto intend to effect a merger of SAC Merger Sub with and into Southern, with Southern continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM.
On August 22, 2021, the parties to the Southern Acquisition Agreement entered into an amendment to the Southern Acquisition Agreement, which among other things, amended the merger consideration, eliminated the cash provision, established obligations by Southern and Surf Air Inc. regarding payment of certain expenses, amended termination provisions, and extended the outside date for completion of the Southern Agreement to December 31, 2021. The merger consideration was amended to consist of (a) freely-tradable shares of SAM Common Stock representing 6.25% of shares of SAM Common Stock and (b) 6.25% of any additional consideration that could be paid to Surf Air’s members pursuant to any contingent payment provisions in a business combination with a SPAC, but in no event would such total consideration have a value at closing of the Merger (as defined in the Southern Acquisition Agreement) of less than 6.25% of $800 million. The parties determined that the change in methodology for the consideration would preserve at least $50 million of consideration for Southern stockholders while also allowing them to benefit from additional positive value if the overall transaction (including a merger with a SPAC) had a value greater than $800 million.
From late April through mid-May 2022, OMM negotiated and exchanged drafts of a second amendment to the Southern Acquisition Agreement with Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, counsel to Southern. On May 17, 2022, the parties to the Southern Acquisition Agreement entered into the second amendment to the Southern Acquisition Agreement, which among other things, added reference to the composition of the SAM board of directors following the closing of the Tuscan Business Combination, amended the merger consideration, amended termination provisions, and extended the outside date for the completion of the Southern Acquisition to November 17, 2022. The merger consideration was changed so that it would equal a number of shares of SAM Common Stock representing the greater of (a) the number of shares having a value equal to $81.25 million based upon the value of the Tuscan Business Combination and (b) 12.5% of the fully-diluted shares of SAM Common Stock following the consummation of the Tuscan Business Combination. The increase in the value of the consideration payable in the Southern Acquisition was negotiated to account for the revenue growth of Southern’s business from the period of the original Southern Acquisition Agreement to the date of the second amendment. In addition, the second amendment provided the right of management to receive a certain number of SAM Common Stock if certain conditions were met.
On November 11, 2022, the parties to the Southern Acquisition Agreement entered into a third amendment to the Southern Acquisition Agreement, which among other things, amended the definition of merger consideration to account for the listing, extended the outside date for the completion of the Southern Acquisition to April 30, 2023, and established that the closing of the Merger (as defined in the Southern Acquisition Agreement) would take place concurrently with the listing.
On May 25, 2023, the parties to the Southern Acquisition Agreement entered into a fourth amendment to extend the outside date for the completion of the Southern Acquisition Agreement to July 31, 2023.
Reasons for the Southern Acquisition
Surf Air’s management and Surf Air’s board of directors (the “Surf Air Board”) periodically explore potential strategic acquisitions of businesses and strategic partnerships to expand its capabilities and market opportunities. Based on that review Surf Air’s management and the Surf Air Board have determined that the Southern Acquisition will create value for Surf Air and its business and will create stockholder value for SAM stockholders following listing.
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The Surf Air Board considered a number of different factors pertaining to the proposed Southern Acquisition as generally supporting its decision to enter into the Southern Acquisition. In light of the number and wide variety of factors, the Surf Air Board did not consider it practicable to, and did not attempt to, quantify or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors it considered in reaching its determination. The Surf Air Board viewed its position as being based on all of the information available and the factors presented to and considered by it. In addition, for any given factor individual directors may have assigned different weights.
In considering the Southern Acquisition, the Surf Air Board gave considerable weight to the following factors:
• Performance and Growth Potential. Southern has a demonstrated history of revenue and revenue growth. Southern has a robust set of EAS routes contracted with the DOT and has built a pilot development pipeline that helps to manage national pilot shortage issues. In addition, the Surf Air Board believes that Southern’s operating expertise, depth of knowledge and data with respect to the Cessna Caravan, and pilot development programs will accelerate SAM’s network expansion plans and development of STCs for airframes with hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains.
• Geographic Coverage. Southern is the largest commuter airline in the United States and the largest passenger operator of Cessna Caravans in the United States by scheduled departures. Southern operates an extensive network of routes across the Mid-Atlantic, Gulf South, Midwest, Rocky Mountains, West Coast, New England and Hawaii. As of March 31, 2023, Southern served 40 U.S. cities across six U.S. time zones and in the Mariana Islands. Southern ceased serving the Mariana Islands as of April 1, 2023.
• Experienced Management Team. Southern has an experienced management team with the right skill set and focus to enable SAM to execute on its business plan. For instance, Southern operates inter-island flight operations in Hawaii under the Mokulele airlines brand, which is the largest inter-island commuter airline by cities flown out of in Hawaii. Mokulele exemplifies Southern’s history of successfully acquiring and integrating smaller regional flight operators.
• Negotiated Transaction. The Surf Air Board considered the terms and conditions of the Southern Acquisition Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.
The Surf Air Board also considered a variety of uncertainties, risks and other potentially negative factors concerning the Southern Acquisition, including:
• Failure to Achieve Benefits. The risk that the potential benefits of the Southern Acquisition may not be fully achieved, or may not be achieved within the expected timeframe.
• Closing Conditions. The fact that completion of the Southern Acquisition is conditioned on the satisfaction of certain closing conditions not within Surf Air’s or SAM’s control.
• Dilution. The risk of the dilutive impact to Surf Air’s shareholders following the Southern Acquisition.
• Industry Risks. The risks associated with the air travel industry, including legal, regulatory and financial changes that may negatively impact airline companies.
• General Risks. The risks of general economic conditions and COVID-19 related impacts on SAM’s business.
• Personnel Risks. The risks of retaining management talent. Key personnel are vital and competition for such personnel is significant. The loss of key personnel at Southern could be detrimental to SAM’s operations.
• Expenses. The risks of the significant fees and expenses associated with completing the Southern Acquisition, and the substantial time and effort of management required to complete the Southern Acquisition.
The Surf Air Board concluded that the potential benefits it expected Surf Air, SAM and its stockholders to achieve as a result of the Southern Acquisition outweighed the potentially negative factors associated with Southern Acquisition. Accordingly, the Surf Air Board determined that the Southern Acquisition is fair to and in the best interests of Surf Air and its shareholders.
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The following table sets forth our cash and our capitalization as of March 31, 2023:
• on an actual basis of Surf Air; and
• on a pro forma basis to reflect the following transactions, as if such transactions had occurred on March 31, 2023 (i) the Internal Reorganization (including the Conversions) and the Southern Acquisition; (ii) the Tuscan Payment; (iii) the SAFE Settlement; (iv) the Advisor Accrual; (iv) the Initial GEM Issuance and the GEM Advance; and (v) other adjustments as described in the section entitled “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information”. You should read the information set forth below in conjunction with the sections entitled “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information”, “Surf Air’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, “Southern’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Surf Air’s and Southern’s financial statements and related notes.
(in thousands, except share and per share data) |
As of March 31, 2023 |
|||||||
Actual |
Pro Forma(1) |
|||||||
Cash(2) |
$ |
241 |
|
$ |
93,847 |
|
||
Debt: |
|
|
|
|
||||
SAFE notes at fair value, current |
|
182 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Convertible notes at fair value, current |
|
17,378 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Finance lease liability, current |
|
— |
|
|
142 |
|
||
Current maturities of long-term debt |
|
— |
|
|
2,030 |
|
||
Current portion due to related parties |
|
14,106 |
|
|
21,648 |
|
||
Convertible notes at fair value, long term |
|
13,601 |
|
|
— |
|
||
SAFE notes at fair value, long term |
|
30,329 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Finance lease liability, long term |
|
— |
|
|
1,786 |
|
||
Long-term debt, net of current maturities |
|
— |
|
|
20,747 |
|
||
Due to related parties, net of current portion |
|
— |
|
|
5,644 |
|
||
Total debt |
|
75,596 |
|
|
51,997 |
|
||
Redeemable convertible preferred share, $0.001 par value, 229,144,283 shares issued and outstanding actual and no shares issued and outstanding pro forma |
$ |
130,667 |
|
$ |
— |
|
||
Stockholders’ deficit: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Class B-6s redeemable convertible preferred shares, $0.001 par value, 71,478,742 shares issued and outstanding actual and no shares issued and outstanding pro forma |
|
3,414 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Ordinary shares, $0.001 par value, 279,720,332 shares issued and outstanding and no shares issued and outstanding pro forma |
|
279 |
|
|
— |
|
||
SAM Common Stock, $0.0001 par value, no shares issued and outstanding actual and 46,839,818 shares issued and outstanding pro forma |
|
— |
|
|
5 |
|
||
Additional paid-in capital |
|
127,202 |
|
|
611,656 |
|
||
Accumulated deficit |
|
(372,412 |
) |
|
(431,092 |
) |
||
Noncontrolling interests |
|
|
|
|
(878 |
) |
||
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) |
|
(241,517 |
) |
|
179,691 |
|
||
Total capitalization |
$ |
(35,254 |
) |
$ |
231,688 |
|
____________
(1) The unaudited pro forma column in the table above is based on the number of shares of our Common Stock that would have been outstanding as of March 31, 2023 and excludes 1,736,141 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2023, pursuant to the 2016 Plan, with a weighted average exercise price of $0.16 per share.
(2) Following the Southern Acquisition and the completion of the listing of our Common Stock, SAM intends to request the full amount of the GEM Advances when they become available in 2023 to augment its capital resources to address its capital needs. However, SAM will be unable to request any of the GEM Advances until a resale registration statement covering the shares to be sold to GEM in accordance with the terms of the Share Subscription Facility has been declared effective.
85
SURF AIR’S MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
References in this section to the “Company”, “Surf Air”, “we” or “our” refer to Surf Air Global Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries, which includes SAM. Unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts are set forth in thousands, except share and per share data.
The following discussion and analysis is intended to help the reader understand Surf Air’s results of operations and financial condition. This discussion and analysis is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, the section entitled “Summary Consolidated Financial Information and Other Data” and Surf Air’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this prospectus, including information with respect to Surf Air’s plans and strategy for Surf Air’s business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Surf Air’s actual results may differ materially from management’s expectations as a result of various factors, including but not limited to those discussed in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements”.
Overview of the Surf Air Business
Surf Air is expanding the category of regional air travel, connecting underutilized regional airports and private terminals with high frequency “commercial-like” air service, using small turboprop aircraft. Surf Air operates primarily in California, and its model is based on its optimization of scheduled routes to meet its customers’ demand. Surf Air currently provides a regional air mobility platform with scheduled routes and on-demand charter flights operated by third-party Part 135 operators and it intends to develop hybrid-electric powertrain technology with its commercial partners to electrify existing fleets, which it believes will reduce operating costs and emissions, starting with a hybrid-electric and a fully-electric variant of the Cessna Grand Caravan EX, one of the most prolific family of aircraft in the single engine turboprop category with approximately 3,000 aircraft in use worldwide. Surf Air’s customers consist of regional business and leisure travelers.
Surf Air generates revenue through the sale of membership products, non-member single seats, or flight products for both scheduled and on-demand flights. Scheduled revenue is derived from membership subscriptions, principally relating to two main categories of membership: All You Can Fly (“AYCF”) and Pay As You Fly (“PAYF”). AYCF membership subscriptions allow members to fly as much as they like over the contract period. The membership fee includes access to scheduled service and the cost of single seat booking. PAYF members pay a membership fee, which enables them to purchase single use vouchers for travel. On-demand service allows customers to book private charter flights on routes specified by the customer.
2023 Operating Environment
Since 2020, Surf Air has been incurring expenses to support the development of the technology of its digital platform with the aim of providing a delightful, premium flying experience and Surf Air expects these development expenses to continue to be incurred. Additionally, Surf Air is developing hybrid-electric and electric powertrain technologies with its commercial partners to electrify existing fleets and new aircraft. As a result, Surf Air expects to incur significant costs in the future to support development of this technology.
Beginning in early 2020, the effects and potential effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic, including, but not limited to, its impact on general economic conditions, trade and financing markets, changes in customer behavior with regard to air mobility services, and continuity in business operations created significant uncertainty for Surf Air. Surf Air has seen some recovery in on-demand flights from 2021 through the first quarter of 2023, however Surf Air’s business has been and will continue to be affected by many changing economic and other conditions beyond Surf Air’s control, including global events that affect travel behavior. Surf Air has experienced inflationary pressures, which have materially increased Surf Air’s costs for aircraft fuel, wages and benefits and other goods and services critical to its operations during 2022 and 2023 and believes perceived recessionary risks may impact 2023 results. For example, perceived recessionary risks may cause companies and individuals to reduce travel for either professional or personal reasons, and drive higher prices in the supply chain Surf Air relies upon.
86
As such, the extent to which global events and market inflationary impacts will affect our financial condition, liquidity and future results of operations is uncertain. Given the uncertainty regarding the length of these factors, Surf Air cannot reasonably estimate their impact on its future results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. Surf Air continues to actively monitor its financial condition, liquidity, operations, suppliers, industry and workforce.
Key Operating Measures of Surf Air
In addition to the data presented in our consolidated financial statements, we use the following key operating measures commonly used throughout the air transport industry to evaluate our business, measure our performance, develop financial forecasts and make strategic decisions. The following table summarizes key operating measures for each period presented below, which are unaudited.
Three Months Ended March 31, |
Change |
Year Ended |
Change |
|||||||||||||||||
2023 |
2022 |
Increase/ |
% |
2022 |
2021 |
Increase/ |
% |
|||||||||||||
Scheduled Flight Hours(1) |
722 |
863 |
(141 |
) |
(16 |
)% |
2,524 |
3,469 |
(945 |
) |
(27 |
)% |
||||||||
On-Demand Flights(2) |
454 |
393 |
61 |
|
16 |
% |
1,696 |
1,093 |
603 |
|
55 |
% |
||||||||
Scheduled Passengers(3) |
1,631 |
2,372 |
(741 |
) |
(31 |
)% |
7,131 |
9,243 |
(2,112 |
) |
(23 |
)% |
||||||||
Headcount(4) |
84 |
67 |
17 |
|
25 |
% |
85 |
81 |
4 |
|
5 |
% |
||||||||
Scheduled Departures(5) |
554 |
647 |
(93 |
) |
(14 |
)% |
2,002 |
2,612 |
(610 |
) |
(23 |
)% |
____________
(1) Scheduled Flight Hours represent actual flight time from takeoff through landing that were flown in the period and excludes departures for maintenance or repositioning events. This metric only measures flight hours for flights that generated scheduled revenue and does not include flight hours for flights that generated on-demand revenue.
(2) On-Demand Flights represent the number of flights that generate on-demand revenue taken by customers on Surf Air aircraft or third-party operated aircraft during the period.
(3) Scheduled Passengers represent the number of passengers flown during the period for scheduled service.
(4) Headcount represents all full-time and part-time employees at the end of the period.
(5) Scheduled Departures represent the number of takeoffs in the period, agnostic of operator of Surf Air’s services and excludes departures for maintenance or repositioning events. This metric only measures takeoffs that generated scheduled revenue and does not include takeoffs that generated on-demand revenue.
Components of Surf Air’s Results of Operations
The key components of our results of operations include:
Revenue
Surf Air’s revenue is comprised of on-demand trips and scheduled flight services.
On-Demand Revenue
On-demand service allows customers to book an individual flight on routes specified by the customer. Customers can purchase single flights or prepaid, dollar based, credits. Single flights are paid for at booking. Flight credits are paid upon purchase and applied at booking.
The Company utilizes FAA certified independent third-party air carriers in the performance of its charter flights on Surf Air aircraft or on aircraft operated by those air carriers. The Company evaluates whether it is a principal or an agent in contracts involving more than one party by assessing whether it controls the flight services before they are transferred to its customers.
The Company acts as the principal when it controls the services by directing third-party air carriers and operators to provide services to customers on its behalf. The Company controls the services when it is primarily responsible for fulfillment of the flight services obligation to the customer and has pricing discretion. In these arrangements, revenue recognized is the gross amount of the contract consideration paid by customers. When the Company is not primarily responsible for the fulfillment of the flight services, it acts as an agent and therefore recognized revenue is net of amounts paid to third-party air carriers and operators that provide the services. The majority of the On-Demand revenue was recognized on a gross basis. Customers purchase prepaid credits for on-demand services, and the revenue derived from these prepaid credits is recognized when the trip is flown.
87
Scheduled Revenue
Scheduled revenue is derived from membership subscriptions, principally relating to two main categories of membership subscriptions: AYCF and PAYF.
AYCF membership subscriptions allow members to book unlimited flights over the contract service term (monthly or annually). The membership fee includes the subscription and single seat fees. AYCF membership fees are billed monthly in advance, and revenue is recognized on a month-to-month basis over the service term.
PAYF membership subscriptions allow members to purchase single use vouchers for travel on Surf Air’s scheduled routes. Vouchers sold in a package generally expire twelve months after the purchase date. Vouchers are nonrefundable, not exchangeable for cash, and may not be used for other services. Revenue is recognized for the membership fee and the purchase of vouchers, based on the pattern of voucher usage, or at expiration, whichever comes first.
Operating Expenses
Cost of Revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
Cost of revenue consists of expenditures directly related to delivering services and related facility costs. Service delivery costs are primarily comprised of fees paid to the independent third-party air carriers operating both scheduled flight services and on-demand services when Surf Air is acting as the principal in the arrangement. Additionally, cost of revenue includes all personnel costs for member services and ground concierge staff. Facility costs represent leases and operating costs for stations throughout the scheduled service network. Cost of revenues excludes depreciation and amortization. We anticipate that these costs will fluctuate in absolute dollars over time and as a percentage of revenue due to the anticipated growth of our business.
Technology and Development
Technology and development expense consists of personnel and other costs related to technology development and management efforts, including costs for third-party development resources. Technology and development efforts are focused on enhancing the ease of use and functionality of existing software platforms, as well as the development of new products and services. Technology and development costs are expensed as incurred, except to the extent that such costs are associated with internal-use software development that qualifies for capitalization. Technology and development expense excludes amortization of capitalized costs. We anticipate that these costs will fluctuate in absolute dollars over time due to the anticipated investment in software platforms.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expense consists primarily of personnel and other costs to support sales and marketing efforts. Personnel costs includes commissions, salaries, and related benefits. Additionally, sales and marketing expense includes expenses associated with promotions of services, advertising, and brand initiatives. We anticipate that these costs will fluctuate in absolute dollars over time and as a percentage of revenue due to the anticipated growth of our business.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expense consists of personnel related costs for all business administrative functions. Additionally, stock-based compensation costs are included in this category for all personnel. Furthermore, professional fees, headquarter rents, and other corporate related expenses are reflected in this category. We expect our general and administrative expenses to increase in absolute dollars over time and to fluctuate as a percentage of revenue due to the anticipated growth of our business, and additional costs associated with becoming a public company.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation expense consists primarily of depreciation of furniture, fixtures, and leasehold improvements. Amortization expense consists of amortization of capitalized software development costs and trademarks.
Other Income/(Expense)
Other income/(expense) primarily consists of interest expense, changes in fair value of financial instruments, gain on extinguishment of debt and other non-operating costs. We expect these expenses to fluctuate in absolute dollars over time with the market or changes in timing and nature of debt costs. Convertible notes, SAFEs, and warrants will
88
be converted at listing and no longer require fair value measurement. The estimated fair values of these financial liabilities were determined utilizing the Probability-Weighted, Expected Return Method and is considered a Level 3 fair value measurement.
Results of Operations
Results of Surf Air’s Operations for the Three Months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations data for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands, except percentages):
Three Months Ended March 31, |
Change |
||||||||||||||
2023 |
2022 |
Inc/(Decr) |
% |
||||||||||||
Revenue |
$ |
5,507 |
|
$ |
4,818 |
|
$ |
689 |
|
14 |
% |
||||
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Cost of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization |
|
6,650 |
|
|
5,320 |
|
|
1,330 |
|
25 |
% |
||||
Technology and development |
|
812 |
|
|
743 |
|
|
69 |
|
9 |
% |
||||
Sales and marketing |
|
1,394 |
|
|
1,131 |
|
|
263 |
|
23 |
% |
||||
General and administrative |
|
8,441 |
|
|
8,598 |
|
|
(157 |
) |
(2 |
)% |
||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
258 |
|
|
257 |
|
|
1 |
|
0 |
% |
||||
Total operating expenses |
|
17,555 |
|
|
16,049 |
|
|
1,506 |
|
9 |
% |
||||
Operating loss |
|
(12,048 |
) |
|
(11,231 |
) |
|
(817 |
) |
(7 |
)% |
||||
Other income (expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Changes in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value, net |
|
(8,096 |
) |
|
(926 |
) |
|
(7,170 |
) |
(774 |
)% |
||||
Interest expense |
|
(171 |
) |
|
(360 |
) |
|
189 |
|
53 |
% |
||||
Gain on extinguishment of debt |
|
— |
|
|
1,992 |
|
|
(1,992 |
) |
(100 |
)% |
||||
Other expense |
|
(258 |
) |
|
(122 |
) |
|
(136 |
) |
(111 |
)% |
||||
Total other income (expense), net |
|
(8,525 |
) |
|
584 |
|
|
(9,109 |
) |
(1,560 |
)% |
||||
Loss before income taxes |
|
(20,573 |
) |
|
(10,647 |
) |
|
(9,926 |
) |
(93 |
)% |
||||
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
0 |
% |
||||
Net loss |
$ |
(20,573 |
) |
$ |
(10,647 |
) |
$ |
(9,926 |
) |
(93 |
)% |
Revenue
Revenue increased by $0.7 million, 14%, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase in revenue was attributable to the following changes in on-demand and scheduled revenues (in thousands, except percentages):
Three Months Ended |
Change |
||||||||||||
2023 |
2022 |
Increase/ (Decrease) |
% |
||||||||||
On-Demand |
$ |
4,676 |
$ |
3,557 |
$ |
1,119 |
|
31 |
% |
||||
Scheduled |
|
831 |
|
1,261 |
|
(430 |
) |
(34 |
)% |
||||
Total revenue |
$ |
5,507 |
$ |
4,818 |
$ |
689 |
|
14 |
% |
On-demand revenue increased by $1.1 million, or 31%, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. Surf Air conducted 393 on-demand charter flights during the first three months of 2022 compared to 454 on-demand charter flights during the first three months of 2023.
The increase in on-demand charter flights was driven by increases in marketing efforts for our on-demand product and service strategy growth. In addition, price per trip increased during the first three months of 2023 compared to the first three months of 2022, primarily driven by a shift in customer preference to more expensive aircraft to service charter trips in 2023.
89
Scheduled revenue decreased by $0.4 million, or 34%, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. The decrease was primarily attributable to a $0.4 million decline in membership subscription revenue.
Operating Expenses
Cost of Revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
Cost of revenue increased by $1.3 million, or 25%, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase was due to increased third party operator pricing driven by higher operating expenses from inflationary pressures, such as fuel, being incurred by the operator; as well as more expensive aircraft being used to service charter flights in 2023.
Technology and Development
Technology and development expenses increased by $0.1 million, or 9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase was due to research and development costs to develop hybrid-electric technology. Surf Air expects continued increases in expenses in order to support the development of its hybrid-electric and electric powertrain technologies. Surf Air expects development expenses to significantly increase following the completion of the listing and the successful consummation of additional financings, if any.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expenses increased by $0.3 million, or 23%, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase in sales and marketing was primarily due to a concerted effort to grow the on-demand product offering, requiring increased salesforce and related commissions.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses decreased by $0.2 million, or 2%, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was driven by a decrease in stock-based compensation expense by $3.6 million due to a reduction in grants, and a decrease of $0.2 million in contract support for financing and accounting work as a result of changes in internal staffing initiatives period over period. These decreases were partially offset by increases in professional service expenses of $2.6 million, increased labor and labor related expenses of $0.6 million and increases in property and other taxes of $0.4 million.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expenses were flat period over period, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Other Income/(Expense)
Other income, net decreased from $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 to other expense, net of $8.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. This was a result of increases in fair value of financial instruments of $7.2 million, mainly driven by an increase in the fair market value of SAFE notes issued by Surf Air of $5.5 million, and an increase in the fair market value of certain convertible notes of $1.7 million. In addition, we incurred a $2.0 million gain on extinguishment of debt during the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to $0 during the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Net Loss
The increase in net loss from the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, is primarily attributable to an increase in fair value of financial instruments of $7.2 million, a decrease in gain on extinguishment of debt of $2.0 million, an increase in sales and marketing of $0.3 million, and an increase in cost of revenue of $1.3 million. These items were offset by an increase of $0.7 million in revenue and a decrease of $0.2 million in general and administrative expense.
90
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Surf Air uses Adjusted EBITDA to identify and target operational results which is beneficial to management and investors in evaluating operational effectiveness. Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental measure of Surf Air’s performance that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of Surf Air’s financial performance under U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) or any other performance measure derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Surf Air’s calculation of this non-GAAP financial measure may differ from similarly titled non-GAAP measures, if any, reported by other companies. This non-GAAP financial measure should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in their usefulness to investors because they have no standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and are not prepared under any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. In addition, non-GAAP financial measures may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be directly comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Surf Air presents Adjusted EBITDA because it considers this measure to be an important supplemental measure of its performance and believes it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in its industry. Management believes that investors’ understanding of Surf Air’s performance is enhanced by including this non-GAAP financial measure as a reasonable basis for comparing its ongoing results of operations.
Surf Air calculates Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) adjusted for depreciation and amortization, interest expense, income tax expense, stock-based compensation, changes in fair value of financial instruments, and transaction costs.
The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net loss for each of the periods indicated.
Three Months Ended |
||||||||
(in thousands) |
2023 |
2022 |
||||||
Net loss |
$ |
(20,573 |
) |
$ |
(10,647 |
) |
||
Addback: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
258 |
|
|
257 |
|
||
Interest expense |
|
171 |
|
|
360 |
|
||
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
||
Share-based compensation expense(1) |
|
1,145 |
|
|
4,730 |
|
||
Changes in fair value of financial instruments(2) |
|
8,096 |
|
|
926 |
|
||
Transaction costs(3) |
|
1,337 |
|
|
368 |
|
||
Adjusted EBITDA |
$ |
(9,566 |
) |
$ |
(4,006 |
) |
____________
(1) Represents non-cash expenses related to equity-based compensation programs, which vary from period to period depending on various factors including the timing, number, and the valuation of awards.
(2) Represents fluctuations in the fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value. The fair values of the convertible notes, preferred stock warrant liabilities, and derivative liabilities were based on the values of the notes, warrants, and derivatives upon conversion due to the weighted probability associated with certain events.
(3) Represents costs related to a public company transaction, including accounting, legal, and listing costs.
91
Cash Flow Analysis
The following table presents a summary of our cash flows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended |
||||||||
2023 |
2022 |
|||||||
Net cash provided by (used in): |
|
|
|
|
||||
Operating activities |
$ |
(9,021 |
) |
$ |
(5,876 |
) |
||
Investing activities |
|
(132 |
) |
|
(57 |
) |
||
Financing activities |
|
9,389 |
|
|
5,700 |
|
||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
|
236 |
|
|
(233 |
) |
Cash Flow from Operating Activities
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, net cash used in operating activities was $9.0 million, primarily driven by a net loss of $20.6 million, partially offset by $1.1 million in non-cash stock based compensation expenses, $8.1 million in non-cash changes in fair value of financial instruments and a $2.4 million increase in accounts payable.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022, net cash used in operating activities was $5.9 million, primarily driven by a net loss of $10.6 million, partially offset by $4.7 million in non-cash stock based compensation expenses.
Net cash used in operating activities increased period over period by $3.1 million, driven by a $9.9 million increase in net loss. These usages were partially offset by an increase of $7.2 million in non-cash changes in fair value of financial instruments.
Cash Flow from Investing Activities
For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and the three months ended March 31, 2022, net cash used in investing activities was driven by $0.1 million of property and equipment costs and software development costs, respectively.
Cash Flow from Financing Activities
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, net cash provided financing activities was $9.4 million, primarily from proceeds from borrowings due to related parties of $9.2 million and proceeds from borrowings of convertible securities of $0.2 million.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022, net cash provided by financing activities was $5.7 million, primarily from proceeds from borrowings of convertible notes of $4.0 million, proceeds from borrowings due to related parties of $1.5 million, and from proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares of $0.2 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities increased period over period by $3.7 million, primarily driven by an increase in proceeds from borrowings due to related parties of $7.7 million, and offset by a reduction in proceeds from borrowings of convertible notes of $3.8 million.
92
Results of Surf Air’s Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands, except percentages):
Year Ended |
Change |
||||||||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
$ |
% |
||||||||||||
Revenue |
$ |
20,274 |
|
$ |
11,798 |
|
$ |
8,476 |
|
72 |
% |
||||
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Cost of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization |
|
24,824 |
|
|
14,495 |
|
|
10,329 |
|
71 |
% |
||||
Technology and development |
|
3,289 |
|
|
2,964 |
|
|
325 |
|
11 |
% |
||||
Sales and marketing |
|
5,214 |
|
|
3,773 |
|
|
1,441 |
|
38 |
% |
||||
General and administrative |
|
36,824 |
|
|
22,864 |
|
|
13,960 |
|
61 |
% |
||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
1,027 |
|
|
1,052 |
|
|
(25 |
) |
(2 |
)% |
||||
Total operating expenses |
|
71,178 |
|
|
45,148 |
|
|
26,030 |
|
58 |
% |
||||
Operating loss |
|
(50,904 |
) |
|
(33,350 |
) |
|
(17,554 |
) |
(53 |
)% |
||||
Other income (expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Changes in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value, net |
|
(27,711 |
) |
|
(76 |
) |
|
(27,635 |
) |
(36,362 |
)% |
||||
Interest expense |
|
(596 |
) |
|
(2,140 |
) |
|
1,544 |
|
72 |
% |
||||
Gain on extinguishment of debt |
|
5,951 |
|
|
691 |
|
|
5,260 |
|
761 |
% |
||||
Other expense |
|
(1,102 |
) |
|
(909 |
) |
|
(193 |
) |
(21 |
)% |
||||
Total other expense, net |
|
(23,458 |
) |
|
(2,434 |
) |
|
(21,024 |
) |
(864 |
)% |
||||
Net loss |
|
(74,362 |
) |
|
(35,784 |
) |
|
(38,578 |
) |
(108 |
)% |
Revenue
Revenue increased by $8.5 million, or 72%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in revenue was attributable to the following changes in on-demand and scheduled revenues (in thousands, except percentages):
Year Ended |
Change |
||||||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
$ |
% |
||||||||||
On-Demand |
$ |
15,950 |
$ |
6,445 |
$ |
9,505 |
|
147 |
% |
||||
Scheduled |
|
4,324 |
|
5,353 |
|
(1,029 |
) |
(19 |
)% |
||||
Total revenue |
$ |
20,274 |
$ |
11,798 |
$ |
8,476 |
|
72 |
% |
On-demand revenue increased by $9.5 million, or 147%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. Surf Air conducted 1,093 on-demand charter flights in 2021, which were recognized as a combination of gross and net revenue. Surf Air conducted 1,696 on-demand charter flights during 2022, which were recognized as revenue on a gross basis.
In 2022, Surf Air acted as the principal for on-demand charter flights as we are primarily responsible for fulfillment of the obligation specified in the contract and had the authority to direct the key components of the service, and accordingly revenue recognized was the gross amount of the transaction. In 2021, the majority of the on-demand revenue was recognized on a gross basis.
The comparative increase in on-demand revenue was driven by the new on-demand product and service strategy that drove increased demand in 2022 and gross revenue recognition. On-demand revenue also increased as a result of increased pricing due to rising fuel costs.
Scheduled revenue decreased by $1.0 million, or 19%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. Surf Air flight hours decreased from 3,469 to 2,524, or 27%, from 2021 to 2022. In the second quarter of 2022, Surf Air transitioned to a new independent Part 135 operator, requiring a reduction in scheduled
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offerings. The transition reduced second and third quarter 2022 scheduled flights due to delays in FAA processes and conformity of the Surf Air fleet onto the new operator’s certificate. Surf Air has completed conformity of its fleet to the new operator and scheduled flight levels resumed in late fall of 2022. Decreases in flight hours flown were offset by positive impacts from increased pricing of the AYCF product. The increase was driven by increased pricing in 2022 as the introductory pricing of $999 per month in 2021 for the AYCF product was no longer offered in 2022.
Operating Expenses
Cost of Revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
Cost of revenue increased by $10.3 million, or 71%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to increased third party operator pricing driven by increases in fuel costs. Additionally, the new on-demand product and service strategy drove gross recognition of costs. This was offset by a slight decrease in cost of revenue for the scheduled service driven by lower flight hours.
Technology and Development
Technology and development expenses increased by $0.3 million, or 11%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was due to research and development costs for hybrid technology. Surf Air expects to incur significant costs in the future to support development of its powertrain technology. Surf Air expects development expenses to increase following the completion of the listing and Surf Air’s successful consummation of additional financings.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expenses increased by $1.4 million, or 38%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in sales and marketing was primarily due to a new on-demand product launch requiring increased salesforce and related commissions, and growth marketing investment to drive growth.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses increased by $14.0 million, or 61%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily driven by increases in stock-based compensation expense of $9.3 million and increases in labor-related costs of $2.4 million.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization were flat period over period.
Other Income/(Expense)
Other income/(expense) increased by $21.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. This increase was driven by an increase in fair value of financial instruments of $27.6 million, driven mainly by the overall value of the Company and the expected value of conversion or redemption of financial instruments, consisting of convertible notes of $12.3 million, SAFEs of $12.8 million, preferred stock and warrants of $2.5 million. The fair values of the convertible notes, preferred stock warrant liabilities, and SAFEs were based on the values of the notes, warrants, and derivatives upon conversion due to the weighted probability associated with certain events, which in the Company’s case, would be the sale of the Company or becoming a public company.
Significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation models as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 included public listing probability, SPAC probability, lack of marketability, discount rates used in the sale scenario for debt instruments, discount rates used in the public listing scenario, discount rates used in the SPAC scenario and probability weight volatility.
The probability of a public listing increased significantly from 2021, due to the completion of required PCAOB audits, the filing of an S-1, and strides in public readiness efforts.
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These increases were offset by $5.3 million in gains on extinguishment of debt related to the conversion of a term note to a SAFE and settlements of vendor payables for equity, and a decrease in interest expense of $1.5 million driven by term notes that were converted to convertible notes.
Net Loss
The increase in net loss from the year ended December 31, 2021, to December 31, 2022, is primarily attributable to an increase in fair value of financial instruments of $27.6 million, an increase in stock-based compensation expense of $9.3 million, an increase in labor-related costs of $2.4 million, and an increase in cost of revenue of $10.3 million. These items were offset by an increase of $8.5 million in revenue and $5.3 million in gains on extinguishment of debt.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Surf Air uses Adjusted EBITDA to identify and target operational results which is beneficial to management and investors in evaluating operational effectiveness. Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental measure of Surf Air’s performance that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of Surf Air’s financial performance under U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) or any other performance measure derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Surf Air’s calculation of this non-GAAP financial measure may differ from similarly titled non-GAAP measures, if any, reported by other companies. This non-GAAP financial measure should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in their usefulness to investors because they have no standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and are not prepared under any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. In addition, non-GAAP financial measures may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be directly comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Surf Air presents Adjusted EBITDA because it considers this measure to be an important supplemental measure of its performance and believes it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in its industry. Management believes that investors’ understanding of Surf Air’s performance is enhanced by including this non-GAAP financial measure as a reasonable basis for comparing its ongoing results of operations.
Surf Air calculates Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) adjusted for depreciation and amortization, interest expense, income tax expense, PPP Loans, stock-based compensation, changes in fair value of financial instruments, and transaction costs.
The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net loss for each of the periods indicated.
Year End |
||||||||
(in thousands) |
2022 |
2021 |
||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ |
(74,362 |
) |
$ |
(35,784 |
) |
||
Addback: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
1,027 |
|
|
1,052 |
|
||
Interest expense |
|
596 |
|
|
2,140 |
|
||
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
||
PPP Loans(1) |
|
— |
|
|
(718 |
) |
||
Share-based compensation expense(2) |
|
12,452 |
|
|
3,191 |
|
||
Changes in fair value of financial instruments(3) |
|
27,711 |
|
|
76 |
|
||
Transaction costs(4) |
|
4,828 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Adjusted EBITDA |
$ |
(27,748 |
) |
$ |
(30,043 |
) |
____________
(1) Represents an adjustment for PPP Loans provided to Surf Air. For the year ended December 31, 2021, Surf Air received a PPP Loan of $717,500, which has been forgiven in full.
(2) Represents non-cash expenses related to equity-based compensation programs, which vary from period to period depending on various factors including the timing, number, and the valuation of awards.
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(3) Represents fluctuations in the fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value. The fair values of the convertible notes, preferred stock warrant liabilities, and derivative liabilities were based on the values of the notes, warrants, and derivatives upon conversion due to the weighted probability associated with certain events.
(4) Represents costs related to a public company transaction, including accounting, legal, and listing costs.
Cash Flow Analysis
The following table presents a summary of our cash flows (in thousands):
Year Ended |
||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||
Net cash provided by (used in): |
|
|
|
|
||||
Operating activities |
$ |
(28,037 |
) |
$ |
(23,930 |
) |
||
Investing activities |
|
(298 |
) |
|
(261 |
) |
||
Financing activities |
|
27,673 |
|
|
18,253 |
|
||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
|
(662 |
) |
|
(5,938 |
) |
Cash Flow from Operating Activities
For year ended December 31, 2022, net cash used in operating activities was $28.0 million, driven by $34.2 million in operating losses and $4.8 million in public readiness transaction costs. This was offset by decreases of $7.1 million in accounts payable and other liabilities and $3.9 million in prepaid charter credits.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash used in operating activities was $23.9 million, driven by $32.2 million in operating losses and increases of $0.4 million in prepaid expenses and other current assets. This was offset by $2.1 million in deferred revenue of prepaid charter credits and decreases of $6.2 million in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and $0.3 million in accounts receivable.
Net cash used in operating activities increased period over period by $4.1 million, driven by an increase of $4.8 million in public company readiness transaction costs, an increase of $2.0 million in operating losses, and an increase of $0.4 million in prepaid expenses and other current assets. This was offset by a decrease of $0.8 million in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, a $1.9 million decrease in prepaid charter credits, and a $0.4 million decrease in accounts receivable.
Cash Flow from Investing Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash used in investing activities was driven by software development costs of $0.2 million and property and equipment $0.1 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash used in investing activities was driven by purchases of $0.1 million of property and equipment costs and $0.1 million in software development costs.
Cash Flow from Financing Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash provided by financing activities were $27.7 million, driven by the proceeds from borrowings of convertible securities of $15.1 million, proceeds from borrowings of convertible notes of $4.0 million, borrowings from to related parties of $7.1 million and the proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares of $1.4 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash provided by financing activities was $18.3 million, driven by the proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares of $14.8 million and the proceeds from borrowings of convertible securities of $3.5 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities increased period over period by $9.4 million, driven by increased proceeds from borrowings of convertible securities of $11.6 million, increased proceeds from borrowings of convertible notes of $4.0 million, and $7.1 million from increased borrowings due to related parties, offset by a reduction in proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares of $13.3 million.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company has incurred losses from operations, negative cash flows from operating activities and has a working capital deficit. The Company is currently in default of certain excise and property taxes. On May 15, 2018, the Company received a notice of a tax lien filing from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for unpaid federal excise taxes for the quarterly periods beginning October 2016 through September 2017 in the amount of $1.9 million, including penalties and interest as of the date of the notice. The Company agreed to a payment plan (“Installment Plan”) whereby the IRS would take no further action and remove such liens at the time such amounts have been paid. In 2019, the Company defaulted on the Installment Plan. Defaulting on the Installment Plan can result in the IRS nullifying such plan, placing the Company in default and taking collection action against the Company for any unpaid balance. The Company’s total outstanding federal excise tax liability including accrued penalties and interest of approximately $6.3 million is included in accrued expenses on the balance sheet as of March 31, 2023. In May 2023, the Company made a payment to the IRS totaling $0.2 million. The Company intends to negotiate with the IRS to reduce the amount owed and/or apply for a revised installment plan for any amounts left remaining. The Company has also defaulted on its property tax obligations in various California counties in relation to fixed assets, plane usage and aircraft leases. The Company’s total outstanding property tax liability including penalties and interest is approximately $2.0 million as of March 31, 2023. Additionally, Los Angeles County has imposed a tax lien on four of the Company’s aircraft due to the late filing of its 2022 property tax return. As of March 31, 2023, the amount of property tax, interest and penalties was approximately $0.2 million. The Company is in the process of remediating the late filing and payment of the proper tax due. The Company also owed the city of Hawthorne, California for past due business license fees from 2018 through 2022 in the total of approximately $0.2 million as of December 31, 2022, which, as of March 31, 2023, had been paid. Also, in connection with certain past due rental and maintenance payments under its aircraft leases totaling in aggregate approximately $6.0 million, Surf Air has entered into a payment plan pursuant to which all repayments of the past due amounts are deferred until such time as SAM receives at least $30 million in aggregate funds in connection with any capital contribution, at which time it is required to repay $1 million of such past due payments, with the eventual full repayment of the remaining amounts being required upon the receipt of at least $50 million in capital contributions. Such repayment will be triggered by utilization of the GEM Advances when they become available.
Surf Air has previously defaulted on various debt and other obligations. During 2017, the Company entered into a loan and security agreement with a commercial lender (the “Lender”), which was subsequently amended and restated in 2018 (the “2017 Term Note”). In connection with these amendments, the Company issued the Lender warrants for a total of up to 4,291,884 Surf Air ordinary shares with an exercise price of $0.01 per ordinary share and expiration dates in 2027 and 2028. In September 2018 in connection with the payment of interest on behalf of the Company, the Company issued a warrant to LamVen for a total of up to 4,447,605 Surf Air ordinary shares with an exercise price of $0.01 per ordinary share and an expiration date of September 15, 2028. On January 31, 2019, the Company defaulted on its obligation to pay the principal and accrued interest due on the 2017 Term Notes. On April 7, 2020, Surf Air entered into a Forbearance Agreement with the Lender, under which the Lender agreed not to exercise any remedies that it had against the Company for any event of default in 2020. On May 1, 2020, the Company further defaulted on the payment of principal and interest required under the Forbearance Agreement and on May 31, 2021, the Company entered into an amendment to the 2017 Term Note under which (1) the Lender agreed to not exercise any remedies that it had against the Company for any event of default in 2020; (2) the maturity date of the 2017 Term Note was extended to December 31, 2021 (the “New Maturity Date”), and (3) interest accrued on the unpaid principal amount of the 2017 Term Note at 12.0%. Subsequent to the New Maturity Date, the outstanding balance of the 2017 Term Note was due on demand. In connection with the 2021 amendment, the Company issued to the Lender a warrant to purchase up to 16,168,295 Surf Air ordinary shares with an exercise price of $0.01 per ordinary share and expiration date of June 9, 2031. On May 17, 2022, the 2017 Term Note was converted, via a payoff letter, into a SAFE note, allowing for the purchase of a total of $15.2 million of the Company’s ordinary shares following a qualifying exchange event, defined as any qualified financing, IPO, direct listing, reverse merger, or change in control. The payoff letter provided the Lender, in the event that a qualifying exchange event does not occur by December 31, 2022, an option to reinstate the indebtedness under the 2017 Term that was intended to be repaid by the SAFE note. On May 24, 2023, the payoff letter was amended to extend the option to exchange to July 31, 2023.
Additionally, in April 2018, the Company entered into a SAFE-T note for $500,000 with a financial institution which the Company defaulted on in July 2019. As of December 31, 2022, the Company remained in default on this SAFE-T note. This instrument was subordinate to the Lender, and therefore had no recourse prior to payment of the 2017 Term
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Note. In addition, in May 2020, the Company entered into a 6.25% convertible note with a vendor for approximately $541,000, which was subsequently amended in September 2020 and March 2021 to increase the amount of the note to approximately $633,000. In October 2022, the Company amended the note to re-instate the $5,000 monthly payment under the terms of the note. In April 2023, the Company amended the note to extend the maturity to November 1, 2023. As of March 31, 2023, the Company was in default of these payments.
As of May 31, 2023, the Company is also in default in the aggregate amount of approximately $0.1 million on payments under a payment plan entered into in relation to unpaid invoices, as well as certain amounts owed under judgements related to legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of its business.
The airline industry and the Company’s operations are cyclical and highly competitive. The Company’s success is largely dependent on the ability to raise debt and equity capital, increase its membership base, increase passenger loads, and continue to expand into regions profitably throughout the United States.
The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to raise additional capital and to maintain revenues and generate profit from operations. The Company has funded its operations and capital needs primarily through the net proceeds received from the issuance of various debt instruments, convertible securities and preferred and common share financing arrangements. A significant amount of funding to date has been provided by entities affiliated with an officer and co-founder of the Company. The Company is evaluating strategies to obtain the additional funding for future operations. These strategies may include, but are not limited to, obtaining additional equity financing, issuing additional debt or entering into other financing arrangements, restructuring of operations to grow revenues and decrease expenses. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in achieving its strategic plans or that new financing will be available to the Company in a timely manner or on acceptable terms, if at all. If the Company is unable to raise sufficient financing when needed or events or circumstances occur such that the Company does not meet its strategic plans, the Company will be required to take additional measures to conserve liquidity, which could include, but are not necessarily limited to, reducing certain spending, altering or scaling back development plans, including our key strategic plans to equip regional airline operations with hybrid electric aircraft and reducing funding of capital expenditures, which would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows and ability to achieve its intended business objectives. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company’s consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
See the section entitled “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Surf Air’s and Southern’s Financial Position — There is substantial doubt about Surf Air’s ability to continue as a going concern. Surf Air will need additional financing to execute its business plan, to fund its operations and to continue as a going concern” and “Risk Factors — Risks Related to SAM’s Financial Position and Capital Requirements — Surf Air has previously defaulted on its debt and other obligations and there can be no assurance that SAM will be able to fulfill its obligations under any current or future indebtedness it may incur”.
The Company’s prospects and ongoing business activities are subject to the risks and uncertainties frequently encountered by companies in new and rapidly evolving markets. Risks and uncertainties that could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition include, but are not limited to, the ability to raise additional capital (or financing) to fund operating losses, refinance its current outstanding debt, sustain ongoing operations, the ability to attract and maintain members, the ability to integrate, manage and grow recent acquisitions and new business initiatives, obtain and maintain relevant regulatory approvals, and the ability to measure and manage risks inherent to the Company’s business model.
In addition to the risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s emerging business model, there continues to be a worldwide impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 has resulted in changes in consumer and business behavior, pandemic fears, market downturns and restrictions on business and individual activities, which created significant volatility in the global economy and has led to reduced economic activity particularly in the air travel industry. Due to enhanced virtual meeting and teleconferencing technology that has been adopted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are meeting over virtual meeting platforms than in person, which reduces the need for transportation. Specifically, COVID-19 related disruption in air travel has led to a decrease in membership sales, flight cancellations and significant operational volatility contributing to Surf Air defaulting on certain debt arrangements and amending the terms and conditions of certain debt arrangements, in order to meet liquidity needs.
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Surf Air’s capital expenditures in 2022 and the first quarter of 2023 were limited to immaterial purchases and internally developed software. Upon Surf Air’s ability to utilize the GEM Advances or obtain alternative funding, Surf Air intends to invest significantly in expansion of its network footprint and in development of electrified powertrain technology and its commercial platform. Expansion of the network will require acquisition of aircraft over the next five years with an expected cost of approximately $1.2 billion. Surf Air has placed an order with TAI, which triggers at listing, for 100 Caravan aircraft with an option for an additional 50 Caravan aircraft, with expected delivery taken over the next five years. Surf Air intends to finance these aircraft through Jetstream Aviation Capital, with which Surf Air currently has a sale-leaseback financing arrangement of up to $450 million, and additional debt facilities that it intends to obtain. See the section entitled “Risk Factors — Risks Related to SAM’s Financial Position and Capital Requirements — SAM has no operating history. Surf Air and Southern’s past financial results may not be a reliable indicator of SAM’s future success”. Surf Air has engaged AeroTEC to develop a hybrid-electric STC for the Cessna Caravan in partnership with magniX and TAI. A portion of these costs are expected to be capitalized and funded through the GEM Advances.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The consolidated financial statements of Surf Air are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of income and expense during the reported period.
Our management believes that the accounting estimates listed below are those that are most critical to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations, and that require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments in estimating the effect of inherent uncertainties.
Share-Based Compensation
Surf Air accounts for the issuance of ordinary share options, restricted share units (“RSUs”), restricted share purchase agreements (“RSPAs”) and restricted share grant agreements (“RSGAs”) in its consolidated financial statements based on the grant date fair value of the awards. Issuances of RSPAs with promissory notes are accounted for as share options and are measured based on the grant date fair value of the option. Surf Air estimates the fair value of the share options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The grant date fair value of share-based awards with service-only conditions is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis in the consolidated statement of operations over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period ranging from 12 to 48 months. Forfeitures are recorded as they occur. For awards with performance conditions, Surf Air records compensation expense on a graded-vesting basis when it is deemed probable that the performance condition will be met. For awards with market conditions, the effect of the market conditions is reflected in the fair value measurement and expense, recognized on a graded-vesting basis, and is not reversed to the extent that the market condition is not achieved. Additionally, awards granted to non-employees are accounted for using their grant date fair value and are accounted for in the same manner as awards granted to employees.
Determining the fair value of share-based awards requires judgment. Surf Air’s use of the Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the input of subjective assumptions, including the fair value of Surf Air’s ordinary shares underlying the option award, the expected term of the option, the expected volatility of Surf Air’s ordinary shares, risk-free interest rates and the expected dividend yield of Surf Air’s ordinary shares. The assumptions used in Surf Air’s option pricing model represent management’s best estimates. These estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. If factors change and different assumptions are used Surf Air’s share-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future.
Surf Air estimates volatility using the historical volatility of common shares of similar entities. The expected term of options granted represents the period for which the options are expected to be outstanding and is estimated based on an average between the contractual and vesting terms of the awards. The risk-free interest rate is derived from the
99
U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the date of grant. Surf Air has not declared or paid dividends to date and does not anticipate declaring dividends. As such, the dividend yield has been estimated to be zero. Surf Air’s assumptions may change for future grants.
Because there is no public market for Surf Air’s ordinary shares, Surf Air’s board of directors has determined the fair value of the ordinary shares by considering a number of objective and subjective factors including the results of third-party valuations, Surf Air’s actual operating and financial performance, market conditions and performance of comparable publicly traded companies, developments and milestones in Surf Air, the likelihood of achieving a liquidity event and transactions involving Surf Air’s preferred or common shares, among other factors. The effect of these inherent uncertainties make share-based compensation arrangements more difficult, subjective and complex to estimate.
Fair Value Measurements
Surf Air’s financial results reflect a significant number of debt and equity transactions that must be fair valued. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The assumptions used in Surf Air’s valuation models represent management’s best estimates. These estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. If factors change and different assumptions are used, Surf Air’s results could reflect material fluctuation in Changes in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value, net on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Fair value measurements are based on a fair value hierarchy, based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, which are the following:
Level 1 |
Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date. |
|
Level 2 |
Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. |
|
Level 3 |
Inputs are unobservable inputs that reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. |
Assets and liabilities are classified in the hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Surf Air’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.
Surf Air measures the fair value of certain long-lived assets including finite-lived intangible assets on a nonrecurring basis, when such assets are required to be written down to fair value if impaired. Such fair values are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, as the valuations contain significant unobservable inputs, including assumptions of the present value of future cash flows, the use of these assets, as well as estimated disposition value.
Surf Air’s convertible securities and Simple Agreements for Future Equity (“SAFE”) notes are carried at fair value. SAFE notes are financial instruments whereby an investor provides an investment into Surf Air, and the note is subsequently converted into a preferred equity security at a discount to the price paid by other investors when and if a preferred equity is issued through a qualifying capital raise. Due to certain provisions included in the agreements for these instruments, they are classified as liabilities. Additionally, Surf Air elected the fair value option for certain convertible notes and SAFE notes, which requires them to be remeasured to fair value each period. If factors change and different assumptions are used, Surf Air’s results could reflect material fluctuation in Changes in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
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Income Taxes
The determination of tax strategies and positions, along with accounting for related income taxes requires interpretation of various federal and state tax policies and assessment of the likelihood of various outcomes. Management believes that accounting for income taxes requires difficult, subjective and complex judgments and defenses. Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The likelihood of realizing the tax benefits related to a potential deferred tax asset is evaluated, and a valuation allowance is recognized to reduce that deferred tax asset if it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at the beginning and end of the period. The change in the sum of the deferred tax asset, valuation allowance and deferred tax liability during the period generally is recognized as a deferred tax expense or benefit. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period that includes the enactment date.
Surf Air determines whether a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return is to be recognized in the consolidated financial statements when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. The amount recognized is subject to estimation and management judgment with respect to the likely outcome of each uncertain tax position. The amount that is ultimately sustained for an individual uncertain tax position or for all uncertain tax positions in the aggregate could differ from the amount recognized. For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold, the tax amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements is reduced by the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. Surf Air recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, in its income tax expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations.
JOBS Act
Surf Air currently qualifies as an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act. Accordingly, Surf Air has elected to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. Surf Air’s utilization of these transition periods may make it difficult to compare our financial statements to those of non-emerging growth companies and other emerging growth companies that have opted out of the transition periods afforded under the JOBS Act.
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SOUTHERN’S MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
References in this section to “Southern” refers to Southern Airways Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. Unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts are set forth in thousands, except share and per share data.
The following discussion and analysis is intended to help the reader understand Southern’s results of operations and financial condition. This discussion and analysis is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, the section entitled “Summary Consolidated Financial Information and Other Data” and Southern’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this prospectus, including information with respect to Southern’s plans and strategy for Southern’s business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Southern’s actual results may differ materially from management’s expectations as a result of various factors, including but not limited to those discussed in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements”.
Overview of Southern’s Business
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Palm Beach, Florida, Southern is a commuter airline currently serving 40 U.S. cities across six U.S. time zones. Southern operates a fleet of 50 aircraft, including the Cessna Caravan, the King Air Super 200, Pilatus PC-12, Tecnam Traveler and the Saab 340B. As of March 31, 2023, Southern is the largest passenger operator of Cessna Caravans in the United States by scheduled departures. It served over 400,000 customers with nearly 75,000 departures in 2022.
Southern has seen substantial growth resulting from its commitment to the individual passenger, recognized in its company mantra, “Every Passenger, Every Day, Every Flight”. Southern operates the largest commuter airline in the United States by scheduled departures (as of November 1, 2022), safely carrying hundreds of thousands of passengers per year. Southern, along with its Hawaiian brand, Mokulele Airlines, operates over 200 daily departures stretching from Nantucket to Hawaii.
Southern provides both seasonal and full-year scheduled passenger air transportation service with select routes subsidized by the U.S. federal government under the Essential Air Service (“EAS”) program. The EAS program was created to ensure small communities in the United States can maintain a minimum level of scheduled air services.
Southern earns revenue from sales of tickets for scheduled passenger flight service, as well as charter flights and tours. These sales are generally paid for via credit card. Southern also earns revenue generated by third-party travel booking sites and travel agencies.
Additionally, Southern earns revenue from various ancillary services such as baggage fees, reservation change fees and pet (carry-on) fees. These types of fees are standard within the aviation industry.
2023 Operating Environment
Beginning in early 2020, effects and potential effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic, including, but not limited to, its impact on general economic conditions, trade and financing markets, changes in customer behavior with regard to air mobility services and continuity in business operations created significant uncertainty for Southern. The spread of COVID-19 also disrupted the manufacturing, delivery and overall supply chain of aircraft manufacturers and suppliers and has led to a global decrease in aircraft sales in markets around the world. Southern may be impacted by fluctuations in new and used aircraft markets as it acquires aircraft to supply capacity for its business. Initially in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a decrease in demand for Southern’s air mobility services, the impact of which is more fully described in the sections entitled, “Risk Factors” and “— Liquidity and Capital Resources”.
Southern has seen partial recovery in demand from 2021 through the first quarter of 2023, however Southern’s business has been and will continue to be affected by many changing economic and other conditions beyond Southern’s control, including global events that affect travel behavior. Additionally, Southern has experienced inflationary pressures, which have materially increased Southern’s costs for aircraft fuel, wages and benefits and other goods and services critical to its operations during 2022 and 2023 and believes perceived recessionary risks will continue to impact 2023 results. For example, perceived recessionary risks may cause companies and individuals to reduce travel for
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either professional or personal reasons, and drive higher prices in the supply chain Southern relies upon. In addition, Southern incurred greater than expected losses and negative cash flows from operating activities in April and May of 2023 due to inefficient aircraft utilization, primarily caused by an underutilization of pilots and a shortage of maintenance personnel and critical aircraft components, which, in aggregate, have challenged the Company’s ability to serve its customers as desired and, in turn, cover expenses.
As such, the extent to which global events and market inflationary impacts will affect Southern’s financial condition, liquidity and future results of operations is uncertain. Given the uncertainty regarding the length of these factors, Southern cannot reasonably estimate their impact on its future results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. Southern continues to actively monitor its financial condition, liquidity, operations, suppliers, industry and workforce.
Key Operating Measures of Southern
In addition to the data presented in Southern’s consolidated financial statements, Southern use the following key operating measures commonly used throughout the air transport industry to evaluate its business, measure its performance, develop financial forecasts, and make strategic decisions. The following table summarizes Southern’s key operating measures for each period presented below, which are unaudited.
Three Months Ended |
Change |
Year Ended December 31, |
Change |
|||||||||||||||
2023 |
2022 |
Inc |
% |
2022 |
2021 |
Inc |
% |
|||||||||||
Scheduled Flight Hours(1) |
17,666 |
14,899 |
2,767 |
19 |
% |
68,316 |
54,274 |
14,042 |
26 |
% |
||||||||
Scheduled Passengers(2) |
97,972 |
95,460 |
2,512 |
3 |
% |
442,893 |
324,634 |
118,259 |
36 |
% |
||||||||
Headcount(3) |
662 |
548 |
114 |
21 |
% |
632 |
583 |
49 |
8 |
% |
||||||||
Scheduled Departures(4) |
17,670 |
17,087 |
583 |
3 |
% |
74,918 |
62,452 |
12,466 |
20 |
% |
____________
(1) Scheduled Flight Hours represent flight time from takeoff through landing that were flown in the period and excludes departures for maintenance or repositioning events. This metric only measures flight hours for flights that generated passenger revenue and does not include flight hours for flights that generated charter revenue.
(2) Scheduled Passengers represent the number of passengers flown during the period for scheduled service.
(3) Headcount represents all full-time and part-time employees at the end of the period.
(4) Scheduled Departures represent the number of takeoffs in the period and excludes departures for maintenance or repositioning events. This metric only measures departures that generated passenger revenue and does not include departures that generated charter revenue.
Component of Southern’s Results of Operations
The key components of Southern’s results of operations include:
Revenues
Southern’s revenues are comprised of passenger ticket sales on scheduled routes, chartered flights and other services. Southern’s scheduled service offerings include market-based and subsidized routes, which consist of Southern’s EAS routes and other routes funded through government subsidies. The chartered service offering reflects individual flights on Southern’s fleet of aircraft.
Passenger Revenue
Direct passenger revenue consists of single seat tickets for scheduled flight service. Tickets are refundable within 24 hours of purchase for flights scheduled to take place more than one week out, or when flights are changed, interrupted, or otherwise canceled. Direct passenger sales revenues are recognized when the flights are completed or when tickets expire (generally within one year from the date of purchase).
Essential Air Services (“EAS”) and Other Subsidy Revenue
EAS revenue is derived from operating scheduled passenger flight service on certain routes, which are subsidized by the U.S. DOT under its EAS program. The EAS program was enacted in 1978 to ensure small communities in the United States can maintain a minimum level of scheduled air services. Contracts under this program are typically two to four years in duration and include commitments to fly a specific number of times annually to each location. Revenue
103
from EAS subsidies is recognized monthly. Revenue from sales of tickets on flights subsidized by the EAS program is recognized in direct passenger revenue and is recognized when the flights are completed. Other subsidy revenue represents subsidies received by Marianas for providing scheduled route services for Saipan, Tinian, Rota and Guam under the Incentive Agreement with the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Due to the termination of the Incentive Agreement, Southern ceased serving the Mariana Islands as of April 1, 2023.
Charter Revenue
Charter service allows customers to book an entire aircraft that is not part of scheduled service and is tailored to the needs of the customer. The customer will specify the date, time and route for the flight purchased.
Southern utilizes FAA-certified independent third-party air carriers in the performance of charter flights on Southern’s own fleet of aircraft or on aircraft operated by those independent third-party air carriers. Southern evaluates whether it is a principal or an agent in contracts involving more than one party by assessing whether it controls the flight services before they are transferred to its customers.
Southern acts as the principal when it controls the services by directing third-party air carriers and operators to provide services to customers on its behalf. Southern controls the services when it is primarily responsible for fulfillment of the flight services obligation to the customer and has pricing discretion. In these arrangements, revenue recognized is the gross amount of the contract consideration paid by customers. When Southern is not primarily responsible for the fulfillment of flight services, it acts as an agent and therefore recognized revenue is net of amounts paid to third-party air carriers and operators that provide the services.
Other Revenue
Other revenue is derived from various ancillary services related to baggage fees, reservation change fees and pet (carry-on) fees. These types of fees are standard within the aviation industry and are earned when the services are performed at the time of travel.
Operating Expenses
Costs and expenses consist of the following components:
Maintenance, materials and repairs
Maintenance, materials and repairs expense consists primarily of engine overhauls, mandatory periodic inspections, routine and non-routine repair and general maintenance monitoring expense. Southern anticipates that these costs will fluctuate in absolute dollars over time and as a percentage of revenue due to the anticipated growth of its business.
Depreciation and amortization
Southern’s depreciation expense consists primarily from depreciation on Southern’s owned aircraft.
Aircraft Fuel
Aircraft fuel expense consists of aircraft fuel usage expense, along with certain fees for re-fueling services. Southern anticipates that these costs will fluctuate in absolute dollars over time and as a percentage of revenue due to the anticipated growth of its business and changes in market prices.
Airport-Related Expenses
Airport-related expenses consist of aircraft landing fees, hangar rental, aircraft parking fees, terminal rent, as well as other airport-related charges. Southern anticipates that these costs will fluctuate in absolute dollars over time and as a percentage of revenue due to the anticipated growth of its business.
104
Aircraft Rent
Aircraft rent is comprised of aircraft leases classified as operating leases. The associated lease payments over the term of the leases are recognized either on a straight-line or hourly usage basis. Southern anticipates that these costs will fluctuate in absolute dollars over time and as a percentage of revenue due to the anticipated growth of its business.
Salaries, Wages, and Benefits
Salaries, wages, and benefits consist of all payroll-related costs relating to all personnel. Southern expects its payroll expenses to increase in absolute dollars over time and to fluctuate as a percentage of revenue due to the anticipated growth of Southern’s business.
CARES Act
CARES Act reflects government assistance received under the Payroll Support Program (“PSP”) and Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses consist primarily of charges relating to the operation of non-wage related customer service center costs, passenger ticket reservation system, insurance expenses, utilities expense, non-aircraft rent expense, legal and other professional fees, and marketing expense inclusive of advertising costs. Southern expects its other operating expenses to increase in absolute dollars over time and to fluctuate as a percentage of revenue due to the anticipated growth of its business and increased marketing investments.
Non-operating Income/(Expense)
Non-operating income/(expense) primarily consists of interest expense and other non-operating items.
Results of Southern’s Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
The following table sets forth Southern’s consolidated statements of operations data for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands, except percentages):
Three Months Ended March 31, |
Change |
||||||||||||||
2023 |
2022 |
$ |
% |
||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ |
22,674 |
|
$ |
16,720 |
|
$ |
5,954 |
|
36 |
% |
||||
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Maintenance, materials, and repairs |
|
2,073 |
|
|
1,100 |
|
|
973 |
|
88 |
% |
||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
937 |
|
|
548 |
|
|
389 |
|
71 |
% |
||||
Aircraft fuel |
|
4,041 |
|
|
2,884 |
|
|
1,157 |
|
40 |
% |
||||
Airport-related expenses |
|
1,463 |
|
|
911 |
|
|
552 |
|
61 |
% |
||||
Aircraft rent |
|
2,187 |
|
|
1,922 |
|
|
265 |
|
14 |
% |
||||
Salaries, wages, and benefits |
|
8,453 |
|
|
5,827 |
|
|
2,626 |
|
45 |
% |
||||
Other operating expenses |
|
5,388 |
|
|
4,048 |
|
|
1,340 |
|
33 |
% |
||||
Total operating expenses |
|
24,542 |
|
|
17,239 |
|
|
7,302 |
|
42 |
% |
||||
Operating loss |
|
(1,868 |
) |
|
(519 |
) |
|
(1,348 |
) |
(260 |
)% |
||||
Non-operating income (expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Interest expense |
|
(666 |
) |
|
(183 |
) |
|
(483 |
) |
(264 |
)% |
||||
Other income (expense), net |
|
172 |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
175 |
|
(5,833 |
)% |
||||
Total non-operating expense, net |
|
(494 |
) |
|
(186 |
) |
|
(308 |
) |
(166 |
)% |
||||
Loss before income taxes |
|
(2,362 |
) |
|
(705 |
) |
|
(1,656 |
) |
(235 |
)% |
||||
Income tax provision |
|
5 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
— |
|
0 |
% |
||||
Net loss including noncontrolling interest |
$ |
(2,367 |
) |
$ |
(710 |
) |
$ |
(1,656 |
) |
(233 |
)% |
||||
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest |
|
(201 |
) |
|
— |
|
|
(201 |
) |
(100 |
)% |
||||
Net loss attributable to common shareholders |
$ |
(2,166 |
) |
$ |
(710 |
) |
$ |
(1,455 |
) |
(205 |
)% |
105
Revenues
Revenues increased by $5.9 million, or 36%, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase in revenue was attributable to the following changes in passenger revenue, EAS and other subsidy revenue, charter revenue, and other revenue (in thousands, except percentages):
Three Months Ended March 31, |
Change |
|||||||||||
2023 |
2022 |
$ |
% |
|||||||||
Passenger revenue |
|
9,742 |
|
7,779 |
$ |
1,963 |
25 |
% |
||||
EAS and other subsidy revenue |
|
10,263 |
|
6,858 |
|
3,405 |
50 |
% |
||||
Charter revenue |
|
1,547 |
|
1,150 |
|
397 |
35 |
% |
||||
Other revenue |
|
1,122 |
|
933 |
|
189 |
20 |
% |
||||
Total revenue |
$ |
22,674 |
$ |
16,720 |
$ |
5,954 |
36 |
% |
Passenger revenue increased $1.9 million, or 25%, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. Southern flew 95,460 passengers across its network in the first three months of 2022. In the first three months of 2023, Southern flew 97,972 passengers, a 2.6% increase in passengers compared to the prior comparative period with the addition of five new subsidized routes from the EAS program. Prices for passenger tickets increased slightly based on the mix of routes and the introduction of higher priced routes.
The increase in EAS and other subsidy revenue of $3.4 million, or 50%, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022, was driven by the addition of five new routes under the EAS program of $3.4 million and the addition of the Marianas route of $0.2 million, which was offset by reduced scheduled departures on existing EAS routes of $0.2 million due to pilot availability and increased maintenance on aircraft. Southern does not expect to receive revenue from the Marianas routes in the future, as the Incentive Agreement has been terminated.
The increase in charter revenue of $0.4 million, or 35%, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022, was driven by increased trips at Southern’s Hawaii based charter operations of $0.4 million and aircraft management fees from Surf Air of $0.2 million. These were offset by a decrease in charter rates of $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022 due to a shift in customer preference to less expensive aircraft to service charter trips in 2023.
The increase in other revenue of $0.2 million, or 20%, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022, was driven by an increase in scheduled passengers, and associated fees, of 2.6% period over period.
Operating Expenses
Maintenance, Materials, and Repairs
Maintenance, materials, and repairs increased by $1.0 million, or 88%, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. Flight hours operated by Southern increased from 14,899 in the first three months of 2022 to 17,666 in first three months of 2023, or a 19% increase. The increase in flight hours drove an increase in costs on aircraft engine monitoring, engine overhauls, mandatory timed periodic inspections, and routine and non-routine repairs by $0.2 million. Furthermore, there was an increase of $0.8 million in repair part and freight costs due to rising fuel prices, and the costs of materials increased due to supply chain issues.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization increased by $0.4 million, or 71%, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase in depreciation and amortization expenses was primarily attributable to aircraft additions during the second half of 2022.
Aircraft Fuel
Aircraft fuel expenses increased by $1.2 million, or 40%, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase in aircraft fuel was attributable to the increase in flight hours of 19% or $0.5 million and an increase in fuel prices of 18% or $0.6 million. Southern expects elevated fuel prices to continue at least through the first half of 2023.
106
Airport Related Expense
Airport related expenses increased by $0.6 million, or 61%, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. Fight departures increased from 17,087 in the first three months of 2022 to 17,670 in the first three months of 2023, or 3% increase in departures. The increase in airport related expenses on airport rent, hangar rent, other station expenses, and landing fees were primarily attributable to the five EAS routes awarded by the DOT during the last three quarters of 2022, as well as the addition of the Marianas route in the second half of 2022. Southern does not expect to incur airport related expenses related to the Marianas routes in the future, as the Incentive Agreement has been terminated.
Aircraft Rent
Aircraft rent expenses increased by $0.3 million, or 14%, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase in aircraft rent was primarily related to engine reserves on aircraft added to the fleet in late 2022.
Salaries, Wages, and Benefits
Salary, wages, benefits expenses increased by $2.6 million, or 45%, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. With the increase in flight hours, salary, wages, and benefit expenses for pilots increased $0.7 million, customer care increased $0.9 million, and maintenance increased $0.2 million. The Marianas joint venture increased salary, wages, and benefits by $0.4 million. The remaining increase in salary, wages and benefits of $0.4 million was for corporate office departments not associated with flight hours.
Other Operating Expense
Other operating expenses increased $1.3 million, or 33%, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. This consisted of increased pilot travel, training, and ongoing drug screening costs of $0.3 million, costs associated with the addition of Marianas of $0.2 million, increased insurance costs of $0.3 million, increased facility charges of $0.2 million and increased reservation system costs of $0.1 million, all of which supported increased flight demand. Higher banking fees of $0.1 million, and corporate travel costs of $0.2 million also contributed to the increase in other operating expenses.
Non-operating Income/(Expense)
Non-operating expense increased by $0.3 million, or 166%, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase in non-operating expenses was due to $0.5 million in interest expense on borrowings for purchased aircraft, offset by Marianas incentive income of $0.2 million.
Net Income/(Loss) attributable to common shareholders
The change in net income to net loss attributable to common shareholders from the three months ended March 31, 2022 to the three months ended March 31, 2023, was primarily attributable to an increase in relative prices for aircraft repairs and maintenance of $1.0 million and an increase in fuel prices of $1.2 million, as discussed above.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Southern uses Adjusted EBITDA to identify and target operational results which is beneficial to management and investors in evaluating operational effectiveness. Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental measure of Southern’s performance that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of Southern’s financial performance under U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) or any other performance measure derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP, or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of Southern’s liquidity. Southern’s calculation of this non-GAAP financial measure may differ from similarly titled non-GAAP measures, if any, reported by other companies. This non-GAAP financial measure should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
107
Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in their usefulness to investors because they have no standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and are not prepared under any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. In addition, non-GAAP financial measures may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be directly comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Southern presents Adjusted EBITDA because it considers this measure to be an important supplemental measure of its performance and believes it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in its industry. Management believes that investors’ understanding of Southern’s performance is enhanced by including this non-GAAP financial measure as a reasonable basis for comparing its ongoing results of operations.
Southern calculates Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) adjusted for depreciation and amortization, interest expense, income tax expense and incentive income from the Marianas joint venture.
The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net loss for each of the periods indicated.
Three Months Ended |
||||||||
(in thousands) |
2023 |
2022 |
||||||
Net loss |
$ |
(2,367 |
) |
$ |
(710 |
) |
||
Addback: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
937 |
|
|
548 |
|
||
Interest expense |
|
666 |
|
|
183 |
|
||
Income tax provision |
|
5 |
|
|
5 |
|
||
Incentive income from the Marianas joint venture |
|
(171 |
) |
|
— |
|
||
Adjusted EBITDA |
$ |
(930 |
) |
$ |
26 |
|
Cash Flow Analysis for Southern for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023, compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
The following table presents a summary of Southern’s cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):
For Three Months Ended |
||||||||
2023 |
2022 |
|||||||
Net cash provided by (used in): |
|
|
|
|
||||
Operating activities |
$ |
(479 |
) |
$ |
205 |
|
||
Investing activities |
|
(204 |
) |
|
(429 |
) |
||
Financing activities |
|
720 |
|
|
(325 |
) |
||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
37 |
|
$ |
(549 |
) |
Cash Flow from Operating Activities
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, net cash used in operating activities was $0.5 million, primarily driven by $2.4 million in net losses, partially offset by a $1.2 million of non-cash operating lease expense and a $1.0 million increase in deferred revenue.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022, net cash generated in operating activities was $0.2 million, primarily driven by a $1.0 million increase in deferred revenue, partially offset by $0.7 million in net losses.
Net cash used in operating activities increased period over period by $0.7 million, primarily driven by an increase in net losses of $1.7 million. This was partially offset by a $0.7 million increase non-cash depreciation and amortization and operating lease expenses.
108
Cash Flow from Investing Activities
For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and the three months ended March 31, 2022, net cash used in investing activities was $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, driven by purchases of property and equipment (aircraft, spare parts, ground equipment, and leasehold improvements).
Net cash used in investing activities decreased period over period by $0.2 million.
Cash Flow from Financing Activities
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, net cash provided by financing activities was $0.7 million, driven by $1.4 million in collateralized borrowings. This was partially offset by $0.6 million in payments of long-term debt and $0.2 million in repayments of long-term debt on related parties.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022, net cash used in financing activities was $0.3 million, from $0.1 million in repayment of long-term debt and $0.2 million repayments of long-term debt on related parties.
Net cash provided by financing activities increased period over period by $1 million, driven by $1.4 million in collateralized borrowings. This was partially offset by the repayment of long-term debt of $0.4 million.
Results of Southern’s Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
The following table sets forth Southern’s consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands, except percentages):
Year Ended |
Change |
||||||||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
$ |
% |
||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ |
80,716 |
|
$ |
57,679 |
|
$ |
23,037 |
|
40 |
% |
||||
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Maintenance, materials, and repairs |
|
5,430 |
|
|
3,033 |
|
|
2,397 |
|
79 |
% |
||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
3,051 |
|
|
1,604 |
|
|
1,447 |
|
90 |
% |
||||
Aircraft fuel |
|
15,676 |
|
|
8,310 |
|
|
7,366 |
|
89 |
% |
||||
Airport-related expenses |
|
4,627 |
|
|
3,121 |
|
|
1,506 |
|
48 |
% |
||||
Aircraft rent |
|
8,153 |
|
|
7,274 |
|
|
879 |
|
12 |
% |
||||
Salaries, wages, and benefits |
|
29,006 |
|
|
21,202 |
|
|
7,804 |
|
37 |
% |
||||
CARES Act |
|
— |
|
|
(11,092 |
) |
|
11,092 |
|
100 |
% |
||||
Other operating expenses |
|
18,785 |
|
|
12,467 |
|
|
6,318 |
|
51 |
% |
||||
Total operating expenses |
|
84,728 |
|
|
45,919 |
|
|
38,809 |
|
85 |
% |
||||
Operating income (loss) |
|
(4,012 |
) |
|
11,760 |
|
|
(15,772 |
) |
(134 |
)% |
||||
Non-operating income (expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Interest expense |
|
(1,764 |
) |
|
(744 |
) |
|
(1,020 |
) |
(137 |
)% |
||||
Other income, net |
|
219 |
|
|
84 |
|
|
135 |
|
161 |
% |
||||
Total non-operating (expense), net |
|
(1,545 |
) |
|
(660 |
) |
|
(885 |
) |
(134 |
)% |
||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
|
(5,557 |
) |
|
11,100 |
|
|
(16,657 |
) |
(1,507 |
)% |
||||
Income tax provision (benefit) |
|
(409 |
) |
|
440 |
|
|
(849 |
) |
(193 |
)% |
||||
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest |
$ |
(5,148 |
) |
$ |
10,660 |
|
$ |
(15,808 |
) |
(148 |
)% |
||||
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest |
|
(677 |
) |
|
— |
|
|
(677 |
) |
(100 |
)% |
||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders |
$ |
(4,471 |
) |
$ |
10,660 |
|
$ |
(15,131 |
) |
(142 |
)% |
109
Revenues
Revenues increased by $23.0 million, or 40%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in revenue was attributable to the following changes in passenger revenue, EAS revenue, charter revenue, and other revenue (in thousands, except percentages):
Year Ended |
Change |
|||||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
$ |
% |
|||||||||
Passenger revenue |
$ |
38,959 |
$ |
25,738 |
$ |
13,221 |
51 |
% |
||||
EAS and other subsidy revenue |
|
32,525 |
|
25,597 |
|
6,928 |
27 |
% |
||||
Charter revenue |
|
5,043 |
|
3,101 |
|
1,942 |
63 |
% |
||||
Other revenue |
|
4,189 |
|
3,243 |
|
946 |
29 |
% |
||||
Total revenue |
$ |
80,716 |
$ |
57,679 |
$ |
23,169 |
40 |
% |
Passenger revenue increased $13.2 million, or 51%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. Southern flew 324,634 passengers across its network in 2021. In 2022, Southern flew 442,893 passengers, a 36.4% increase in passengers compared to the prior comparative period. Prices for passenger tickets increased slightly based on the mix of routes and introduction of higher priced routes. The increase in passenger revenue is primarily driven by the increase in flight demand generated by relaxing of COVID restrictions from 2021 to 2022.
The increase in EAS and other subsidy revenue of $6.9 million, or 27%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, was driven by an increase in new routes under the EAS program of $4.7 million, contract rate increases of $1.6 million, and $0.6 million from other subsidy routes.
The increase in charter revenue of $1.9 million, or 63%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, was driven by the lessening of COVID-19 restrictions in 2022, which increased demand for charter flights by $1.7 million, as well as rate increases of $0.2 million.
The increase in other revenue of $0.9 million, or 29%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, was driven by the increase in passengers of 36% period over period.
Operating Expenses
Maintenance, Materials, and Repairs
Maintenance, materials, and repairs increased by $2.4 million, or 79%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. Flight hours operated by Southern increased from 54,274 in 2021 to 68,316 in 2022, or a 26% increase. The increase in flight hours drove the increase in costs on aircraft engine monitoring, engine overhauls, mandatory timed periodic inspections, and repairs by $1.1 million. Rate increases on aircraft engine monitoring, engine overhauls, mandatory timed periodic inspections, and repairs contributed to the increase in the amount of $1.0 million. Furthermore, there was an increase of $0.3 million in repair part freight costs due to rising fuel prices, and the increase in costs of materials due to supply chain issues following COVID-19.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization increased by $1.4 million, or 90%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in depreciation and amortization expenses was primarily attributable to aircraft additions during late 2021 and throughout 2022.
Aircraft Fuel
Aircraft fuel expenses increased by $7.4 million, or 89%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in aircraft fuel was attributable to the increase in flight hours of 26% and rising fuel prices. Southern expects elevated fuel prices to continue in 2023.
110
Airport Related Expense
Airport related expenses increased by $1.5 million, or 48%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. Landing fees increased $0.5 million primarily due to rate increases compared to the prior comparative period, and after hour and call out fees increased $0.5 million primarily due to increased flight volume. Hangar and airport rent increased $0.6 million due to rate increases and additional locations.
Aircraft Rent
Aircraft rent expenses increased by $0.9 million, or 12%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. In late 2021 and 2022, Southern added ten leased aircraft to the fleet and no aircraft were removed from the fleet in 2021 or in 2022.
Salaries, Wages, and Benefits
Salary, wages, benefits expenses increased by $7.8 million, or 37%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. With the increase in flight hours salary, wages, and benefit expenses for pilots increased $2.8 million, customer care increased $2.0 million, and maintenance increased $1.0 million, resulting from increases in pay rates and higher salaried new employees. The Marianas joint venture increased salary, wages, and benefits by $0.4 million. The remaining increase in salary, wages and benefits of $1.6 million was for corporate office departments not associated with flight hours.
CARES Act
During 2020 and 2021 collectively, because of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Southern was awarded a total grant of $22.3 million to support ongoing payroll and ongoing operations through the PPP and PSP. In 2021, $11.1 million was recognized as income and none remained to be recognized in 2022.
Other Operating Expense
Other operating expenses increased $6.3 million, or 51%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year December 31, 2021. This consisted of increased pilot travel, training, and ongoing costs of $1.7 million, costs associated with the addition of Marianas of $0.9 million, increased insurance costs of $1.1 million, increased facility charges of $0.4 million and increased reservation system costs of $0.7 million, all of which supported increased flight demand. Higher merchant fees of $0.5 million, professional fees of $0.5 million, and corporate travel costs of $0.5 million also contributed to the increase in other operating expenses.
Non-operating Income/(Expense)
Non-operating expense increased by $0.9 million, or 134%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in non-operating expense was due to $1 million in interest expense on borrowings for purchased aircraft, offset by start-up costs for the Marianas of $0.2 million.
Net Income/(Loss) attributable to common shareholders
The change in net income to net loss attributable to common shareholders from the year ended December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2022, is primarily attributable to the absence of $11.1 million of PSP/PPP grant funding, $3.8 million in operating losses that were the result of rising fuel prices and start-up costs for the Marianas joint venture and new routes, and an increase of $1.0 million in interest to finance new aircraft leases.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Southern uses Adjusted EBITDA to identify and target operational results which is beneficial to management and investors in evaluating operational effectiveness. Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental measure of Southern’s performance that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of Southern’s financial performance under U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) or any other performance measure derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP, or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of Southern’s liquidity. Southern’s calculation of this non-GAAP financial
111
measure may differ from similarly titled non-GAAP measures, if any, reported by other companies. This non-GAAP financial measure should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in their usefulness to investors because they have no standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and are not prepared under any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. In addition, non-GAAP financial measures may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be directly comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Southern presents Adjusted EBITDA because it considers this measure to be an important supplemental measure of its performance and believes it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in its industry. Management believes that investors’ understanding of Southern’s performance is enhanced by including this non-GAAP financial measure as a reasonable basis for comparing its ongoing results of operations.
Southern calculates Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) adjusted for depreciation and amortization, interest expense, income tax expense, incentive income from the Mariana joint venture and PPP/PSP grants.
The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss) for each of the periods indicated.
Year Ended |
||||||||
(in thousands) |
2022 |
2021 |
||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ |
(5,148 |
) |
$ |
10,660 |
|
||
Addback: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
3,051 |
|
|
1,604 |
|
||
Interest expense |
|
1,764 |
|
|
744 |
|
||
Income tax provision (benefit) |
|
(409 |
) |
|
440 |
|
||
Incentive income from the Marianas joint venture |
|
(282 |
) |
|
— |
|
||
PPP/PSP grants(1) |
|
— |
|
|
(11,092 |
) |
||
Adjusted EBITDA |
$ |
(1,024 |
) |
$ |
2,356 |
|
____________
(1) Represents an adjustment for PPP Loans and Payroll Support Program grants provided to Southern. For the year ended December 31, 2021, Southern recognized a total of $11.1 million in government assistance comprised of grants totaling $9.6 million under the Payroll Support Program maintained and administered by the Treasury, which is not required to be paid back to the Treasury and a PPP Loan of $1.5 million, which has been forgiven in full.
Cash Flow Analysis
The following table presents a summary of Southern’s cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):
Year Ended |
||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||
Net cash provided by (used in): |
|
|
|
|
||||
Operating activities |
$ |
1,789 |
|
$ |
11,025 |
|
||
Investing activities |
|
(23,142 |
) |
|
(6,267 |
) |
||
Financing activities |
|
17,045 |
|
|
(1,121 |
) |
||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
(4,308 |
) |
$ |
3,637 |
|
Cash Flow from Operating Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash generated in operating activities was $1.8 million, driven by $1.9 million cash from operations, and increases of $1.6 million in deferred passenger ticket revenue, and $6.7 million in accounts payable and accrued expenses, offset by increases of $4.1 million in operating leases, $3.5 million in prepaid expenses and other assets, and $0.8 million in accounts receivable.
112
For the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash generated by operating activities was $11.0 million, driven by $9.6 million in PPP and PSP grants and $2.8 million in cash from operating profits. This was partially offset by $1.9 million in prepaid expenses and other assets.
Net cash used in operating activities decreased year over year by $9.2 million, driven by $9.6 million in PPP and PSP grants received in 2021 with none in 2022, an increase of $4.1 million in operating leases, an increase of $1.6 million prepaid expenses and other assets, $1.0 million less in operating profits, and $0.8 million from accounts receivable. Offsets were primarily driven by increases of $7.4 million in accounts payable.
Cash Flow from Investing Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash used in investing activities was $23.1 million, driven by $18.9 million in purchases of property and equipment (aircraft, spare parts, ground equipment, and leasehold improvements) and $4.2 million in the acquisition of Multi Aero.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash used in investing activities was $6.3 million, driven by purchases of property and equipment (aircraft, spare parts, ground equipment and leasehold improvements).
Net cash used in investing activities used period over period increased by $16.9 million driven by a $12.6 million increase in purchases of property and equipment (aircraft, spare parts, ground equipment, and leasehold improvements) and $4.2 million in the acquisition of Multi Aero.
Cash Flow from Financing Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash generated in financing activities was $17 million, $19.7 million in proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt and $1.3 million in borrowings under factoring agreement, offset by $3.9 million in repayment of debt and $0.1 million in repayment of finance capital lease obligations.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash used in financing activities included $0.8 million in repayment of debt and $0.3 million in repayment of finance capital lease obligations.
Net cash generated by financing activities increased period over period by $18.2 million, driven by an increase of $19.7 million in proceeds from borrowings of long term debt, an increase of $1.3 million in borrowings under factoring agreement and an increase of $0.1 million in repayment of finance capital lease obligations, offset by the repayment of debt of $3.0 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Southern incurred greater than expected operating losses and negative cash flows from operating activities in April and May 2023 due to inefficient aircraft utilization, primarily caused by an underutilization of pilots and a shortage of maintenance personnel and critical aircraft components, which, in aggregate, have challenged Southern’s ability to serve its customers as desired and, in turn, cover expenses. Previously forecasted strategies to alleviate these challenges have been unsuccessful in the full deployment of Southern’s fleet with the Company seeing an increased cancellation rate well above historical averages and previous forecasts, particularly during the second quarter of 2023. This has resulted in an accelerated decline in revenue expectations in the second quarter of 2023, coupled with increasing costs associated with rescheduling pilots and flight personnel to active service areas to mitigate the flight schedule disruptions. Although Southern continues to focus on mitigating these challenges, they are expected to continue to impact financial results in the coming months. Southern’s success going forward is dependent on the ability to achieve a high level of aircraft and crew utilization, increase flight services and the number of passengers flown, and ready access to capital to fund operations and planned growth.
As of March 31, 2023, Southern had approximately $1.4 million in cash and available liquidity. In addition to continued actions to reduce costs, and effectively utilize assets and crews, Southern is evaluating strategies to obtain additional funding for future operations. These strategies may include, but are not limited to, obtaining additional equity financing, issuing additional debt or entering into other financing arrangements, and restructuring of operations to efficiently utilize aircraft and pilots, grow revenues and decrease expenses. There can be no assurance that Southern will be successful in achieving its strategic plans, that new financing will be available to Southern in a timely manner or on acceptable terms, if at all. If Southern is unable to raise sufficient financing when needed or events or circumstances
113
occur or such that Southern does not meet its strategic plans, Southern may be required to take additional measures to enhance and conserve and increase liquidity, which could include, but not necessarily limited to, increasing ticket prices, additional reductions to spending, selling of aircraft, altering or scaling back operational footprint, which may have a material adverse effect on Southern’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and ability to achieve its intended business objectives.
These factors raise substantial doubt about Southern’s ability to continue as a going concern. Southern’s consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty. See the section entitled “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Surf Air’s and Southern’s Financial Position — There is substantial doubt about Southern’s ability to continue as a going concern. Southern will need additional financing to execute its business plan, to fund its operations and to continue as a going concern.”
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of income and expense during the reported period.
Southern’s management believes that the accounting estimates listed below are those that are most critical to the portrayal of Southern’s financial condition and results of operations, and that require management’s most difficult, subjective, and complex judgments in estimating the effect of inherent uncertainties.
Income Taxes
The determination of tax strategies and positions, along with the accounting for related income taxes, require interpretation of various federal and state tax policies and assessment of the likelihood of various outcomes. Management believes that accounting for income taxes requires difficult, subjective, and complex judgments and defenses. Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The likelihood of realizing the tax benefits related to a potential deferred tax asset is evaluated, and a valuation allowance is recognized to reduce that deferred tax asset if it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at the beginning and end of the period. The change in the sum of the deferred tax asset, valuation allowance and deferred tax liability during the period generally is recognized as a deferred tax expense or benefit. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period that includes the enactment date.
Southern determines whether a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return is to be recognized in the consolidated financial statements when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. The amount recognized is subject to estimation and management judgment with respect to the likely outcome of each uncertain tax position. The amount that is ultimately sustained for an individual uncertain tax position or for all uncertain tax positions in the aggregate could differ from the amount recognized. For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold, the tax amount recognized in the consolidated financial
114
statements is reduced by the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. Southern recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, in its income tax expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations.
JOBS Act
Southern currently qualifies as an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act. Accordingly, Southern is provided the option to adopt new or revised accounting guidance either (i) within the same periods as those otherwise applicable to non-emerging growth companies or (ii) within the same time periods as private companies. Southern has elected to adopt new or revised accounting guidance within the same time period as private companies, unless Southern’s management determines it is preferable to take advantage of early adoption provisions offered within the applicable guidance. Southern’s utilization of these transition periods may make it difficult to compare its financial statements to those of non-emerging growth companies and other emerging growth companies that have opted out of the transition periods afforded under the JOBS Act.
115
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Defined terms included below have the same meanings as terms defined and included elsewhere in this prospectus. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this section to “Surf Air Mobility Inc.” refer to SAM and its wholly-owned subsidiaries after the Internal Reorganization and the Southern Acquisition.
Introduction
SAM is providing the following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information to aid you in your analysis of the financial aspects of the following: (i) the Internal Reorganization (including the Conversions) and the Southern Acquisition; (ii) the Tuscan Payment; (iii) the SAFE Settlement; (iv) the Advisor Accrual; (iv) the Initial GEM Issuance and the GEM Advances; and (v) other adjustments. The pro forma financial information has been prepared in accordance with Regulation S-X Article 11, Pro Forma Financial Information, as amended. The pro forma adjustments are described in the accompanying footnotes.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of March 31, 2023 combines the historical unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet of Surf Air as of March 31, 2023 and the historical unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet of Southern as of March 31, 2023 on a pro forma basis as if the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and related transactions, summarized below, had been consummated on March 31, 2023.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 combines the historical unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations of Surf Air for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and the historical unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations of Southern for the three months ended March 31, 2023 on a pro forma basis as if the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and related transactions, summarized below, had been consummated on January 1, 2022.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 combines the historical audited consolidated statement of operations of Surf Air for the year ended December 31, 2022 and the historical audited consolidated statement of operations of Southern for the year ended December 31, 2022 on a pro forma basis as if the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and related transactions, summarized below, had been consummated on January 1, 2022.
The historical financial information has been adjusted to give effect to factually supportable events that are related and/or directly attributable to the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and related transactions, summarized below. The adjustments presented on the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements have been identified and presented to offer relevant information necessary to provide a reasonable basis for understanding of the combined company upon consummation of the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and related transactions, summarized below.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information was derived from and should be read in conjunction with the following historical financial statements and accompanying notes, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus:
• the historical audited consolidated financial statements of Surf Air as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022;
• the historical unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Surf Air as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2023;
• the historical audited consolidated financial statements of Southern as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022; and
• the historical unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Southern as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
The foregoing historical financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
116
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information should also be read together with the sections entitled “Surf Air’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, “Southern’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and other financial information included elsewhere in this prospectus.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is for illustrative purposes only. The financial results may have been different had the companies always been combined. You should not rely on the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information as being indicative of the historical results that would have been achieved had the companies always been combined or the future results that the combined company will experience.
Internal Reorganization, Southern Acquisition and related transactions
Immediately prior to the effectiveness of this registration statement and in connection with the Internal Reorganization, Surf Air will effect the Conversions:
• all Surf Air Preferred Shares will convert into Ordinary Shares in accordance with their terms;
• all Surf Air Warrants that will not expire or be cancelled as a result of the Internal Reorganization will be cancelled and extinguished (to the extent not exercised) for the right to receive a number of shares equal to the number of Ordinary Shares that would be issued assuming (i) the net exercise of the applicable Surf Air Warrant and (ii) the conversion of the Surf Air Preferred Stock;
• all Surf Air Convertible Notes that will not expire or be cancelled as a result of the Internal Reorganization will be cancelled and extinguished (to the extent not converted) for the right to receive a number of shares equal to the number of Ordinary Shares that would be issued assuming the conversion of the applicable Surf Air Convertible Note;
• each Ordinary Share (including all ordinary shares issued or issuable upon the foregoing conversions) outstanding as of immediately prior to the closing of the Internal Reorganization will be cancelled in exchange for shares of SAM Common Stock based on the Conversion Ratio (with any vesting conditions applicable to such Ordinary Shares to apply to such shares of our Common Stock);
• each Surf Air Option will be automatically converted into an option to acquire a number of shares of Common Stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) based on the Conversion Ratio. The per share exercise price for shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of such converted option is equal to the exercise price per Ordinary Share applicable to the Surf Air Option immediately prior to the Internal Reorganization (rounded up to the nearest whole cent) divided by the Conversion Ratio. Such converted option will be on substantially the same terms and conditions as the corresponding Surf Air Option; and
• each Surf Air RSU award will be automatically converted into an award with respect to a number of shares of our Common Stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) based on the Conversion Ratio that will be subject to the same vesting and other terms as the corresponding Surf Air RSU award (with all such RSUs that are then outstanding to become vested upon the listing of our Common Stock).
Immediately prior to the effectiveness of this registration statement, SAM will effect the Internal Reorganization, whereby a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM will be merged with and into Surf Air, after which Surf Air will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM.
Pursuant to the Southern Acquisition Agreement, on the closing date a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM will be merged with and into Southern, after which Southern will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM (the “Southern Acquisition”).
Following the Internal Reorganization and Southern Acquisition, (i) Surf Air and Southern will be wholly owned subsidiaries of SAM, (ii) the security holders of Surf Air (including the holders of SAFEs) and Southern will be security holders of SAM, and (iii) SAM will own directly or indirectly all of the equity securities, assets, business and operations of each of Surf Air and Southern. SAM will be the publicly traded company. The Southern Acquisition will occur immediately prior to the listing of our Common Stock. Listing of our Common Stock is subject to consummation of the Southern Acquisition. The consummation of the Southern Acquisition is subject to the effectiveness of this registration statement, the approval for listing of our Common Stock, the consummation of the Internal Reorganization, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
117
On May 17, 2022 and June 30, 2022, the Company also entered into Simple Agreements for Future Equity (“SAFEs”) for an aggregate amount of approximately $49 million (of which approximately $15 million was funded through the cancellation of obligations owing by the Company to a counterparty, approximately $19 million was funded through in-kind services and approximately $15 million was funded in cash), which provide, among other things, for the conversion of such SAFEs into shares of common stock of the Company in connection with a listing. Two additional SAFEs were entered into with individual private investors on September 12, 2022 and January 31, 2023. In connection with the Internal Reorganization, the Company intends to enter into amendments with the SAFE holders whereby upon listing and pursuant to the SAFE Settlement, SAFE holders will receive shares of our Common Stock based on a conversion price equal to 65% of the initial listing price.
On May 17, 2022, the Company entered into the Share Subscription Facility (as further amended and restated on February 8, 2023). Pursuant to the Share Subscription Facility SAM will issue to GEM 0.75% of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding, calculated on a fully diluted basis as of the listing date.
For the purposes of these pro forma financial statements, it is assumed that 40,000,000 shares of Common Stock will be initially issuable, which includes 35,000,000 shares of Common Stock issuable to Surf Air shareholders, of which 33,263,859 will be issued as of the listing date and 1,736,141 shares will be issued upon the exercise of previously granted Surf Air Options, and 5,000,000 shares of Common Stock (12.5%) issuable to existing Southern shareholders. This amount is based upon an estimated value of SAM of $1.0 billion and based on the Assumed Opening Price. Subsequent to this allocation, it is assumed that additional Common Stock will be issued as consideration for the Tuscan Payment, the Initial GEM Issuance, the SAFE Settlement and the Advisor Accruals.
For purposes of the Conversions, we have assumed that shares of Surf Air common stock will be exchanged for shares of Common Stock at the Conversion Ratio of 22.28 to 1, which is based on the Assumed Opening Price and will be subject to change based on the actual opening price per share of our Common Stock on our initial listing date.
Accounting treatment for the Southern Acquisition
Surf Air’s acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding share capital of Southern will be treated as a business combination under Accounting Standard Codification 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”) and will be accounted for using the acquisition method. Surf Air will record the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Southern. Any excess amounts after allocating the estimated consideration to identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be recorded as goodwill.
The following summarizes the unaudited pro forma combined Common Stock ownership issued and outstanding as of immediately following the consummation of the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and related transactions:
Common |
% |
||||
Surf Air Global stockholders(1) |
33,263,859 |
71.0 |
% |
||
Southern stockholders |
5,000,000 |
10.7 |
% |
||
Tuscan(2) |
635,000 |
1.4 |
% |
||
SAFE Investors(3) |
3,094,914 |
6.6 |
% |
||
Advisors |
3,048 |
0.0 |
% |
||
Share Subscription Facility(4) |
4,842,997 |
10.3 |
% |
||
Pro forma Common Stock |
46,839,818 |
100 |
% |
____________
(1) Includes 33,263,859 shares of Common Stock to be issued to existing Surf Air shareholders in connection with the Internal Reorganization. Excludes 1,736,141 shares of Common Stock underlying Surf Air Options that are included in the number of fully diluted shares used to determine the Southern Acquisition consideration.
(2) Pursuant to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement with Tuscan, SAM has agreed to issue 635,000 shares of Common Stock to Tuscan in the event that a triggering event occurs, which includes, among other things, the listing.
(3) Represents the number of shares to be issued pursuant to the SAFEs at a conversion price equal to 65% of the Assumed Opening Price.
(4) Reflects (1) $100 million in draw-downs under the Share Subscription Facility upon the listing pursuant to the GEM Advance in exchange for 4,515,000 shares of Common Stock, based on a discount of 10% to the Assumed Opening Price; the actual number of shares issuable upon the $100 million draw down will depend on the VWAP share price preceding the date of draw down; and (2) 327,997 shares of Common Stock issued to GEM on the listing equal to 0.75% of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding, calculated on a fully diluted basis as of the listing date.
118
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet
as of March 31, 2023 (in thousands, except share data)
Surf Air |
Southern Airways Corporation (Historical) |
Transaction Accounting Adjustments (Note 4) |
Pro Forma Combined |
||||||||||||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Cash |
$ |
241 |
$ |
1,439 |
$ |
(7,433 |
) |
m |
$ |
93,847 |
|||||
|
|
$ |
98,000 |
|
p |
|
|||||||||
|
|
$ |
4,600 |
|
q |
|
|||||||||
|
|
$ |
(6,000 |
) |
r |
|
|||||||||
|
|
$ |
3,000 |
|
s |
|
|||||||||
Accounts receivable, net |
|
220 |
|
3,983 |
|
(44 |
) |
a |
|
4,159 |
|||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
7,641 |
|
5,290 |
|
(232 |
) |
a |
|
12,699 |
|||||
Total current assets |
|
8,102 |
|
10,712 |
|
91,891 |
|
|
110,705 |
||||||
Restricted cash |
|
907 |
|
|
|
|
907 |
||||||||
Property and equipment, net |
|
652 |
|
36,257 |
|
|
|
36,909 |
|||||||
Deferred financing costs |
|
|
|
8,072 |
|
b |
|
8,072 |
|||||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets |
|
798 |
|
14,667 |
|
|
|
15,465 |
|||||||
Finance lease right-of-use assets |
|
|
1,428 |
|
|
|
1,428 |
||||||||
Intangibles, net |
|
2,885 |
|
|
40,250 |
|
c |
|
43,135 |
||||||
Other assets |
|
|
3,296 |
|
|
|
3,296 |
||||||||
Goodwill |
|
|
|
805 |
|
90,873 |
|
d |
|
91,678 |
|||||
Total assets |
$ |
13,344 |
$ |
67,165 |
$ |
231,086 |
|
$ |
311,595 |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Accounts payable |
|
15,247 |
|
5,685 |
|
(75 |
) |
e |
|
20,813 |
|||||
|
|
|
(44 |
) |
a |
|
|||||||||
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits |
|
|
2,809 |
|
|
|
2,809 |
||||||||
Accrued expenses |
|
13,929 |
|
|
(232 |
) |
a |
|
13,697 |
||||||
Deferred revenue |
|
7,954 |
|
7,251 |
|
|
|
15,205 |
|||||||
SAFE notes at fair value, current |
|
182 |
|
|
(182 |
) |
g |
|
— |
||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt |
|
|
2,030 |
|
|
|
2,030 |
||||||||
Operating lease liabilities, current |
|
613 |
|
3,497 |
|
|
|
4,110 |
|||||||
Finance lease liability, current |
|
|
142 |
|
|
|
142 |
||||||||
Convertible notes at fair value, current |
|
17,378 |
|
|
(17,378 |
) |
f |
|
— |
||||||
Current portion due to related parties |
|
14,106 |
|
2,942 |
|
4,600 |
|
q |
|
21,648 |
|||||
Other current liabilities |
|
|
|
6,243 |
|
|
|
|
6,243 |
||||||
Total current liabilities |
|
69,409 |
|
30,599 |
|
(13,311 |
) |
|
86,697 |
||||||
Long-term debt, net of current maturities |
|
|
20,747 |
|
|
|
20,747 |
||||||||
Operating lease liabilities |
|
192 |
|
8,110 |
|
|
|
8,302 |
|||||||
Finance lease liability, long term |
|
|
1,786 |
|
|
|
1,786 |
||||||||
Due to related parties, net of current portion |
|
|
5,644 |
|
|
|
5,644 |
||||||||
Convertible notes at fair value, long term |
|
13,601 |
|
|
(13,601 |
) |
f |
|
|||||||
SAFE notes at fair value, long term |
|
30,329 |
|
|
(30,329 |
) |
g |
|
|||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
|
1,383 |
|
k |
|
1,383 |
|||||||
Other long term liabilities |
|
10,663 |
|
313 |
|
(2,000 |
) |
p |
|
7,345 |
|||||
|
|
|
4,369 |
|
n |
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
(6,000 |
) |
r |
|
119
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet
as of March 31, 2023 (in thousands, except share data) — (Continued)
Surf Air |
Southern Airways Corporation (Historical) |
Transaction Accounting Adjustments (Note 4) |
Pro Forma Combined |
|||||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
$ |
124,194 |
|
$ |
67,199 |
|
$ |
(59,489 |
) |
$ |
131,904 |
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Redeemable convertible preferred |
|
130,667 |
|
|
3,624 |
|
|
(130,667 |
) |
f |
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
(3,624 |
) |
h |
|
|
|||||||||
Class B-6s redeemable convertible preferred shares |
|
3,414 |
|
|
|
|
(3,414 |
) |
f |
|
— |
|
||||||
SAM shares |
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
f |
|
5 |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
i |
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
l |
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
g |
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
e |
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
b |
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
p |
|
|
|||||||||
Ordinary Shares |
|
279 |
|
|
|
|
(279 |
) |
f |
|
— |
|
||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
|
127,202 |
|
|
9,965 |
|
|
15,627 |
|
l |
|
611,656 |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
165,336 |
|
f |
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
30,511 |
|
g |
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
124,999 |
|
i |
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
8,072 |
|
b |
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
(9,965 |
) |
h |
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
75 |
|
e |
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
25,725 |
|
o |
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
111,109 |
|
p |
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
s |
|
|
|||||||||
Accumulated deficit |
|
(372,412 |
) |
|
(12,745 |
) |
|
12,745 |
|
h |
|
(431,092 |
) |
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
(15,627 |
) |
l |
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
5,584 |
|
k |
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
(4,369 |
) |
n |
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
(7,433 |
) |
m |
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
(25,725 |
) |
o |
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
(11,110 |
) |
p |
|
|
|||||||||
Noncontrolling interests |
|
|
|
(878 |
) |
|
|
|
(878 |
) |
||||||||
Total shareholders’ equity (deficit) |
|
(241,517 |
) |
|
(3,658 |
) |
|
424,866 |
|
|
179,691 |
|
||||||
Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ equity (deficit) |
$ |
13,344 |
|
$ |
67,165 |
|
$ |
231,086 |
|
$ |
311,595 |
|
120
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations
for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 (in thousands)
Surf Air Global Limited (Historical) |
Southern Airways Corporation (Historical) |
Reclassification Adjustments (Note 3) |
Transaction Accounting Adjustments (Note 4) |
Pro Forma Combined |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue |
$ |
5,507 |
|
$ |
22,674 |
|
|
|
$ |
(200 |
) |
a |
$ |
27,981 |
|
|||||||||
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Cost of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization |
|
6,650 |
|
|
|
|
2,073 |
|
1 |
|
(200 |
) |
a |
|
25,027 |
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
4,041 |
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
1,463 |
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
2,187 |
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
6,641 |
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
2,172 |
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Maintenance, materials and repairs |
|
|
|
2,073 |
|
|
(2,073 |
) |
1 |
|
|
|
— |
|
||||||||||
Aircraft fuel |
|
|
|
4,041 |
|
|
(4,041 |
) |
2 |
|
|
|
— |
|
||||||||||
Airport-related expenses |
|
|
|
1,463 |
|
|
(1,463 |
) |
3 |
|
|
|
— |
|
||||||||||
Aircraft rent |
|
|
|
2,187 |
|
|
(2,187 |
) |
4 |
|
|
|
— |
|
||||||||||
Salaries, wages and benefits |
|
|
|
8,453 |
|
|
(6,641 |
) |
5 |
|
|
|
— |
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
(1,812 |
) |
10 |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Technology and development |
|
812 |
|
|
|
|
720 |
|
8 |
|
|
|
1,532 |
|
||||||||||
Sales and marketing |
|
1,394 |
|
|
|
|
150 |
|
9 |
|
|
|
1,544 |
|
||||||||||
General and administrative |
|
8,441 |
|
|
|
|
1,812 |
|
10 |
|
|
|
12,599 |
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
2,346 |
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
258 |
|
|
937 |
|
|
|
|
606 |
|
c |
|
1,801 |
|
|||||||||
Other operating expenses |
|
|
|
5,388 |
|
|
(720 |
) |
8 |
|
|
|
— |
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
(150 |
) |
9 |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
(2,346 |
) |
6 |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
(2,172 |
) |
7 |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Loss on contract termination |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|||||||||
Total operating expenses |
|
17,555 |
|
|
24,542 |
|
|
— |
|
|
406 |
|
|
42,503 |
|
|||||||||
Operating loss |
|
(12,048 |
) |
|
(1,868 |
) |
|
— |
|
|
(606 |
) |
|
(14,522 |
) |
|||||||||
Other income (expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Changes in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value, net |
|
(8,096 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
8,096 |
|
j |
|
— |
|
||||||||||
Interest income (expense), net |
|
(171 |
) |
|
(666 |
) |
|
|
|
(115 |
) |
q |
|
(952 |
) |
|||||||||
Gain on extinguishment of debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|||||||||||||
Loss on derivative settlement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|||||||||||||
Other income (expense) |
|
(258 |
) |
|
172 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(86 |
) |
|||||||||
Total other expense, net |
|
(8,525 |
) |
|
(494 |
) |
|
|
|
|
7,981 |
|
|
(1,038 |
) |
|||||||||
Income (loss) before taxes |
|
(20,573 |
) |
|
(2,362 |
) |
|
— |
|
|
7,375 |
|
|
(15,560 |
) |
|||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
(157 |
) |
k |
|
(152 |
) |
||||||||
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests |
|
(20,573 |
) |
|
(2,367 |
) |
|
— |
|
|
7,532 |
|
|
(15,408 |
) |
|||||||||
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest |
|
|
|
(201 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
(201 |
) |
||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to SAM common shareholders |
$ |
(20,573 |
) |
$ |
(2,166 |
) |
$ |
— |
|
$ |
7,532 |
|
$ |
(15,207 |
) |
|||||||||
Earnings per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Net loss per share, basic and diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(0.31 |
) |
|||||||||||||
Weighted average shares used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,839,818 |
|
121
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations
for the Year Ended December 31, 2022 (in thousands)
Surf Air Global Limited (Historical) |
Southern Airways Corporation (Historical) |
Reclassification Adjustments (Note 3) |
Transaction Accounting Adjustments (Note 4) |
Pro Forma Combined |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue |
$ |
20,274 |
|
$ |
80,716 |
|
|
|
$ |
(375 |
) |
a |
$ |
100,615 |
|
|||||||||
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Cost of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization |
|
24,824 |
|
|
|
|
5,430 |
|
1 |
|
(375 |
) |
a |
|
87,920 |
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
15,676 |
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
4,627 |
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
8,153 |
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
22,934 |
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
6,651 |
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Maintenance, materials and repairs |
|
|
|
5,430 |
|
|
(5,430 |
) |
1 |
|
|
|
— |
|
||||||||||
Aircraft fuel |
|
|
|
15,676 |
|
|
(15,676 |
) |
2 |
|
|
|
— |
|
||||||||||
Airport-related expenses |
|
|
|
4,627 |
|
|
(4,627 |
) |
3 |
|
|
|
— |
|
||||||||||
Aircraft rent |
|
|
|
8,153 |
|
|
(8,153 |
) |
4 |
|
|
|
— |
|
||||||||||
Salaries, wages and benefits |
|
|
|
29,006 |
|
|
(22,934 |
) |
5 |
|
|
|
— |
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
(6,072 |
) |
10 |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Technology and development |
|
3,289 |
|
|
|
|
2,570 |
|
8 |
|
|
|
5,859 |
|
||||||||||
Sales and marketing |
|
5,214 |
|
|
|
|
582 |
|
9 |
|
|
|
5,796 |
|
||||||||||
General and administrative |
|
36,824 |
|
|
|
|
6,072 |
|
10 |
|
25,725 |
|
o |
|
85,036 |
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
8,982 |
|
6 |
|
7,433 |
|
m |
|
|
|||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
1,027 |
|
|
3,051 |
|
|
|
|
2,423 |
|
c |
|
6,501 |
|
|||||||||
Other operating expenses |
|
|
|
18,785 |
|
|
(2,570 |
) |
8 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
(582 |
) |
9 |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
(8,982 |
) |
6 |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
(6,651 |
) |
7 |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Loss on contract termination |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,627 |
|
l |
|
15,627 |
|
||||||||
Total operating expenses |
|
71,178 |
|
|
84,728 |
|
|
— |
|
|
50,833 |
|
|
206,739 |
|
|||||||||
Operating loss |
|
(50,904 |
) |
|
(4,012 |
) |
|
— |
|
|
(51,208 |
) |
|
(106,124 |
) |
|||||||||
Other income (expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Changes in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value, net |
|
(27,711 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
27,711 |
|
j |
|
— |
|
||||||||||
Interest income (expense), net |
|
(596 |
) |
|
(1,764 |
) |
|
|
|
(460 |
) |
q |
|
(2,820 |
) |
|||||||||
Gain on extinguishment of debt |
|
5,951 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,951 |
) |
j |
|
— |
|
||||||||||
Loss on derivative settlement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(11,110 |
) |
p |
|
(11,110 |
) |
|||||||||||
Other income (expense) |
|
(1,102 |
) |
|
219 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(883 |
) |
|||||||||
Total other expense, net |
|
(23,458 |
) |
|
(1,545 |
) |
|
|
|
|
10,190 |
|
|
(14,813 |
) |
|||||||||
Income (loss) before taxes |
|
(74,362 |
) |
|
(5,557 |
) |
|
— |
|
|
(41,018 |
) |
|
(120,937 |
) |
|||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
|
|
(409 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(7,506 |
) |
k |
|
(7,915 |
) |
||||||||
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests |
|
(74,362 |
) |
|
(5,148 |
) |
|
— |
|
|
(33,512 |
) |
|
(113,022 |
) |
|||||||||
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest |
|
|
|
(677 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
(677 |
) |
||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to SAM common shareholders |
$ |
(74,362 |
) |
$ |
(4,471 |
) |
$ |
— |
|
$ |
(33,512 |
) |
$ |
(112,345 |
) |
|||||||||
Earnings per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Net loss per share, basic and diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(2.40 |
) |
|||||||||||||
Weighted average shares used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,839,818 |
|
122
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information
1. Basis of Presentation
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of March 31, 2023 combines the historical unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet of Surf Air as of March 31, 2023 and the historical unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet of Southern as of March 31, 2023 on a pro forma basis as if the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and related transactions had been consummated on March 31, 2023.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 combines the historical unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations of Surf Air for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and the historical unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations of Southern for the three months ended March 31, 2023 on a pro forma basis as if the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and related transactions had been consummated on January 1, 2022.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 combines the historical audited consolidated statement of operations of Surf Air for the year ended December 31, 2022 and the historical audited consolidated statement of operations of Southern for the year ended December 31, 2022 on a pro forma basis as if the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and related transactions had been consummated on January 1, 2022.
The historical financial information has been adjusted to give effect to the factually supportable events that are related and/or directly attributable to the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and related transactions. The adjustments presented on the unaudited pro forma combined financial statements have been identified and presented to offer relevant information necessary to provide a reasonable basis for understanding of the combined company upon consummation of the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and related transactions.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information was derived from and should be read in conjunction with the following historical financial statements and accompanying notes, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus:
• the historical audited consolidated financial statements of Surf Air as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022;
• the historical unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Surf Air as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2023;
• the historical audited consolidated financial statements of Southern as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022; and
• the historical unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Southern as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Surf Air’s acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding share capital of Southern will be treated as a business combination under Accounting Standard Codification 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”) and will be accounted for using the acquisition method. Surf Air will record the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Southern. Any excess amounts after allocating the estimated consideration to identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be recorded as goodwill.
Management has made significant estimates and assumptions in its determination of the pro forma adjustments. As the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared based on these preliminary estimates, the final amounts recorded may differ materially from the information presented.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not give effect to any synergies, operating efficiencies, tax savings or cost savings that may be associated with the Southern Acquisition and related transactions.
The pro forma adjustments reflecting the completion of the Southern Acquisition and related transactions are based on currently available information and assumptions and methodologies that management believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The pro forma adjustments, which are described in the accompanying notes, may be revised as additional information becomes available and is evaluated. Therefore, it is likely that the actual adjustments will
123
differ from the pro forma adjustments and it is possible the difference may be material. Management believes that its assumptions and methodologies provide a reasonable basis for presenting all of the significant effects of the Southern Acquisition and related transactions based on information available to management at the current time and that the pro forma adjustments give appropriate effect to those assumptions and are properly applied in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is not necessarily indicative of what the actual results of operations and financial position would have been had the Southern Acquisition and related transactions taken place on the dates indicated, nor are they indicative of the future consolidated results of operations or financial position of the combined company.
2. Southern Acquisition
Under the acquisition method, the total estimated purchase price, or consideration transferred, is measured at the transaction closing date. Southern security holders are entitled to receive a number of shares representing the greater of (a) share equal to a value of $81.25 million (based on the opening price per share of our Common Stock on the day of listing); or (b) 12.5% of the fully-diluted shares of SAM upon listing and prior to the issuance of the Tuscan Payment, the SAFE Settlement, the Advisor Accrual, the Initial GEM Issuance and the GEM Advances. The assets of Southern have been measured based on various preliminary estimates using assumptions that the Company’s management believes are reasonable utilizing information currently available.
The process for estimating the fair values of identifiable intangible assets and certain tangible assets requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including estimating future cash flows and developing appropriate discount rates. The purchase accounting is subject to finalization of the Company’s analysis of the fair value of the assets and liabilities of Southern as of the transaction date. Accordingly, the purchase accounting in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements is preliminary and will be adjusted upon completion of the final valuation. Such adjustments could be material.
For purposes of measuring the estimated fair value of the assets acquired as reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements, in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, the Company established a framework for measuring fair values. The applicable accounting guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). Market participants are assumed to be buyers and sellers in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Additionally, under the applicable accounting guidance, fair value measurements for an asset assume the highest and best use of that asset by market participants. As a result, the Company may be required to value assets of Southern at fair value measures that do not reflect the Company’s intended use of those assets. Use of different estimates and judgments could yield different results.
As a result the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information reflects the purchase price applicable to the Southern Acquisition as follows (in thousands):
March 31, |
||||
Identifiable intangible assets: |
|
|
||
EAS contracts |
$ |
38,200 |
|
|
Trademark/Tradename |
|
2,050 |
|
|
Deferred tax liability |
|
(6,967 |
) |
|
Goodwill |
|
91,678 |
|
|
Other net liabilities assumed |
|
(839 |
) |
|
Total consideration |
$ |
124,122 |
|
|
Less: Fair value of non-controlling interest |
|
(878 |
) |
|
Common equity delivered at closing |
$ |
125,000 |
|
Under the acquisition method of accounting, the Company estimated the fair values of the acquired tangible and intangible assets. The valuation of the identifiable intangible assets acquired was based on management’s preliminary estimates, currently available information and reasonable and supportable assumptions. These estimates are preliminary as the Company is still in the process of evaluating the various assumptions used in valuing these assets. The tangible long-lived assets were recorded at their estimated fair values, which approximates their carrying value, while the
124
intangible long-lived assets were valued using a discounted cash flow method. In the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of March 31, 2023, the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the estimated fair value of the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities in the amount of approximately $91.7 million was classified as goodwill. The fair value of identifiable intangible assets that are subject to amortization after the acquisition was estimated to be $40.3 million.
3. Reclassification Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information
Certain reclassifications have been made to the historical presentation of Southern to conform to the financial statement presentation of the combined company:
1. The Company recognizes costs related to maintenance, materials, and repairs as a component of cost of revenue, while Southern recognizes these costs as a distinct financial statement line item. Therefore, this adjustment conforms the presentation of maintenance, materials, and repairs to the Company’s presentation.
2. The Company recognizes costs related to aircraft fuel as a component of cost of revenue, while Southern recognizes these costs as a distinct financial statement line item. Therefore, this adjustment conforms the presentation of aircraft fuel to the Company’s presentation.
3. The Company recognizes airport-related expenses as a component of cost of revenue, while Southern recognizes these costs as a distinct financial statement line item. Therefore, this adjustment conforms the presentation of airport-related expenses to the Company’s presentation.
4. The Company recognizes aircraft rent expenses as a component of cost of revenue, while Southern recognizes these costs as a distinct financial statement line item. Therefore, this adjustment conforms the presentation of aircraft rent expenses to the Company’s presentation.
5. The Company recognizes expenses for salaries, wages and benefits for pilots and aircraft support staff as a component of cost of revenue, while Southern recognizes these costs as a component of salaries, wages and benefits expense. Therefore, this adjustment conforms the presentation of salaries, wages and benefits for pilots and aircraft support staff to the Company’s presentation.
6. The Company recognizes general operating expenses, inclusive of insurance, utilities, and professional fees as a component of general and administrative expenses, while Southern recognizes these costs as component of other operating expenses. Therefore, this adjustment conforms the presentation of general operating expenses to the Company’s presentation.
7. The Company recognizes expenses for pilot training, aircraft insurance, and indirect pilot costs as a component of cost of revenue, while Southern recognizes these costs as component of other operating expenses. Therefore, this adjustment conforms the presentation of other pilot and aircraft expenses to the Company’s presentation.
8. The Company recognizes expenses for flight reservation and scheduling systems as a component of technology and development expenses, while Southern recognizes these costs as component of other operating expenses. Therefore, this adjustment conforms the presentation of flight reservation and scheduling system expenses to the Company’s presentation.
9. The Company recognizes expenses for sales and marketing as a sales and marketing expenses, while Southern recognizes these costs as component of other operating expenses. Therefore, this adjustment conforms the presentation of sales and marketing expenses to the Company’s presentation.
10. The Company recognizes expenses for salaries, wages and benefits for general and administrative employees as a component of general and administrative expenses, while Southern recognizes these costs as a component of salaries, wages and benefits expense. Therefore, this adjustment conforms the presentation of salaries, wages and benefits for general and administrative employees to the Company’s presentation.
125
4. Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information
The transaction accounting adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information are as follows:
a) On the Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet, it reflects the elimination of amounts due from Surf Air to Southern for billings related to aircraft operation services performed by Southern for Surf Air through March 31, 2023. Such operation services included aircraft insurance, pilot salaries, fuel costs, landing fees, maintenance and other miscellaneous expenses, for which Southern billed the Company as pass-through costs.
In conjunction, Southern billed the Company additional management fee for above services on the monthly basis through March 31, 2023. On the Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations, the Company recognizes them as cost of revenue, while Southern recognizes them as revenue. Therefore, this adjustment eliminates the relevant revenue and costs of revenue between the Company and Southern as related with management fee for the periods ended December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023.
b) Reflects the Common Stock to be issued to GEM at a purchase price of $0.01 per share of Common Stock upon listing. Such amounts are calculated based on 0.75% of the total shares of Common Stock outstanding, calculated on a fully diluted basis as of the listing date. The resulting 327,997 shares of Common Stock are granted at an assumed post listing price of $24.61 per share.
c) Adjustments to reflect the preliminary fair values of Southern’s identifiable intangible assets and the associated amortization expense. The primary assets include essential air service (“EAS”) routes and trademarks. The fair value for each asset is based on preliminary assumptions, utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis for EAS routes and a relief from royalty valuation for trademarks. While the EAS contracts are typically for a two to four year period, the discounted cash flow analysis includes assumptions regarding the retention and expansion of EAS routes and the related cash flows to be derived from such routes to be twenty years. That is because the majority of the revenue is captured within the first 20 years and the residual value after year 20 is immaterial. Trademark assumptions are based on a 0.75% assumed royalty rate, consistent with competitors in the travel and leisure industry, over projected discounted revenue assumptions over a 60 month period. These assumptions are subject to further analysis and may change, which would result in a change to the adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma financial information. The following table presents the fair value, useful life and pro forma amortization adjustments for each asset (in thousands, except for estimated useful life):
Incremental |
|||||||||||
Asset |
Fair Value |
Useful Life |
Quarterly |
Annual |
|||||||
EAS contracts |
$ |
38,200 |
20 years |
$ |
478 |
$ |
1,910 |
||||
Trademark/Tradename |
|
2,050 |
4 years |
|
128 |
|
513 |
||||
Total |
$ |
40,250 |
— |
$ |
606 |
$ |
2,423 |
d) Adjustment to record goodwill true-up resulting from the Southern Acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized but rather is assessed for impairment at least annually or more frequently whenever events or circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired.
e) Reflects the issuance of 3,048 shares of Common Stock with an assumed value of $75,000 connection with the satisfaction of advisor accruals.
f) Represents the recapitalization of existing Surf Air equity interests through Conversion to Common Stock:
• Surf Air common interests of 52,720,517, including Company Warrants of 106,297,497 vested RSUs of 4,937,534, RSGAs of 84,898,880 and RSPAs of 155,477,952, have been exchanged for 18,148,259 shares of Common Stock, which is based on the aggregate total of these interests outstanding divided by the Conversion Ratio of 22.28 to 1;
• Surf Air preferred interests of 306,069,013 have been exchanged for 13,737,756 shares of Common Stock, which is based on aggregate outstanding preferred interests divided by the Conversion Ratio of 22.28 to 1; and
• Surf Air convertible debt arrangements have been exchanged for 1,377,844 shares of Common Stock, which is based on the aggregate shares convertible under these arrangements of 30,697,552 divided by the Conversion Ratio of 22.28 to 1.
126
g) Reflects the conversion of $30.5 million, in estimated fair value, of SAFE agreements for Common Stock. Based on specific terms in the underlying contracts, related amounts had previously been reflected as SAFEs at fair value on the Surf Air Balance Sheet. Resulting share amounts have been determined based on a contractual 35% discount from the assumed initial listing price.
h) Reflects the elimination of Southern’s redeemable convertible preferred stock, historical additional paid in capital, and historical accumulated deficit.
i) Reflects the value of closing equity consideration related to the Southern Acquisition. This is discussed more fully in footnote 2 to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information.
j) Reflects the elimination of the earnings impacts financial instruments carried at fair value, due to all associated instruments being converted to common equity upon the completion of the Internal Reorganization, Southern Acquisition and related transactions. Changes in fair value of such instruments are recorded through SAFE notes at fair value, current and long-term, convertible notes at fair value, current and long term, and other long-term liabilities on the Surf Air consolidated balance sheet.
k) Reflects pro forma tax adjustments related to the Southern Acquisition. The deferred tax liabilities of Southern are an available source of income to realize the deferred tax assets of the Company. Accordingly, the Company has recorded an income tax benefit in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 for $7.5 million relating to the release of valuation allowance of the Company. We applied a blended tax rate of 26.58% to calculate the consolidated tax provision of Surf Air and Southern based on the pro forma financial statement. Surf Air acquires Southern in a federal deferred tax liability position, which creates a federal income tax benefit and corresponding federal valuation allowance release in the amount of $7.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The deferred tax liabilities of Southern, resulting primarily from the intangible assets acquired in the acquisition, resulted in additional goodwill of $7.0 million. Meanwhile, a state deferred tax benefit in the amount of $0.2 million and $0.4 million, for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022, respectively, is created in relation to Southern’s pre-tax loss and amortization on the acquired intangibles.
l) Reflects 635,000 shares of Common Stock to be issued to Tuscan in consideration for the termination of the business combination agreement with Tuscan. Such amounts, with an estimated value of $15.6 million, have been reflected as a loss on contract termination.
m) Represents preliminary estimated transaction costs expected to be incurred by Surf Air of approximately $7.4 million, for legal, financial and capital markets advisory and other professional fees. The Company has previously expensed $4.6 million in similar costs.
n) Reflects the adjustment of the derivative liability associated with the facility commitment fee to be paid to GEM to the full contractual amount of $8.0 million. The resulting adjustment is in addition to the $3.6 million already recorded on the March 31, 2023 Surf Air consolidated balance sheet.
o) Reflects equity-based compensation expense of approximately $25.7 million associated with the accelerated vesting of RSUs and RSPAs with performance conditions tied to the listing.
p) Reflects $100 million in draw-downs under the Share Subscription Facility, of which $2 million will be paid to GEM as a pro-rata portion of the facility commitment fee and recorded as a reduction to the GEM derivative liability. As such shares have been issued at a contractual discount of 10% to the direct listing price, a loss of $11.1 million has been recorded on the settlement of the share issuance contract. SAM will be unable to request any of the GEM Advances until a resale registration statement covering the shares to be sold to GEM in accordance with the terms of the Share Subscription Facility has been declared effective.
q) Reflects (i) an increase in cash and short-term debt in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet of $4.6 million for additional short-term term loan facilities of Surf Air entered into after March 31, 2023; and (ii) an increase in interest expense of $0.1 million and $0.5 million in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations, for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022, respectively, associated with the short-term term loan facilities (which bear interest at 10% per annum) assuming such facilities were outstanding since January 1, 2022.
r) Reflects the payment of amounts contractually due under rent and aircraft maintenance abatement agreements. Such amounts will be paid following the capitalization received from the GEM Advances discussed in footnote 4(p).
s) Reflects the issuance of an additional 5,665,722 Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares for total consideration of $3.0 million between March 31, 2023 and the listing date. Such amounts have been exchanged for 254,303 shares of Common Stock, which is based on aggregate outstanding preferred interests divided by the Conversion Ratio of 22.28 to 1, and are included in the totals discussed in footnote 3(f).
127
5. Net Loss per Share
The pro forma basic and diluted earnings per share amounts are based upon the number of SAM shares that would be outstanding, assuming the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and related transactions occurred on January 1, 2022. As the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and related transactions are being reflected as if they had occurred at the beginning of the period presented, the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted net loss per share assumes that the shares issuable relating to the Southern Acquisition have been outstanding for the entire period presented.
Three Months Ended March 31, |
Year Ended |
|||||||
Pro forma net loss – attributable to SAM common shareholders |
$ |
(15,207 |
) |
$ |
(112,345 |
) |
||
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted |
|
46,839,818 |
|
|
46,839,818 |
|
||
Pro forma net loss per share – basic and diluted |
$ |
(0.31 |
) |
$ |
(2.40 |
) |
||
Excluded securities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Surf Air Mobility Options(1) |
|
1,736,141 |
|
|
1,736,141 |
|
____________
(1) Excludes the impact of vested and unvested Surf Air stock options that will be converted into options to purchase 1,736,141 shares of Common Stock as part of the Internal Reorganization. The shares underlying these stock options will not represent legally issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock until such options (as converted after the Internal Reorganization) are exercised. Additionally, these underlying shares were excluded from the calculation of combined pro forma net loss per share, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
128
The information in this section describes the current business and operations of Surf Air and Southern and the proposed business and operations of SAM. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “the Company” or “Surf Air” are to the current business and operations of Surf Air Global Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries, references to “Southern” are to the current business and operations of Southern Airways Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries and references to “we”, “us”, “our” or “SAM” in this section are to the proposed business and operations of SAM and its consolidated subsidiaries following the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and listing. The Southern Acquisition will occur immediately prior to the listing of our Common Stock. Listing of our Common Stock is subject to the consummation of the Southern Acquisition. The consummation of the Southern Acquisition is subject to the effectiveness of the registration statement, the approval for listing of our Common Stock, the consummation of the Internal Reorganization, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. See the section entitled “Business — Key Agreements — Related Agreements and Transactions — Southern Acquisition Agreement”.
Overview
Introduction to Surf Air Mobility
Surf Air Mobility is building a regional air mobility ecosystem that will aim to sustainably connect the world’s communities. Leveraging the combined operations of Surf Air and Southern, we intend to accelerate the adoption of green flying by developing, together with our commercial partners, hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrain technology to upgrade existing fleets, and by creating a financing and services infrastructure to enable this transition on an industry-wide level. We believe bringing electrified aircraft to market at scale will substantially reduce the cost and environmental impact of regional flying, and that such reductions are achievable by the end of the decade. Additionally, we believe operating as a publicly traded company and having efficient access to growth capital will allow us to accelerate the implementation of our strategic plan.
Surf Air Inc. was incorporated in 2011 and Surf Air Global Limited (formerly incorporated as Surf Airlines Inc.) was formed and became the parent company of the Surf Air group in 2016. Surf Air Mobility Inc. was incorporated in 2021. Surf Air is expanding the category of regional air travel, connecting underutilized regional airports and private terminals to create a “shared private” customer experience and a high frequency “commercial-like” air service, using small turboprop aircraft. Surf Air currently provides a regional air mobility platform with scheduled routes and on-demand charter flights operated by third parties that operate under Part 135 of Title 14 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (“Part 135”) and intends to develop powertrain technology with its commercial partners to electrify existing fleets, which it believes will reduce operating costs and emissions, starting with a hybrid-electric and a fully-electric variant of the Cessna Grand Caravan EX, which we believe is one of the most prolific family of aircraft in the single engine turboprop category with approximately 3,000 aircraft in use worldwide.
Founded in 2013 as a Delaware corporation, as of March 31, 2023, Southern is the largest commuter airline in the United States and the largest passenger operator of Cessna Caravans in the United States by scheduled departures. As of March 31, 2023, Southern served 40 U.S. cities across six U.S. time zones and in the Mariana Islands. Southern ceased serving the Mariana Islands as of April 1, 2023. Southern has multi-year contracts with the U.S. federal government to operate Essential Air Service (“EAS”) routes, which ensures small communities in the United States can maintain a minimum level of scheduled air services.
The Southern Acquisition will result in a combined regional airline network servicing U.S. cities across the Mid-Atlantic, Gulf South, Midwest, Rocky Mountains, West Coast, New England and Hawaii. Surf Air and Southern together served over 99,000 passengers across 44 cities with over 18,000 departures for the three months ended March 31, 2023. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, Surf Air generated $5.5 million in revenue and Southern generated $22.7 million in revenue, an increase of 14.3% and an increase of 35.6%, respectively, compared to the year ended March 31, 2022. Surf Air and Southern together served over 450,000 passengers across 48 cities with over 75,000 departures in 2022. Surf Air and Southern together served over 330,000 passengers in 2021, and over 150,000 passengers in 2020. For the year ended December 31, 2022, Surf Air generated $20.3 million in revenue and Southern generated $80.7 million in revenue, compared to $11.8 million in revenue and $57.7 million in revenue, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2021 and $7.5 million in revenue and $38.2 million in revenue, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2020. We expect the combination of Surf Air and Southern will provide the basis for SAM’s expanded, nationwide regional air mobility platform.
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SAM intends to electrify its existing fleet utilizing hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrain technology once it is fully designed and developed, and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) as part of the issuance of the Supplemental Type Certificate (“STC”). We are planning for FAA approval of our hybrid-electric and fully electric Cessna Grand Caravan EX STCs to occur by the end of 2025, followed by the commercialization of the technology. See the section entitled “Risk Factors — Legal and Regulatory Risks Related to SAM’s Business — We may be unable to obtain or maintain relevant regulatory approvals for the commercialization of our electrification of aircraft”.
SAM has relationships with leading players across the value chain, which SAM believes provides significant competitive advantages as it pursues the scaling of its point-to-point regional air mobility ecosystem and the implementation of its aircraft electrification plans. SAM intends to be the exclusive supplier of battery electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems for the Cessna Grand Caravan EX to Textron Aviation Inc. (“TAI”), one of the largest general aviation OEMs in the world by units sold. The effectiveness of SAM’s agreements with TAI are contingent upon SAM’s shares being publicly traded on a U.S. national securities exchange. SAM’s electrification and certification partner, AeroTEC, a leading aerospace engineering firm with experience in fully-electrified aircraft, has agreed to work exclusively with SAM to develop and obtain STCs for modified Cessna Caravans, and magniX, developer of one of the most powerful electric motors currently being certified has agreed to exclusively sell certain electrified propulsion systems to SAM, subject to completion of conceptual design review and the execution of definitive agreements. Upon completion of conceptual design review SAM, AeroTEC and magniX have agreed to enter into further definitive agreements in relation to the remaining development steps for the STC. SAM and Jetstream Aviation Capital have entered into a Master Agreement to finance up to $450 million to fund the planned growth of SAM’s fleet of turboprop aircraft. In addition, Southern and SkyWest Airlines are partnered to provide a pilot hiring and training pathway, SAM has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Signature Flight Support for Fixed Base Operator (“FBO”) services and the support of SAM’s existing and future network and SAM has contracted with Palantir to leverage Palantir’s Foundry platform to support SAM’s planned growth across a range of business applications. See the sections entitled “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Surf Air’s and Southern’s Business and Industry — We are or may be subject to risks associated with strategic alliances, and our reliance on these arrangements, and the loss of any such alliances or arrangements or failure to identify future opportunities could affect our growth plans” and “Business — Key Agreements”.
Market Opportunity: Electric technology will be a disruptive factor in regional air travel
We believe regional turboprop aircraft can be electrified, creating the opportunity to disrupt existing regional (50-500 mile) air and ground travel patterns. The hybrid-electric technology we are developing with our commercial partners utilizes state-of-the-art technology that exists today. Electrified regional aircraft, with reduced operating costs and emissions, are expected to be capable of connecting, directly and cost-effectively, many of the United States’ 5,000 existing and underutilized public airports, striving to create a reasonably priced and more convenient mass-market regional travel experience, which we believe will be an attractive alternative to the use of major airport hubs and connecting flight service. Electrified regional aircraft can begin the process of abating aviation’s contribution to global CO2 emissions, which, according to Mission Possible Partnership’s Making Net Zero Aviation Possible July 2022 report, totaled approximately 1.2 billion metric tons in 2019. We believe our green aviation technology will have the added benefit of aligning with consumer preference, increasing demand for lower emission travel.
Over the last several decades regional air travel has suffered, declining in both seat capacity and flight departures, giving customers far fewer flight options and we believe a worse travel experience. Over this period, airlines consolidated into fewer hubs and began deploying aircraft with more seats to reduce cost, resulting in approximately 500 airports with commercial service and approximately 30 airports in the United States today that represent approximately 70% of all commercial traffic, according to a study conducted by NASA. This consolidation dramatically reduced regional connectivity for customers; over the last two decades, according to commercial airline schedule data from Airline Data Inc., capacity on 50 – 500 mile airline routes has gone down 25% while the number of departures has gone down 46%. Fewer airports are connected directly today with non-stop flights than were connected twenty years ago, and fewer available seats and frequencies are flown between airports that maintained their non-stop service. This decline in service is further exacerbated by hub congestion, which, on short regional trips, makes airport check-in and connection times a substantial part of the overall door-to-door travel time.
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According to a 2021 study conducted by McKinsey & Company, approximately 90% of the U.S. population lived or worked within a 30 minute drive to one of 5,000 underutilized public use regional airports in the United States. Major airlines are largely unable to leverage this infrastructure due to their fleet type and instead send more of their traffic through already congested hubs. Regional airports are typically located conveniently near large metropolitan areas and can usually only be served with smaller regional aircraft (the same types of aircraft we believe will be the first to be electrified, given the current capabilities of battery technology). Using this existing regional airport infrastructure to create scheduled, high-frequency, non-stop flights in hybrid-electric and fully-electric aircraft, with reduced emissions and operating costs, we believe we can create a consumer experience with improved convenience offering an attractive alternative to long-haul driving and the use of congested airport hubs that often require connecting flights.
SAM believes these smaller regional aircraft will be the first to be electrified, given the current state of aircraft technology. SAM believes the most realistic, lowest risk, and fastest approach to electrification is to first develop and certify hybrid-electric powertrains to be installed in new and existing aircraft types that are already certified by the FAA, such as the Cessna Caravan. Typically, STCs are less difficult and require far less time to obtain than TCs for an entirely new “clean sheet” aircraft, which typically require capital-intensive investment in long certification processes as well as new tooling and production facilities. Additionally, hybrid-electric powertrains will not require or be dependent on the development and installation of charging infrastructure like fully-electric aircraft. As a result, SAM further believes the market and use cases for hybrid-electric aircraft may potentially exist for decades after the introduction of fully-electric aircraft as the introduction of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (“SAF”) effectively addresses much of the remaining “hybrid” emissions and the expected longer time horizon of charging infrastructure development.
The below map shows all public use airports in the United States highlighted in green, and an illustrative example of the regional airports surrounding five major metro areas.
We believe SAM’s business model creates a flywheel of growth
We believe SAM’s business model is designed to capitalize on this highly attractive market opportunity. It is our expectation that by executing on the below plan we can create a regional air travel ecosystem that provides ongoing growth potential to our company and our stakeholders.
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Our future business strategy is built on six key premises:
1. Large Addressable Market
Our strategic plan is focused on capturing a meaningful portion of the point-to-point regional air mobility market currently served by automobiles and inefficient hub-and-spoke airline business models. Based on a study published by McKinsey & Company in 2023 and management’s estimates, we believe the total global market opportunity for point-to-point regional air mobility of approximately 100 – 500 miles will be approximately $75 billion to $115 billion worldwide and approximately $15 billion to $22 billion in the United States by 2035.
2. Advantaged Path to Electrification
The component technology to electrify small aircraft exists today, in large part because of improvements in battery technology. We intend to pursue obtaining STCs from the FAA for variants of the Cessna Caravan with hybrid-electric powertrains, which will not require ground charging infrastructure, and fully-electric variants of the Cessna Caravan.
3. Aligned with Leading Players
To support our growth and technology plans, we have established important commercial relationships with leading players involved in the aviation and technology industries, including those expected to produce components for hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains for aircraft. We believe our strategic relationships with TAI, AeroTEC, magniX, Jetstream Aviation Capital, SkyWest Airlines, Signature Flight Support and Palantir empower our plan. We believe the result of these relationships will be the acceleration of our ability to bring hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains for the Cessna Caravan to market, to create a differentiated regional travel experience of scale, and to generate substantial demand from consumers for a new form of regional travel.
4. Significant Operating Expertise
On a combined basis, the number of passengers flown by Surf Air and Southern for the three months ended March 31, 2023 increased by approximately 1.8% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. On a combined basis, the number of passengers flown by Surf Air and Southern for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased by approximately 35% compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. Surf Air currently operates a technology-forward on-demand and scheduled regional aviation platform, is planning to develop hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains with its commercial partners for installation on the Cessna Caravan and has secured key strategic relationships to accelerate SAM’s electrification and operational growth plans. Southern operates the largest passenger fleet of Cessna Caravans in the United States by scheduled departures (as of November 1, 2022), has significant operating scale, has a robust set of EAS routes contracted with the DOT and has built a pilot development pipeline that helps to manage national pilot shortage issues.
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5. Experienced Management Team and Board
SAM’s management team has significant experience in the aerospace and commercial aviation industry, as well as adjacent sectors, including hospitality and consumer branding. Our team brings with them previous senior level experience from a range of companies including Delta Air Lines, Fairchild Dornier, Flexjet, Lufthansa, Virgin America, and Wisk. The ongoing evolution and implementation of SAM’s strategy will be guided and overseen by an experienced and independent board of directors.
6. Ecosystem-Based Business Model
If we are able to achieve certification of hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains, we intend to introduce them into the market using business models which we expect will produce both one-time and recurring revenue streams. Among other steps, once developed and certified, we intend to sell or lease SAM’s electrification technology to other aircraft operators regardless of which network they serve and to work in close partnership with selected aircraft manufacturers and manufacturers of components of hybrid-electric and fully-electric propulsion systems to design and develop additional STCs. We believe operating at the center and providing valuable services across the value chain of the regional air mobility ecosystem and by coordinating the various parties can lead to additional earning opportunities for SAM.
We believe there is significant value to be created by leveraging our ability to serve both customers and operators within the regional flying ecosystem. We believe this will accelerate the demand for green regional flying. By enabling new demand through our digital marketplace operations and catalyzing new supply through new technology and financing solutions, we believe we can create an ongoing cycle of growth.
SAM plans to invest in creating a scheduled network connecting many of the underutilized regional airports in the United States. We have developed a regional air mobility network growth plan based on mobile device and various demographic data layers, which resulted in a network growth plan across approximately 30 U.S. regional networks with approximately 200 “tier 1” routes. We intend to pursue this plan using our own air operation and by leveraging third-party air operators.
Surf Air has extensive experience using third-party operators in its scheduled and on-demand operations. As a result, we believe SAM will have in-depth knowledge of the success factors and key challenges facing independent operators and can facilitate growth of its operator relationships by deploying our Aircraft-as-a-Service strategy. Aircraft-as-a-Service is the product we intend to offer, bundling certain aircraft ownership related costs, potentially including leasing, insurance, powertrain maintenance and operating software for both conventional internal combustion and/or electrified aircraft to operators with the goal of creating a recurring revenue stream.
Our Strategy
Large Addressable Market
A study published by McKinsey & Company in 2023 estimated the total global market opportunity for point-to-point regional air mobility to be $75 billion to $115 billion by 2035. According to the McKinsey & Company study, in 2019, of all of the trips taken between approximately 100 and 500 miles in the United States, approximately 86.9% were taken using private cars. Based upon this information, SAM management estimates the total U.S. market opportunity to be $15 billion to $22 billion by 2035.
According to the McKinsey & Company study, by 2035 the number of new or retrofitted aircraft required to serve the global market will be between approximately 18,000 and 36,000. Based on this information, SAM management estimates that the number of new or retrofitted aircraft required to serve the U.S. market by 2035 will be 3,000 to 7,000.
According to the McKinsey & Company study, the estimated growth in market size is expected to be driven by the combination of four trends which McKinsey & Company views as tailwinds supporting the transition to a new mode of regional air mobility: (1) technological advances in propulsion, advanced design, manufacturing and other aircraft systems, which could drive down the operating costs of small aircraft making them more competitive, (2) the increased focus of governments and the public on sustainability; c) road and airport congestion, which in 39% of U.S. metro areas was worse in 2022 than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic, and (4) the rise of mobility as a service over the past ten years, enabling people to search and book multiple types of transportation in one place, avoiding the need to own vehicles. According to the McKinsey & Company study, consumer spending on shared ground mobility is forecast to grow between $500 billion and $1 trillion by 2030.
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We believe this overall market opportunity captures the full value chain required to enable electrified flight through 2035, which includes ticket sales, as well as powertrain sale and maintenance, aircraft leasing and ownership and energy costs. With SAM’s ecosystem-based business model we believe we will be well-positioned to grow into adjacent revenue streams as the industry evolves.
Traditional airline approaches to analyzing addressable travel markets have used data based on origin and destination of flights to and from hub and spoke airports. SAM believes that an alternative approach, taking a high granularity “zip-code to zip-code” view of demand based on mobile device location data, is a more accurate assessment of the addressable market for short haul regional travel. We will continue to develop and improve this mode of analysis with the help of our data partner, Palantir, as we believe this is key to informing our business in the following ways:
• Location Specifics. Unlike traditional airline planning which focuses on airport-to-airport movements, our demand projections are based on mobile device location data that provides high resolution, door-to-door travel pattern information. We believe that overlaying this data on the 5,000 public use airports in the United States creates the opportunity to build a flight network that more accurately addresses the true demand and behaviors for regional air travel.
• Modes of Transport. Mobile device data is agnostic of mode of transport, and encapsulates regional trips taken on commercial airlines as well as those regional trips taken by car, train or bus. Removing this data bias allows us to make network planning decisions based on the behavior of all travelers who might consider a regional air mobility solution should it be available at an attractive price point.
Advantaged Path to Electrification
We believe non-stop point-to-point regional air travel will be the initial market application for electrified flight, and that aircraft, currently powered by turbine powertrains known as “turboprop aircraft”, will be the launch vehicles for these missions. Our initial focus will therefore be to electrify existing aircraft like the Cessna Caravan through FAA-issued STCs. We believe that converting and upgrading new aircraft by installing hybrid-electric powertrains and converting and upgrading existing aircraft already in service to hybrid-electric propulsion through an STC process is an efficient go-to-market approach given:
Accelerated Launch Timeline. STCs are a well-established form of modifying and upgrading already certified aircraft as opposed to a “clean sheet” design, which involves creating a completely new aircraft from the ground up. Successfully developing and certifying STCs for installation of hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains on existing aircraft types reduces risk, capital investment and development time. Our electrification partner, AeroTEC, has designed, developed, tested and certified more than one hundred projects in the aerospace industry. We expect that our data license and exclusive collaboration, marketing and sales relationship with TAI, the Cessna Caravan OEM, will reduce the development workload and time required to achieve issuance of our STC and will assist in the introduction of the hybrid-electric powertrain into the market. We believe we can obtain STC certification of hybrid-electric and electric powertrains by the end of 2025 and commercialization of the hybrid-electric and electric powertrains shortly thereafter.
Existing Battery Technology. Our launch products are based on existing battery technology, which we believe is a key differentiator which will allow us to go to market faster.
Hybrid First Approach. We are committed to hybrid-electric as our launch product because the configuration has significant operational flexibility for passenger and cargo missions across a range of airports, with no requirement for plug-in charging infrastructure, allowing our future hybrid-electric aircraft to operate to and from airports that are not equipped with charging infrastructure. We intend to certify a fully electric variant as well, which we believe will initially have a smaller applicable market.
Broad Applicability. We believe we will be able to upgrade our initial Cessna Caravan STCs to improve their performance over time as battery technology continues to improve. Based on the knowledge and experience gained from the development and certification of hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains for installation on the Cessna Grand Caravan EX, including the proprietary software and power controls we will develop, we intend to extend or replicate our initial STC into multiple aircraft types using a variant of the same powertrain.
In conjunction with our commercial partners, our initial STC applications will be for a hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrain for installation on the Cessna Grand Caravan EX (“EP1”).
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We are taking what we believe to be a pragmatic approach, first certifying an STC with what we believe is the best technology available, with less risk and shorter timeline for certification in order to produce an aircraft capable of range, speed and performance specifications necessary to service the routes we plan to serve. Developing and certifying our initial hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains will be accomplished through our commercial arrangements with AeroTEC, magniX and TAI. We have entered into exclusive arrangements with these companies to achieve certification of and commercialize hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains. AeroTEC and magniX are leaders in the category of aircraft we are focused on, having already flown an eCaravan demonstrator engineered to showcase all-electric flight.
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(1) Based on management’s analysis and subject to various assumptions including, among other things, airplane useful payload, no increase in propulsion system weight compared to “baseline” combustion model and the availability of 350 W*h/kg batteries.
(2) Targeted maximum direct emissions reductions compared to “baseline” combustion Grand Caravan aircraft.
(3) Targeted maximum direct operating cost, energy and engine maintenance, reduction compared to “baseline” combustion Grand Caravan aircraft.
Once the STC has been issued by the FAA, we plan to convert new Cessna Grand Caravan EXs we purchase from TAI to hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains using our EP1 STC. We also plan to convert and upgrade turbine-powered Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft in our fleet to hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains using our EP1 STC. We will be the owner of the EP1 STC for the hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrain and believe we will be the largest initial operator of the EP1 electrified fleet. As a result, we expect to have actual real time performance data to demonstrate to operators evaluating the EP1 powertrains, including the potential reduced costs and performance capabilities of the upgraded EP1 powertrain-equipped Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft.
We plan to market and sell our EP1 hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains together with TAI under our exclusive sales and marketing agreement. This agreement provides for including the SAM EP1 hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrain for the Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft in sales and marketing materials distributed to authorized dealers, displaying the SAM EP1 hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains for the Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft on the websites of SAM and TAI, including representatives of SAM and TAI at trade show booths and marketing the SAM EP1 hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains for the Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft and conversions of existing Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft to SAM EP1 powertrain aircraft to all owners of pre-owned Cessna Grand Caravan EXs.
Operators purchasing new Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft and existing Cessna Grand Caravan EX operators will have the ability to upgrade and convert their new and existing Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft to EP1 hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains equipped Cessna Grand Caravan EXs using our EP1 STC with reduced operating costs and lower emissions.
The EP1 hybrid-electric powertrain is expected to reduce direct operating costs for operators by up to 25% and to reduce up to 50% of emissions, while retaining similar performance characteristics, compared to aircraft powered by the current turbine engine installed on the Cessna Grand Caravan EX. Because ground charging infrastructure will not likely be widely available at many airports by 2025, we believe the EP1 hybrid-electric powertrain, which will not
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require ground charging infrastructure, will be advantageous in accelerating the adoption of electric aviation. We are developing the EP1 hybrid-electric powertrain with our commercial partners to enable these aircraft to perform similar flights and routes as the turbine combustion model. We believe the operational flexibility of the hybrid-electric aircraft will result in a long service life, well beyond the widespread introduction of fully-electric aircraft.
The fully electric version of the EP1 is expected to reduce direct operating costs for operators by up to 50% and direct emissions by up to 100%, compared to aircraft powered by the current turbine engine installed on the Cessna Grand Caravan EX. We believe the fully electric EP1 variant will have a limited initial market and that as subsequent generations of batteries become more energy-dense this variant’s utility will increase. We are designing this system with the generational scalability in mind.
Below is an illustrative configuration of the EP1 aircraft and powertrain.
Several models of small turboprop aircraft planned for our network are expected to be fully-electrified within the next five to ten years, creating a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective aircraft. However, for the reasons above, we believe hybrid-electric aircraft will remain popular and serve numerous markets long after fully-electric aircraft are developed. The introduction of SAFs will reduce emissions from turbine generators and hybrid-electric aircraft will not require ground-based charging infrastructure, allowing hybrid-electric aircraft to operate to and from the many regional airports which will not have ground charging infrastructure.
While hybrid-electric and fully-electric EP1 powertrains for the Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft are expected to be our initial products, SAM intends to pursue providing Aircraft-as-a-Service to third parties as part of its regional air mobility ecosystem and intends to develop and certify electrified propulsion systems for other Caravan models and future aircraft designs, both through the STC path and “clean sheet” designs requiring new applications for type certificates. As our business matures, we believe we can be a partner of choice for other parties seeking certification as we gain the experience in design, development, certification and operation of the EP1 in our regional air mobility network.
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Aligned with Leading Players
We have relationships with leading players across the value chain, which we believe provides significant competitive advantages as we pursue the scaling of our point-to-point regional air mobility ecosystem and aircraft electrification.
Our relationships with these leading players, and our reliance on these relationships may give rise to a number of risks. See the section entitled “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Surf Air’s and Southern’s Business and Industry — We are or may be subject to risks associated with strategic alliances, and our reliance on these arrangements, and the loss of any such alliances or arrangements or failure to identify future opportunities that could affect our growth plans”.
Airframes — Textron Aviation Inc.
SAM intends to be TAI’s exclusive supplier of certain identified categories of battery electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems for the Cessna Grand Caravan EX for an eight-year term. Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft with the propulsion systems installed will be co-branded as “Cessna Caravan SAM EP1”. SAM and TAI have entered into a sales and marketing agreement, through which TAI will market the SAM EP1 STC through its existing Cessna Caravan sales channels. TAI will provide engineering support and a data license to facilitate SAM’s development of SAM’s STCs. SAM intends to become TAI’s official leasing partner for the SAM EP1. SAM will purchase 100 new Cessna Grand Caravan EXs over a five-year period, with deliveries beginning in 2024 and with an option for 50 additional Cessna Grand Caravan EXs to be delivered over seven years.
We believe this commercial relationship with TAI, the producer of the Cessna Caravan, will help drive broad adoption of our EP1 powertrains once certified. Our ability to leverage TAI’s recognizable brand, strong market position, existing sales, marketing and distribution channels and global service network is a key differentiator versus other competitors in the space hoping to launch entirely new clean-sheet designs.
Electrified powertrain certification — AeroTEC
AeroTEC develops, tests and certifies new aircraft and other aerospace products for many of the top OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers in the aviation industry. They have a proven track record of development and integration across dozens of high profile, complex and cutting edge electrification programs including the magniX eCaravan demonstrator, a Cessna Caravan engineered to demonstrate all electric flight.
AeroTEC will work exclusively with SAM under a work-for-hire contract to develop and obtain a series of Cessna Caravan STCs for hybrid and other electrified Cessna Caravans. AeroTEC will initially manage integrating the individual components from the supply chain manufacturers and the assembly process of the powertrains. SAM will own the STCs and all related intellectual property.
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This relationship allows us to benefit from a large existing team of over 250 engineers and experts with a track record of success from having brought over 100 projects, the majority of which are certification projects, to market while also allowing us to own and control the developed STC and potentially other intellectual property. In addition, our relationship builds an initial foundation with this first aircraft type, which we believe can scale across the 9-to-30-seat turbo-prop category.
Electrified propulsion motors — magniX
magniX is a leader in the development of aircraft electric propulsion units, offering a range of solutions which produce zero emissions and increase efficiency for various aviation applications. magniX has developed one of the most powerful electric motors currently being certified.
SAM intends to use the magni650 Electric Power Unit (“EPU”) with the electric and hybrid-electric powertrain for Cessna Caravans. magniX will exclusively sell this EPU for the installation of electrified propulsion systems in new and existing Cessna Caravans to SAM, subject to completion of conceptual design review and the execution of definitive agreements. Subject to the execution of definitive agreements, magniX will direct its existing pipeline of potential customers and future inbound inquiries for electrified Cessna Caravans to SAM for installation of powertrains in accordance with SAM’s STCs.
We believe the magni650 is the most viable EPU for our Cessna Caravan STCs. A magniX EPU has already been used to power successful test flights in partnership with AeroTEC on a fully-electrified Cessna Caravan demonstrator, which we believe leads to significantly reduced execution risk and greater speed to market.
Aircraft Financing — Jetstream Aviation Capital
Jetstream Aviation Capital, LLC (“Jetstream”) is the largest global aircraft lessor focused exclusively on commercially-operated turboprop regional aircraft and engines. Jetstream works in partnership with many of the world’s leading regional airlines to provide financing solutions and market expertise across a large portfolio of turboprop aircraft and engines.
SAM and Jetstream entered into a Master Agreement regarding the principal terms of an arrangement to finance up to $450 million through a customized operating lease and sale structure that will fund the planned growth of SAM’s fleet of turboprop aircraft. SAM will have access to this financing facility over the next six years for both new and used Cessna Caravan and Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, subject, among other things, to the entry into separate binding sale and purchase agreements for each individual aircraft and a separate binding lease agreement for each individual aircraft.
SAM believes that Jetstream will bring significant expertise as a leasing partner with deep asset knowledge in sourcing and financing Cessna Caravan and Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. Jetstream also operates an engine leasing program which we intend to leverage to support the re-selling of used internal combustion engines available following an upgrade to an electrified powertrain.
Pilots — SkyWest
SkyWest Airlines is the largest regional airline in the United States. SkyWest Airlines operates under contracts for major U.S. airlines, including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, and carried more than 40 million passengers in 2022.
Since 2018, Southern has partnered with SkyWest to provide a pilot hiring and training pathway. Over approximately 18 months, pilots graduate from first officer to captain whereupon they are committed to fly additional hours at Southern before eligibility to fly at SkyWest. Along this path within Southern, SkyWest awards pilots retention bonuses as they move through career milestones. Southern currently hires nearly 200 new pilots per year as a result of this partnership, which we believe is a significant competitive advantage for both our current and future network needs.
We believe the availability of new pilots and the career advancement process through the SkyWest cadet program is an attractive and currently successful pilot acquisition tool and a key differentiator for the business. As our flight network grows, we believe that our relationship with SkyWest will be critical for maintaining consistent, reliable operations at scale and position us as a go-to pilot onboarding funnel to help mitigate and potentially reverse the effects of the current national pilot shortage.
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Ground operations and Sustainable Aviation Fuel — Signature Flight Support
Signature Flight Support LLC (“Signature”) has the world’s largest network of Fixed Base Operators (“FBO”). With approximately 200 locations, Signature’s worldwide network of FBOs delivers essential support service for business and private aviation, including, among other services and amenities, refueling, hangar services, maintenance, repair and overhaul.
SAM and Signature have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding for FBO services and the support of SAM’s network at existing and new Signature locations, the co-development of a standardized and exceptional end-to-end customer experience, the advancement, development and scaling of green aviation technologies and services (including Sustainable Aviation Fuel and electrification infrastructure) as well as co-marketing and branding opportunities across our common customer base. Additionally, we intend to collaborate on the co-development and co-investment of the technology, infrastructure and facilities required to support ground operations.
We believe a partnership with Signature will provide us access to key FBO locations at our existing and planned route locations, helping to create a consistent ground experience for our customers by leveraging their seasoned service model. Additionally, we believe Signature’s existing presence and expertise in the deployment of SAF will help us accelerate our path to fully sustainable flight.
Technology — Palantir
Palantir builds software that empowers organizations to effectively integrate their data, decisions and operations. They are focused on creating improved user experience for working with data, one that empowers people to ask and answer complex questions without requiring them to master querying languages, statistical modeling or the command line.
We have contracted with Palantir to leverage their Palantir Foundry platform to support SAM in scaling our growth and impact across a range of key service areas, including bookings and reservation, operator tools, operator partnership services, our pricing engine and fleet management systems. Palantir has executed a SAFE and has agreed to accept either cash or Common Stock as compensation for their future services after we are a public company. Please see the section entitled “Business — Key Agreements — Financing Arrangements — SAFEs” for additional details on the Palantir SAFE.
Creating the proper data foundation is an important building block to support our goals of creating a fully connected airplane. We believe Palantir’s depth of professional services and production infrastructure support will be a key differentiator in delivering on our vision.
Significant Operating Expertise
Existing Operations of Scale in the Provision of Air Mobility Services
Surf Air was founded in 2011, and Southern was founded in 2013. Surf Air and Southern both currently provide scheduled and on-demand services, while Southern also supports the EAS program. On a combined basis, the number of passengers flown by Surf Air and Southern for the three months ended March 31, 2023 increased by approximately 1.8% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. On a combined basis the Surf Air and Southern fleet consisted of 54 Surf Air and Southern aircraft as of March 31, 2023, an increase of 35% compared to the beginning of 2022. On a combined basis, the number of passengers flown by Surf Air and Southern for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased by approximately 35% compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. On a combined basis the Surf Air and Southern fleet consisted of 55 Surf Air and Southern aircraft as of December 31, 2022, an increase of 37% compared to 2021.
As of March 31, 2023, Surf Air’s and Southern’s combined scheduled network connected an aggregate of 44 cities in 18 U.S. states and territories.
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Sources of Air Mobility Revenue
Surf Air and Southern generate revenue from three categories of air mobility services:
Scheduled Air Service — Surf Air and Southern generate revenue from operating scheduled commercial air service flights which are sold to the public primarily on a per seat basis. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, Surf Air generated approximately $0.8 million from scheduled air service, which is derived from membership subscriptions, principally relating to two main categories of membership: All You Can Fly and Pay As You Fly. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, Southern generated $9.7 million and $1.1 million from passenger and other revenue, respectively, which, together, is considered a part of scheduled service operations. For the year ended December 31, 2022, Surf Air generated approximately $4.3 million from scheduled air service, which is derived from membership subscriptions, principally relating to two main categories of membership: All You Can Fly and Pay As You Fly. For the year ended December 31, 2022, Southern generated $39.0 million and $4.2 million from passenger and other revenue, respectively, which, together, is considered a part of scheduled service operations.
As of March 31, 2023, Surf Air leased four aircraft and Southern operated 50 aircraft. Of this combined fleet of 54 aircraft, 40 were Cessna Caravans. Additionally, following the completion of the Southern Acquisition, we believe we will be the largest commuter air carrier by both size of Cessna Caravan fleet and number of scheduled departures of Cessna Caravans in the United States. With our EP1 hybrid-electric powertrains expected to enter service shortly after we expect to receive certification at the end of 2025, we believe we can be the first to operate an electrified fleet of aircraft in commuter operations.
Essential Air Service (“EAS”) — Southern generates revenue from EAS revenue awards from the Department of Transportation (“DOT”). For the three months ended March 31, 2023, Southern generated $10.0 million of revenue from EAS revenue awards. For the year ended December 31, 2022, Southern generated $31.9 million of revenue from EAS revenue awards.
The EAS program was put into place in the United States following the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 to ensure that small communities continued to receive a minimal level of air service. EAS revenue awards are guaranteed revenue contracts issued by the DOT. The EAS program subsidizes scheduled flights to connect underserved communities with larger airline hubs. These contracts help add predictable stability to Southern’s operations from both a route and revenue planning perspective.
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We believe that Southern is a leader in securing and renewing EAS contracts, which we believe will be a critical differentiator as we work to expand our point-to-point short haul regional air mobility network. Southern works with key stakeholders in the communities it intends to serve as well as the DOT, and has been able to tailor air travel solutions that are responsive to the key needs of these smaller, underserved communities. Southern has consistently been able to differentiate itself to win contracts by leveraging its large scale and depth of operational expertise to offer a low cost, highly reliable service proposal.
On-Demand — Surf Air and Southern generate revenue from on-demand flights created for customers on an ad-hoc, by request basis. A small number of the on-demand flights are operated on our fleet; the majority are arranged on third-party turboprops or small jets. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, Surf Air and Southern generated $4.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively, from on-demand operations. For the year ended December 31, 2022, Surf Air and Southern generated $16.0 million and $5.0 million, respectively, from on-demand operations.
Today, Surf Air offers on-demand flight booking capabilities on our consumer platform enabled by our Surf Air app. This business represents a high-margin, capital light source of revenue.
Customer Experience
We believe that the customer experience that Surf Air has developed is a meaningful differentiating advantage. Surf Air has strived to create an exceptional flying experience solving the greatest pain points of regional commercial flying. Through its large scale, Southern has a substantial customer service operation to support its travelers. Leveraging our combined experience, SAM intends to give our customers a stress-free and time-saving airport and travel experience. Surf Air’s customer flight rating measures customer satisfaction with Surf Air’s scheduled flights and travel experience was 4.8 out of 5 for the period from March 2022 and March 2023.
Seamless Booking. Our customer journey begins digitally through both our booking app and website, creating a personalized air travel experience. Using the app and website, customers have access to a real-time digital marketplace. Customers can conveniently purchase tickets on existing scheduled flights or create private charters. Customers have access to an array of available aircraft to meet various travel needs.
Local Airports & Private Terminals. Surf Air operates scheduled and on-demand flights in and out of small airports and private terminals. This provides our customers with the convenience of an accessible airport closer to their origin and/or destination and the convenience of a private terminal experience. In the future, together with Signature, the world’s largest private aviation terminal operator, we intend to expand our footprint enabling us to replicate our flying experience at scale. We believe that local airports can transform into centers for training pilots, community job growth, and growth for local businesses.
Reduced Travel Times. Operating in and out of regional airports and private terminals reduces travel time for our customers. On a typical commercial flight, major airlines recommend customers arrive two hours before their departure time. In contrast, Surf Air customers typically only need to arrive 15 minutes before their flight, which results in Surf Air passengers saving approximately 1.5 to 1.75 hours per departure.
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Hassle Free Experience. Surf Air’s member services and concierge teams offer all customers a direct touchpoint to help manage any travel related needs leading up to and on the day of the flight. Southern currently has interline agreements with major commercial airlines, including United Airlines, Inc., American Airlines, Inc., Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Hawaiian Airlines, Inc, which help coordinate baggage claim for customers who fly different airlines on various legs of their trip, assisting in a hassle free experience.
Pilot Shortage Solution. Recent and longer-term trends in the airline industry have led to a large disruption in the supply of available aircraft pilots. A reliable, predictable and adequate availability of pilots is an integral part of any airline’s ability to maintain consistent scheduling of their operations. We believe that Surf Air’s and Southern’s business models, flying under Part 135 regulation and using primarily single-engine aircraft, will enable us to be a solution to the pilot shortage by providing pilots to certify as first officers and captains earlier, and creating a talent pool that does not compete with other airlines that operate multi-engine aircraft. Furthermore, with Southern’s pilot partnership with SkyWest, we are able to ensure that hiring and retention costs are primarily offset by promoting pilot career flow into the regional airline.
As we plan to transition to fully-electric flight, we believe we are well-positioned to manage programs designed for training pilots for any new requirements related to operation of electrified aircraft. Through our combination as supplier of new electrified aircraft and facilitator of a pilot training pipeline, we believe we can create a program to ensure an adequate supply of pilots for the introduction of electrified flight.
We believe that our current and future experience and knowledge, generated by operating our own large scheduled fleet and charter operation, combined with our partnerships and interactions with operators, brokers, lessors and OEMs puts us in a strong position to identify, create and commercialize the best electrification products and services for our evolving industry.
Access to Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Our relationship with Signature is expected to increase our access to SAF. Signature offers fuel throughout their FBO network as one of their base services. Signature, through their Signature Renew program, has committed to, and is already offering, SAF at select locations with plans to expand throughout their network. SAM expects to benefit from this existing footprint and intends to work with Signature to make SAF available more broadly in SAM’s network.
Experienced Management Team & Board
Our team is comprised of seasoned executives with experience directly applicable to our current regional air mobility operations as well as the future business lines we intend to develop. The team has a proven track record of creating new brands, raising capital, executing acquisitions and scaling operations within the airline industry and across a diverse group of other sectors. Many of our management and board members have held key positions within the aviation community in senior roles at major airlines, aircraft OEMs and at new ventures within the advanced regional air mobility sector. Our team has prior experience at top companies such as Delta Air Lines, Fairchild Dornier, Flexjet, Lufthansa, Virgin America, and Wisk.
SAM’s Business Model Creates a Flywheel of Growth
We believe there is significant value to be created by leveraging our ability to serve both customers and operators within the regional flying ecosystem. We believe this will accelerate the demand for electrified aircraft and green regional flying. By enabling new demand through our digital marketplace operations and catalyzing new supply through new technology and financing solutions, we believe we can create an ongoing cycle of growth.
Step 1: Scale Existing Air Mobility Business
SAM plans to invest in creating a scheduled network connecting many of the underutilized regional airports in the United States, as well as continuing to scale our on-demand business. We have developed a regional air mobility network growth plan based on mobile device data encompassing millions of U.S. regional trips in 2019, to which management applied various demographic data layers. As a result, we have built a network growth plan across approximately 30 U.S. regional networks with approximately 200 “tier 1” routes. We define “tier 1” routes as those routes (1) that are part of the largest U.S. 100 to 500 mile travel markets measured by annual trips taken between any two metros in the United States; (2) with airport pairs optimized on the zipcode level using demographic data such as household income, STEM
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employees and property value; (3) that typically do not have direct airport-to-airport competition; and (4) based on a regional air mobility consumer preference and price point survey of approximately 2,500 people in the United States and the European Union, as well as management’s analysis, we believe can support operations pre-electrification with average fares of approximately $250 to $300 per seat per trip. We believe that in the future our scale could result in an increase in the number of average daily departures, fares and load factor compared to today.
We intend to expand our scheduled and on-demand operations following the completion of the Internal Reorganization and the Southern Acquisition. We plan to fund the expansion of our scheduled and on-demand operations by utilizing the GEM Advances when they become available and to fund a significant portion of the initial aircraft order from TAI that will support our network expansion by utilizing the committed lease financing available through the Master Agreement with Jetstream. Through our public company access to capital, committed fleet order with TAI and data-driven network growth plan, we believe we have a well-defined path to rapidly expanding our network. The addition of Southern’s operating scale to Surf Air’s direct-to-consumer technology platform and established West Coast brand provides significant depth of expertise to execute on our growth plan.
Further, we intend our air mobility growth plan to be partly supported and operated by third-party operators, to whom we intend to lease aircraft and to offer services under our planned Aircraft-as-a-Service program. We believe that by leveraging third-party operators we will be able to grow faster while creating a future customer base for electrification. We also intend to leverage Southern’s existing interline agreements with major commercial airlines, including United Airlines, Inc., American Airlines, Inc., Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. to scale our air mobility business.
Step 2: Launch Aircraft-as-a-Service
Given our plans to rapidly expand our network, we intend to develop additional third-party operating relationships. Surf Air has extensive experience using third-party operators in its scheduled and on-demand platform. As a result of Surf Air’s past experience, we believe will have in-depth knowledge of the success factors and key challenges facing independent operators and can facilitate growth with operator relationships by deploying a robust set of product and services focused on financial and commercial tools.
As we continue our growth, we intend to establish either a wholly-owned or joint-venture aircraft and powertrain financing company. We believe this, combined with the flexibility available through our financing arrangement with Jetstream, will add additional value for our operator relationships and create stickiness in our broader commercial ventures. We plan to offer bundled products and services to operators, both those flying within our network and independently, which we call Aircraft-as-a-Service. We believe Aircraft-as-a-Service will support revenue and earnings growth from aircraft financing, powertrain sales, powertrain maintenance and software platform revenues. We intend to launch first with combustion aircraft, followed by commitments to electrify.
Step 3: Deploy SAM Electrified Aircraft
If we successfully accomplish step 1 and step 2 during 2023 and 2024, we believe we can establish the scale needed to take full advantage of the technology deployment if the STC for our planned hybrid-electric Cessna Grand Caravan EX is approved and ready for deployment by the end of 2025. At that time, we aim to have a sizeable base of Cessna Caravans on our platform that will provide us with a captive demand source for our hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains. These Cessna Caravans will be both from our own fleet and those secured through relationships with other Cessna Caravan fleet operators.
We intend to leverage the development process learnings derived from our Cessna Grand Caravan EX STC for our 9 to 30 seat airframes in the turboprop category where we believe there is sufficient commercial demand to provide favorable returns on investment. We have an agreement in place with AeroTEC related to this future pipeline of work.
Through the software architecture of our electrified powertrain design and contract with Palantir, we aim to have a data-driven relationship with each plane and operator, which will enable on-going aircraft health monitoring and over-the-air-updates creating a connected aircraft platform. We believe that this ability to capture data combined with
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our relationship with Palantir can support both our own operating efficiencies as well as provide a high degree of real-time data collection in support of other mobility insight initiatives. This focus on technology is a key part of our business plan as we work towards becoming a data driven and technology enabled organization.
Unlike the world of automobiles, in aviation, the engine and the airframe have long been managed as separate business models, controlled by a different set of OEMs. The airframe typically is a long-lasting structure, which, relative to the engine, requires less-costly maintenance. Engines on the other hand, require constant maintenance and periodic full overhauls. Operators typically pay on a time-based mechanism into an engine-reserve account, deploying the accumulated capital to “reset the clock” on the engine every several thousand hours of operation. In this framework SAM will manage its powertrain business in a similar fashion. Our hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains will be controlled by software that will have a predictive maintenance layer, making the powertrain and aircraft a connected system enabling better visibility and cost control for the operator and performance data collection in support of SAM’s future product development.
Step 4: Commercialize “Clean Sheet” Electric Aircraft
Longer term, we aim to become a technology agnostic green aviation platform, and intend to foster relationships with green aerospace OEMs, offering an ecosystem (data, software services, financial services and consumer pathway) as a commercialization pathway for their products. We intend to provide services for all types of current and future green technology regardless of whether they are hybrid, battery electric or hydrogen-based solutions, irrespective of if they apply to eVTOL, regional or longer range applications. We believe our connected aircraft platform, large consumer and operator base and aircraft financing products can provide an attractive entry proposition for both new and incumbent OEMs.
We believe that the four steps outlined above can set the flywheel of the regional air mobility industry into motion and that SAM will be positioned to benefit from significant revenue and earnings growth through a combination of one-time and recurring revenue from electrification upgrades and maintenance, and recurring aircraft financing, powertrain sales, powertrain maintenance and software platform revenues through our planned Aircraft-as-a-Service platform.
Additional Future Growth Opportunities
We intend to continue growing our business through acquisitions and additional commercial relationships, in addition to the Southern Acquisition, which will allow us to further strengthen our network, technology platform and brand. Opportunities we may explore include, but are not limited to:
• Growing our scale through such activities as acquiring other regional air carriers, leasing portfolios and charter brokers.
• Enhancing our platform through such activities as purchasing and integrating other existing software solutions.
• Further improving our electrification value chain through activities such as creating joint-ventures with key component OEMs and acquiring additional core technical capabilities.
In addition to exploring acquisition and partnership opportunities focused on adding scale to our current operations, in the long term we expect to be well-positioned to explore complementary businesses and commercial relationships, examples of which include:
• Engaging with other companies creating green technology aircraft to help bring them to market through our fleet operations and our Aircraft-as-a-Service platform.
• Co-financing partnerships with other aircraft lessors to enable a sales channel into their aircraft portfolio for SAM hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains.
• Developing and monetizing the ground infrastructure expected to be required to support the growth in electrified airplane fleets such as charging stations and alternative forms of sustainable fuel.
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Key Agreements
Textron Aviation Inc.
Collaboration Agreement
On September 15, 2022 (as amended on May 24, 2023), SAM entered into a Collaboration and Engineering Services Agreement (the “Collaboration Agreement”) with Textron Aviation Inc., a Kansas corporation, a subsidiary of Textron, Inc. The Collaboration Agreement provides, among other things, that TAI will provide SAM certain services in furtherance of SAM’s development of its proprietary electrified powertrain technology (the “SAM System”). Under the Collaboration Agreement, SAM agrees to meet certain development milestones by specified dates, including issuance of a supplemental type certificate by the FAA. The Collaboration Agreement becomes effective on the date that SAM shares are publicly traded on a U.S. national securities exchange (the “TAI Effective Date”).
The Collaboration Agreement is part of a series of related agreements that govern the relationship between TAI and SAM, which agreements include an Aircraft Purchase Agreement (the “APA”), pursuant to which SAM agrees to purchase certain Model 208B Grand Caravan EX aircraft (the “Caravan”) from TAI, an Amended and Restated Sales and Marketing Agreement (the “SMA”), which outlines the exclusive relationship and sales, promotional and marketing commitments between TAI and SAM for the Caravan SAM System and Caravan SAM System equipped aircraft (together, the “SAM Aircraft”), and a Data License Agreement (the “DLA” and, collectively with the Collaboration Agreement, the APA and the SMA, the “TAI Agreements”), which provides for SAM’s licensing of certain technical information with respect to the Caravan from TAI to facilitate SAM’s development of the SAM System.
The Collaboration Agreement is subject to termination events including the failure by SAM to meet certain milestones, a change of control of SAM, TAI’s reasonable determination that a market for aircraft equipped with the SAM System outside of the Caravan purchased pursuant to the APA is not viable, TAI’s reasonable determination that the FAA is unlikely to approve a supplemental type certificate for the SAM System on the Caravan, TAI’s reasonable determination that SAM has failed to develop its product offerings compared to other parties pursuing similar products, TAI cessation of manufacturing of the Caravan, termination of the TAI Agreements or the TAI Effective Date not occurring by July 31, 2023.
Amended and Restated Sales and Marketing Agreement
On September 27, 2022 (as amended on May 24, 2023), SAM entered into the SMA, pursuant to which TAI appointed SAM as its exclusive supplier of certain identified categories of battery electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems for the Caravan (the “Exclusive System”) for a period commencing on the TAI Effective Date and ending on the date that the exclusivity rights are terminated by TAI or SAM under the SMA. Pursuant to the SMA, the parties agreed to develop marketing, promotional and sales strategies for the SAM Aircraft and further agreed to (a) include the SAM Aircraft in sales and marketing materials (print and digital) distributed to authorized dealers, (b) prominently display the SAM Aircraft on their respective websites and social media, (c) include representatives of SAM and TAI at trade show booths, (d) market SAM Aircraft and conversions to SAM Aircraft to all owners of pre-owned Caravans, and (e) not advertise or offer any third-party Exclusive System variants of the Caravan. Certain technologies for aircraft propulsion are specifically carved out from the Exclusive System. The SMA provides for payment by SAM of exclusivity fees aggregating $40 million, with certain amounts deferred such that the aggregate fee is payable over four years commencing on the earlier of the year after SAM obtains a supplemental type certificate for the SAM System on the Caravan (the “SAM STCs”) or the 5th anniversary of the TAI Effective Date. SAM’s obligation to pay exclusivity fees in any year may be offset, in whole or in part, based on the achievement of certain sales milestones of SAM Aircraft and Caravans subsequently converted to a SAM System. TAI can terminate the Exclusivity Period upon the occurrence of a specified termination event under the Collaboration Agreement or after the 8-year anniversary of the TAI Effective Date. Under the SMA, SAM is designated as TAI’s “Official Leasing Partner” for the SAM Aircraft.
The SMA is subject to termination events and termination upon certain additional events, including, among other events, termination by SAM or TAI if the other party terminates the exclusivity rights in the SMA, termination by TAI upon a change of control of SAM, the TAI Effective Date does not occur on or prior to July 31, 2023 and any termination of the other TAI Agreements.
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Data License Agreement
On September 15, 2022 (as amended on May 24, 2023), SAM entered into the DLA, pursuant to which licensor under the DLA agreed to provide to SAM certain technical data, drawings, and specifications related to the Caravan to facilitate SAM’s development of the SAM System for upfits or retrofits of the Caravan. In addition, the DLA provides TAI with a license to “in draw” one or more of SAM STCs into TAI’s type certificate for the Caravan or use SAM STCs to install SAM Systems onto Caravans.
The DLA provides for payment by SAM of license fees aggregating $60 million over a multi-year period. SAM’s obligation to pay the ongoing license fees in any year may be offset, based on achievement of certain sales milestones of SAM Aircraft and Caravans subsequently converted to a SAM System. SAM’s license under the DLA is subject to certain other restrictions and obligations, including, but not limited to, confidentiality requirements, restrictions on use of the technical information provided by the licensor and adherence to any regulatory requirements with respect to the technical information.
The DLA is subject to customary termination provisions. The DLA may also be terminated by TAI upon certain specified events, including, among other events, breach of the confidentiality provisions contained in the DLA, a change of control of SAM, termination of the APA under certain circumstances, or if the TAI Effective Date does not occur on or prior to July 31, 2023. The DLA can be terminated by SAM, among other events, if the exclusivity rights under the SMA are terminated by TAI.
Aircraft Purchase Agreement
On September 15, 2022 (as amended on May 24, 2023), SAM entered into the APA with TAI, pursuant to which, SAM will purchase 100 specifically configured Caravans having an aggregate purchase price in excess of $300 million, with an option to purchase an additional 50 specifically configured Caravans having an aggregate purchase price in excess of $150 million, over the course of 7 years. The final price to be paid by SAM will be dependent upon a number of factors, including the final specifications of such aircraft and any price escalations. The initial deliveries of the aircraft under the agreement will not commence until the second calendar quarter of 2024. The terms and conditions of the APA contain price escalation clauses under certain circumstances. In addition, the APA permits SAM to assign its rights to an affiliate, a successor in interest or a financial institution on an aircraft-by-aircraft basis solely for the purpose of providing SAM financing or leasing for such aircraft. The APA provides that for a period of twelve months following the delivery of each Caravan, such aircraft will be operated and branded as a part of SAM’s United States air travel platform. The APA becomes effective on the TAI Effective Date.
In addition to customary termination provisions for both parties, the APA may also be terminated by SAM if TAI terminates the exclusivity rights granted to SAM under the SMA. TAI may terminate the APA for certain specified events including the specified termination events under the Collaboration Agreement or termination of the other TAI Agreements. The APA may be terminated by SAM if the TAI Effective Date does not occur on or prior to July 31, 2023.
Aerospace Testing Engineering & Certification, Inc. and magniX USA, Inc.
On April 28, 2022, SAM entered into a Three-Party Agreement with AeroTEC and magniX, amended by the Amendment to Three-Party Agreement, dated as of October 28, 2022, and further amended by the Amendment to Three-Party Agreement, dated as of May 11, 2023 (the “Three-Party Agreement”). The Three-Party Agreement provides an overview of the parties’ intentions and cooperation plan for future definitive agreements. Pursuant to the Three-Party Agreement, AeroTEC and magniX will provide services and assistance for the development and FAA certification of Cessna Caravan STCs by utilizing the magniX EPU and magniX ESS as key components of the hybrid-electric and fully-electric propulsion systems. The targeted completion date for FAA STC certification of the hybrid-electric and fully-electric Cessna Grand Caravan EX STC is the end of 2025.
According to the Three-Party Agreement, the parties must successfully complete (1) an examination of the functional and performance requirements of the system and the preliminary program or project plan, to ensure that the requirements and the selected concept will satisfy the goals (“systems requirements review” or “SRR”) and (2) an examination of the proposed requirements, the mission architecture and the flow down to all functional elements of the mission to ensure that the overall concept is complete, feasible and consistent with available resources (“conceptual design review” or “CoDR”). Following the completion of the SRR and the CoDR, the parties will develop a comprehensive program plan and schedule for preliminary design review (“PDR”), critical design review (“CDR”) and other design, component
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selection, supply chain validation, product support capabilities and appropriate issues related to obtaining the STC (the “Program Plan”). In addition, following the completion of the SRR and the CoDR, separate definitive two-party agreements will be negotiated and executed by and between SAM and AeroTEC, on the one hand, and by and between SAM and magniX, on the other hand. Both definitive agreements will examine the proposed terms and conditions of the partnership and the remaining development steps for the STC, including PDR and CDR.
Once CDR is complete we expect to submit a detailed initial data package to the FAA for review, prior to the FAA issuing a Type Installation Authorization (“TIA”) and the means of compliance. The TIA is the FAA’s authorization to proceed to the phase of the certification plan where the STC applicant ensures that each part of the installed system conforms to the design. The means of compliance is an agreement between the FAA and the STC applicant that determines all the systems on the aircraft that are affected by the proposed change and what specific regulations and regulation revision levels will be applied to the program for which the applicant must demonstrate compliance to the regulation.
During the duration of the services agreement between AeroTEC and SAM for the development of an STC for the Cessna Grand Caravan EX, AeroTEC will work exclusively with SAM to develop and obtain STCs for hybrid and other electrified Cessna Caravan models; provided that, in the event that market demand warrants certification of a Cessna Caravan model that SAM is unwilling or unable to support, AeroTEC and SAM will negotiate a commercially reasonable agreement and/or license to allow such independent STC development.
SAM will pay AeroTEC, magniX and other providers of services and components all costs and expenses to develop and certify the SAM STC.
The Three-Party Agreement will terminate if the Program Plan has not occurred within eighteen (18) months of the signing of the agreement or if the parties fail to reach an agreement on definitive agreements within six (6) months of the Program Plan completion.
The success of the Three-Party Agreement and future two-party definitive agreements is directly dependent on the cooperation of TAI and the TAI related agreements. SAM intends to use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain TAI’s permission to share its data license under the TAI Agreements with AeroTEC and magniX to support their efforts for development.
Signature Flight Support LLC
On March 18, 2022, SAM and Signature Flight Support LLC (“Signature”) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”). The MOU is only an expression of intent; the parties do not intend to be bound by the suggested terms. The MOU provides for a collaborative relationship whereby Signature will provide FBO services and support for SAM’s network at existing and new Signature locations. In addition, SAM and Signature will co-develop a standardized end-to-end customer experience; co-develop branding and marketing opportunities to common customer bases; co-invest in technology and facilities to support their operations; and advance and develop green aviation technologies and services. As part of this partnership, SAM plans to relocate its existing station at the Santa Barbara Airport to Signature’s leasehold. The MOU will stay in effect until the parties enter into a definitive agreement, or two years after the signing of the MOU. Either party may terminate the MOU at any time by providing three months written notice to the other party.
SkyWest Airlines, Inc.
On July 17, 2019, Southern and SkyWest Airlines, Inc. (“SkyWest”) entered into a Pilot Pathway Agreement, amended by Amendment No. 1 to Pilot Pathway Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2020, Amendment No. 2 to Pilot Pathway Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2022 and further amended by Amendment No. 3 to Pilot Pathway Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2023 (collectively, the “SkyWest Agreement”). Pursuant to the SkyWest Agreement, SkyWest will facilitate a recruitment career pipeline from Southern’s flight school cadet program to SkyWest.
The SkyWest Agreement will automatically renew for additional, successive one year terms, unless and until Southern or SkyWest provides a written non-renewal notice. The SkyWest Agreement is subject to customary termination provisions. The SkyWest Agreement may also be terminated by SkyWest, if following the occurrence of a pilot refund event of tuition and fees, SkyWest does not receive full reimbursement from Southern of all amounts paid with respect to such pilot under the program within one hundred and twenty (120) days following the refund event, then, SkyWest can terminate the SkyWest Agreement.
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Jetstream Aviation Capital, LLC
On October 10, 2022, SAM and Jetstream entered into a Master Agreement (the “Jetstream Agreement”) governing certain of the principal terms of the sale and leaseback by SAM of certain aircraft, subject, among other things, to the entry into separate binding sale and purchase agreements for each individual aircraft and a separate binding lease agreement for each individual aircraft. The arrangement provides for a sale and/or assignment of purchase rights of aircraft from SAM to Jetstream and the leaseback of such aircraft from Jetstream to SAM with a maximum aggregate purchase amount of $450 million, including a $120 million total minimum usage obligations for SAM.
The arrangement further provides that Jetstream and SAM will endeavor to co-market SAM’s electrified powertrain technology to Jetstream’s other customers and lessees. Subject to further negotiation and entry into definitive agreements, Jetstream also intends to commit to acquire up to 50 hybrid-electrified powertrains per year for five years. The powertrains will be installed in Jetstream’s aircraft and leased to other customers, subject to certain thresholds and governmental approval processes. Both parties will endeavor to collaborate on potentially developing a co-financing platform pursuant to which SAM may offer leasing terms to its third-party service operators. The Jetstream Agreement may be terminated (i) if our Common Stock is not publicly listed and the Southern acquisition is not consummated prior to December 31, 2023; (ii) upon a termination notice by either party in the event material adverse change in the business of the other party which is not resolved within 30 days of such notice; and (iii) as mutually agreed in writing by the parties.
Related Agreements and Transactions
Southern Acquisition Agreement
On May 25, 2023, the Company, Surf Air Inc., SAM, SAC Merger Sub Inc., and Southern entered into an Amendment No. 4 to that certain Acquisition Agreement dated as of March 17, 2021, as amended by that certain Amendment No. 1 dated as of August 22, 2021, Amendment No. 2 dated May 17, 2022 and Amendment No. 3 dated November 11, 2022 (the Acquisition Agreement along with Amendment No. 1, Amendment No. 2, Amendment No. 3 and Amendment No. 4, the “Southern Acquisition Agreement”), pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions thereunder, the parties thereunder agree to effect a merger of SAC Merger Sub Inc. with and into Southern, with Southern continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM. The Southern Acquisition and the transactions contemplated thereunder will close simultaneously with the effectiveness of this registration statement and is conditioned upon the listing. Listing is conditioned upon consummation of the Southern Acquisition. Pursuant to Amendment No. 4, the Surf Entities and Southern agreed to extend the outside date by which closing must occur, to July 31, 2023. The Southern Acquisition Agreement will terminate if closing does not occur by July 31, 2023.
A brief description of the terms of the Southern Acquisition Agreement follows:
Consideration. The Southern security holders are entitled to receive a number of shares of SAM Common Stock representing the greater of (a) $81.25 million (based on the opening price per share of our Common Stock on the day of listing); or (b) 12.5% of the fully-diluted shares of SAM upon listing.
Representations and Warranties. The Southern Acquisition Agreement contains customary representations and warranties for the parties, which are generally subject to materiality and material adverse effect qualifiers. The representations and warranties of Southern include, without limitation, representations regarding the organization, authorization and capitalization of Southern and the subsidiaries, financial statements and permits of Southern. Southern represents and warrants that (i) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Southern Acquisition Agreement will not result in a violation or default under any contract, the governing documents of Southern, or any law, (ii) no consent is required in connection with the transaction, (iii) neither Southern nor any of its subsidiaries has any indebtedness and (iv) Southern has complied with all laws. Each of the Surf Entities makes customary representations and warranties to Southern, including the organization, authority and capitalization of each Surf Entity.
Covenants. The Southern Acquisition Agreement contains customary covenants. During the interim period between the date of the Southern Acquisition Agreement until the closing, other than in the ordinary course in connection with the Car Rental Program, Southern may not incur any indebtedness, or guarantee any indebtedness of any person; provided, however, nothing shall prohibit Southern from incurring or guaranteeing indebtedness for the purchase of additional airplanes.
Closing Conditions. The consummation of the Southern Acquisition is conditioned upon the following: (i) no Governmental Entity shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, injunction, order or other legal restraint (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) which is in effect and which has the effect of making the Southern Acquisition illegal or otherwise prohibiting or preventing consummation of the Southern Acquisition; (ii) the representations and warranties of each party to the Southern
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Acquisition Agreement shall be true and correct as of closing and each party shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants and obligations under the Southern Acquisition Agreement; (iii) the Key Employee shall have entered into the Key Employee Agreement (as defined in the Southern Acquisition Agreement); (iv) SAM shall have minimum cash available of at least $100 million and SAM shall own directly or indirectly Surf Air Inc. and its subsidiaries, and Southern and its subsidiaries and have either consummated the Ampaire Transaction or an Ampaire Equivalent Transaction (as defined in the Southern Acquisition Agreement); (v) the Registration Statement shall have become effective under the Securities Act and no stop order suspending the use of the Registration Statement shall have been issued by the SEC; (vi) approval of the shares of SAM Common Stock for listing, subject to official notice of issuance; and (vii) the Internal Reorganization shall be simultaneously consummated with the Southern Acquisition. For the purposes of the conditions in clause (iv), $100 million of the Share Subscription Facility will be deemed to be received by SAM substantially concurrently with the closing (even though it will not be funded until after closing if at all) and SAM’s partnership with AeroTEC and magniX will constitute an Ampaire Equivalent Transaction.
Additional Terms. Southern has the right to designate one of the members of the SAM Board initially designated by Surf Air, which Southern agrees will be Stan Little (or, if Stan Little, is unable to serve, a replacement determined by Southern prior to closing), and, if at any time within twelve (12) months following the Closing Date, the number of directors of the SAM Board is increased to more than nine (9) members, Stan Little shall be entitled to designate an additional director to the SAM Board. SAM has also agreed to register the resale of the Common Stock issued in the Internal Reorganization and the Southern Acquisition.
The foregoing description of the Southern Acquisition Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Southern Acquisition Agreement, which appears as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
Financing Arrangements
Share Subscription Facility
On February 8, 2023, the Company entered into the Share Subscription Facility with GEM Global Yield LLC SCS (“GEM”) and GEM Yield Bahamas Limited (“GYBL”), which further amended and restated the Amended and Restated Share Subscription Facility entered into on May 17, 2022. Pursuant to the Share Subscription Facility, upon the terms of and subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, SAM will have the right from time to time at its option to direct GEM to purchase up to a specified maximum amount of shares of our Common Stock, up to a maximum aggregate purchase price of $400 million (the “Aggregate Limit”), over the Term (as defined below) of the Share Subscription Facility. SAM may request GEM Advances in an aggregate amount of up to $100 million, consisting of four incremental advances of up to $25 million each. Any GEM Advance will reduce amounts that Surf Air can request for future draw downs.
SAM’s ability to access and request each the GEM Advances and the draw downs described above under the Share Subscription Facility is contingent on the satisfaction of certain conditions, including among other things, (i) the listing of our Common Stock on a U.S. national securities exchange, (ii) the filing by SAM of one or more registration statements with respect to the shares of our Common Stock to be sold pursuant to the Share Subscription Facility and such registration statement(s) becoming effective, as well as no stop order (or proceedings for such purpose) suspending the effectiveness of any registration statement registering such shares of our Common Stock (the “Registration Condition”), (iii) no suspension of trading of our Common Stock on the NYSE, (iv) the shares of our Common Stock to be sold pursuant to the Share Subscription Facility must have been duly authorized, (v) average daily trading volume limitations requiring that the amount requested for each draw down (other than the GEM Advances) may not exceed 400% of the average daily trading volume for the 30 trading days immediately preceding a draw down (the “Trading Volume Condition”), (vi) limitations on GEM’s beneficial ownership of shares of our Common Stock (other than the GEM Advances), (vii) the payment of certain fees and (viii) the delivery by SAM of a compliance certificate certifying that SAM is in compliance with all covenants, agreements and conditions required by the Share Subscription Facility on the applicable request date, and that no Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Share Subscription Facility) has occurred since August 25, 2020 (clauses (ii) through (iv) are the “Specified Conditions”). Following the Southern Acquisition and the completion of the listing of our Common Stock, SAM intends to request the full amount of the GEM Advances in 2023 when they become available to augment its capital resources to address its capital needs. However, SAM will be unable to request any of the GEM Advances until a resale registration statement covering the shares to be sold to GEM in accordance with the terms of the Share Subscription Facility has been declared effective. To the extent that all conditions to each GEM Advance are satisfied other than with respect to one or more Specified Conditions, SAM will be able to delay a GEM Advance for a maximum of 90 calendar days in order to satisfy the Specified Conditions. SAM shall not be obligated to make any
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draw downs in respect of any GEM Advance or other draw downs and the failure to provide a draw down notice for any GEM Advance or other draw downs will not limit or preclude SAM’s ability to provide a draw down notice on any future GEM Advance or other draw down. The purchase price per share for the number of shares of our Common Stock to be sold to them is determined on the basis of the trading price of our Common Stock during a period of between 15 trading days (for any GEM Advance) and 20 trading days (for all other draw downs), which, with respect to the GEM Advances, may be extended by 15 trading days in GEM’s sole discretion upon notice to SAM. In the case of a GEM Advance, the purchase price is determined following funding of the purchase by GEM while in the case of any other purchase under the Share Subscription Facility, the purchase price is determined prior to the funding of the purchase by GEM. If the purchase price determined during the pricing period for any GEM Advance would result in GEM owning 10% or more of our outstanding shares of Common Stock, GEM may extend the pricing period for another 30 trading days. Under the terms of the Share Subscription Facility, GEM will purchase the shares at a per-share amount equal to 90% of the volume weighted average trading price during the draw down pricing period described above. In relation to the GEM Advances, SAM has agreed to deposit into escrow an amount equal to three times the number of shares of Common Stock set out in the advance request for the GEM Advances.
Unless earlier terminated, the Share Subscription Facility shall terminate automatically on the earlier of (i) 36 consecutive months from the date of listing, which such date shall be ; (ii) May 17, 2027; and (iii) the date GEM shall have purchased the Aggregate Limit (such earliest date, the “Term”).
GEM will also purchase an amount of shares of the Company equal to 0.75% of the total number of shares of our Common Stock outstanding on the listing date, on a fully-diluted basis, for a purchase price of $0.01 per share (the “Purchased Shares”).
The terms of the Share Subscription Facility provide for, among other things, (i) payment by SAM of a commitment fee of $8 million (equal to 2% of the Aggregate Limit), payable in cash or stock, deliverable in installments, but no later than the first anniversary of SAM’s first trading day and (ii) that GEM will not be required to purchase shares of our Common Stock if the purchase would result in GEM beneficially owning more than 9.99% of outstanding Common Stock, subject to waiver of the limitation by GEM, which shall not apply to the GEM Advances. SAM has agreed with GEM not to enter into any other agreement of which the principal purpose is to secure an equity line similar to the financing provided under the Share Subscription Facility.
The foregoing description of the Share Subscription Facility does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Share Subscription Facility, which appears as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
For more information on the Share Subscription Facility and the risks related to SAM’s ability to access some or all of the amounts available, see the section entitled “Risk Factors — Risks Related to SAM’s Financial Position and Capital Requirements — It is not possible to predict the actual number of shares SAM will need to sell under the Share Subscription Facility to GEM in order to draw down under such facility. Further, SAM may not have access to the full amount available under the Share Subscription Facility, or may not be able to draw down under the Share Subscription Facility in a timely manner (or at all) in order to meet its existing obligations”.
SAFEs
On May 17, 2022 and June 30, 2022 the Company entered into SAFEs with LamVen LLC, Broader Media Holdings, LLC, Park Lane Investments, LLC, Partners for Growth V, L.P. and Palantir Technologies, Inc. for an aggregate amount of approximately $49 million (of which approximately $15 million was funded through the cancellation of obligations owing by the Company to a counterparty, approximately $19 million was funded through in-kind services and approximately $15 million was funded in cash). Two additional SAFEs were entered into with individual private investors on September 12, 2022 and January 31, 2023. The SAFEs are presented on the Company’s balance sheet at fair value, which was $30.3 million as of March 31, 2023. The SAFEs provide, among other things, for the conversion of such SAFEs into ordinary shares of the Company in connection with a public listing. The SAFEs were issued by the Company to LamVen LLC, Broader Media Holdings, LLC, Park Lane Investments, LLC, Partners for Growth V, L.P., Palantir Technologies, Inc. and two private investors. In connection with the Internal Reorganization, Surf Air intends to enter into amendments with the SAFE holders whereby upon listing and pursuant to the SAFE Settlement, SAFE holders will receive shares of our Common Stock based on the exchange value set forth in the relevant SAFE.
The foregoing description of the SAFEs does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the form of SAFEs, which appears as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
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Government Regulation
SAM will be subject to government regulation at local, state, national and international levels. The scope of these regulations is exceedingly broad, covering a wide range of subjects that includes, but is not limited to, those summarized below. Given the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of the regulatory environment, the conduct of our business will always include a measure of risk and we may not be able to predict or control how new regulations might be written, or predict how existing regulations may be interpreted, or enforced.
Various aspects of our business, including scheduled and on-demand air service and electrification, are all impacted by interrelated but distinct regulatory frameworks.
Principal Domestic Regulatory Authorities
DOT
The U.S. Department of Transportation (the “DOT”) is the principal regulator of economic and consumer protection matters in the U.S. commercial aviation industry. The DOT licenses and oversees the operations of all carriers. This includes economic authority to conduct business as a type of air carrier, as well as consumer protection and insurance requirements that are applied to the conduct of such business. The DOT also oversees the marketing, sale and performance of public charter flights (charter flights which are sold by the seat) that may be arranged by an indirect air carrier (i.e., an entity that does not operate aircraft but contracts as a principal with a direct air carrier to do so on its behalf), for the purpose of offering its chartered flights to the public that will be performed by an identified direct air carrier at a predetermined date and time (in contrast to the on-demand, or as-needed/where-needed, character of certain of our services). The DOT oversees and regulates how airlines advertise and hold out services. The DOT also oversees the sale, holding out and arrangement of single-entity charter air transportation (charter of the entire capacity of an aircraft, in contrast to public charter flights which are sold by the seat). The DOT has authority to enforce laws and regulations against engaging in “unfair” or “deceptive” practices in the sale or provision of air transportation. The DOT promulgates and enforces various other consumer protection laws and regulations to which we are subject, including requirements related to non-discriminatory access to air transportation for disabled passengers, data reporting, recordkeeping, advertising and ticket sales, among others. The DOT is also responsible for monitoring and assuring that U.S. air carriers remain fit, willing and able at all times to provide the services for which they are licensed, and that such carriers qualify continuously as citizens of the United States within the meaning of U.S. aeronautical laws and regulations.
SAM will be subject to U.S. laws regarding privacy of passenger and employee data, including as enforced by the DOT, that are not consistent in all jurisdictions where we operate and which are continually evolving, requiring ongoing monitoring and updates to our privacy and information security programs. Although we dedicate resources to manage compliance with privacy and information security obligations, the challenging and uncertain regulatory environment may pose material risks to our business, including increased operational burdens and costs, regulatory enforcement and legal claims or proceedings.
FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (the “FAA”) is an operating administration of the DOT and the principal regulator of safety matters in the U.S. aviation industry. The FAA’s regulations touch on many aspects of civil aviation, such as the design and manufacture of aircraft, engines, propellers, avionics and other components, including applicability of engine noise and other environmental standards; the inspection, maintenance, repair and registration of aircraft; the training, licensing or authorizing and performance of duties by pilots, flight attendants and maintenance technicians; the testing of safety-sensitive personnel for prohibited drug use or alcohol consumption; the design, construction and maintenance of runways and other airport facilities; the operation of air traffic control systems, including the management of complex air traffic at busy airport facilities; the safety certification and oversight of air carriers including their operations and maintenance; the establishment and use of safety management systems by air carriers; the promotion of voluntary systems to encourage the disclosure of data that may aid in enhancing safety; and the oversight and operational control of air carriers by their accountable managers, directors of operations, directors of maintenance and other key personnel.
TSA
The Transportation Security Administration (the “TSA”) is an administration within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security which issues security programs to air carriers and ensures that air carriers operate in a manner consistent with any security program and other requirements issued to the carrier.
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International Air Transportation
International air transportation, whether provided on a scheduled or charter basis, is subject to the laws, rules, regulations and licensing requirements of the foreign countries to, from and over which the international flights operate. Foreign laws, rules, regulations and licensing requirements governing air transportation are generally similar, in principle, to the regulatory scheme of the United States as described above, although in some cases foreign requirements are comparatively less onerous and in others, more onerous. An air carrier must comply with the laws, rules and regulations of each country to, from or over which it operates. International flights are also subject to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Agriculture requirements and the requirements of equivalent foreign governmental agencies.
Air Services
Regional airline services are currently regulated by both the DOT, which provides the economic authority to operate as an airline, and the FAA, which provides the safety authority. Southern currently holds a Commuter Air Carrier Authorization issued by the DOT under 14 C.F.R. Part 298 (“Part 298”) and an Air Carrier Certificate issued by the FAA under 14 C.F.R. Part 119 with FAA Operations Specifications issued under 14 C.F.R. Part 135 (“Part 135”). The requirements of Part 298 and Part 135 are continuing in nature and Southern must comply with them at all times.
Part 298 Requirements — Airlines are generally required to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued under section 41102 of 49 U.S.C. Subtitle VII in order to hold out and sell air transportation services to the traveling public (a “Certificate”). As a “commuter air carrier” which operates small aircraft under Part 298, Southern operates under an exemption from the statutory requirement to obtain or hold a Certificate as well as certain requirements applicable to airlines operating large aircraft. Provided that Southern continues to qualify for this exemption by maintaining in effect its Commuter Air Carrier Authorization issued by DOT, it will remain exempt from this requirement. Although Southern is not required to hold a Certificate, it is subject to rigorous other requirements, as well as various DOT consumer rules. For example, Southern must file with the FAA evidence that it has aircraft accident liability insurance coverage, and it must maintain that coverage. It must also continuously meet the fitness and citizenship requirements described below, refrain from operating large aircraft (those originally designed for more than 60 seats or more than 18,000 pounds payload capacity), comply with security requirements established by the TSA of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, comply with various financial and passenger traffic reporting requirements, not engage in any practices DOT considers unfair or deceptive, and notify DOT in advance of any proposed substantial change in its ownership, operations or management.
Fitness Requirements — Carriers like Southern (and following the consummation of the transactions, SAM as the parent company of Southern), must be found to be fit, willing and able to perform the air transportation for which they are licensed by the DOT. This involves a DOT evaluation of the competence and compliance disposition of the airline’s management as well as an evaluation of the financial viability of the carrier and its ability to carry out its operations without putting customers’ money at unnecessary risk. In connection with DOT review of the transactions, Southern is undergoing a continuing fitness review by DOT keyed to these factors. The scope of the review includes SAM in its capacity as Southern’s prospective parent company. While this review is not yet complete, DOT has found Southern continuously fit dating from its initial review by the DOT in 2016-17.
Citizenship Requirements — In connection with Southern’s continuing fitness review, DOT will also consider whether Southern continues to qualify as a “U.S. citizen” within the meaning of applicable law (49 U.S.C. 40102 (a)(15)(C) as interpreted and applied by the DOT), which requires that an air carrier must continuously qualify as a “U.S. citizen” to be eligible to hold its DOT and FAA licenses and provide air transportation. The scope of the review includes SAM in its capacity as Southern’s prospective parent company, and that is, SAM is subject to the same U.S. citizenship requirement as Southern. If an air carrier is found to not be a U.S. citizen, its DOT and FAA licenses can be revoked and the carrier would not able to fly commercially. To qualify as a “U.S. citizen” an entity:
1. must be incorporated in the United States;
2. must have a President and at least two-thirds of its board of directors and other managing officers be U.S. citizens;
3. must have at least 75% of its voting interests owned and controlled by U.S. citizens; and
4. must be under the actual control of U.S. citizens.
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The DOT has emphasized that it makes its citizenship determinations on a case-by-case basis, considering the totality of the circumstances and weighing all the factors before determining whether an airline is under the actual control of U.S. citizens. See the section entitled “Description of Capital Stock — Certain Foreign Ownership and Anti-Takeover Provisions of Delaware Law and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the Amended and Restated Bylaws” for additional information.
Following the consummation of the transactions we believe that all relevant entities will all qualify as “U.S. citizens” as required because each entity is incorporated in Delaware. Stan Little, a U.S. citizen, will continue as the CEO of Southern and will become the CEO of SAM. More than two-thirds of the board of directors and other managing officers of each of the entities are U.S. citizens.
At least 75% of the voting interest of the above entities is owned by U.S. citizens, and the companies will remain under the actual control of U.S. citizens. As an additional measure to ensure compliance with the citizenship requirement, the corporate charter of SAM provides that in the event that persons who are not U.S. citizens were to acquire or have control over any shares of capital stock of SAM, the voting rights associated with such shares of stock shall be suspended automatically to the extent required to ensure that SAM will remain in compliance with the requirement that U.S. citizens maintain control of at least 75% of the voting shares of the entity.
Part 135 Requirements — In addition to the economic authority granted by the DOT under Part 298, a commuter airline must have safety authority from FAA under Part 135 or Part 121, depending on the type and size of aircraft operated. A carrier operating under Part 135 cannot fly aircraft with more than nine seats in scheduled service or more than 30 seats in charter service.
As is the case with DOT air carrier authority, FAA authority requires the carrier to be a “U.S. citizen”. Part 135 also includes the following additional requirements:
• The carrier must have a physical location for its principal base of operations;
• It must have at least one aircraft and all its aircraft must meet FAA airworthiness standards;
• Its aircraft must be maintained according to FAA standards including an approved aircraft inspection program;
• The maintenance records for its aircraft must be complete, accurate and appropriately documented;
• The airline’s director of operations, chief pilot and director of maintenance must meet the specific qualification and experience requirements established by FAA;
• The airline must submit manuals acceptable to FAA governing its operations, maintenance, handling of hazardous materials and training programs, as well as the current flight manual for each aircraft used in its operations;
• Its crewmember training program must include the elements specified by FAA;
• It must have a drug and alcohol testing program meeting regulatory requirements for its employees in safety sensitive positions;
• It may have to adopt and implement a TSA-approved security program; and
• It must comply with laws and regulations relating to pilot records designed to ensure that airlines adequately investigate a pilot’s background before allowing the pilot to conduct commercial flights as well as providing, updating and making available to potential employers pilot records developed while a given pilot is in its employ.
Essential Air Service (“EAS”) — Southern participates in the EAS program administered by the DOT. This program was enacted as part of the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978. The deregulation act was designed to allow airlines the freedom to determine their own routes and set their own prices. The EAS program was intended to ensure that, despite the economic freedom granted to the airlines, the small communities that had air service prior to enactment continued to receive a specified minimum level of air service, with a federal subsidy if necessary for that purpose. The EAS program was initially intended to last ten years but it has been extended and modified in the years since.
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Airport and other Local Authorities — Airport authorities have the ability to charge fees and impose conditions on the use of their facilities. Airports also have limited proprietary authority to restrict access as a means of reducing aircraft noise impacts on the local community they serve. As an example, airports can restrict an airline’s ability to land at an airport only if the airport complies with the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 (“ANCA”). ANCA requires that certain review and approval procedures be completed before a proposed restriction that impacts aircraft is implemented
Marketing and Sales of Transportation Services
We will market our transportation services to the public in a variety of manners. Depending on how our platform and our business evolves, it is possible that, as a result of our on-demand services, the DOT may view us as operating as either an “air charter broker” or a “charter operator”.
Air Charter Broker
“Air charter brokers” are regulated by DOT under 14 C.F.R. Part 295 (“Part 295”), which applies generally to any entity that acts as an air charter broker. An air charter broker is defined as an entity, not an airline, that holds out, sells by itself or as an agent, or arranges single entity charter air transportation with an airline. In instances where an air carrier regulated under Part 298, such as Southern, acts as an air charter broker, Part 298 establishes requirements equivalent to those of Part 295 applicable to the carrier’s broker activities. A single entity charter is a charter for the entire capacity of an aircraft where the cost of the transportation is borne by the charterer and not by the individual passengers. Entities that qualify as air charter brokers are exempted from several provisions of title 49 of the United States Code. To qualify for these exemptions, air charter brokers (including Part 298 air carriers when acting as brokers) must use airlines that have the requisite authority from the DOT and the FAA. They are prohibited from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices or unfair methods of competition as determined by the DOT. All of the air charter broker’s advertising must make clear that the advertised air service will be provided by a properly licensed airline. Part 295 lists a series of disclosures that the broker must make to the charterer. It also enumerates various practices or misrepresentations that the DOT views as unfair or deceptive, and it lists various civil and criminal penalties that air charter brokers could be subject to if they violate the terms of the regulation.
Charter Operator
Charter operators (also known as “public charter operators”) are subject to much more extensive regulation than air charter brokers. They act as principals and are regulated under 14 C.F.R. Part 380 (“Part 380”). Part 380 applies to entities that are engaged in the formation of groups for transportation on public charter flights. Public charters are one-way or round trip charter flights that are operated by one or more airlines. The airlines must have the requisite authority from DOT and FAA. A charter operator cannot advertise, receive money for, or operate a charter until it has filed a prospectus with DOT. Part 380 specifies in detail what shall be included in this prospectus. There also must be a contract between the charter operator and the airline that evidences a binding commitment on the part of the airline to provide the air transportation called for by the contract. Part 380 also specifies minimum contents of any solicitation materials for the charter as well as minimum contents of the contract between the charter operator and passengers.
Charter operators must pay the airline in full for the cost of the charter transportation prior to the scheduled date of the flight departure. Unless it is physically impossible to perform the trip, a charter operator may not cancel a charter less than 10 days before the scheduled departure of the outbound flight. If the charter is canceled, passengers must be notified within 7 days. The charter regulations contain detailed requirements concerning the marketing and sale of charter flights and sets forth potential penalties if its provisions are violated.
Under DOT regulations and policies, it is possible for an air carrier to act simultaneously as the public charter operator and the direct air carrier for a given flight or series of flights. Such flights are known as “direct-sale charters”. Southern’s operations include certain direct-sale charters between points in Hawaii. With respect to such flights, Southern is subject to the Part 380 requirements summarized above as well as the Part 298 requirements ordinarily applicable to charter flights.
Electrification
The electrification contemplated in our business will involve major modifications to Cessna Caravans and other existing aircraft. To ensure the safety of airline passengers, aircraft must be deemed airworthy by FAA. For an entirely new aircraft, this would require the manufacturer to show that the aircraft complies with FAA regulations, in which case, it would be granted a “type certificate” (“TC”) by the FAA.
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An STC is a TC issued when an applicant has received FAA approval to modify an already type-certified aircraft from its original design. The STC, which incorporates by reference the related TC, approves not only the modification but also how that modification affects the original design. This is governed by 14 CFR Part 21, Subpart E and FAA Order 8110.4C. All models of the Cessna Caravan have had a TC from the FAA for many years. In order to modify these aircraft, we plan to apply to the FAA for an STC, allowing us to modify the design to include hybrid-electric or fully-electric powertrains.
The FAA lists the following major steps in order to obtain an STC:
• Applicant applies for STC
• Familiarization and preliminary type certification board (“TCB”) meetings
• FAA develops certification program plan
• Establishment of certification basis by FAA
• Applicant submits data for approval
• FAA design evaluation
• FAA and applicant hold specialists and interim type certification meetings, as required
• FAA performs conformity inspections
• Engineering compliance determinations
• Pre-flight TCB meeting
• Applicant performs ground inspections, ground tests and flight tests
• FAA reviews manufacturer’s flight test results and issues Type Inspection Authorization
• FAA performs conformity inspections, witnesses tests, performs official certification flight tests and flight standards evaluations
• Functional and reliability testing
• FAA approves flight manual supplement or supplemental flight manual and holds final TCB meeting
• Aircraft Evaluation Group (“AEG”) completes continuing airworthiness determination
• FAA issues STC
An STC will be issued by the FAA only if: (i) the pertinent technical data from the manufacturer have been examined and found satisfactory by FAA; (ii) all necessary tests and compliance inspections have been completed; and (iii) the alteration has been found to conform with the technical data. Once the STC is approved, the STC holder must still (i) report failures, malfunctions and defects; (ii) make the STC data available to FAA and National Transportation Safety Board, upon request; (iii) make instructions for continued airworthiness available to owners and operators; (iv) make required design changes to address Airworthiness Directives issued by FAA and make them available; and (v) make flight manual supplements and supplemental flight manuals available with each alteration. The issuance of an STC can be time consuming, and timing can vary based on the availability of FAA personnel, the novelty of the design being reviewed, and other factors yet to be identified.
Production Certification
As our strategic partners and suppliers ramp up to production, we expect that there will be interactions with numerous U.S. government agencies and entities, including but not limited to FAA, with respect to certification of production and quality control systems. We are working with our strategic partners to develop the systems and processes needed to obtain FAA production certification.
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Facilities
Surf Air’s headquarters are, and SAM’s headquarters will be, located in a leased 5,500 square foot facility in Hawthorne, California. The lease of this facility expires in August 2024 with the option to extend the lease for an additional two-year term.
Southern’s headquarters are located in a leased workspace in Palm Beach, Florida. The lease of this facility expires in April 2025.
Human Capital/Team
As of March 31, 2023, Surf Air had 84 employees, of which 75 were full-time and 9 were part-time and Southern had 662 employees, of which were 481 full-time and 181 were part-time.
Surf Air and Southern have not experienced any work stoppages and consider our relationship with our employees to be good. Our employees are divided across various core business functions, including operations, sales and marketing, research and development, customer service and finance and administration.
None of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement or represented by a labor union.
Commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance Leadership
We are seeking to build a regional air mobility ecosystem that will sustainably connect the world’s communities. We intend to accelerate the adoption of green flying, bringing electrified aircraft to market at scale in order to substantially reduce the cost and environmental impact of regional flying. In so doing, we believe we can make a meaningful contribution to tackling the dual challenges of congestion and climate change. We are building a dedicated, diverse and inclusive workforce to achieve this goal while adhering to best practices in risk assessment, mitigation and corporate governance.
Our ESG efforts consist of focusing on the following:
• Environmental. Being a good steward of the natural environment through the production and development of innovative designs that reduce resource use and energy consumption.
• Social. Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, while underpinning all of our activities with a core focus on health and safety.
• Governance. Upholding our commitment to ethical business conduct, integrity and corporate responsibility, and integrating strong governance and enterprise risk management oversight across all aspects of our business.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We work diligently to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment. We provide equal opportunities for growth, success, promotion, learning and development, and aim to achieve parity in the way we organize, assign and manage projects. We are focused on building support across all teams and individuals, ensuring everyone has a voice, and treats each other with respect.
Intellectual Property
Our ability to protect our material intellectual property is important to our business. We seek to protect our intellectual property (including our technology and confidential information) through a combination of trademarks and trade secret protections, as well as contractual commitments and security procedures. Surf Air generally requires employees and consultants to enter into confidentiality and assignment of inventions agreements and certain third parties to enter into nondisclosure agreements.
We regularly review our technology development efforts and branding strategy to identify and assess the protection of new intellectual property. Surf Air owns certain trademarks important to our business, such as the “Surf Air” trademarks in the United States, and Southern owns the “Mokulele Airlines” trademark in the United States.
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Surf Air currently owns the “surfair.com” Internet domain-name registration and Southern owns the “iflysouthern.com” and “mokuleleairlines.com” domain-name registrations. The regulation of domain names in the United States is subject to change. Regulatory bodies could establish additional top-level domains, appoint additional domain name registrars or modify the requirements for holding domain names. As a result, we may not be able to acquire or maintain all domain names that use the name “Surf Air” or “Southern” or are otherwise relevant to or descriptive of our business.
We have chosen to rely primarily on copyright and trade secret law in order to protect our software and have chosen not to register any copyrights in these works. However, in the United States, copyrights must be registered in order to bring a claim for infringement and to obtain certain types of remedies. Even if we decide to register a copyright in our software to bring an infringement action, the remedies and damages available to us for unauthorized use of our software may be limited.
Intellectual property laws, contractual commitments and security procedures provide only limited protection, and any of our intellectual property rights may be challenged, invalidated, circumvented, infringed or misappropriated. Further, trade secrets, know-how and other materials may be independently developed by our competitors or revealed to the public or our competitors and no longer provide protection. In addition, intellectual property laws vary from country to country. We may therefore be unable to protect certain of our technology, brands or other intellectual property in the U.S. or other jurisdictions.
We regularly review our development efforts to assess the existence and patentability of new inventions, and we are prepared to file patent applications when we determine it would benefit our business to do so.
Privacy and Data Protection
There are many requirements regarding the collection, use, transfer, security, storage, destruction and other processing of personally identifiable information and other data relating to individuals. Because our technology platform is an integral aspect of our business, compliance with laws governing the use, collection and processing of personal data is necessary for us to achieve our objective of continuously enhancing the user experience of our mobile application and marketing site.
We receive collect, store, process, transmit, share and use personal information and other customer data, including passenger data, and we rely in part on third parties that are not directly under our control to manage certain of these operations and to receive, collect, store, process, transmit, share and use such personal information, including payment information. A variety of federal, state, local, municipal and foreign laws and regulations, as well as industry standards (such as the payment card industry standards) govern the collection, storage, processing, sharing, use, retention and security of this information.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we have in the past and may in the future become subject to legal proceedings or claims arising in the ordinary course of its business. Other than as set out below, we are not currently a party to any legal proceedings, the outcome of which, if determined adversely, believes would individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
In 2017, Surf Air acquired Rise U.S. Holdings, LLC (“Rise”). Prior to the close of the acquisition, Rise Alpha, LLC and Rise Management, LLC (both of which are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Rise and hereinafter referred to as the “Rise Parties”) were served with a petition for judgment by Menagerie Enterprises, Inc. (“Monarch Air”), relating to breach of contract for failure to pay Monarch Air pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Monarch Air Flight Services Agreement, which occurred prior to Surf Air’s acquisition of Rise. The Rise Parties filed numerous counterclaims against Monarch Air, including fraud, breach of contract, and breach of fiduciary duty. Surf Air was not named as a party to the lawsuit. During 2018 and 2019, certain summary judgements were granted in favor of Monarch Air.
On November 8, 2021, the Rise Parties entered into a final judgment in respect of litigation to finally resolve all claims raised by Monarch Air and the Rise Parties agreed to pay actual damages of approximately $1 million, pre-judgment interest of approximately $230,000, attorneys’ fees of approximately $61,000 and court costs of approximately $3,000. Since then, Monarch Air has been conducting post-judgment discovery to which Surf Air has timely responded. The full settlement had been recognized as an accrued expense as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
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Executive Officers and Directors
The business and affairs of SAM will be managed by or under the direction of the SAM Board. SAM’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides for a staggered, or classified, board consisting of three classes of directors, each serving a staggered three-year term and with one class being elected at each year’s annual meeting of stockholders, as follows:
Class A, which we anticipate will consist of , and , whose terms will expire at the first annual meeting of stockholders to be held upon the listing of our Common Stock on the NYSE;
Class B, which we anticipate will consist of , and , whose terms will expire at the second annual meeting of stockholders to be held upon the listing of our Common Stock on the NYSE; and
Class C, which we anticipate will consist of , and , whose terms will expire at the third annual meeting of stockholders to be held upon the listing of our Common Stock on the NYSE.
At each annual meeting of stockholders to be held after the initial classification, directors for that class will be elected for a three-year term at the annual meeting of stockholders in the year in which the term expires. Each director’s term is subject to the election and qualification of his or her successor, or his or her earlier death, disqualification, resignation or removal. Subject to any rights applicable to any then outstanding preferred stock, any vacancies on the SAM Board may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office. Any increase or decrease in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the directors. This classification of the SAM Board may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in SAM’s control or management. SAM’s directors may be removed for cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of SAM’s voting securities.
The following table sets forth the name, age and position of each of the expected directors and executive officers of SAM as of the date of this prospectus:
Name |
Age |
Position |
||
Executive Officers |
||||
Stan Little |
51 |
Chief Executive Officer and Director |
||
Deanna White |
57 |
Chief Financial Officer |
||
Employee Directors |
||||
Sudhin Shahani |
40 |
Co-Founder and Director |
||
Non-Employee Directors |
||||
Carl Albert |
81 |
Chairman |
||
Tyrone Bland |
52 |
Director |
||
John D’Agostino |
48 |
Director |
||
Edward Mady |
70 |
Director |
||
Tyler Painter |
51 |
Director |
||
Director |
||||
Director |
Executive Officers
R. Stanley (“Stan”) Little. Mr. Little will serve as SAM’s Chief Executive Officer and a member of the SAM Board. Mr. Little has served as the founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Airways Express and its sister company, Mokulele Airlines, since April 2013. Mr. Little has been a practicing attorney since 2002, and has served as Senior Partner Emeritus at Little & Barton, PLLC since September 2003. Mr. Little is admitted to both the Mississippi and Hawaii Bar Associations. Mr. Little received his J.D. from the University of Mississippi and B.A. from the University of Tennessee. Mr. Little is qualified to serve as SAM Chief Executive Officer and a member of the SAM Board based on his extensive business management and industry experience.
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Deanna White. Ms. White will serve as Chief Financial Officer of SAM. Ms. White has served as the Chief Financial Officer of Surf Air since May 2022, and prior to that, she served as Chief Administrative Officer of Surf Air from January 2021 to May 2022. Prior to Ms. White’s position at Surf Air, she served as Chief Operating Officer of Kitty Hawk/Cora from December 2017 to October 2019. Ms. White served as an adjunct professor in the Master of Accounting and MBA programs at the University of Dallas from June 2015 to December 2017. Prior to her time at the University of Dallas, Ms. White served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Bombardier Flexjet from October 2005 to March 2015. Ms. White received her MBA and M.A. in Cybersecurity from the University of Dallas, and a B.S. in accounting from the University of Tampa. Ms. White is qualified to serve as SAM Chief Financial Officer based on her extensive finance experience and industry experience.
Employee Director
Sudhin Shahani. Mr. Shahani will serve as co-founder and a member of the board of SAM. Mr. Shahani has served as the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Surf Air since 2013. Prior to his role at Surf Air, Mr. Shahani was an Entrepreneur in Residence at Anthem Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm, where he worked with a number of portfolio companies, led investments, served on the board of Madefire from July 2013 to December 2018, and Panna from March 2012 to April 2019 (until their sale to Discovery Networks). Prior to his role at Anthem Ventures, Mr. Shahani co-founded Musicane, a digital music and social shopping network from 2004 to 2009. Mr. Shahani holds a B.S. with honors in Business Administration & Entrepreneurship from Babson College. Mr. Shahani is qualified to serve as a member of the SAM Board based on his extensive business management experience.
Non-Employee Directors
Carl Albert. Mr. Albert will serve as Chair of the SAM Board. Mr. Albert has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fairchild Venture Capital Corporation from 2000 and as General Partner of Positano Premiere Properties from 2003. Mr. Albert was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fairchild Aircraft and Fairchild Aerospace, the parent company of Fairchild Aircraft and Dornier Luftfahrt, from 1990 to 2000. Mr. Albert served as principal investor, Chairman, CEO and President of Wings West Airlines, managing the growth of the airline and initial public offering from 1984 to the 1988 acquisition of the company by AMR Corporation, the then-parent company of American Airlines. Prior to his work in the airline and aircraft manufacturing industries, Mr. Albert was an attorney specializing in business matters. Mr. Albert received his LLB at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law and his B.A. at the University of California, Los Angeles. Mr. Albert is qualified to serve as Chair of the SAM Board based on his extensive business experience and industry knowledge.
Tyrone Bland. Mr. Bland will serve as a director of SAM. Mr. Bland has returned to serve as a Managing Partner at Porter Tellus, LLC since May 2023. Prior to his role at Porter Tellus, LLC, Mr. Bland served as the Head of Global Government Affairs for Creative Artists Agency, LLC (“CAA”) from October 2020 to May 2023. Prior to CAA, Mr. Bland was Vice President of State and Local Government Relations for Herbalife Nutrition from January 2016 to October 2020 and Managing Partner for Porter Tellus, LLC from January 2007 to January 2016. Mr. Bland received his B.A. from University of California at Los Angeles. Mr. Bland is qualified to serve on the SAM Board based on his regulatory experience and operational leadership.
John D’Agostino. Mr. D’Agostino will serve as a director of SAM. Mr. D’Agostino has served as Senior Advisor at Coinbase Institutional since June 2021. Prior to his role at Coinbase Institutional, Mr. D’Agostino was the US Managing Director at Waystone Governance from May 2015 to September 2021. From May 2017 to December 2021, Mr. D’Agostino served as a director of Midpoint Holdings Ltd. In 2021, Mr. D’Agostino was named Fellow of the AIF Institute Financial Innovation Center of Excellence. Mr. D’Agostino received his MBA from Harvard Business School, and his B.A. from Williams College. Mr. D’Agostino is qualified to serve on the SAM Board based on his extensive corporate finance and operational leadership.
Edward Mady. Mr. Mady will serve as a director of SAM. Mr. Mady has served as Senior Advisor and Advisory Board Member to Surf Air since January 2017. Prior to his role at Surf Air, Mr. Mady served as General Manager of The Beverly Hills Hotel and Regional Director for Dorchester Collection, also overseeing Hotel Bel-Air from July 2011 to February 2022. Prior to that role, Mr. Mady worked as the General Manager at the New York Palace from June 2009 to June 2011. Prior to that role, Mr. Mady worked at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company as a Vice President and Area General Manager, November 1988 to May 2009. Mr. Mady has also served as the Principal to Edward Mady LLC since December 2016. Mr. Mady studied Hotel Restaurant Management at St. Clair College. Mr. Mady is qualified to serve on the SAM Board based on his extensive management and client hospitality experience.
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Tyler Painter. Mr. Painter will serve as a director of SAM. Mr. Painter has served as the CFO of Wisk Aero since April 2022. Prior to becoming the CFO of Wisk Aero, Mr. Painter served as a senior advisor and acting CFO for SAM from August 2020 to April 2022. From January 2018 to October 2019, Mr. Painter served as CFO of Fair Financial Corporation. Mr. Painter served as the CFO of Solazyme from September 2007 through October 2014 and expanded his role to include CFO and COO from October 2014 through Oct 2017. Prior to Solazyme, Mr. Painter served as Corporate Treasurer and VP of Finance and Investor Relations for Wind River Systems from September 2000 through April 2007. Earlier in his career, Mr. Painter held various finance roles at CarsDirect and Gap Inc. Mr. Painter holds a B.S. in business with a concentration in finance from California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. Mr. Painter is qualified to serve on the SAM Board based on his extensive corporate finance and operational experience.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships among any of our executive officers or directors.
Board of Directors Leadership Structure
Board Composition
Upon the listing, the SAM Board will be comprised of nine directors, four of who shall be considered “independent” for the NYSE listing purposes, and approved by the Surf Air Board. Upon the closing of the Southern Acquisition, Stan Little will hold one board seat. If the SAM Board increases beyond 10 directors, then Mr. Little can elect an additional board member.
Director Independence
The SAM Board has undertaken a review of the independence of each director. Based on information by each director concerning his or her background, employment and affiliations, the SAM Board is expected to determine that Mr. Albert, Mr. Bland, Mr. D’Agostino and Mr. Mady will qualify as independent directors, as defined under the listing rules of the NYSE. The SAM Board will consist of a majority of “independent directors”, as defined under the rules of the SEC and NYSE relating to director independence requirements. In addition, SAM will be subject to the rules of the SEC and NYSE relating to the membership, qualifications and operations of the audit, compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees, as discussed below.
Role of the SAM Board in Risk Oversight/Risk Committee
One of the key functions of the SAM Board will be informed oversight of SAM’s risk management process. The SAM Board does not anticipate having a standing risk management committee, but rather anticipates administering this oversight function directly through the SAM Board as a whole, as well as through various standing committees of the SAM Board that address risks inherent in their respective areas of oversight. In particular, the SAM Board will be responsible for monitoring and assessing strategic risk exposure and SAM’s audit committee will have the responsibility of considering and discussing SAM’s major financial risk exposures and the steps its management will take to monitor and control such exposures, including guidelines and policies to govern the process by which risk assessment and management is undertaken.
The audit committee will also monitor compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. SAM’s Compensation Committee will also assess and monitor whether SAM’s compensation plans, policies and programs comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Board Committees
The SAM Board will have three standing committees — an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The SAM Board will adopt a charter for each of these committees, which will comply with the applicable requirements of current NYSE rules. SAM intends to comply with future requirements to the extent they will be applicable to SAM. Following the effectiveness of the listing, copies of the charters for each committee will be available on the investor relations portion of SAM’s website. Members serve on these committees until their resignation or until otherwise determined by the SAM Board. The SAM Board may establish other committees as it deems necessary and appropriate from time to time.
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Audit Committee
SAM’s audit committee (the “Audit Committee”) will consist of Mr. Albert, Mr. D’Agostino and Mr. Mady. The SAM Board will determine that each of the members of the audit committee will satisfy the independence requirements of NYSE and Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Exchange Act. Each member of the audit committee has the requisite financial expertise required under the applicable NYSE listing requirements. In arriving at this determination, the SAM Board will examine each audit committee member’s scope of experience and the nature of their prior and/or current employment.
Mr. D’Agostino will serve as the chair of the audit committee. Mr. Albert and Mr. D’Agostino each qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of SEC regulations and meets the financial sophistication requirements of NYSE listing rules. In making this determination, the SAM Board considered Mr. Albert’s and Mr. D’Agostino’s formal education and previous experience in financial roles. Both SAM’s independent registered public accounting firm and management periodically will meet privately with SAM’s audit committee.
The functions of the audit committee will include, among other things:
• evaluating the performance, independence and qualifications of SAM’s independent auditors and determining whether to retain SAM’s existing independent auditors or engage new independent auditors;
• monitoring the integrity of SAM’s financial statements and SAM’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements as they relate to financial statements or accounting matters;
• reviewing the integrity, adequacy and effectiveness of SAM’s internal control policies and procedures;
• preparing the audit committee report required by the SEC to be included in SAM’s annual proxy statement;
• discussing the scope and results of the audit with SAM’s independent auditors, and reviewing, with management and SAM’s independent auditors SAM’s interim and year-end results of operations;
• establishing and overseeing procedures for employees to submit concerns anonymously about questionable accounting or auditing matters;
• reviewing SAM’s guidelines and policies on risk assessment and risk management;
• reviewing and approving related party transactions;
• obtaining and reviewing a report by SAM’s independent auditors at least annually, that describes SAM’s internal quality control procedures, any material issues with such procedures, and any steps taken to deal with such issues when required by applicable law; and
• approving (or, as permitted, pre-approving) all audit and all permissible non-audit services to be performed by SAM’s independent auditors.
The composition and function of the audit committee will comply with all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, SEC rules and regulations and NYSE listing rules. SAM will comply with future requirements to the extent they become applicable to SAM.
Compensation Committee
SAM’s compensation committee (the “Compensation Committee”) will consist of Mr. Albert and Mr. Mady. Mr. Albert will serve as the chair of the Compensation Committee. The SAM Board will determine that each of the members of the Compensation Committee will be a non-employee director, as defined in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act and will satisfy the independence requirements of NYSE.
The functions of this committee will include, among other things:
• approving the retention of compensation consultants and outside service providers and advisors;
• reviewing and approving, or recommending that the SAM Board approve, the compensation of SAM’s executive officers, including annual base salary, annual incentive bonuses, specific performance goals relevant to their compensation, equity compensation and employment;
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• administering and determining any award grants under SAM’s equity and non-equity incentive plans;
• reviewing and evaluating succession plans for the executive officers;
• preparing the Compensation Committee report required by the SEC to be included in SAM’s annual proxy statement; and
• periodically reviewing SAM’s practices and policies of employee compensation as they relate to risk management and risk-taking incentives.
The composition and function of its Compensation Committee will comply with all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, SEC rules and regulations and NYSE listing rules. SAM will comply with future requirements to the extent they become applicable to SAM.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
SAM’s nominating and corporate governance committee (the “Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee”) will consist of Mr. Albert, Mr. Bland and Mr. D’Agostino. Mr. Albert will serve as the chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The SAM Board will determine that each of the members of SAM’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will satisfy the independence requirements of NYSE.
The functions of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee include, among other things:
• identifying, evaluating and recommending individuals qualified to become members of the SAM Board and its committees;
• evaluating the performance of the SAM Board and of individual directors;
• reviewing and recommending to the SAM Board the compensation of SAM’s directors;
• reviewing the Company’s environmental and social responsibility guidelines to the SAM Board;
• developing and recommending corporate governance practices and reporting to the SAM Board; and
• overseeing an annual evaluation of the SAM Board and management.
The composition and function of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will comply with all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, SEC rules and regulations and NYSE listing rules. SAM will comply with future requirements to the extent they become applicable to SAM.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of the intended members of SAM’s Compensation Committee has ever been an executive officer or employee of SAM. None of SAM’s executive officers currently serve, or has served during the last completed fiscal year, on the Compensation Committee or SAM Board of any other entity that has one or more executive officers that will serve as a member of the SAM Board or Compensation Committee.
Risk Oversight
The SAM Board is responsible for overseeing our risk management process. The SAM Board focuses on our general risk management strategy, the most significant risks facing us, and oversees the implementation of risk mitigation strategies by management. Our audit committee is also responsible for discussing our policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management. The SAM Board does not believe that its role in the oversight of our risks affects the board of directors’ leadership structure.
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Limitation on Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers
The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which will be effective upon listing eliminates SAM’s directors’ and officers’ liability for monetary damages to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. The DGCL provides that directors and officers of a corporation will not be personally liable for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duties as directors, except for liability:
• for any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit;
• for any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
• for any unlawful payment of dividends or redemption of shares; or
• for any breach of a director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders.
If the DGCL is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors and officers, then the liability of SAM’s directors and officers will be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as so amended. The DGCL and the SAM Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that SAM will, in certain situations, indemnify SAM’s directors and officers and may indemnify other employees and other agents, to the fullest extent permitted by law. Any indemnified person is also entitled, subject to certain limitations, to advancement or reimbursement of reasonable expenses (including attorneys’ fees) in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding.
In addition, SAM will enter into separate indemnification agreements with SAM’s directors and officers. These agreements, among other things, require SAM to indemnify its directors and officers for certain expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, and settlement amounts incurred by a director or officer in any action or proceeding arising out of their services as one of SAM’s directors or officers or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at SAM’s request.
SAM plans to maintain a directors and officers insurance policy pursuant to which SAM’s directors and officers are insured against liability for actions taken in their capacities as directors and officers. SAM believes these provisions in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Amended and Restated Bylaws and the separate indemnification agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers, or control persons, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Code of Conduct and Ethics for Employees, Executive Officers and Directors
The SAM Board will adopt a Code of Conduct and Ethics, applicable to all of SAM’s employees, executive officers and directors. The Code of Conduct and Ethics will be available on SAM’s website at www.surfair.com. Information contained on or accessible through SAM’s website is not a part of this prospectus, and the inclusion of SAM’s website address in this prospectus is an inactive textual reference only. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will be responsible for overseeing the Code of Conduct and Ethics and must approve any waivers of the Code of Conduct and Ethics for employees, executive officers and directors. SAM expects that any amendments to the Code of Conduct and Ethics, or any waivers of its requirements, will be disclosed on its website.
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Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “the Company” or “Surf Air” are to the current business and operations of Surf Air Global Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the Internal Reorganization and Southern Acquisition, references to “Southern” are to the current business and operations of Southern Airways Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the Internal Reorganization and Southern Acquisition and references to “we”, “us”, “our” or “SAM” in this section are to the proposed business and operations of SAM and its consolidated subsidiaries following the consummation of the Internal Reorganization and Southern Acquisition. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements that are based on SAM’s current plans, considerations, expectations and determinations regarding future compensation programs. Actual compensation programs that it adopts following the listing of our Common Stock on the NYSE may differ materially from the currently planned programs summarized in this discussion. All share counts in this section are shown on a pre-listing basis.
This section describes the material components of the executive compensation program for our executive officers and directors. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements that are based on Surf Air’s current plans, considerations, expectations and determinations regarding future compensation programs. Actual compensation programs that Surf Air adopts following the completion of the listing of our Common Stock may differ materially from the existing and currently planned programs summarized or referred to in this discussion.
Executive Compensation Program
In connection with the listing of our Common Stock, Surf Air intends to develop a compensation program that is designed to align executives’ compensation with Surf Air’s business objectives and the creation of stockholder value, while helping Surf Air to continue to attract, motivate and retain individuals who contribute to the long-term success of the company. Surf Air anticipates that compensation for its executive officers will have three primary components: base salary, an annual cash incentive bonus opportunity, and long-term equity-based incentive compensation.
Decisions on the design and implementation of the executive compensation program will be made by the compensation committee, as established in connection with the listing of our Common Stock. The executive compensation program actually adopted will depend on the judgment of the members of the compensation committee. Surf Air has retained Compensia, an independent compensation consultant, to assist Surf Air in evaluating the compensation programs for the executive officers following the listing of our Common Stock.
The table below sets forth the compensation for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022 awarded to or earned by the chief executive officers of Surf Air and Southern and by the two other executive officers employed by the companies during 2022 (the “NEOs”).
Summary Compensation Table — Fiscal Year 2021 – 2022
Year |
Salary ($) |
Bonus ($)(1) |
Stock Awards ($)(2) |
Option Awards ($)(2) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) |
Non-Qualified |
All Other Compensation ($) |
Total |
|||||||||||
R. Stanley Little(3) |
2022 |
295,000 |
60,000 |
— |
2,699,900 |
— |
— |
48,000 ( 4 ) |
|
3,102,900 |
|||||||||
Chief Executive Officer |
2021 |
269,455 |
10,000 |
— |
494,632 |
— |
— |
48,000 ( 4 ) |
|
822,087 |
|||||||||
Deanna White(5) |
2022 |
375,000 |
200,000 |
— |
3,066,729 |
— |
— |
75,000 ( 8 ) |
|
3,716,729 |
|||||||||
Chief Financial Officer |
2021 |
300,000 |
— |
7,335 |
19,450 |
— |
— |
— |
|
326,785 |
|||||||||
Sudhin Shahani(6) |
2022 |
350,000 |
150,000 |
1,753,945 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
2,253,945 |
|||||||||
Former Chief Executive Officer |
2021 |
350,000 |
150,000 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
500,000 |
|||||||||
Tyler Painter(7) |
2022 |
112,500 |
— |
593,068 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
705,568 |
|||||||||
Former Chief Financial Officer |
2021 |
300,000 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
300,000 |
____________
(1) The amounts reported in this column represent discretionary bonuses awarded to the executive for the applicable fiscal year.
(2) The amounts reported in these columns reflect the grant date fair value of stock awards and option awards granted to the NEOs during the applicable fiscal year under the Surf Air Global Limited 2016 Equity Incentive Plan and are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Please see the section titled “Note 13. Share-Based Compensation” beginning on page F-54 of Surf Air’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for a discussion of the relevant assumptions used in calculating these amounts. The amounts reported for 2022 reflect, in addition to the grant date fair value of the equity awards granted to the NEOs in that year and where applicable, the incremental fair value attributable to accelerated vesting of the NEOs’ equity awards during 2022, in each case such award grants and accelerated vesting as described below under “Equity Award Grants in 2022”.
(3) Prior to listing, Mr. Little served as Chief Executive Officer of Southern.
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(4) This amount represents a housing allowance for Mr. Little.
(5) Prior to listing, Ms. White served as Chief Administrative Officer of Surf Air.
(6) Mr. Shahani previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Surf Air and will continue to be employed by us after listing in the position of Co-Founder.
(7) Mr. Painter served as Chief Financial Officer of Surf Air until April 2022. As noted above, he will serve on the Surf Air Board of Directors following listing.
(8) This amount represents payments to Ms. White in 2022 for consulting services.
Outstanding Equity Awards as of December 31, 2022
The following table provides information regarding outstanding option awards with respect to Surf Air ordinary shares, and outstanding and unvested restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards with respect to Surf Air ordinary shares, held by each of the NEOs as of December 31, 2022, including the vesting dates for the portions of these awards that had not vested as of that date. The NEOs did not hold any other outstanding equity awards as of that date.
Option Awards(1) |
||||||||||||
Name |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable |
Equity |
Option |
Option Expiration |
|||||||
R. Stanley Little |
— |
— |
|
5,067,950 |
(2) |
0.0012 |
3/31/2024 |
|||||
— |
— |
|
14,500,000 |
(3) |
0.0235 |
5/13/2025 |
||||||
Deanna White |
319,444 |
180,556 |
(4) |
— |
|
0.06 |
8/27/2026 |
|||||
6,573,909 |
— |
|
— |
|
0.0235 |
3/1/2032 |
||||||
2,008,694 |
4,565,215 |
(5) |
— |
|
0.2556 |
11/12/2032 |
||||||
Sudhin Shahani |
8,040,145 |
— |
|
55,175,596 |
(6) |
0.0012 |
12/31/2025 |
|||||
530,220 |
— |
|
— |
|
0.21 |
7/6/2025 |
||||||
Tyler Painter |
5,922,831 |
— |
|
— |
|
0.0012 |
12/31/2025 |
____________
(1) The awards shown in this table (other than the option to acquire 530,220 shares held by Mr. Shahani and the two different grants of options held by Ms. White, each of which represents a right to acquire 6,573,909 shares) are purchases of restricted shares by the NEO, where the purchase price for the shares has been paid by a promissory note to the Company and the award has been treated as a stock option for purposes of the Company’s financial statements. The Option Expiration Date reflects the final payment date for the promissory note. Prior to this listing, the NEOs were provided bonuses to pay the outstanding balance and accrued interest on each of these promissory notes (as well as Mr. Little’s promissory note described below under “Equity Award Grants in 2022”) and related tax obligations, on a grossed up basis. The amounts awarded to each NEO were as follows: Mr. Little — $446,243; Ms. White — $39,223; Mr. Shahani — $98,602; and Mr. Painter — $9,238.
(2) These shares will vest upon the consummation of this listing.
(3) These shares will vest as to one-fourth of the shares on the consummation of this listing and as to the remaining three-fourths of these shares in 36 monthly installments thereafter.
(4) This option vested as to one-third of the shares on January 4, 2022 and as to the remaining two-thirds of the shares, in 24 monthly installments commencing on February 4, 2022 and ending on January 4, 2024.
(5) This option vests in 36 monthly installments, commencing on February 1, 2022 and ending on January 1, 2025.
(6) The vesting of these shares is contingent upon both the Company’s achievement of certain valuation targets set forth in the award agreement and Mr. Shahani’s continued service with the Company through July 1, 2024.
Equity Award Grants in 2022
In January 2022, we granted 25,218,473 of our ordinary shares to Mr. Shahani that were fully vested upon grant, and we granted 6,304,618 shares to Mr. Painter that were fully vested upon grant. In March 2022, we granted Ms. White a stock option to purchase 6,573,909 of our ordinary shares at an exercise price of $0.0235 per share, with the option vesting in monthly installments over the three-year period commencing January 4, 2021. In May 2022, we granted Mr. Little a right to purchase 14,500,000 of our ordinary shares at a price of $0.0235 per share, with one-fourth of the shares vesting on the consummation of this listing and the remaining shares vesting in 36 monthly installments thereafter, and Mr. Little purchased these shares by a promissory note to the Company. In May 2022, we granted 150,000 of our ordinary shares
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to Mr. Painter that were fully vested upon grant. Upon Mr. Painter’s termination of employment with the Company in April 2022, we granted him four months’ accelerated vesting (covering 1,106,565 shares) of a restricted share award he was originally granted in December 2020 as noted above. In November 2022, we granted Ms. White an option to purchase 6,573,909 of our ordinary shares at an exercise price of $0.25556 per share, with an option vesting in 36 monthly installments over the three-year period commencing January 1, 2022, and we approved the vesting in full of Ms. White’s option that was granted in March 2022 described above.
As described above, our equity awards that are outstanding at the time of the Conversions (including the awards then held by our NEOs and our non-employee directors) will be converted into awards with respect to SAM Common Stock based on the Conversion Ratio.
Employment Agreements
On May 16, 2022, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Little, which was amended on October 23, 2022 to provide that Mr. Little will serve as our Chief Executive Officer. The agreement will become effective on the consummation of this listing (the “Effective Date”) and has an initial five-year term. The term will automatically be extended by one additional year starting on the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date unless either party provides at least 60 days written notice that the term will not be extended. The agreement provides that Mr. Little will receive an initial annual base salary of $975,000 and is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus as determined by the Compensation Committee (with a target incentive equal to 200% of his base salary). He is also eligible to participate in the Company’s benefit plans made available to employees generally and is provided a hybrid, electrified, or all electric automobile and use of Company aircraft, each in accordance with Company policies applicable to senior executives. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Little was granted the right to purchase 14,500,000 restricted ordinary shares of the Company on May 13, 2022 that vest over a three-year period. If Mr. Little’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without “cause” or by him for “good reason” (as defined in the agreement), he will receive severance of nine months of his base salary, plus one additional month for each year of his service with the Company up to a maximum of 12 months (payable in installments over such period), payment of his COBRA premiums for up to 18 months, and 36 months’ accelerated vesting of any time-based vesting component of his then-outstanding and unvested equity awards granted by the Company (or 18 months of such accelerated vesting in the case of performance-based awards). In addition, he will receive a lump sum payment of a pro-rated amount of his target bonus for the fiscal year in which his termination occurs and an additional amount equal to 1.5 times his target bonus. However, if such a termination of his employment occurs on or within two years following a change in control of the Company, the salary component of his severance will be paid in a lump sum, the bonus component of his severance (in addition to the pro-rated target bonus for the year of termination) will equal two times his target bonus, and, and his then-outstanding equity awards granted by the Company will be fully vested (with performance-based awards vesting at the target level). Mr. Little’s right to receive these severance benefits is subject to his providing a release of claims to the Company and his continued compliance with his confidentiality, non-solicitation (which shall continue for 12 months following termination), and other covenants in favor of the Company. If his employment with the Company terminates due to his death or disability, the Company will pay him (or his estate) a pro-rated target bonus for the year in which such termination occurs. If any payments under Mr. Little’s employment agreement would otherwise trigger the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, the payments will be reduced as provided in the agreement to a level that does not trigger the excise tax if the reduction results in his retaining a greater amount of the payments on an after-tax basis than if such reduction were not made.
On December 19, 2022, we entered into an employment agreement with Ms. White to serve as our Chief Financial Officer. The agreement will become effective on the Effective Date and has an initial three-year term. The term will automatically be extended by one additional year starting on the third anniversary of the Effective Date unless either party provides at least 60 days written notice that the term will not be extended. The agreement provides that Ms. White will receive an initial annual base salary of $650,000 and is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus as determined by the Compensation Committee (with a target incentive equal to 200% of her base salary). The agreement also provides for her to receive an additional bonus equal to the sum of $179,167 plus the amount by which the base salary she would have received for the period from October 1, 2022 through the Effective Date at an annual rate of $650,000 exceeds the amount of base salary she received for her services during that period. She is also eligible to participate in the Company’s benefit plans made available to employees generally and is provided a hybrid, electrified, or all electric automobile and use of Company aircraft, each in accordance with Company policies applicable to senior executives. The agreement also confirms the equity grants to Ms. White in 2021 and 2022 referred to above in this section. If Ms. White’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without “cause” or by her for “good reason” (as defined in the agreement), she will receive severance of 12 months of her base salary (payable in installments over such period), payment of her COBRA
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premiums for up to 18 months, and vesting in full of any of her then-outstanding and unvested equity awards granted by the Company that vest based solely on continued employment (or six months’ accelerated vesting of any time-based vesting component under a performance-based equity award). In addition, she will receive a lump sum payment of a pro-rated amount of her target bonus for the fiscal year in which her termination occurs. However, if such a termination of her employment occurs on or within two years following a change in control of the Company, the salary component of her severance will be paid in a lump sum, and her then-outstanding equity awards granted by the Company will be fully vested (with performance-based awards vesting at the target level). Ms. White’s right to receive these severance benefits is subject to her providing a release of claims to the Company and her continued compliance with her confidentiality, non-solicitation (which shall continue for 12 months following termination), and other covenants in favor of the Company. If her employment with the Company terminates due to her death or disability, the Company will pay her (or her estate) a pro-rated target bonus for the year in which such termination occurs. If any payments under Ms. White’s employment agreement would otherwise trigger the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, the payments will be reduced as provided in the agreement to a level that does not trigger the excise tax if the reduction results in her retaining a greater amount of the payments on an after-tax basis than if such reduction were not made.
On August 20, 2021, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Shahani, who was then serving as our Chief Executive Officer and will serve in the position of Co-Founder and a member of the Board after the listing of our Common Stock. The agreement, which was amended on January 20, 2023, will become effective on the Effective Date and has an initial five-year term. The term will automatically be extended by one additional year on each anniversary of the Effective Date (so that the term will again be five years on that anniversary date) unless either party provides at least 60 days written notice that the term will not be extended. The agreement provides that Mr. Shahani will receive an initial annual base salary of $975,000 (plus an additional bonus equal to the amount by which the base salary he would have received for the period from June 1, 2021 through the day before the Effective Date at an annual rate of $975,000 exceeds the amount of base salary and consulting fees (as applicable) he received for his services during that period). Mr. Shahani is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus as determined by the Compensation Committee (with a target incentive equal to 200% of his base salary) and to participate in the Company’s benefit plans made available to employees generally. Mr. Shahani is also provided a hybrid, electrified, or all electric automobile and use of Company aircraft, each in accordance with Company policies applicable to senior executives. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Shahani was granted an award of 25,218,473 vested ordinary shares of the Company on January 7, 2022. If Mr. Shahani’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without “cause” or by him for “good reason” (as defined in the agreement), he will receive severance of his salary for the remainder of the term of the agreement then in effect (payable in installments over such period), payment of his COBRA premiums for up to 18 months, and 18 months’ accelerated vesting of any time-based vesting component of his then-outstanding and unvested equity awards granted by the Company. In addition, he will receive a lump sum payment of a pro-rated amount of his target bonus for the fiscal year in which his termination occurs and an additional amount equal to 1.5 times his target bonus. However, if such a termination of his employment occurs on or within two years following a change in control of the Company, the salary component of his severance will be paid in a lump sum, the bonus component of his severance (in addition to the pro-rated target bonus for the year of termination) will equal two times his target bonus, and his then-outstanding equity awards granted by the Company will be fully vested (with performance-based awards vesting at the target level). Mr. Shahani’s right to receive these severance benefits is subject to his providing a release of claims to the Company and his continued compliance with his confidentiality, non-solicitation (which shall continue for 12 months following termination), and other covenants in favor of the Company. If his employment with the Company terminates due to his death or disability, the Company will pay him (or his estate) a pro-rated target bonus for the year in which such termination occurs. If any payments under Mr. Shahani’s employment agreement would otherwise trigger the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, the payments will be reduced as provided in the agreement to a level that does not trigger the excise tax if the reduction results in his retaining a greater amount of the payments on an after-tax basis than if such reduction were not made.
Equity Incentive Plans
As of , 2023, our employees, consultants and directors held outstanding stock options to purchase up to of our ordinary shares and unvested restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards with respect to of our ordinary shares. These awards were granted under our 2016 Equity Incentive Plan. As of , 2023, the outstanding options were vested with respect to shares and were unvested with respect to shares. The exercise prices of those options ranged from $ per share to $ per share, and each of the options had a maximum term of 10 years from the applicable date of grant.
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The following sections provide more detailed information concerning our benefit plans and, with respect to our equity compensation plans, the shares that are available for future awards under these plans. Each summary below is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the relevant equity compensation plan document, copies of which are included as Exhibit 10.22, Exhibit 10.23 and Exhibit 10.24 to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
2016 Equity Incentive Plan
We maintain the Surf Air Global Limited 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”). Under the 2016 Plan, we are generally authorized to grant options and other equity-based awards to our employees, directors, officers and consultants and those of our subsidiaries. Options under the 2016 Plan are either incentive stock options, within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, or nonqualified stock options. All options granted under the plan expire no later than ten years from their date of grant. As of , 2023, we had reserved of our ordinary shares for issuance under the 2016 Plan and shares remained available for future grant. No new awards will be granted under the 2016 Plan after the consummation of this listing.
Our board of directors, or a committee appointed by the board, administers the 2016 Plan. As is customary in incentive plans of this nature, the number of shares subject to outstanding awards under the 2016 Plan and the exercise prices of those awards, are subject to adjustment in the event of changes in our capital structure, reorganizations and other extraordinary events. If a change in control of the Company occurs, the board of directors may provide for outstanding options to either be assumed by the acquirer or successor entity or, if not assumed, to be fully vested and canceled upon the transaction.
Our board of directors may amend or terminate the 2016 Plan at any time. The 2016 Plan requires that certain amendments specified in the plan be submitted to stockholders for their approval.
2023 Equity Incentive Plan
We expect our board of directors to adopt a 2023 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2023 Plan, prior to the consummation of this listing to provide an additional means through the grant of awards to attract, motivate, retain and reward selected employees and other eligible persons. We also intend to obtain approval of this plan from our stockholders prior to the consummation of this listing. The below summary of the 2023 Plan is what we expect the terms of the plan will be. Employees, officers, directors and consultants that provide services to us or one of our subsidiaries may be selected to receive awards under the 2023 Plan.
Our compensation committee will administer the 2023 Plan. The compensation committee has broad authority to:
• select participants and determine the types of awards that they are to receive;
• determine the number of shares that are to be subject to awards and the terms and conditions of awards, including the price (if any) to be paid for the shares or the award and establish the vesting conditions (if applicable) of such shares or awards;
• cancel, modify or waive our rights with respect to, or modify, discontinue, suspend or terminate any or all outstanding awards, subject to any required consents;
• construe and interpret the terms of the 2023 Plan and any agreements relating to the plan;
• accelerate or extend the vesting or exercisability or extend the term of any or all outstanding awards subject to any required consent;
• subject to the other provisions of the 2023 Plan, make certain adjustments to an outstanding award and authorize the termination, conversion, substitution or succession of an award; and
• allow the purchase price of an award or our ordinary shares to be paid in the form of cash, check or electronic funds transfer, by the delivery of previously-owned ordinary shares or by a reduction of the number of shares deliverable pursuant to the award, by services rendered by the recipient of the award, by notice and third-party payment or cashless exercise on such terms as the administrator may authorize or any other form permitted by law.
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A total of of our ordinary shares will initially be authorized for issuance with respect to awards granted under the 2023 Plan. Shares subject to outstanding awards granted under the 2016 Plan that are not paid, delivered or exercised before they expire or are canceled or terminated will be available for award grants under the 2023 Plan. In addition, the share limit will automatically increase on the first trading day in January of each year (commencing with 2024) by an amount equal to lesser of (1) % of the total number of our outstanding ordinary shares on the last trading day in December in the prior year, or (2) such lesser number as determined by our board of directors. Any shares subject to awards that are not paid, delivered or exercised before they expire or are canceled or terminated, fail to vest, as well as shares used to pay the purchase or exercise price of awards or related tax withholding obligations, will become available for other award grants under the 2023 Plan. As of the date of this prospectus, no awards have been granted under the 2023 Plan, and the full number of shares authorized under the 2023 Plan is available for award purposes.
Awards under the 2023 Plan may be in the form of incentive or nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock bonuses, restricted stock, stock units and other forms of awards including cash awards. Awards under the plan generally will not be transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, except that the plan administrator may authorize certain transfers.
Nonqualified and incentive stock options may not be granted at prices below the fair market value of the ordinary shares on the date of grant. Incentive stock options must have an exercise price that is at least equal to the fair market value of our ordinary shares, or 110% of fair market value of our ordinary shares for incentive stock option grants to any 10% owner of our ordinary shares, on the date of grant. The maximum term of options and stock appreciation rights granted under the plan is 10 years. These and other awards may also be issued solely or in part for services. Awards are generally paid in cash or shares of our ordinary shares. The plan administrator may provide for the deferred payment of awards and may determine the terms applicable to deferrals.
As is customary in incentive plans of this nature, the number and type of shares available under the 2023 Plan and any outstanding awards, as well as the exercise or purchase prices of awards, will be subject to adjustment in the event of certain reorganizations, mergers, combinations, recapitalizations, stock splits, stock dividends or other similar events that change the number or kind of shares outstanding, and extraordinary dividends or distributions of property to the stockholders. In no case (except due to an adjustment referred to above or any repricing that may be approved by our stockholders) will any adjustment be made to a stock option or stock appreciation right award under the 2023 Plan (by amendment, cancellation and regrant, exchange or other means) that would constitute a repricing of the per-share exercise or base price of the award.
Generally, and subject to limited exceptions set forth in the 2023 Plan, if we dissolve or undergo certain corporate transactions such as a merger, business combination or other reorganization, or a sale of all or substantially all of its assets, all awards then-outstanding under the 2023 Plan will become fully vested or paid, as applicable, and will terminate or be terminated in such circumstances, unless the plan administrator provides for the assumption, substitution or other continuation of the award. The plan administrator also has the discretion to establish other change in control provisions with respect to awards granted under the 2023 Plan. For example, the administrator could provide for the acceleration of vesting or payment of an award in connection with a corporate event that is not described above and provide that any such acceleration shall be automatic upon the occurrence of any such event.
Our board of directors may amend or terminate the 2023 Plan at any time, but no such action will affect any outstanding award in any manner materially adverse to a participant without the consent of the participant. Plan amendments will be submitted to stockholders for their approval as required by applicable law or any applicable listing agency. The 2023 Plan is not exclusive — our board of directors and compensation committee may grant stock and performance incentives or other compensation, in stock or cash, under other plans or authority.
The plan will terminate on , 2033. However, the plan administrator will retain its authority until all outstanding awards are exercised or terminated.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
We expect our board of directors to adopt an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or the Purchase Plan, prior to the consummation of this listing to provide an additional means to attract, motivate, retain and reward employees and other eligible persons by allowing them to purchase additional of our ordinary shares. We also intend to obtain approval of
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this plan from our stockholders prior to the consummation of this listing. The below summary of the Purchase Plan is what we currently expect the terms of the plan will be. The Purchase Plan will become effective immediately upon listing.
The Purchase Plan is designed to allow our eligible employees and the eligible employees of our participating subsidiaries to purchase our ordinary shares, at semi-annual intervals, with their accumulated payroll deductions.
Share Reserve. A total of of our ordinary shares will initially be available for issuance under the Purchase Plan. The share limit will automatically increase on the first trading day in January of each year (commencing with 2024) by an amount equal to lesser of (1) % of the total number of our outstanding ordinary shares on the last trading day in December in the prior year, (2) shares, or (3) such lesser number as determined by our board of directors.
Offering Periods. The Purchase Plan will have a series of successive six-month offering periods. The Purchase Plan provides flexibility for the plan administrator to establish, in advance of a particular offering period, a different duration for that offering period or for that offering period to consist of one or more purchase periods.
Eligible Employees. Individuals scheduled to work more than 20 hours per week for more than five calendar months per year may join an offering period on the start date of that period. Employees may participate in only one offering period at a time.
Payroll deductions. A participant may contribute up to 15% of his or her cash earnings through payroll deductions, and the accumulated deductions will be applied to the purchase of shares on each semi-annual purchase date. Unless otherwise provided in advance by the administrator, the purchase price per share will be equal to 85% of the fair market value per share on the start date of the offering period or, if lower, 85% of the fair market value per share on the semi-annual purchase date. In no event may any participant purchase more than shares on any purchase date.
Change in Control. If we are acquired by merger or sale of all or substantially all of our assets or more than 50% of our voting securities, then all outstanding purchase rights will automatically be exercised on or prior to the effective date of the acquisition, unless the plan administrator provides for the rights to be settled in cash or exchanged or substituted on the transaction. Unless otherwise provided in advance by the plan administrator, the purchase price will be equal to 85% of the market value per share on the start date of the offering period in which the acquisition occurs or, if lower, 85% of the fair market value per share on the purchase date.
Other plan provisions. No new offering periods will commence on or after , 2033. The board of directors may at any time amend, suspend or discontinue the Purchase Plan. However, certain amendments may require stockholder approval.
Defined Contribution Plans
As part of its overall compensation program, Surf Air provides all full-time employees, including each of the NEOs, with the opportunity to participate in a defined contribution 401(k) plan. The plan is intended to qualify under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code so that employee contributions and income earned on such contributions are not taxable to employees until withdrawn. Employees may elect to defer a percentage of their eligible compensation (not to exceed the statutorily prescribed annual limit) in the form of elective deferral contributions to the plan. The 401(k) plan also has a “catch-up contribution” feature for employees aged 50 or older (including those who qualify as “highly compensated” employees) who can defer amounts over the statutory limit that applies to all other employees. The Company does not currently make any matching or other contributions to participants’ accounts under the 401(k) plan. Prior to the Company’s acquisition of Southern, Mr. Little participated in Southern’s 401(k) plan, which had provisions similar to those described above.
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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Surf Air is currently evaluating the compensation to be provided to its non-employee directors following the listing of our Common Stock with Compensia’s assistance and has not yet determined the terms of its director compensation policy.
Director Compensation Tables — Fiscal Year 2022
The following tables set forth certain information concerning compensation paid to members of the Surf Air and Southern boards of directors for their services during fiscal 2022. The compensation for fiscal 2022 for Mr. Shahani, and Mr. Painter, each of whom was employed by Surf Air in that fiscal year, is reported in the Summary Compensation Table — Fiscal Year 2021 – 2022 above, as is the compensation for fiscal 2022 for Mr. Little, who was employed by Southern in that fiscal year. These individuals did not receive any compensation for their service on the board of directors of Surf Air or Southern during 2022.
Surf Air |
||||||||||
Name |
Stock |
Option |
All Other Compensation ($) |
Total |
||||||
Carl Albert |
— |
2,606,800 |
— |
— |
2,606,800 |
|||||
John D’Agostino |
60,000 |
— |
— |
— |
60,000 |
|||||
Edward Mady |
260,772 |
— |
— |
— |
260,772 |
|||||
Ann Nelson(4) |
— |
119,357 |
— |
— |
119,357 |
____________
(1) In May 2022, we granted 14,000,000 of our ordinary shares to Mr. Albert under the 2016 Plan that were fully vested upon grant. In November 2022, we granted 300,000 of our ordinary shares to Ms. Nelson under the 2016 Plan that were fully vested upon grant. Ms. Nelson was also granted a cash award of $50,000 that would be payable on the consummation of this listing (or, if earlier, March 1, 2023), subject to her continued service on our board of directors through the payment date.
(2) The amounts reported in these columns reflect the grant date fair value of the stock and option awards granted to the Continuing Non-Employee Directors during 2022 under the 2016 Plan described in note (1) above and are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Please see the section titled “Note 13. Share-Based Compensation” beginning on page F-54 of Surf Air’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for a discussion of the relevant assumptions used in calculating this amount.
(3) As of December 31, 2022, the Continuing Non-Employee Directors listed in the table above held Stock Awards and Option Awards (as determined under applicable accounting rules) with respect to the number of the Company’s ordinary shares set forth below:
Name |
Stock Awards |
Option Awards |
||
Carl Albert |
— |
— |
||
John D’Agostino |
— |
944,287 |
||
Edward Mady |
242,424 |
2,832,861 |
||
Ann Nelson |
56,250 |
— |
(4) Ms. Nelson resigned as a member of the Board, effective May 16, 2023. She then held 25,000 unvested shares that were vested upon her resignation.
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Southern |
||||||||||
Name |
Fees Earned or |
Stock |
Option |
All Other |
Total |
|||||
Bruce Jacobs(2) |
45,767 |
— |
— |
— |
45,767 |
|||||
Patrick Perdue |
20,000 |
— |
— |
— |
20,000 |
|||||
Mark Rimer(2) |
38,542 |
— |
— |
— |
38,542 |
|||||
Keith Sisson(2) |
329,515 |
— |
— |
— |
329,515 |
|||||
Wade Steel |
20,000 |
— |
— |
— |
20,000 |
|||||
Thomas Windmuller |
20,000 |
— |
— |
— |
20,000 |
__________
(1) None of the directors of Southern listed in the table above held any outstanding equity awards as of December 31, 2022.
(2) Messrs. Jacobs and Sisson were each employees of Southern during fiscal 2022. The amount reported in the table above for Mr. Sisson represents his compensation as an employee for the fiscal year, and he did not receive any additional amount for his service as a director. Mr. Jacobs retired as an employee during fiscal 2022. The amount reported in the table above for him represents his compensation as an employee through his retirement date ($16,434) and his compensation for service as a director after his retirement ($29,333). Mr. Rimer provided certain consulting services to Southern during fiscal 2022. Of the amount reported for him in the table above, $21,875 represents compensation for these consulting services.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Surf Air Related Person Transactions
Park Lane
Park Lane Investments, LLC (“Park Lane”) is an entity owned by a family member of Liam Fayed, an officer and co-founder of Surf Air. Park Lane owns four aircraft which it leases, via TVPX ARS (“TVPX”), as trustee for the aircraft, to Surf Air. Pursuant to leases entered into with TVPX on July 11, 2019 and August 1, 2020 (each as amended on August 1, 2022), Surf Air pays monthly lease payments of $25,000 for each aircraft. Under the terms of these agreements, Surf Air also owes to TVPX, as supplemental rent, (i) as and when due, any other amount that it is obligated to pay to TVPX or others under the lease and (ii) interest accruing on rent not paid when due, until paid. Each lease is scheduled to expire on the later of January 31, 2023 and, at Surf Air’s option (to be exercised in its sole discretion by delivery of written notice to TVPX on or prior to January 31, 2023), July 31, 2023.
As of December 31, 2019, the Company owed to Park Lane $6.0 million (in principal and interest) for short-term loans made by Park Lane to Surf Air during 2019. On April 7, 2020, Surf Air issued a convertible secured promissory note to Park Lane, pursuant to which the $7.1 million in loans made by Park Lane to Surf Air were exchanged for a secured convertible loan in the amount of $7.5 million, bearing interest of 6.0% per annum due 2022. On December 15, 2020, principal and accrued interest on the secured promissory note of $7.6 million were converted into a total of 14,276,406 Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares. On May 24, 2021, Park Lane contributed the remaining $0.4 million of the $7.5 million secured promissory note, which was converted to 834,566 of Class B-6a redeemable convertible shares. During 2021, Park Lane purchased an additional $5.0 million in Surf Air Class B-6a redeemable totaling 9,442,871 Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares.
Park Lane SAFE
On May 17, 2022, Surf Air and Park Lane entered into a simple agreement for future equity (the “Park Lane SAFE”), pursuant to which Park Lane provided Surf Air with an investment advance of $7.5 million (the “Issue Price”). Under the terms of the Park Lane SAFE, Park Lane will receive SAM Common Stock upon the occurrence of (i) an initial public offering; (ii) a direct listing; (iii) the consummation of the Business Combination and related transactions; (iv) a change in control (as defined therein); or (v) by May 17, 2024. In the case of an initial public offering or direct listing, the number of shares of SAM Common Stock to be issued will be calculated based on a conversion price of 65% of the Assumed Opening Price.
LamVen and LamJam
LamVen LLC (“LamVen”) is an entity owned by Mr. Fayed, and LamJam II LLC (“LamJam”) is an entity co-owned by Mr. Fayed and a family member of Mr. Fayed.
As of December 31, 2020, Surf Air owed $2.3 million (in principal and interest) to LamVen for expenses incurred on Surf Air’s behalf. As of such date, this amount was extinguished through the issuance of 4,370,452 Class B-6 convertible preferred shares in Surf Air.
In 2021, Surf Air issued an aggregate of $4.45 million of 8.25% convertible notes due 2022 to LamJam (the “LamJam Note”). During 2022, the LamJam Note was converted into 17,373,521 Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares.
During 2017 and 2018, Surf Air issued an aggregate of $3.5 million of 22.0% convertible notes due 2022 to LamVen. As of December 31, 2022, these notes remained outstanding. The maturity date of these notes has been extended to December 2023. During 2022, Surf Air issued an aggregate of $1.3 million of 8.25% convertible notes due 2022 to LamVen (the “LamVen Note”). During 2022, the LamVen Note was converted into 4,940,258 Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares.
Term Notes
On November 12, 2022, as amended and restated on November 30, 2022, Surf Air entered into a term note agreement, effective October 31, 2022, to receive $4.5 million from LamVen, an entity owned by an officer and co-founder of Surf Air. Surf Air received $4.5 million as of December 31, 2022. The note is scheduled to mature on the earlier of December 31, 2023 or the date on which the note is accelerated due to default, as provided for in the agreement. Interest is due upon maturity at a rate of 8.25% per annum until the note is paid in full at maturity or upon acceleration by prepayment.
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On January 18, 2023, Surf Air entered into a $1.0 million term note agreement with LamVen, effective December 14, 2022, and a $1.65 million term note agreement with LamJam, effective January 10, 2023. Surf Air received $0.4 million from LamVen as of the effective date of the term note agreement and $0.6 million in 2023, and $1.65 million from LamJam as of the effective date of the term note agreement. Each note is scheduled to mature on the earlier of December 31, 2023 or the date on which the note is accelerated due to default, as provided for in the agreement. Interest is due upon maturity at a rate of 8.25% per annum until the note is paid in full at maturity or upon acceleration by prepayment.
Surf Air entered into term note agreements to receive $3.4 million from LamVen and $3.5 million from LamJam, each dated as of April 1, 2023. Surf Air received $3.4 million from LamVen and $3.5 million from LamJam as of March 31, 2023. Each note is scheduled to mature on the earlier of December 31, 2023 or the date on which the note is accelerated due to default, as provided for in the agreement. Interest is due upon maturity at a rate of 10.0% per annum until the note is paid in full at maturity or upon acceleration by prepayment.
Surf Air entered into a $4.6 million term note agreement with LamVen, dated as of May 22, 2023. Surf Air received $4.6 million from LamVen as of May 15, 2023. Each The note is scheduled to mature on the earlier of December 31, 2023 or the date on which the note is accelerated due to default, as provided for in the agreement. Interest is due upon maturity at a rate of 10.0% per annum until the note is paid in full at maturity or upon acceleration by prepayment.
LamVen SAFE
On May 17, 2022, Surf Air and LamVen entered into a simple agreement for future equity (the “LamVen SAFE”), pursuant to which LamVen provided Surf Air with an investment advance of $7.5 million (the “Issue Price”). Under the terms of the LamVen SAFE, LamVen will receive SAM Common Stock upon the occurrence of (i) an initial public offering, (ii) a direct listing, (iii) the consummation of the Business Combination and related transactions, (iv) a change in control (as defined therein) or (v) by May 17, 2024. In the case of an initial public offering or direct listing, the number of shares of SAM Common Stock to be issued will be calculated based on a conversion price of 65% of the Assumed Opening Price.
Indemnification Agreements
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation will contain provisions limiting the liability of directors to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, and our Amended Bylaws will provide that we will indemnify each of our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law. Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws will also provide our board of directors with discretion to indemnify our employees and other agents when determined appropriate by the board. In addition, we have entered or will enter into an indemnification agreement with each of our directors and executive officers, which requires us to indemnify them in certain circumstances.
Policies and Procedures for Related Person Transactions
The SAM Board will adopt a written Related Person Transactions Policy that sets forth SAM’s policies and procedures regarding the identification, review, consideration and oversight of “related person transactions”. For purposes of SAM’s policy only, a “related person transaction” is a transaction, arrangement, or relationship (or any series of similar transactions, arrangements, or relationships) in which SAM or any of its subsidiaries are participants involving an amount that exceeds $120,000 and in which any “related person” has a material interest.
Transactions involving compensation for services provided to SAM as an employee, consultant, or director will not be considered related person transactions under this policy. A related person is any executive officer, director, nominee to become a director, or a holder of more than 5% of any class of SAM’s voting securities (including our Common Stock), including any of their immediate family members and affiliates, including entities owned or controlled by such persons. A related person is also someone who has a position or relationship with any firm, corporation, or other entity that engages in the transaction if (i) such person is employed or is a general partner or principal or in a similar position with significant decision making influence, or (ii) the direct or indirect ownership by such person and all other foregoing persons, in the aggregate, is 10% or greater in another person which is party to the transaction.
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Under the policy, the related person in question or, in the case of transactions with a holder of more than 5% of any class of SAM’s voting securities, an officer with knowledge of a proposed transaction, must present information regarding the proposed related person transaction to SAM’s audit committee (or, where review by SAM’s audit committee would be inappropriate, to another independent body of the SAM Board) for review. To identify related person transactions in advance, SAM will rely on information supplied by SAM’s executive officers, directors, and certain significant stockholders. In considering related person transactions, SAM’s audit committee will take into account the relevant available facts and circumstances, which may include, but are not limited to:
• the risks, costs and benefits to SAM;
• the nature of the related person’s interest in the transaction;
• the impact on a director’s independence in the event the related person is a director, immediate family member of a director or an entity with which a director is affiliated;
• the terms of the transaction;
• the availability of other sources for comparable services or products; and
• the terms available to or from, as the case may be, unrelated third parties.
All related party transactions may be consummated or continued only if approved or ratified by SAM’s audit committee. No member of SAM’s audit committee may participate in the review, approval or ratification of a transaction with respect to which he or she is a related party, except that such member may be counted for purposes of a quorum and shall provide such information with respect to the transaction as may be reasonably requested by other members of SAM’s audit committee.
All of the transactions described above were entered into prior to the adoption of such policy.
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The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock as of May 15, 2023, by:
• each person who is known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our Common Stock;
• each person who is an executive officer or a director of SAM; and
• all of SAM’s executive officers and directors as a group.
We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC, and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Except as indicated by the footnotes below, we believe, based on information furnished to us, that the persons and entities named in the table below have sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all shares that they beneficially own, subject to applicable community property laws.
Applicable percentage ownership is based on 48,575,959 shares of our Common Stock outstanding as of May 15, 2023, assuming the Other Transactions, each upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of such person, we deemed to be outstanding all shares subject to options held by the person that are currently exercisable, or exercisable within 60 days of May 15, 2023 or issuable pursuant to RSUs that vest within 60 days of May 15, 2023. However, except as described above, we did not deem such shares outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed below is c/o Surf Air Mobility Inc., 12111 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250.
Shares Beneficially |
Shares Beneficially |
Percent of |
Percent of |
|||||||||||||
Name of Beneficial Owner |
Shares |
% |
Shares |
% |
||||||||||||
5% Stockholders |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Liam Fayed(1) |
3,758,089 |
9.4 |
% |
4,226,955 |
8.7 |
% |
9.4 |
% |
8.7 |
% |
||||||
Sudhin Shahani |
3,522,559 |
8.8 |
% |
3,522,559 |
7.3 |
% |
8.8 |
% |
7.3 |
% |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Directors and Executive Officers |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Sudhin Shahani |
3,522,559 |
8.8 |
% |
3,522,559 |
7.3 |
% |
8.8 |
% |
7.3 |
% |
||||||
Stan Little |
1,266,266 |
3.2 |
% |
1,266,266 |
2.6 |
% |
3.2 |
% |
2.6 |
% |
||||||
Deanna White |
618,196 |
1.5 |
% |
618,196 |
1.3 |
% |
1.5 |
% |
1.3 |
% |
||||||
Carl Albert(2) |
257,345 |
* |
|
257,345 |
* |
|
* |
|
* |
|
||||||
Tyrone Bland |
— |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
||||||
John D’Agostino |
42,308 |
* |
|
42,308 |
* |
|
* |
|
* |
|
||||||
Edward Mady |
137,785 |
* |
|
137,785 |
* |
|
* |
|
* |
|
||||||
Tyler Painter(3) |
554,558 |
1.4 |
% |
554,558 |
1.1 |
% |
1.4 |
% |
1.1 |
% |
||||||
All executive officers and directors as a group (8 individuals) |
6,399,016 |
16.0 |
% |
6,399,016 |
13.2 |
% |
16.0 |
% |
13.2 |
% |
____________
* Less than 1%.
(1) Includes 782,985 shares held on behalf of LamJam II LLC, which is an entity affiliated with Liam Fayed, and 2,240,746 shares held on behalf of LamVen LLC, which is an entity affiliated with Liam Fayed.
(2) Includes 257,345 shares held on behalf of The Carl Albert Trust dated June 7, 1991, of which Carl Albert is Trustee.
(3) Includes 554,558 shares held on behalf of The Tyler & Sonia Painter 2020 Trust, of which Tyler Painter is Trustee.
After giving effect to the Other Transactions, it is expected that GEM will own approximately 10% of our Common Stock outstanding. Shares of our Common Stock sold to GEM will be registered on one or more resale registration statements, and we expect GEM to sell any shares it receives in conjunction with the GEM Advances into the public market.
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General
The following is a summary of the rights of our capital stock and some of the provisions of the SAM amended and restated certificate of incorporation (the “Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation”) and the SAM amended and restated bylaws (the “Amended and Restated Bylaws”), which will each become effective immediately following the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and relevant provisions of Delaware General Corporation Law. The descriptions herein are qualified in their entirety by our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the Amended and Restated Bylaws, copies of which have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, as well as the relevant provisions of Delaware General Corporation Law.
Following the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, pursuant to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the authorized capital stock of SAM will consist of shares of our Common Stock, $0.0001 par value, and shares of undesignated preferred stock, $0.0001 par value.
As of , 2023, after giving effect to the Other Transactions there are shares of our Common Stock outstanding held by stockholders of record. Pursuant to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, our board of directors will have the authority, without stockholder approval, except as required by the listing standards of the NYSE, to issue additional shares of our Common Stock.
Common Stock
All issued and outstanding shares of our Common Stock will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable. All authorized but unissued shares of our Common Stock will be available for issuance by our board of directors without any further stockholder action, except as required by the listing standards of the NYSE.
The rights, preferences, and privileges of holders of Common Stock are subject to and may be adversely affected by the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that we may designate and issue in the future.
Voting Rights
Common stockholders of record are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted on by stockholders. Unless specified in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or Amended and Restated Bylaws, or as required by applicable provisions of the DGCL or applicable stock exchange rules, the affirmative vote of a majority of our shares of our Common Stock that are voted is required to approve any such matter voted on by our stockholders.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation will not provide for cumulative voting for the election of directors.
Dividend Rights
Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any then-outstanding preferred stock, holders of our Common Stock are entitled to receive ratably those dividends, if any, as may be declared by the board of directors out of legally available funds. Under Delaware law, we can only pay dividends either out of “surplus” or out of the current or the immediately preceding year’s net profits. Surplus is defined as the excess, if any, at any given time, of the net assets of a corporation over its total liabilities and statutory capital. The value of a corporation’s assets can be measured in a number of ways and may not necessarily equal their book value.
Right to Receive Liquidation Distributions
In the event of our liquidation, dissolution, or winding up, the holders our Common Stock will be entitled to share ratably in the assets legally available for distribution to stockholders after the payment of or provision for all of our debts and other liabilities, subject to the prior rights of any preferred stock then-outstanding.
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Other Matters
Our Common Stock will have no preemptive rights pursuant to the terms of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws. There will be no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our Common Stock.
Preferred Stock
The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that shares of preferred stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. The SAM Board will be authorized to fix the voting rights, if any, designations, powers, preferences, the relative, participating, optional or other special rights and any qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, applicable to the shares of each series. The SAM Board will be able to, without stockholder approval, issue preferred stock with voting and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of the holders of our Common Stock and could have anti-takeover effects. The ability of the SAM Board to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a Change of Control of SAM or the removal of existing management. Although SAM will not have any preferred stock outstanding at or prior to the listing of our Common Stock and does not currently intend to issue any shares of preferred stock, SAM cannot assure you that it will not do so in the future. No shares of preferred stock are being issued or registered in the listing.
Registration Rights
Following the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, GEM will be entitled to rights with respect to the registration of shares purchased by them under the Share Subscription Facility. The Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 26, 2020, between GEM and GYBL (the “GEM RRA”) to which we are party provides that GEM has certain registration rights as set forth below. The registration of shares of our capital stock by the exercise of registration rights described below would enable the GEM to sell these shares without restriction under the Securities Act once the applicable registration statement is declared effective. Under the GEM RRA we must prepare and file, no later than the 360th day following the date of the Share Subscription Facility, a registration statement on Form S-1 or S-3.
After the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, if there is not an effective registration statement covering the Registrable Securities (as defined in the GEM RRA), in the event that we propose to register any of our securities under the Securities Act, either for our own account or for the account of other security holders, other than (i) on Form S-4, (ii) Form S-8 or (iii) their then equivalents relating to equity securities to be issued solely in connection with any acquisition of any entity or business or equity securities issuable in connection with SAM’s option or other employee benefit plans, GEM will be entitled to certain piggyback registration rights allowing it to include its shares in such registration, subject to certain marketing and other limitations. We will pay the registration expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, of the shares registered by the registrations described above.
Tuscan will also be entitled to certain customary rights with respect to the registration of the Tuscan Payment. If the Tuscan Payment has not otherwise been registered for resale, we must file a registration statement registering the resale of the Tuscan Payment as soon as practicable following listing.
In addition, the advisor receiving the Advisor Accrual will be entitled to rights with respect to the registration of such shares.
Certain Foreign Ownership and Anti-Takeover Provisions of Delaware Law and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the Amended and Restated Bylaws
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that at no time shall more than 25% of the voting interest of SAM be owned or controlled by persons who are not citizens of the United States. In the event that non-citizens shall own (beneficially or of record) or have voting control over any shares of capital stock of SAM the voting rights of such persons shall be subject to automatic suspension to the extent required to ensure that SAM is in compliance with applicable provisions of law and regulations relating to ownership or control of a U.S. air carrier.
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SAM will be subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL regulating corporate takeovers. This statute prevents certain Delaware corporations, under certain circumstances, from engaging in a “business combination” with:
• a stockholder who owns 15% or more of SAM’s outstanding voting stock (otherwise known as an “interested stockholder”);
• an affiliate of an interested stockholder; or
• an associate of an interested stockholder for three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder.
A “business combination” includes a merger or sale of SAM’s assets with a market value of 10% or more of its aggregate market value of all of its assets or of all of its outstanding stock. However, the above provisions of Section 203 do not apply if:
• the SAM Board approves the transaction that made the stockholder an “interested stockholder” prior to the date of the transaction;
• after the completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, that stockholder owned at least 85% of SAM’s voting stock outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, other than statutorily excluded shares of our Common Stock; or
• on or subsequent to the date of the transaction, the initial business combination is approved by the SAM Board and authorized at a meeting of SAM’s stockholders, and not by written consent, by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock not owned by the interested stockholder.
Under certain circumstances, Section 203 of the DGCL will make it more difficult for a person who would be an “interested stockholder” to effect various business combinations with SAM for a three-year period. This provision may encourage companies interested in acquiring SAM to negotiate in advance with the SAM Board because the stockholder approval requirement would be avoided if the SAM Board approves either the Business Combination or the transaction which results in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder. Section 203 of the DGCL also may have the effect of preventing changes in the SAM Board and may make it more difficult to accomplish transactions which stockholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interests.
The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that the SAM Board is classified into three classes of directors. As a result, in most circumstances, a person can gain control of the SAM Board only by successfully engaging in a proxy contest at two or more annual meetings.
Authorized But Unissued Shares
SAM’s authorized but unissued Common Stock and preferred stock are available for future issuances without stockholder approval (including a specified future issuance) and could be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future offerings to raise additional capital, acquisitions, and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued and unreserved Common Stock and preferred stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of SAM by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger, or otherwise.
Exclusive Forum for Certain Lawsuits
The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation requires, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that derivative actions brought in SAM’s name, actions against any current or former directors, officers, employees, or stockholders of SAM for breach of fiduciary duty and other similar actions may be brought only in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware, or if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, the federal district court of the State of Delaware. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation also requires, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the federal district courts of the United States to be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action under the Securities Act. In addition, the exclusive forum provision in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation will not apply to suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction.
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Although we believe these provisions benefit us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law in the types of lawsuits to which it applies, a court may determine that these provisions are unenforceable, and to the extent they are enforceable, the provisions may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against SAM’s directors and officers, although the SAM stockholders will not be deemed to have waived SAM’s compliance with federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Special Meeting of Stockholders
The Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that special meetings of SAM’s stockholders may be called only by a resolution adopted by the SAM Board.
Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations
The Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that stockholders seeking to bring business before SAM’s annual meeting of stockholders, or to nominate candidates for election as directors at SAM’s annual meeting of stockholders, must provide timely notice of their intent in writing. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice will need to be received by the company secretary at SAM’s principal executive offices not later than the close of business on the 90th day nor earlier than the opening of business on the 120th day prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders. Pursuant to Rule 14A-8 of the Exchange Act, proposals seeking inclusion in SAM’s annual proxy statement must comply with the notice periods contained therein. The Amended and Restated Bylaws also specify certain requirements as to the form and content of a stockholders’ meeting. These provisions may preclude SAM’s stockholders from bringing matters before SAM’s annual meeting of stockholders or from making nominations for directors at SAM’s annual meeting of stockholders.
Action by Written Consent
Any action required or permitted to be taken at any annual and special meeting of stockholders may be taken only upon the vote of stockholders at an annual or special meeting duly noticed and called in accordance of the DGCL and may not be taken by written consent of the stockholders without a meeting.
Classified Board of Directors
The SAM Board will be divided into three classes, Class A, Class B and Class C, with members of each class serving staggered three-year terms. As a result, in most circumstances, a person can gain control of the SAM Board only by successfully engaging in a proxy contest at two or more annual meetings. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of the SAM Board. Subject to the terms of any preferred stock, any or all of the directors may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of SAM capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class. Any vacancy on the SAM Board, including a vacancy resulting from an enlargement of the SAM Board, may be filled only by vote of a majority of SAM’s directors then in office.
Limitation of Liability of Directors and Officers
The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that, to the fullest extent provided by Delaware law, no director or officer will be personally liable to SAM or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer, as applicable.
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent for our Common Stock will be American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC. The transfer agent’s address is 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11219.
Listing of SAM Securities
Our Common Stock is currently not listed on any securities exchange. It is anticipated that our Common Stock will be traded on NYSE under the symbols “SRFM”.
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Prior to the listing of our Common Stock on the NYSE, there has been no public market for our Common Stock. We will have no input if and when any Registered Stockholder may, or may not, elect to sell its shares of Common Stock or the prices at which any such sales may occur. Future sales of substantial amounts of our Common Stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock. Although our Common Stock will be listed on the NYSE, we cannot assure you that there will be an active public market for our Common Stock.
Certain shares of our Common Stock will be deemed “restricted securities” as defined under Rule 144. These restricted securities are eligible for public sale only if they are registered under the Securities Act or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rule 144 or 701 under the Securities Act, each of which is summarized below. Following the listing of our Common Stock on the NYSE, shares of our Common Stock may be sold either by the Registered Stockholders pursuant to this prospectus or by our other existing stockholders in accordance with Rule 144.
As further described below, until we have been a reporting company for at least 90 days, only non-affiliates who have beneficially owned their shares of Common Stock for a period of at least one year will be able to sell their shares of Common Stock under Rule 144, which is expected to include approximately shares of Common Stock immediately after our registration.
After giving effect to the Other Transactions, as of , 2023, we would have had a total of shares of Common Stock outstanding. Between , 2023 and the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, we have not issued any additional shares of Common Stock or awards convertible or exercisable for shares of Common Stock.
Immediately following the listing of our Common Stock on the NYSE, approximately shares of our Common Stock may be immediately sold either (i) by the Registered Stockholders pursuant to this prospectus or (ii) by our other existing stockholders under Rule 144 under the Securities Act since such shares held by such other stockholders will have been beneficially owned by non-affiliates for at least one year.
Rule 144
Affiliate Resales of Restricted Securities
In general, once we have been subject to the public company reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act for at least 90 days, a person who is an affiliate of ours, or who was an affiliate at any time during the 90 days before a sale, who has beneficially owned shares of our capital stock for at least six months would be entitled to sell in “broker’s transactions” or certain “riskless principal transactions” or to market makers, a number of shares within any three-month period that does not exceed the greater of:
• 1% of the number of shares of our Common Stock then outstanding, which will equal approximately shares upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part; or
• the average weekly trading volume in our Common Stock on the NYSE during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to such sale.
Affiliate resales under Rule 144 are also subject to the availability of current public information about us. In addition, if the number of shares being sold under Rule 144 by an affiliate during any three-month period exceeds 5,000 shares or has an aggregate sale price in excess of $50,000, the seller must file a notice on Form 144 with the SEC concurrently with either the placing of a sale order with the broker or the execution of a sale directly with a market maker.
Non-Affiliate Resales of Restricted Securities
In general, once we have been subject to the public company reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act for at least 90 days, a person who is not an affiliate of ours at the time of sale, has not been an affiliate at any time during the three months preceding a sale, and has beneficially owned shares of our capital stock for at least six months but less than a year, is entitled to sell such shares subject only to the availability of current
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public information about us. If such person has held our shares for at least one year, such person can resell under Rule 144(b)(1) without regard to any Rule 144 restrictions, including the 90-day public company requirement and the current public information requirement.
Non-affiliate resales are not subject to the manner of sale, volume limitation, or notice filing provisions of Rule 144.
Rule 701
In general, under Rule 701, any of our employees, directors, officers, consultants, or advisors who purchases shares from us in connection with a compensatory stock or option plan or other written agreement before the effective date of a registration statement under the Securities Act is entitled to sell such shares 90 days after such effective date in reliance on Rule 144. Securities issued in reliance on Rule 701 are restricted securities and, subject to the contractual restrictions described above, beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, may be sold by persons other than “affiliates”, as defined in Rule 144, subject only to the manner of sale provisions of Rule 144 and by “affiliates” under Rule 144 without compliance with its six-month minimum holding period requirement.
Form S-8 Registration Statement
We intend to file one or more registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register all shares of our Common stock subject to outstanding stock options under and all shares of our Common Stock issued or issuable under . We expect to file the registration statement covering shares offered pursuant to these stock plans shortly after the date of this prospectus, permitting the resale of such shares by non-affiliates in the public market without restriction under the Securities Act and the sale by affiliates in the public market subject to compliance with the resale provisions of Rule 144.
Registration Rights
Immediately after the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, GEM, Tuscan and the advisor receiving the Advisor Accrual will each be entitled to various rights with respect to the registration of shares under the Securities Act. Registration of these shares under the Securities Act would result in these shares becoming fully tradable without restriction under the Securities Act immediately upon the effectiveness of the registration, except for shares purchased by affiliates. See the section titled “Description of Capital Stock — Registration Rights” for additional information.
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COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS
General
Southern is incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware and the rights of Southern shareholders are currently governed by the laws of the State of Delaware. Surf Air is incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands and the rights of Surf Air shareholders are currently governed by the laws of the British Virgin Islands. SAM is incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware and following the Internal Reorganization and the Southern Acquisition, Southern shareholders and Surf Air shareholders, who receive shares of SAM Common Stock, will become SAM stockholders and the rights of SAM shareholders will be governed by the laws of Delaware.
Comparison of Stockholders’ Rights
The table below summarizes the material differences between the current rights of Southern shareholders under its existing charter and bylaws, the current rights of Surf Air shareholders under its existing memorandum and articles of association and the rights of SAM stockholders, following the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and listing, under the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws of SAM.
The summary set forth below is not intended to be complete or to provide a comprehensive discussion of the company’s governing documents or applicable law. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of Southern’s Existing Charter and Existing Bylaws, Surf Air’s existing memorandum and articles of association and the form of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws of SAM, which are attached hereto as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2, respectively, as well as the relevant provisions of the DGCL.
Southern |
Surf Air |
SAM |
||
Authorized Capital Stock |
||||
The total number of shares of all classes of stock that Southern is authorized to issue is 1,162,589 shares of capital stock, consisting of 1,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 162,589 shares of preferred stock, with $0.0001 par value per share. The preferred stock further consists of (i) 105,556 shares of Series A preferred stock, (ii) 7,033 shares of Series A-1 preferred stock, (iii) 25,000 shares of Series A-2 preferred stock, and (iv) 25,000 shares of Series B preferred stock. As of , there were (i) shares of common stock, (ii) shares of Series A-1 preferred stock, (iii) shares of Series A-2 preferred stock, and (iv) shares of Series B preferred stock outstanding. |
Surf Air is currently authorized to issue 1,173,697,704 shares divided into fourteen classes, consisting of (i) 801,996,399 ordinary shares, with $0.001 par value per share, (ii) 1,866,056 founder preferred shares, with $0.001 par value per share, (iii) 1,930,155 class A-1 preferred shares, with $0.001 par value per share, (iv) 2,820,319 class A-2 preferred shares, with $0.001 par value per share, (v) 9,070,476 class A-3 preferred shares, with $0.001 par value per share, (vi) 552,804 class A-4 preferred shares, with $0.001 par value per share, (vii) 15,646,415 class A-5 preferred shares, with $0.001 par value per share, (viii) 14,934,552 class B-1 preferred shares, with $0.001 par value per share, (ix) 25,000,000 class B-2 preferred shares, with $0.001 par value per share, (x) 2,000,000 class B-3 preferred shares, with $0.001 par value per share, (xi) 6,000,000 class B-4 preferred shares, with $0.001 par value per share, (xii) 33,638,500 class B-5 preferred shares, with $0.001 par value per |
The total number of shares of capital stock that SAM is authorized to issue is shares, consisting of shares of SAM common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share. SAM is expected to have approximately shares of SAM common stock outstanding. |
183
Southern |
Surf Air |
SAM |
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share, (xiii) 150,000,000 class B-6a preferred shares, with $0.001 par value per share, and (xiv) 108,242,028 class B-6s preferred shares, with $0.001 par value per share (including 9,442,871 class B-6s preferred shares reserved to a retention pool). As of , there were (i) ordinary shares (ii) founder preferred shares, (iii) class A-1 preferred shares, (iv) class A-2 preferred shares, (v) class A-3 preferred shares, (vi) class A-4 preferred shares, (vii) class A-5 preferred shares, (viii) class B-1 preferred shares, (ix) class B-2 preferred shares, (x) class B-3 preferred shares, (xi) class B-4 preferred shares, (xii) class B-5 preferred shares, (xiii) class B-6a preferred shares, and (xiv) class B-6s preferred shares outstanding. |
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Rights of Preferred Stock |
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The Southern Board is authorized to issue the shares of preferred stock in such series as set forth in Southern’s existing charter, which sets forth the rights, preferences, powers, privileges and restrictions, qualifications and limitations of the preferred stock. |
The Surf Air Board is authorized to issue the shares of preferred stock in such series as set forth in Surf Air’s existing memorandum of associations, which sets forth the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the preferred stock. |
The SAM Board is authorized to issue the shares of preferred stock in such series and to fix from time to time before issuance the number of shares to be included in any such series and the designation, powers, preferences and relative participating, optional or other rights, if any, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof to the extent permitted by Delaware law. |
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Number and Qualification of Directors |
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The size of the Southern Board shall be set at seven (7) directors. The holders of record of the shares of Series A preferred stock, Series A-1 preferred stock, and Series A-2 preferred stock, exclusively and voting together as a separate and single class, shall be entitled (but not obligated) to elect one (1) director of Southern (the “Series A Director”). The holders of record of shares of Series B preferred stock, exclusively and voting as a separate and single class, shall be entitled (but not obligated) to elect one (1) director of Southern (the “Series B Director”). The holders of record of the |
The Surf Air Board shall consist of not less than one person. The number of directors of Surf Air shall be determined from time to time by the Surf Air Board, subject to the terms of any written agreement among the Surf Air shareholders (the “Members”) and Surf Air. |
The SAM Board shall consist of one or more members, the exact number of which shall be fixed from time to time by resolution of the SAM Board. The directors of SAM shall be and are divided into three (3) classes, designated Class A, Class B and Class C. Each class shall consist, as nearly as may be possible, of one-third (1/3) of the total number of directors constituting the entire SAM Board. The SAM Board may assign members of the SAM Board already in office upon the effectiveness of the filing of the certificate with the Secretary |
184
Southern |
Surf Air |
SAM |
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shares of common stock, exclusively and voting as a separate class, shall be entitled to elect three (3) directors of Southern (the “Common Directors”). SkyWest Airlines shall be entitled (but not obligated) to elect one (1) director of Southern (the “SW Director”). One (1) independent director (the “Independent Director”) shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Board and the Series A Director. |
of State of the State of Delaware (the “Effective Time”) to such classes. Subject to the rights of holders of any series or class of preferred stock to elect directors, each director shall serve for a term ending on the date of the third annual meeting of stockholders following the annual meeting of stockholders at which such director was elected; provided that each director initially assigned to Class A shall serve for a term expiring at SAM first annual meeting of stockholders held after the Effective Time; each director initially assigned to Class B shall serve for a term expiring at SAM’s second annual meeting of stockholders held after the Effective Time; and each director initially assigned to Class C shall serve for a term expiring at SAM’s third annual meeting of stockholders held after the Effective Time. |
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Election of Directors |
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At any meeting held for the purpose of electing a director, the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of class or series entitled to elect such director shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of electing such director. |
Subject to the terms of any written agreement among the Members and Surf Air, for as long as each of the following classes of shares are in issue, holders of each class of shares are entitled to elect a director or directors as follows: Class A-1 preferred shares, class A-2 preferred shares and/or class A-3 preferred shares shall be entitled to appoint one director (the “Class A Group 1 Director”); class A-4 preferred shares and/or class A-5 preferred shares shall be entitled to elect one director (the “Class A Group 2 Director”); class B-1 preferred shares shall be entitled to elect one director (the “Class B-1 Director”); class B-2 preferred shares shall be entitled to elect one director (the “Class B-2 Director”), subject to certain exceptions; ordinary shares shall be entitled to elect one director (the “Ordinary Director”); ordinary shares and class B-6s preferred shares together shall be entitled to elect one director (the “Common Director”). |
Directors elected at meetings of stockholders will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast. Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of any series of preferred stock to elect additional directors under circumstances specified in a Preferred Stock, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors and any vacancies on the SAM Board resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal, or other cause will be filled solely by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even though less than a quorum of the SAM Board, or by a sole remaining director. |
185
Southern |
Surf Air |
SAM |
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Removal of Directors |
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The Common Directors, Series A Director and Series B Director may be removed at any time, without cause, but only by the affirmative vote of the holders of the shares of class or series of capital stock entitled to elect such director or directors. The SW Director may only be removed and replaced by SkyWest Airlines. The Independent Director may only be removed by the chairman of the board of directors or the Series A preferred stock director. |
Subject to any written agreement among the Members and Surf Air, Subject to the terms of any written agreement among the Members and Surf Air, for as long as each of the following classes of shares are in issue, holders of each class of shares is entitled to remove a director or directors, with or without cause, as follows: Class A-1 preferred shares, class A-2 preferred shares and/or class A-3 preferred shares shall be entitled to remove the Class A Group 1 Director; class A-4 preferred shares and/or class A-5 preferred shares shall be entitled to remove the Class A Group 2 Director; class B-1 preferred shares shall be entitled to elect remove the Class B-1 Director; class B-2 preferred shares shall be entitled to remove the Class B-2 Director; ordinary shares shall be entitled to remove the Ordinary Director; ordinary shares and class B-6s preferred shares together shall be entitled to remove the Common Director. |
Except any preferred stock director, any director may be removed from office with cause at any time, by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66⅔%) of the total voting power of all then outstanding shares of SAM capital stock entitled to vote for the election of directors. |
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Voting |
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Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each shall of common stock held at all meetings of stockholders (and written actions in lieu of meetings). On any matter presented to the stockholders of Southern at any meeting of stockholders of Southern (or by written consent of stockholders in lieu of meeting), each holder of outstanding shares of preferred stock shall be entitled to cast the number of votes equal to the number of whole shares of common stock into which the shares of preferred stock held by such holder are convertible as of the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote on such matter. Except as provided by law or by the other provisions of the existing charter, holders of preferred stock shall vote together with the holders of common stock in a single class. |
Each ordinary shareholder shall have the right to receive notice of, and to attend and vote at, any meeting of the Members to vote on any resolution of the Members. Except as provided by law, holders of ordinary shares shall vote together with the holders of preferred shares as a single class. Each class A preferred shareholder and class B preferred shareholder shall have the right to receive notice of, and to attend and vote at, any meetings of the Members and such number of vote(s) on any resolution of Members as shall be equal to the number of whole ordinary shares into which the class A preferred shares and/or class B preferred shares held by such holder are convertible as of the record date for determining Members entitled to vote on such matter. Holders of founder preferred shares (in their capacities as such) shall not be entitled to vote on any matters except as forth in the existing memorandum of association or as required by law. |
Except as otherwise required by law, holders of SAM common stock are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held of record by such holder on all matters on which stockholders are generally entitled to vote; provided, that, except as otherwise required by law, holders of common stock shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to the certificate of incorporation of SAM that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of preferred stock if the holders of such affected series of preferred stock are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series of preferred stock, to vote thereon pursuant to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the DGCL. |
186
Southern |
Surf Air |
SAM |
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Cumulative Voting |
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Delaware law allows for cumulative voting only if provided for in the current charter of Southern; however, the existing charter of Southern does not authorize cumulative voting. |
Surf Air’s articles do not authorize cumulative voting. |
Delaware law allows for cumulative voting only if provided for in the current charter of SAM; however, the current charter of SAM does not authorize cumulative voting. |
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Vacancies on the Board of Directors |
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If the holders of shares of Series A preferred stock, Series A-1 preferred stock, Series A-2 preferred stock, Series B preferred stock or common stock, as the case may be fail to elect a sufficient number of directors to fill all directorships for which they are entitled to elect directors, voting exclusively and as a separate class, pursuant to the existing charter, then any directorship not so filled shall remain vacant until such time as the holders of such classes of stock, as the case may be, elect a person to fill such directorship by vote or written consent in lieu of a meeting; and no such directorship may be filled by stockholders of Southern other than by the stockholders of Southern that are entitled to elect a person to fill such directorship, voting exclusively and as a separate class. |
Subject to the following and any written agreement among the Members and Surf Air, Surf Air may by resolution of Members or resolution of the directors appoint any person to fill a vacancy: Class A-1 preferred shares, class A-2 preferred shares and/or class A-3 preferred shares shall be entitled to appoint any person to serve as a replacement Class A Group 1 Director; class A-4 preferred shares and/or class A-5 preferred shares shall be entitled to appoint any person to serve as a replacement Class A Group 2 Director; class B-1 preferred shares shall be entitled to appoint any person to serve as a replacement Class B-1 Director; class B-2 preferred shares shall be entitled to appoint any person to serve as a replacement Class B-2 Director; ordinary shares shall be entitled to appoint any person to serve as a replacement Class Ordinary Director; ordinary shares and class B-6s preferred shares together shall be entitled to appoint any person to serve as a replacement Class Common Director. |
Subject to the rights of any series of preferred stock then outstanding, any vacancy on the SAM Board, by reason of death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal or otherwise, and any newly created directorship that results from an increase in the number of directors, shall be filled only by a majority of the SAM Board then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. Any director of any class elected to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors of such class shall hold office for a term that shall coincide with the remaining term of that class. Any director elected to fill a vacancy not resulting from an increase in the number of directors shall have the same remaining term as that of his or her predecessor. |
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Special Meeting of the Board of Directors |
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Special meetings of the Southern Board may be called at the request of the President, other duly authorized officer, or any two directors. |
No specific provision exists as to special meetings of the Surf Air Board. |
Special meetings of the SAM Board for any purpose or purposes may be called by the Chairman of the SAM Board, the Chief Executive Officer, if any, the President or any two directors then in office. |
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Stockholder Action by Written Consent |
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Any action that may be taken at a meeting of the stockholders may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted. |
Any resolution in writing signed by or on behalf of Members representing an absolute majority of the votes of Members for the time being entitled to receive notice of and to attend and vote at general meetings shall, without the need for any advance notice, be valid and effective as if the resolution had been passed at a general meeting of Surf Air duly convened and held. |
Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of SAM may be taken only at a duly called annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders of the company and may not be taken without a meeting by means of written consent. |
187
Southern |
Surf Air |
SAM |
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Amendment to Charter |
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Under Delaware law, an amendment to a charter generally requires the approval of the Southern Board and a majority of the combined voting power of the then-outstanding shares of voting stock, voting together as a single class. |
Under British Virgin Islands law, an amendment to the memorandum and articles may, be resolution, be amended by the members or directors of a company. Surf Air may from time to time amend the memorandum or articles of association by resolution of the Members or resolution of the directors. |
Under Delaware law, an amendment to a charter generally requires the approval of the SAM Board and a majority of the combined voting power of the then-outstanding shares of voting stock, voting together as a single class. The affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-third percent (66⅔%) of the voting power of SAM’s outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors, voting together in a single class, shall be required to amend the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with any provision inconsistent with Articles V, VI, VIII, VIII, IX or X of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. |
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Amendment of Bylaws |
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The Southern bylaws may be amended or changed at any meeting of the Southern Board by affirmative vote of a majority of the number of directors fixed by the bylaws. The stockholders entitled to vote in respect of the election of the directors shall have the power to rescind, amend, alter or repeal any bylaws and to enact bylaws which, if expressly so provided, may not be amended, altered or repealed by the Southern Board. |
Surf Air does not have bylaws. |
The SAM Board will be expressly authorized to make, repeal, alter, amend and rescind any or all of the bylaws of SAM by an affirmative vote of the majority of the entire SAM Board. The bylaws may also be amended, repealed or added to by the SAM stockholders representing at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66⅔%) of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of SAM entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class. |
188
Southern |
Surf Air |
SAM |
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Quorum |
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Board of Directors. At all meetings of the Southern Board, a majority of directors will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Shareholders. The holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote with respect to the business to be transaction, who shall be present in person or represented by proxy at any meeting duly called, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. |
Board of Directors. The quorum for the transaction of business of the directors may be fixed by the directors, and unless so fixed shall be a majority of the directors then in office if there are two or more directors, and shall be one if there is only one director. Shareholders. A quorum shall consist of the Member or Members present or by proxy or (in the case of a corporation or other non-natural person) by its duly authorized representative or proxy, entitled to exercise at least fifty (50) percent of the voting rights of the shares entitled to vote at the general meeting unless Surf Air has only one Member entitled to vote at such general meeting in which case the quorum shall be that one Member present in person or by proxy or (in the case of a corporation or other non-natural person) by its duly authorized representative or proxy. |
Board of Directors. At all meetings of the SAM Board, a majority of the directors then in office will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Stockholders. The holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of SAM entitled to vote on any matter thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business. |
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Special Stockholder Meetings |
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Special meetings, other than those regulated by statute, of the stockholders for any purpose or purposes, may be called at any time by (i) the President, (ii) by a majority of the board of directors, (iii) by designated officers of Southern, or (iv) by stockholders together holding a majority of the number of shares of Southern at the time outstanding and entitled to vote with respect to the business to be transacted at such meeting. At such meeting, no other business shall be transacted and no corporate action shall be taken other than that stated in the notice of the meeting. |
All general meetings other than annual general meetings shall be called extraordinary meetings. The directors may call general meetings, and they shall on a Member’s requisition forthwith proceed to convene an extraordinary general meeting of Surf Air. |
Special meetings of the stockholders for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by a resolution adopted by the majority of the Board, and may not be called by any other person or persons. Business transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to matters relating to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice of meeting. |
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Notice of Stockholder Meetings |
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Notice of any meeting of stockholders shall be mailed not less than five (5) nor more than ten (10) days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. |
At least seven clear days’ notice shall be given of any general meeting. |
Notice of any meeting of stockholders will be delivered not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. |
189
Southern |
Surf Air |
SAM |
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Stockholder Proposals (Other than Nomination of Persons for Election as Directors) |
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At a special meeting, no other business shall be transacted and no corporate action shall be taken other than that stated in the notice of the meeting. |
No specific provision exists as to shareholder proposals (other than nomination of persons for elections as directors). |
No business may be transacted at an annual meeting of stockholders, other than business that is either (i) specified in SAM’s notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) delivered pursuant to the bylaws, (ii) properly brought before the annual meeting by or at the direction of the SAM Board or (iii) otherwise properly brought before the annual meeting by any stockholder of SAM who is entitled to vote at the meeting, who complies with the notice procedures set forth in the bylaws and who is a stockholder of record at the time such notice is delivered to the Secretary. A stockholder is not entitled to have its proposal for business or nominees included in SAM’s proxy statement and form of proxy solely as a result of such stockholder’s compliance with the provisions of the bylaws. |
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Stockholder Nominations of Persons for Election as Directors |
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No specific provision exists as to nominations by stockholder. |
No specific provision exists as to nominations by a shareholder. |
Nominations of persons for election to the SAM Board may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders, or at any special meeting of stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors only (i) pursuant to the SAM notice of meeting, (ii) by or at the direction of the board or any committee thereof or (iii) by any stockholder who was a holder of record at the time the notice provided for in the bylaws is delivered to the Secretary, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in the bylaws. For a nomination to be made by a stockholder, such stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Secretary. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of SAM not later than the close of business on the ninetieth (90th) day, nor earlier than the close of business on the one-hundred-twentieth (120th) day, prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting of shareholders. |
190
Southern |
Surf Air |
SAM |
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Limitation of Liability of Directors and Officers |
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To the fullest extent permitted by law, a director of Southern shall not be personally liable to Southern or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. |
No Indemnified Person (defined below) shall be liable to Surf Air for any loss or damage incurred by Surf Air as a result (whether direct or indirect) of the carrying out of their functions unless that liability arises through the actual fraud or willful default of such Indemnified Person. |
The DGCL permits limiting or eliminating the monetary liability of a director and certain enumerated officers to a corporation or its stockholders, except with regard to breaches of the duty of loyalty, intentional misconduct, unlawful repurchases or dividends, or improper personal benefit. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation will provide that, to the fullest extent provided by Delaware law, no director or officer will be personally liable to SAM or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer, as applicable. |
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Indemnification of Directors, Officers, Employees and Agents |
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To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Southern is authorized to provide indemnification of (and advancement of expenses to) directors, officers and agents of Southern (and any other person to which DGCL permits Southern to provide indemnification) through bylaw provisions, agreements with such agents or other persons, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, in excess of the indemnification and advancement otherwise permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL. |
Subject to British Virgin Island law, every director and officer of Surf Air (which shall not include auditors), together with every former director and former officer of Surf Air (each an “Indemnified Person”) shall be indemnified out of the assets of Surf Air against any liability, action, proceeding, claim, demand, cost, damages or expenses, including legal expenses, whatsoever which they or any of them may incur as a result of any act or failure to act in carrying out their functions other than such liability (if any) that they may incur by reason of their own actual fraud or willful default. |
The DGCL generally permits a corporation to indemnify its directors and officers acting in good faith. Under the DGCL, the corporation through its stockholders, directors or independent legal counsel, will determine that the conduct of the person seeking indemnity conformed with the statutory provisions governing indemnity. The charter of SAM will provide that SAM will indemnify each director and officer to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. |
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Dividends, Distributions and Stock Repurchases |
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Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock, Southern may pay dividends to the holders of all shares of capital stock, when and as declared by the Southern Board, which such dividends shall be paid ratably among them based upon each such holder’s Percentage Interest (as defined therein) in Southern calculated on the record date for determination of holders entitled to receive such dividend. |
Subject to statute, the memorandum of articles and association and except as otherwise provided by the rights attached to any shares, the directors may resolve to pay distributions on shares in issue and authorize payment of the distribution out of the funds of Surf Air lawfully available therefor. |
Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock, holders of shares of SAM common stock will be entitled to receive such dividends and distributions and other distributions in cash, stock or property of SAM when, as and if declared thereon by the SAM Board from time to time out of assets or funds of SAM legally available therefor. |
191
Southern |
Surf Air |
SAM |
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Liquidation |
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Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock, all remaining amounts from assets of Southern available for distribution to its stockholders shall be paid to the holders of all shares of capital stock ratably among them based upon each such holder’s Percentage Interest in Southern. |
Subject to the rights of the holders of any preferred shares, each ordinary share shall confer on the holder thereof the right to participate in the distribution of the surplus of assets of Surf Air. |
Subject to the rights of creditors of SAM, and further subject to the holders of SAM preferred stock, shares of SAM common stock will be entitled to receive the assets and funds of SAM available for distribution in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of SAM, whether voluntary or involuntary. A liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of SAM will not be deemed to be occasioned by or to include any consolidation or merger of SAM with or into any other person or a sale, lease, exchange or conveyance of all or a part of its assets. |
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Anti-Takeover Provisions and Other Stockholder Protections |
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No specific provision exists as to anti-takeover provisions and other stockholder protections. |
No specific provision exists as to anti-takeover provisions and other stockholder protections. |
No specific provision exists as to anti-takeover provisions and other stockholder protections. |
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Duties of Directors |
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Under statutory and decisional law, directors of Delaware corporations owe fiduciary duties to the corporation, including duty of care and duty of loyalty. |
Under statutory law, directors of British Virgin Island companies, in exercising his or her powers or performing his or her duties, shall act honestly and in good faith and in what the director believes to be in the best interests of the company. |
Under statutory and decisional law, directors of Delaware corporations owe fiduciary duties to the corporation, including duty of care and duty of loyalty. |
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Inspection of Books and Records; Stockholder Lists |
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Inspection. Under the DGCL, any stockholder or beneficial owner has the right, upon written demand under oath stating the proper purpose thereof, either in person or by attorney or other agent, to inspect and make copies and extracts from the corporation’s stock ledger, list of stockholders and its other books and records for a proper purpose during the usual hours for business. The books of Southern may be kept outside the State of Delaware at such place or places as may be designated by the Southern Board. Stockholder List. Certificates shall represent the interest in each stockholder of Southern and shall be numbered and entered in the books of Southern as they are issued. |
The directors shall determine whether and to what extent and at what times and places and under what conditions or regulations the accounts and books of Surf Air or any of them shall be open to the inspection of Members not being directors and no Member (not being a director) shall have any right of inspecting any account of book or document of Surf Air except as conferred by statute or authorized by the directors or by Surf Air in general meeting. |
Under the DGCL, any stockholder or beneficial owner has the right, upon written demand under oath stating the proper purpose thereof, either in person or by attorney or other agent, to inspect and make copies and extracts from the corporation’s stock ledger, list of stockholders and its other books and records for a proper purpose during the usual hours for business. SAM shall at its principal executive office or other place designated by the SAM Board, keep a record of its stockholders, the number and class of shares held, a copy of the bylaws as amended to date, accounting books and other records. |
192
Southern |
Surf Air |
SAM |
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Choice of Forum |
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Southern’s existing charter generally designates the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for any stockholder (including a beneficial owner) to: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of Southern, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of Southern to Southern or Southern’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against Southern, its directors, officers or employees arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or Southern’s existing certificate of incorporation or bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim against Southern, its directors, officers or employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine, subject to certain exceptions. |
The existing memorandum of articles and association of Surf Air do not designate a forum. |
The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation generally designates the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for any stockholder (including a beneficial owner) to: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of SAM, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, or other employee of SAM to SAM or SAM’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against SAM, its directors, officers, or employees arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Amended and Restated Bylaws, (iv) any action asserting a claim against SAM, its directors, officers, or employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine, subject to certain exceptions. The exclusive forum provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. The federal district courts of the United States of America will be the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. |
193
SALE PRICE HISTORY OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK
We intend to apply to list our Common Stock on the NYSE. Prior to the initial listing, no public market has existed for our Common Stock and our Common Stock had limited history of trading in private transactions.
This table shows primary issuances of sales of Surf Air and Southern equity and equity linked securities as converted to shares of Common Stock. The Surf Air table below presents information regarding Class B-5 Preferred shares, Class B-6a Preferred shares, and Class B-6s Preferred shares issued by Surf Air for cash or in exchange for its outstanding debt securities during 2022 and 2023, as converted into Common Stock. The 6,215,365 shares of Class B-5 Preferred issued during the period referenced above would be converted into 278,465 shares of Common Stock. The 49,129,592 shares of Class B-6a Preferred issued during the period would be converted into 2,201,139 shares of Common Stock. The 1,008,196 shares of Class B-6s Preferred issued during the period would be converted into 45,170 shares of Common Stock. The Southern table below presents the common shares issued by Southern as acquisition consideration, as payment for debt guarantees and the exercise of common warrants during 2022 and 2023, as converted into Common Stock. The 37,021 shares of Southern common stock issued during the period referenced above would be converted into 268,705 shares of Common Stock.
The conversion ratio for both the Surf Air and the Southern equity is derived from an assumed value per share of Common Stock. This valuation was prepared by SAM and its financial advisors and is not indicative of the future trading price of the Common Stock or the valuation to be prepared by an independent third party. The conversion ratio used in the table below for Surf Air shares to Common Stock is 0.045 and the conversion ratio for Southern shares to Common Stock is 7.26.
You should not place reliance on these historical private sales prices as they may differ materially from the opening trading price and subsequent trading price of our Common Stock on the NYSE. See the section entitled “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock — The trading price of our Common Stock, upon listing on the NYSE, may have little or no relationship to the historical sales prices of our capital stock in private transactions, and such private transactions have been limited”.
Surf Air
|
Number of |
Volume- |
Aggregate |
|||||||||||
High |
Low |
|||||||||||||
Annual |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
5.91 |
2,258,243 |
$ |
7.21 |
$ |
16,290,086 |
|||||
Year Ending December 31, 2023 (through June 2, 2023) |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
11.82 |
253,840 |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
3,000,000 |
|||||
Quarterly |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
First Quarter |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
7.88 |
630,396 |
$ |
9.55 |
$ |
6,020,976 |
|||||
Second Quarter |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
5.91 |
1,543,233 |
$ |
6.01 |
$ |
9,269,110 |
|||||
Third Quarter |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
11.82 |
84,613 |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
1,000,000 |
|||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
11.82 |
12,692 |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
150,000 |
|||||
Year Ending December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
First Quarter |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|||||
Second Quarter (through June 2, 2023) |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
11.82 |
253,840 |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
3,000,000 |
|||||
Monthly |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
January |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
11.82 |
45,615 |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
539,097 |
|||||
February |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
7.88 |
578,842 |
$ |
9.35 |
$ |
5,411,687 |
|||||
March |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
11.82 |
5,939 |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
70,193 |
|||||
April |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|||||
May |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
5.91 |
1,526,311 |
$ |
5.94 |
$ |
9,069,118 |
|||||
June |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
11.82 |
16,922 |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
199,992 |
|||||
July |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|||||
August |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|||||
September |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
11.82 |
84,613 |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
1,000,000 |
194
|
Number of |
Volume- |
Aggregate |
|||||||||||
High |
Low |
|||||||||||||
October |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|||||
November |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|||||
December |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
11.82 |
12,692 |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
150,000 |
|||||
Year Ending December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
January |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|||||
February |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|||||
March |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|||||
April |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|||||
May |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|||||
June (through June 2, 2023) |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
11.82 |
253,840 |
$ |
11.82 |
$ |
3,000,000 |
|||||
Conversion Ratio (SAG to SAM share equivalents) |
|
|
0.044802717 |
|
|
Southern
|
Number of |
Volume- |
|||||||||
High |
Low |
||||||||||
Annual |
|
|
|
||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
$ |
17.85 |
$ |
6.55 |
202,699 |
$ |
6.63 |
||||
Year Ending December 31, 2023 |
$ |
1.62 |
$ |
1.62 |
334,711 |
$ |
0.32 |
||||
Quarterly |
|
|
|
||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
||||||||
First Quarter |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
||||
Second Quarter |
$ |
6.55 |
$ |
6.55 |
170,204 |
$ |
6.55 |
||||
Third Quarter |
$ |
17.85 |
$ |
6.55 |
32,495 |
$ |
7.07 |
||||
Fourth Quarter |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
||||
Year Ending December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
||||||||
First Quarter |
$ |
1.62 |
$ |
1.62 |
66,006 |
|
1.62 |
||||
Second Quarter (through June 2, 2023) |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
||||
Monthly |
|
|
|
||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
||||||||
January |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
||||
February |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
||||
March |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
||||
April |
$ |
6.55 |
$ |
6.55 |
81,974 |
$ |
6.55 |
||||
May |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
||||
June |
$ |
6.55 |
$ |
6.55 |
88,230 |
$ |
6.55 |
||||
July |
$ |
17.85 |
$ |
17.85 |
5,603 |
$ |
17.85 |
||||
August |
$ |
6.55 |
$ |
6.55 |
26,892 |
$ |
6.55 |
||||
September |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
||||
October |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
||||
November |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
||||
December |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
||||
Year Ending December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
||||||||
January |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
||||
February |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
||||
March |
$ |
1.62 |
$ |
1.62 |
66,006 |
$ |
1.62 |
||||
April |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
||||
May |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
||||
June (through June 2, 2023) |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
||||
Conversion Ratio (Southern to SAM share equivalents) |
|
|
7.258179242 |
|
195
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO
NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON STOCK
The following discussion is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to Non-U.S. Holders (as defined below) of the purchase, ownership, and disposition of our Common Stock issued pursuant to the listing of our Common Stock, but does not purport to be a complete analysis of all potential tax effects. The effects of other U.S. federal tax laws, such as estate and gift tax laws, and any applicable state, local, or non-U.S. tax laws are not discussed. This discussion is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions, and published rulings and administrative pronouncements of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, in each case in effect as of the date hereof. These authorities may change or be subject to differing interpretations. Any such change or differing interpretation may be applied retroactively in a manner that could adversely affect a Non-U.S. Holder. We have not sought and will not seek any rulings from the IRS regarding the matters discussed below. There can be no assurance the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position to that discussed below regarding the tax consequences of the purchase, ownership, and disposition of our Common Stock.
This discussion is limited to Non-U.S. Holders that hold our Common Stock as a “capital asset” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address all U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to a Non-U.S. Holder’s particular circumstances, including the impact of the Medicare contribution tax on net investment income, the application of special accounting rules under Section 451(b) of the Code, and the alternative minimum tax. In addition, it does not address consequences relevant to Non-U.S. Holders subject to special rules, including, without limitation:
• U.S. expatriates and former citizens or long-term residents of the United States;
• persons holding our Common Stock as part of a hedge, straddle, or other risk reduction strategy or as part of a conversion transaction or other integrated investment;
• banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions;
• brokers, dealers, or traders in securities;
• “controlled foreign corporations”, “passive foreign investment companies”, and corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax;
• partnerships or other entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and investors therein);
• tax-exempt organizations or governmental organizations;
• persons deemed to sell our Common Stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Code;
• persons who hold or receive our Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock option or otherwise as compensation;
• tax-qualified retirement plans; and
• “qualified foreign pension funds” as defined in Section 897(l)(2) of the Code and entities all of the interests of which are held by qualified foreign pension funds.
If an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our Common Stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will depend on the status of the partner, the activities of the partnership, and certain determinations made at the partner level. Accordingly, partnerships holding our Common Stock and the partners in such partnerships should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to them.
THIS DISCUSSION IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TAX ADVICE. INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP, AND DISPOSITION OF OUR COMMON STOCK ARISING UNDER THE U.S. FEDERAL ESTATE OR GIFT TAX LAWS OR UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, OR NON-U.S. TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE INCOME TAX TREATY.
196
Definition of a Non-U.S. Holder
For purposes of this discussion, a “Non-U.S. Holder” is any beneficial owner of our Common Stock that is neither a “U.S. person” nor an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A U.S. person is any person that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is or is treated as any of the following:
• an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;
• a corporation created or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia;
• an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or
• a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and the control of one or more “United States persons” (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code), or (2) has a valid election in effect to be treated as a United States person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Distributions
As described in the section titled “Dividend Policy”, we do not anticipate declaring or paying dividends to holders of our Common Stock in the foreseeable future. However, if we do make distributions of cash or property on our Common Stock, such distributions will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Amounts not treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes will constitute a return of capital and first be applied against and reduce a Non-U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in our Common Stock, but not below zero. Any excess will be treated as capital gain and will be treated as described below under “— Sale or Other Taxable Disposition”.
Subject to the discussion below on effectively connected income, dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of the dividends (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty, provided the Non-U.S. Holder furnishes a valid IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable documentation) certifying qualification for the lower treaty rate). A Non-U.S. Holder that does not timely furnish the required documentation, but that qualifies for a reduced treaty rate, may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their entitlement to benefits under any applicable income tax treaty.
If dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the Non-U.S. Holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such dividends are attributable), the Non-U.S. Holder will be exempt from the U.S. federal withholding tax described above. To claim the exemption, the Non-U.S. Holder must furnish to the applicable withholding agent a valid IRS Form W-8ECI, certifying that the dividends are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States.
Any such effectively connected dividends will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular rates applicable to U.S. persons. A Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation also may be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on such effectively connected dividends, as adjusted for certain items. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding any applicable tax treaties that may provide for different rules.
Sale or Other Taxable Disposition
Subject to the discussion below regarding backup withholding and foreign accounts, a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other taxable disposition of our Common Stock unless:
• the gain is effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the Non-U.S. Holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such gain is attributable);
197
• the Non-U.S. Holder is a nonresident alien individual present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the disposition and certain other requirements are met; or
• our Common Stock constitutes a U.S. real property interest, or USRPI, by reason of our status as a U.S. real property holding corporation, or USRPHC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes at any time within the shorter of the five-year period preceding such disposition or such holder’s holding period.
Gain described in the first bullet point above generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular rates applicable to U.S. persons. A Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation also may be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on such effectively connected gain, as adjusted for certain items.
A Non-U.S. Holder described in the second bullet point above will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on gain realized upon the sale or other taxable disposition of our Common Stock, which may be offset by U.S. source capital losses of the Non-U.S. Holder (even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States), provided the Non-U.S. Holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses.
With respect to the third bullet point above, we believe we currently are not, and do not anticipate becoming, a USRPHC. Because the determination of whether we are a USRPHC depends, however, on the fair market value of our USRPIs relative to the fair market value of our worldwide real property interests and our other business assets, there can be no assurance we currently are not a USRPHC or will not become one in the future. Even if we are or were to become a USRPHC, gain arising from the sale or other taxable disposition of our Common Stock by a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax if our Common Stock is “regularly traded”, as defined by applicable Treasury Regulations, on an established securities market and such Non-U.S. Holder owned, actually and constructively, 5% or less of our Common Stock throughout the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of the sale or other taxable disposition or the Non-U.S. Holder’s holding period.
Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding potentially applicable income tax treaties that may provide for different rules.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Payments of dividends on our Common Stock will not be subject to backup withholding, provided the applicable withholding agent does not have actual knowledge or reason to know the holder is a United States person and the holder either certifies its non-U.S. status, such as by furnishing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E, or W-8ECI, or otherwise establishes an exemption. However, information returns are required to be filed with the IRS in connection with any distributions on our Common Stock paid to the Non-U.S. Holder, regardless of whether such distributions constitute dividends or whether any tax was actually withheld. In addition, proceeds of the sale or other taxable disposition of our Common Stock within the United States or conducted through certain U.S.-related brokers generally will not be subject to backup withholding or information reporting if the applicable withholding agent receives the certification described above and does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such holder is a United States person or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Proceeds of a disposition of our Common Stock conducted through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker that does not have certain enumerated relationships with the United States generally will not be subject to backup withholding or information reporting.
Copies of information returns that are filed with the IRS may also be made available under the provisions of an applicable treaty or agreement to the tax authorities of the country in which the Non-U.S. Holder resides or is established.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against a Non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Additional Withholding Tax on Payments Made to Foreign Accounts
Withholding taxes may be imposed under Sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code (such Sections commonly referred to as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA, on certain types of payments made to non-U.S. financial institutions and certain other non-U.S. entities. Specifically, a 30% withholding tax may be imposed on dividends on, or (subject to the proposed Treasury Regulations discussed below) gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition
198
of, our Common Stock paid to a “foreign financial institution” or a “non-financial foreign entity” (each as defined in the Code), unless (1) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence and reporting obligations, (2) the non-financial foreign entity either certifies it does not have any “substantial United States owners” (as defined in the Code) or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial United States owner, or (3) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules. If the payee is a foreign financial institution and is subject to the diligence and reporting requirements in (1) above, it must enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain “specified United States persons” or “United States owned foreign entities” (each as defined in the Code), annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on certain payments to non-compliant foreign financial institutions and certain other account holders. Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing FATCA may be subject to different rules.
Under the applicable Treasury Regulations and administrative guidance, withholding under FATCA generally applies to payments of dividends on our Common Stock. While withholding under FATCA would have applied also to payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of stock on or after January 1, 2019, proposed Treasury Regulations eliminate FATCA withholding on payments of gross proceeds entirely. Taxpayers generally may rely on these proposed Treasury Regulations until final Treasury Regulations are issued.
Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the potential application of withholding under FATCA to their investment in our Common Stock.
199
Our principal legal advisor is O’Melveny & Myers LLP.
The financial statements of Surf Air Global Limited as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for the years then ended included in this prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report (which contains an explanatory paragraph relating to Surf Air Global Limited’s ability to continue as a going concern as described in Note 1 to the financial statements) of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
The financial statements of Southern Airways Corporation as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for the years then ended included in this prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report (which contains an explanatory paragraph relating to Southern Airways Corporation’s ability to continue as a going concern and the effects of the revision discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements) of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
CHANGE IN CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
On March 4, 2021, Surf Air Global Limited (“Surf Air”) dismissed CohnReznick LLP (“CohnReznick”) as Surf Air’s independent auditor. The decision to dismiss CohnReznick was approved by Surf Air’s Board.
During the period in which CohnReznick served as Surf Air’s independent auditors, it completed their audit of Surf Air’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018. While CohnReznick was engaged to audit Surf Air’s financials for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, those audits were not completed by the time of its dismissal. During the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, and the subsequent interim period through March 4, 2021, there were (i) no “disagreements” as such term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K, with CohnReznick on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of CohnReznick, would have caused them to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in their report, and (ii) no “reportable events”, as such term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.
Surf Air has provided CohnReznick with a copy of these disclosures and they have furnished a letter addressed to the SEC stating that it agrees with the statements made herein, a copy of which is included as Exhibit 16.1 to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
On March 17, 2021, Surf Air engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) to serve as its independent registered public accounting firm. During the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and the subsequent interim period through March 17, 2021, neither Surf Air nor anyone acting on its behalf consulted with PwC regarding either: (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on its financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to Surf Air that PwC concluded was an important factor considered by Surf Air in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement or reportable event.
200
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 and Form S-4, including exhibits and schedules, under the Securities Act, with respect to the shares of our Common Stock being offered by this prospectus. This prospectus, which constitutes part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information in the registration statement and its exhibits. For further information with respect to us and our Common Stock offered by this prospectus, we refer you to the registration statement and its exhibits. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or any other document referred to are not necessarily complete, and in each instance, we refer you to the copy of the contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. Each of these statements is qualified in all respects by this reference.
You can read our SEC filings, including the registration statement, over the internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, we will be subject to the information reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and we will file reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC. These reports, proxy statements, and other information will be available for inspection and copying at the website of the SEC referred to above. We also maintain a website at www.surfair.com, at which, following the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, you may access these materials free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Information contained on or accessible through our website is not a part of this prospectus, and the inclusion of our website address in this prospectus is an inactive textual reference only.
201
Page |
||
SURF AIR GLOBAL LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES |
||
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for Surf Air Global Limited as of March 31, 2023 and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022: |
||
F-2 |
||
F-3 |
||
F-4 |
||
F-5 |
||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) |
F-6 |
|
Audited Financial Statements for Surf Air Global Limited as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021: |
||
F-20 |
||
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 |
F-21 |
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 |
F-22 |
|
F-23 |
||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 |
F-25 |
|
F-26 |
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES |
||
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for Southern Airways Corporation as of March 31, 2023 and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022: |
||
F-62 |
||
F-63 |
||
F-64 |
||
F-65 |
||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) |
F-66 |
|
Audited Financial Statements for Southern Airways Corporation as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021: |
||
F-79 |
||
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 |
F-81 |
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 |
F-82 |
|
F-83 |
||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 |
F-84 |
|
F-85 |
F-1
Surf Air Global Limited
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)
March 31, |
December 31, |
|||||||
2023 |
2022 |
|||||||
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Cash |
$ |
241 |
|
$ |
6 |
|
||
Accounts receivable, net |
|
220 |
|
|
161 |
|
||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
7,641 |
|
|
7,755 |
|
||
Total current assets |
|
8,102 |
|
|
7,922 |
|
||
Restricted cash |
|
907 |
|
|
906 |
|
||
Property and equipment, net |
|
652 |
|
|
624 |
|
||
Intangible assets, net and other assets |
|
2,885 |
|
|
3,102 |
|
||
Operating lease right-of-use assets |
|
798 |
|
|
1,143 |
|
||
Total assets |
$ |
13,344 |
|
$ |
13,697 |
|
||
Liabilities, Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares and Shareholders’ Deficit: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Accounts payable |
$ |
15,247 |
|
$ |
12,891 |
|
||
Accrued expenses |
|
13,929 |
|
|
14,740 |
|
||
Deferred revenue |
|
7,954 |
|
|
7,820 |
|
||
Operating lease liabilities, current |
|
613 |
|
|
903 |
|
||
SAFE notes at fair value, current |
|
182 |
|
|
149 |
|
||
Convertible notes at fair value, current |
|
17,378 |
|
|
15,948 |
|
||
Due to related parties |
|
14,106 |
|
|
4,947 |
|
||
Total current liabilities |
$ |
69,409 |
|
$ |
57,398 |
|
||
Convertible notes at fair value, long term |
|
13,601 |
|
|
13,148 |
|
||
SAFE notes at fair value, long term |
|
30,329 |
|
|
24,565 |
|
||
Operating lease liabilities |
|
192 |
|
|
246 |
|
||
Other long term liabilities |
|
10,663 |
|
|
9,762 |
|
||
Total liabilities |
$ |
124,194 |
|
$ |
105,119 |
|
||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7): |
|
|
|
|
||||
Redeemable convertible preferred shares $0.001 par value; 263,459,277 shares authorized as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022; 229,144,283 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively; and aggregate liquidation preference of $178,608 as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively |
$ |
130,667 |
|
$ |
130,667 |
|
||
Shareholders’ deficit: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Class B-6s convertible preferred shares, $0.001 par value; 98,799,158 authorized shares as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022; 71,478,742 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively |
$ |
3,414 |
|
$ |
3,414 |
|
||
Ordinary shares, $0.001 par value; 801,996,399 shares authorized as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022; 279,720,332 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively |
|
279 |
|
|
279 |
|
||
Additional paid-in capital |
|
127,202 |
|
|
126,057 |
|
||
Accumulated deficit |
|
(372,412 |
) |
|
(351,839 |
) |
||
Total shareholders’ deficit |
$ |
(241,517 |
) |
$ |
(222,089 |
) |
||
Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred shares and shareholders’ deficit |
$ |
13,344 |
|
$ |
13,697 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-2
Surf Air Global Limited
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended |
||||||||
2023 |
2022 |
|||||||
Revenue |
$ |
5,507 |
|
$ |
4,818 |
|
||
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Cost of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization |
|
6,650 |
|
|
5,320 |
|
||
Technology and development |
|
812 |
|
|
743 |
|
||
Sales and marketing |
|
1,394 |
|
|
1,131 |
|
||
General and administrative |
|
8,441 |
|
|
8,598 |
|
||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
258 |
|
|
257 |
|
||
Total operating expenses |
|
17,555 |
|
|
16,049 |
|
||
Operating loss |
|
(12,048 |
) |
|
(11,231 |
) |
||
Other income (expense): |
|
|
|
|
||||
Changes in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value, net |
|
(8,096 |
) |
|
(926 |
) |
||
Interest expense |
|
(171 |
) |
|
(360 |
) |
||
Gain on extinguishment of debt |
|
— |
|
|
1,992 |
|
||
Other expense |
|
(258 |
) |
|
(122 |
) |
||
Total other income (expense), net |
|
(8,525 |
) |
|
584 |
|
||
Loss before income taxes |
|
(20,573 |
) |
|
(10,647 |
) |
||
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
||
Net loss |
$ |
(20,573 |
) |
$ |
(10,647 |
) |
||
Net loss per share applicable to ordinary shareholders, basic and diluted |
$ |
(0.07 |
) |
$ |
(0.04 |
) |
||
Weighted-average number of common shares used in net loss per share applicable to ordinary shareholders, basic and diluted |
|
316,057,459 |
|
|
277,655,784 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-3
Surf Air Global Limited
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares and Shareholders’ Deficit
(in thousands, except share data)
(unaudited)
Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Redeemable |
Class B-6s |
Ordinary Shares |
Additional |
Accumulated |
Total |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Number of |
Amount |
Number of |
Amount |
Number of |
Amount |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 |
229,144,283 |
$ |
130,667 |
71,478,742 |
$ |
3,414 |
279,720,332 |
$ |
279 |
$ |
126,057 |
$ |
(351,839 |
) |
|
(222,089 |
) |
|||||||||
Share-based compensation expense |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
1,145 |
|
— |
|
|
1,145 |
|
|||||||||
Net loss |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(20,573 |
) |
|
(20,573 |
) |
|||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2023 |
229,144,283 |
$ |
130,667 |
71,478,742 |
$ |
3,414 |
279,720,332 |
$ |
279 |
$ |
127,202 |
$ |
(372,412 |
) |
$ |
(241,517 |
) |
Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Redeemable |
Class B-6s |
Ordinary Shares |
Additional |
Accumulated |
Total |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of |
Amount |
Number of |
Amount |
Number of |
Amount |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 |
179,329,073 |
$ |
118,692 |
70,606,523 |
|
$ |
3,294 |
|
185,959,043 |
$ |
186 |
$ |
100,971 |
$ |
(277,477 |
) |
$ |
(173,026 |
) |
|||||||||
Conversion of 2017 convertible note to Class B-5 redeemable convertible preferred shares |
6,215,365 |
|
441 |
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|||||||||
Reissuance of Class B- 6a redeemable convertible preferred shares for Class B-6s convertible preferred shares |
135,977 |
|
10 |
(135,977 |
) |
|
(10 |
) |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
(10 |
) |
|||||||||
Conversion of related party convertible note to Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares |
2,832,860 |
|
201 |
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|||||||||
Issuance of Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares |
472,143 |
|
250 |
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|||||||||
Issuances of Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares in exchange for outstanding payable |
4,107,647 |
|
307 |
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|||||||||
Issuances of Class B-6s redeemable convertible preferred shares in exchange for outstanding payable |
— |
|
— |
442,475 |
|
|
24 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
61 |
|
— |
|
|
85 |
|
|||||||||
Ordinary share warrants issued in 2017 convertible notes conversion |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
38 |
|
— |
|
|
38 |
|
|||||||||
2022 RSPA and RSGA grants |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
|
— |
|
60,278,024 |
|
60 |
|
27 |
|
— |
|
|
87 |
|
|||||||||
Capital contribution from convertible notes from related party |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
1,925 |
|
— |
|
|
1,925 |
|
|||||||||
Share-based compensation expense |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
4,669 |
|
— |
|
|
4,669 |
|
|||||||||
Net loss |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(10,647 |
) |
|
(10,647 |
) |
|||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2022 |
193,093,065 |
$ |
119,901 |
70,913,021 |
|
$ |
3,308 |
|
246,237,067 |
$ |
246 |
$ |
107,691 |
$ |
(288,124 |
) |
$ |
(176,879 |
) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-4
Surf Air Global Limited
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||||||
2023 |
2022 |
|||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Net loss |
$ |
(20,573 |
) |
$ |
(10,647 |
) |
||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
258 |
|
|
257 |
|
||
Share-based compensation expense |
|
1,145 |
|
|
4,730 |
|
||
Changes in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value, net |
|
8,096 |
|
|
926 |
|
||
Amortization of debt discounts and debt issuance costs |
|
— |
|
|
2 |
|
||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Accounts receivable, net |
|
(58 |
) |
|
(80 |
) |
||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
183 |
|
|
472 |
|
||
Accounts payable |
|
2,355 |
|
|
(1,931 |
) |
||
Accrued expenses |
|
(811 |
) |
|
6 |
|
||
Deferred revenue |
|
384 |
|
|
362 |
|
||
Other liabilities |
|
— |
|
|
27 |
|
||
Cash flows used in operating activities |
$ |
(9,021 |
) |
$ |
(5,876 |
) |
||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
|
(83 |
) |
|
(12 |
) |
||
Internal-use software development costs |
|
(49 |
) |
|
(45 |
) |
||
Net cash used in investing activities |
$ |
(132 |
) |
$ |
(57 |
) |
||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Payments of borrowings on convertible notes |
|
(20 |
) |
|
— |
|
||
Proceeds from borrowings of SAFE notes |
|
250 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Proceeds from borrowings on convertible notes |
|
— |
|
|
4,000 |
|
||
Proceeds from borrowings due to related parties |
|
9,159 |
|
|
1,450 |
|
||
Proceeds from the issuance of Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares |
|
— |
|
|
250 |
|
||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
$ |
9,389 |
|
$ |
5,700 |
|
||
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
|
236 |
|
|
(233 |
) |
||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period |
|
912 |
|
|
1,574 |
|
||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period |
$ |
1,148 |
|
$ |
1,341 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Conversion of convertible securities to Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares |
$ |
— |
|
$ |
201 |
|
||
Issuance of Class B-6s convertible preferred shares in exchange for outstanding payables |
$ |
— |
|
$ |
24 |
|
||
Issuances of Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares in exchange for outstanding payable |
$ |
— |
|
$ |
307 |
|
||
Conversion of 2017 Notes to Class B-5 redeemable convertible preferred shares |
$ |
— |
|
$ |
441 |
|
||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities |
$ |
— |
|
$ |
621 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-5
Surf Air Global Limited
Note 1. Description of Business
Organization
Surf Air Global Limited is a British Virgin Islands holding company and was formed on August 15, 2016. Surf Air Global Limited, together with its consolidated subsidiaries are collectively referred to hereafter as “Surf Air” or the “Company”.
Surf Air is a technology-enabled regional air travel network, offering daily scheduled flights and on-demand charter flights. Its customers consist of regional business and leisure travelers. Headquartered in Hawthorne, California, Surf Air commenced flight operations in June 2013.
Liquidity and Going Concern
The Company has incurred losses from operations, negative cash flows from operating activities and has a working capital deficit. In addition, the Company is currently in default of certain excise and property taxes as well as certain debt obligations. These tax and debt obligations are classified as current liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet as of March 31, 2023. As discussed in Note 7, Commitments and Contingencies, on May 15, 2018, the Company received a notice of a tax lien filing from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for unpaid federal excise taxes for the quarterly periods beginning October 2016 through September 2017 in the amount of $1.9 million, including penalties and interest as of the date of the notice. The Company agreed to a payment plan (“Installment Plan”) whereby the IRS would take no further action and remove such liens at the time such amounts have been paid. In 2019, the Company defaulted on the Installment Plan. Defaulting on the Installment Plan can result in the IRS nullifying such plan, placing the Company in default and taking collection action against the Company for any unpaid balance. The Company’s total outstanding federal excise tax liability including accrued penalties and interest of $6.3 million is included in accrued expenses on the balance sheet as of March 31, 2023. The Company has also defaulted on its property tax obligations in various California counties in relation to fixed assets, plane usage and aircraft leases. The Company’s total outstanding property tax liability including penalties and interest is approximately $2.0 million as of March 31, 2023. Additionally, Los Angeles County has imposed a tax lien on four of the Company’s aircrafts due to the late filing of its 2022 property tax return. As of March 31, 2023, the amount of property tax, interest and penalties related to the lien was approximately $0.2 million. The Company is in the process of remediating the late filing and payment of the property taxes due. As of March 31, 2023, the Company was also in default of the Simple Agreements for Future Equity with Token allocation (“SAFE-T”) note, where the note matured in July 2019 (see Note 4, Financing Arrangements). The note is subordinate to the Company’s senior lender therefore the Company cannot pay the outstanding balance prior to paying the senior lender. The SAFE-T note had an outstanding principal amount of $0.5 million as of March 31, 2023.
In 2019, in connection with certain past due rental and maintenance payments under its aircraft leases totaling in aggregate approximately $5.0 million, which is accrued for at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 as Other long term liabilities, the Company entered into a payment plan pursuant to which all repayments of the past due amounts are deferred until such time as the Company receives at least $30.0 million in aggregate funds in connection with any capital contribution, at which time it is required to repay $1.0 million of such past due payments, with the eventual full repayment of the remaining amounts being required upon the receipt of at least $50.0 million in capital contributions.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The going concern assumption contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.
The airline industry and the Company’s operations are cyclical and highly competitive. The Company’s success is largely dependent on the ability to raise debt and equity capital, increase its membership base, increase passenger loads, and continue to expand into regions profitably throughout the United States.
F-6
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1. Description of Business (cont.)
The Company’s prospects and ongoing business activities are subject to the risks and uncertainties frequently encountered by companies in new and rapidly evolving markets. Risks and uncertainties that could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition include, but are not limited to the ability to raise additional capital (or financing) to fund operating losses, refinance its current outstanding debt, sustain ongoing operations, the ability to attract and maintain members, the ability to integrate, manage and grow recent acquisitions and new business initiatives, obtain and maintain relevant regulatory approvals, and the ability to measure and manage risks inherent to the business model.
In addition to the risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s emerging business model, there continues to be a worldwide impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 has resulted in changes in consumer and business behavior, pandemic fears, market downturns, and restrictions on business and individual activities, which created significant volatility in global economy and has led to reduced economic activity particularly in the air travel industry. Due to enhanced virtual meeting and teleconferencing technology that has been adopted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are meeting over virtual meeting platforms than in person, which reduces the need for transportation. Specifically, COVID-19 related disruption in air travel has led to a decrease in membership sales, flight cancellations and significant operational volatility contributing to Surf Air defaulting on certain debt arrangements and amending the terms and conditions of certain debt arrangements, in order to meet liquidity needs (see Note 4, Financing Arrangements).
The Company has funded its operations and capital needs primarily through the net proceeds received from the issuance of various debt instruments, convertible securities, related party funding, and preferred and common share financing arrangements. The Company is evaluating strategies to obtain the additional funding for future operations. These strategies may include, but are not limited to, obtaining additional equity financing, issuing additional debt or entering into other financing arrangements, restructuring of operations to grow revenues and decrease expenses. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in achieving its strategic plans, that new financing will be available to the Company in a timely manner or on acceptable terms, if at all. If the Company is unable to raise sufficient financing when needed or events or circumstances occur such that the Company does not meet its strategic plans, the Company will be required to take additional measures to conserve liquidity, which could include, but not necessarily limited to, reducing certain spending, altering or scaling back development plans, including plans to equip regional airline operations with hybrid electric aircraft and reducing funding of capital expenditures, which would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and ability to achieve its intended business objectives. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Interim Financial Information
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, the interim financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 and the related notes. The information herein reflects all material adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the period presented. The results for the three months ended March 31, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2023.
F-7
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
There have been no material changes in significant accounting policies during the three months ended March 31, 2023 from those disclosed in the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities and operating results of Surf Air. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of income and expense during the reporting period.
On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates using historical experience and other factors including the current economic and regulatory environment as well as management’s judgment. Items subject to such estimates and assumptions include: revenue recognition and related allowances, valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, certain accrued liabilities, useful lives and recoverability of long-lived assets, fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in acquisitions, legal contingencies, assumptions underlying convertible notes and convertible securities carried at fair value and share-based compensation. These estimates may change as new events occur and additional information is obtained and such changes are recognized in the condensed consolidated financial statements as soon as they become known. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and any such differences may be material to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
Deferred Revenue
The Company records deferred revenue (contract liabilities) when the Company receives customer payments in advance of the performance obligations being satisfied on the Company’s contracts. The Company generally collects payments from customers in advance of services being provided. The Company recognizes the deferred revenue as revenue when it meets the applicable revenue recognition criteria, which is usually either over the contract term, or when services have been provided. Accordingly, deferred revenue is classified within current liabilities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
During the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized revenue of $2.4 million and $1.4 million, respectively, out of the beginning of year deferred revenue balance.
The long term performance obligations for contractually committed revenues, all of which is related to charter revenue, is recorded in Other long term liabilities as of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022 in the amount of $2.0 million and $1.8 million, respectively.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Adopted
In October 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Topic (“ASU”) 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, which requires an acquirer in a business combination to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities (deferred revenue) from acquired contracts using the revenue recognition guidance in ASC 606. Under this “ASC 606 approach”, the acquirer applies the revenue model as if it had originated the contracts.
F-8
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
This is a departure from the current requirement to measure contract assets and contract liabilities at fair value. Under current practice, measuring deferred revenue at fair value typically results in a reduction to the deferred revenue balance the acquiree had recorded before the acquisition. The reduction causes the acquirer to recognize less revenue than the acquiree would have absent an acquisition. The amendments in this ASU are applied to business combinations occurring on or after the effective date of the amendments. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods for public entities and for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods for nonpublic entities. The Company early adopted ASU 2021-08 as of January 1, 2023, and will apply this guidance to any acquisitions after the date of adoption.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). This new credit losses standard changes the accounting for credit losses for certain instruments. The new measurement approach is based on expected losses, commonly referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model, which is utilized to estimate lifetime “expected credit losses” and record an allowance that, when deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset, presents the net amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. The CECL model is expected to result in more timely recognition of credit losses and applies to financial assets including loans, held-to-maturity debt securities, net investment in leases, and reinsurance and trade receivables, as well as certain off-balance sheet credit exposures, such as loan commitments. The standard also changes the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842), which updated the effective date of this credit loss standard to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 for nonpublic entities, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 as of January 1, 2023, and the guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In September 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-04, Liabilities — Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations (Topic 425). This ASU creates a disclosure framework by which buyers in a supplier finance program will be required to disclose significant qualitative and quantitative information to allow a user of financial statements to understand the program’s nature and potential magnitude. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company adopted ASU 2022-04 as of January 1, 2023, and assessed that the guidance does not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Note 3. Accrued Expenses
As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):
March 31, |
December 31, |
|||||
Accrued compensation and benefits |
$ |
1,621 |
$ |
1,486 |
||
Excise and property taxes payables |
|
6,368 |
|
6,446 |
||
Interest and commitment fee payable |
|
234 |
|
64 |
||
Reserve for settlement for non-accredited investors |
|
224 |
|
282 |
||
Accrued Monarch legal settlement |
|
1,314 |
|
1,314 |
||
Accrued professional services |
|
3,070 |
|
3,555 |
||
Other accrued liabilities |
|
1,098 |
|
1,593 |
||
Total accrued expenses |
$ |
13,929 |
$ |
14,740 |
F-9
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 4. Financing Arrangements
Fair Value of Convertible Instruments
The Company has elected the fair value option for the convertible notes, which requires them to be remeasured to fair value each reporting period with changes in fair value recorded in changes in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value, net on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, except for change in fair value that results from a change in the instrument specific credit risk which is presented separately within other comprehensive income. The fair value estimate includes significant inputs not observable in the market, which represents a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
The increase in the convertible notes for the three months ended March 31, 2023 is primarily a result of the increase in the fair value of the convertible notes (see Note 5, Fair Value Measurements).
Fair value of convertible notes (in thousands):
Fair Value at |
||||||
March 31, |
December 31, |
|||||
2017 Convertible Notes |
$ |
16,670 |
$ |
15,242 |
||
2020 Convertible Note |
|
708 |
|
706 |
||
2017 Convertible Term Note |
|
13,601 |
|
13,148 |
||
Total |
$ |
30,979 |
$ |
29,096 |
Fair Value of SAFE Notes
The Company’s Simple Agreements for Future Equity notes (“SAFE”) and Simple Agreement for Future Equity with Tokens (“SAFE-T”) are carried at fair value, with fair value determined using Level 3 inputs. The Company determined that the SAFE and SAFE-T instruments should be classified as liabilities based on evaluating the characteristics of the instruments, which contained both debt and equity-like features. The SAFE notes mature in May and June 2024. The SAFE-T instrument matured in July 2019. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the SAFE and SAFE-T notes are recorded in earnings as part of changes in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The increase in the SAFE notes for the three months ended March 31, 2023 is primarily a result of the increase in the fair value of the SAFE notes (see Note 5, Fair Value Measurements).
Fair value of SAFE notes (in thousands):
Fair Value at |
||||||||
March 31, |
December 31, |
|||||||
SAFE note with LamVen, a related party |
$ |
6,622 |
|
$ |
5,403 |
|
||
SAFE note with Park Lane, a related party |
|
6,622 |
|
|
5,403 |
|
||
SAFE note with iHeart Media |
|
8,829 |
|
|
7,203 |
|
||
SAFE note with Palantir |
|
7,947 |
|
|
6,484 |
|
||
SAFE note with a private investor |
|
88 |
|
|
72 |
|
||
SAFE note with a private investor |
|
221 |
|
|
— |
|
||
SAFE-T |
|
182 |
|
|
149 |
|
||
Total |
$ |
30,511 |
|
$ |
24,714 |
|
||
Less; SAFE notes at fair value, current |
$ |
(182 |
) |
$ |
(149 |
) |
||
SAFE notes at fair value, long-term |
$ |
30,329 |
|
$ |
24,565 |
|
F-10
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 4. Financing Arrangements (cont.)
On January 31, 2023 the Company entered into a new SAFE note in which the Company agreed to sell an investor up to a number of common shares having an aggregate value of $0.3 million in exchange for cash received in 2023. The resulting conversion prices will be based on a contractually defined discount of 20% of the per share consideration payable to common shareholders, in the event of a change in control or qualified financing, and a 35% discount to the price per share of common shares issued in the event of a de-SPAC transaction, IPO, or direct listing. The maturity date for the SAFE is January 31, 2025. The fair value as of March 31, 2023 is $0.2 million.
Note 5. Fair Value Measurements
The fair values of the convertible notes, SAFE instruments, preferred stock warrant liabilities, and derivative liability were based on the estimated values of the notes, SAFE instruments, warrants, and derivatives upon conversion including adjustments to the conversion rates, which were probability weighted associated with certain events, such as a sale of the Company or becoming a public company. The estimated fair values of these financial liabilities were determined utilizing the Probability-Weighted Expected Return Method and is considered a Level 3 fair value measurement.
Significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation models as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were as follows:
March 31, |
December 31, |
|||
Public listing probability |
60% |
50% |
||
Lack of marketability |
32% |
32% |
||
Discount rates used in the sale scenario for debt instruments |
0% |
70% |
||
Discount rates used in the public listing scenario |
20% – 30% |
20% – 30% |
||
Probability weighted volatility |
155% |
147% |
Assets and liabilities are classified in the hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.
The following tables summarize the Company’s financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the condensed consolidated financial statements (in thousands):
F-11
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 5. Fair Value Measurements (cont.)
The following table provides a reconciliation of activity and changes in fair value for the Company’s convertible loans and redeemable convertible preferred stock warrant liability using inputs classified as Level 3 (in thousands):
Convertible |
Preferred |
SAFE |
GEM |
|||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 |
$ |
11,681 |
|
$ |
9 |
|
$ |
19 |
$ |
435 |
||||
Issuance of convertible notes |
|
4,191 |
|
|
— |
|
|
11,839 |
|
— |
||||
Conversion of convertible notes to preferred shares |
|
(10,257 |
) |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
||||
Conversion of PFG liability to convertible note |
|
11,197 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
||||
Change in fair value |
|
12,284 |
|
|
42 |
|
|
12,856 |
|
2,528 |
||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 |
$ |
29,096 |
|
$ |
51 |
|
$ |
24,714 |
$ |
2,963 |
||||
Issuance of SAFE |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
250 |
|
— |
||||
Payments of borrowings on convertible notes |
|
(20 |
) |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
||||
Change in fair value |
|
1,903 |
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
5,547 |
|
669 |
||||
Balance at March 31, 2023 |
$ |
30,979 |
|
$ |
28 |
|
$ |
30,511 |
$ |
3,632 |
Note 6. Warrants
Preferred Share Warrants
Convertible Preferred Share Warrant Liability
Warrants to purchase shares of convertible preferred stock are classified as Other long term liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and are subject to remeasurement to fair value at each balance sheet date with changes in fair value recorded in Changes in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value, net on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
There were no convertible preferred share warrants issued in the three months ended March 31, 2023. The convertible preferred share warrants issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were 805,823 shares of B-2 preferred warrants; 410,123 shares of B-3 preferred warrants; and 1,493,015 shares of B-4 preferred warrants.
Ordinary Share Warrants
Warrants were issued by the Company in connection with debt and equity capital raising transactions, as well as part of debt restructuring activities. The warrants may be exercised with respect to the warrant shares at any time, or from time to time, in whole or in part at any time on or prior to the expiration date, which is seven to ten years from the issuance date. The warrants will terminate on the earlier of the expiration date or change in control upon the effectiveness of the Company’s registration statement or upon the closing of a deemed liquidation event. If there is no change in control, the warrants without a stated expiration date never expire.
Total outstanding ordinary share warrants issued by the Company were 103,368,810 as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
F-12
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies
Software License Agreements
On May 18, 2021, the Company executed two agreements with Palantir Technologies Inc. to license a suite of software for the term of seven years commencing on the effective date. The agreements identify two phases: an Initial Term from May 18, 2021 through June 30, 2023, with a cost of $11.0 million and an Enterprise Term from July 1, 2023 to May 7, 2028, with a cost of $39.0 million, for a total software cost of $50.0 million. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, Palantir has provided $2.0 million of services to the Company.
Share Purchase Agreement with GEM
During 2020, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) with GEM Global Yield LLC SCS (“GEM”) and an entity affiliated with GEM to provide incremental financing in the event the Company completed a business combination transaction with a special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”), IPO, or direct listing. Pursuant to the SPA, GEM is required to purchase ordinary shares of the Company at a discount to the volume weighted average trading price up to a maximum aggregate purchase price of $200.0 million, and in return the Company agreed to pay a total commitment fee of $4.0 million payable in installments at the time of each purchase of ordinary shares or no later than one year from the anniversary of a public listing transaction and issued a forward contract for GEM to purchase 0.75% of the Company’s fully-diluted ordinary shares outstanding upon completion of a public listing transaction at an exercise price of $0.01 per ordinary share.
On May 17, 2022 and February 8, 2023, the SPA was further amended and restated in which the Company entered into the Share Subscription Facility with GEM, which increases the facility to $400.0 million and the commitment fee to $8.0 million. Pursuant to the Share Subscription Facility, upon the terms of and subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, Surf Air Mobility Inc (“SAM”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, will have the right from time to time at its option to direct GEM to purchase up to a specified maximum amount of shares of common stock, up to a maximum aggregate purchase price of $400.0 million (the “Aggregate Limit”), over the term of the Share Subscription Facility. Upon its initial public listing, SAM may request GEM advances in an aggregate amount of up to $100.0 million, consisting of four incremental advances of up to $25.0 million each. Any GEM advance will reduce amounts that Surf Air can request for future draw downs.
The Company has accounted for the commitment as a derivative financial instrument which is recorded at fair value within Other long term liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the fair value of the GEM commitment was $3.6 million and $3.0 million, respectively. Changes in fair value were recorded in Changes in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value, net on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Licensing, Exclusivity and Aircraft Purchase Arrangements
Textron Agreement
On September 15, 2022, Textron Aviation Inc. and one of its affiliates (“TAI”), entered into a Collaboration Agreement for engineering services, licenses, sales and marketing, and aircraft purchase agreements with the Company, which are only effective as of the first trading date of shares of common stock of SAM on a national securities exchange (“Effective Date”).
The Collaboration Agreement provides, among other things, that TAI will provide the Company certain services in furtherance of development of an electrified powertrain technology (the “SAM System”). Under the Collaboration Agreement, the Company agrees to meet certain development milestones by specified dates, including issuance of a supplemental type certificate by the FAA. Should the Company fail to meet certain development milestones, TAI has the right to terminate the agreement.
F-13
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies (cont.)
The licensing agreement grants the Company a nonexclusive license to certain technical information and intellectual property for the purpose of developing an electrified propulsion system for the Cessna Caravan aircraft, and to assist in obtaining Supplemental Type Certificates (“STC”) from the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”), including any foreign validation by any other aviation authority, for electrified propulsion upfits/retrofits of the Cessna Caravan aircraft. The licensing agreement provides for payment by the Company of license fees aggregating $60.0 million over a multi-year period.
Under the sales and marketing agreement, the parties agreed to develop marketing, promotional and sales strategies for the specifically configured Caravans and further agreed to: (a) include the SAM Aircraft in sales and marketing materials (print and digital) distributed to authorized dealers, (b) prominently display the SAM Aircraft on their respective websites and social media, (c) include representatives of SAM and TAI at trade show booths, (d) market SAM Aircraft and conversions to SAM Aircraft to all owners of pre-owned Caravans, and (e) not advertise or offer any third-party Exclusive System variants of the Caravan. Certain technologies for aircraft propulsion are specifically carved out from the Exclusive System. The SMA provides for payment by SAM of exclusivity fees aggregating $40.0 million, with certain amounts deferred such that the aggregate fee is payable over four years commencing on the earlier of the year after SAM obtains a supplemental type certificate for the SAM System on the Caravan (the “SAM STCs”) or the 5th anniversary of the TAI Effective Date. SAM’s obligation to pay exclusivity fees in any year may be offset, in whole or in part, based on the achievement of certain sales milestones of SAM Aircraft and Caravans subsequently converted to a SAM System.
Under the aircraft purchase agreement, the Company may purchase 100 specifically configured Caravans having an aggregate purchase price in excess of $300.0 million, with an option to purchase an additional 50 specifically configured Caravans having an aggregate purchase price in excess of $150.0 million, over the course of 7 years. The final price to be paid by the Company will be dependent upon a number of factors, including the final specifications of such aircraft and any price escalations.
Jetstream Agreement
On October 10, 2022, SAM and Jetstream Aviation Capital, LLC (“Jetstream”) entered into an Agreement (the “Jetstream Agreement”) that provides for a sale and/or assignment of purchase rights of aircraft from SAM to Jetstream and the leaseback of such aircraft from Jetstream to SAM within a maximum aggregate purchase amount of $450.0 million, including a $120.0 million total minimum usage obligation for SAM. The agreement may be terminated: (i) if the Company’s common stock is not publicly listed and the Southern acquisition is not consummated prior to December 31, 2023; (ii) upon a termination notice by either party in the event that a material adverse change in the business of the other party is not resolved within 30 days of such notice; and (iii) as mutually agreed in writing by the parties.
Business Combination Agreements
The Company entered into a business combination agreement, dated as of May 17, 2022 (the “Merger Agreement”) with Tuscan Holdings Corp II (“Tuscan”). On November 14, 2022, SAM and Tuscan mutually terminated the Merger Agreement. SAM is obligated to issue to Tuscan 635,000 shares of common stock or $0.7 million in cash upon a triggering event defined as a direct listing, IPO or a business combination with a SPAC.
On November 11, 2022, SAM entered into an amendment to the acquisition agreement with Southern Airways Corporation dated as of March 17, 2021, as amended on August 22, 2021 and on May 17, 2022, to reflect the termination of the Merger Agreement with Tuscan and to reflect that SAM will acquire 100% of the equity interests in Southern Airways Corporation in exchange for shares equal to the greater of $81.25 million (based on the opening price per share on the first day of listing of SAM common shares) or 12.5% of SAM’s fully-diluted common shares prior to the issuance of the Tuscan shares, the SAFE settlement shares, and any initial issuance in connection with the GEM SPA. The completion of the acquisition of Southern Airways Corporation is contingent on, among other things, the effectiveness of a public registration statement, the approval for listing of the Company’s common stock, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
F-14
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies (cont.)
Guarantees
The Company indemnifies its officers and directors for certain events or occurrences arising as a result of the officer or director serving in such capacity. The term of the indemnification period is for the officer or director’s lifetime. The maximum potential future amount the Company could be required to pay under these indemnification agreements is unlimited. The Company believes its insurance would cover any liability that may arise from the acts of its officers and directors and as of March 31, 2023 the Company is not aware of any pending claims or liabilities.
The Company entered into indemnification provisions under agreements with other parties in the ordinary course of business, typically with business partners, contractors, customers, landlords and investors. Under these provisions, the Company generally indemnifies and holds harmless the indemnified party for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party as a result of its activities or, in some cases, as a result of the indemnified party’s activities under the agreement. These indemnification provisions often include indemnifications relating to representations Surf Air has made with regards to intellectual property rights. These indemnification provisions generally survive termination of the underlying agreement. The maximum potential future amount the Company could be required to pay under these indemnification provisions is unlimited.
Legal Contingencies
In 2017, the Company acquired Rise U.S. Holdings, LLC (“Rise”). Prior to the close of the acquisition, Rise Alpha, LLC and Rise Management, LLC, (both of which are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Rise and hereinafter referred to as the “Rise Parties”), were served with a petition for judgment by Menagerie Enterprises, Inc. (“Monarch Air”), relating to breach of contract for failure to pay Monarch Air pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Monarch Air Flight Services Agreement, which occurred prior to the Company’s acquisition of Rise. The Rise Parties filed numerous counterclaims against Monarch Air, including fraud, breach of contract, and breach of fiduciary duty. Rise, a subsidiary of the Company, was named as a party in the lawsuit. During 2018 and 2019, certain summary judgements were granted in favor of Monarch Air.
On November 8, 2021, the Rise Parties entered into a final judgment in respect of litigation to finally resolve all claims raised by Monarch Air and the Rise Parties agreed to pay actual damages of $1.0 million, pre-judgment interest of $0.2 million, attorneys’ fees of $0.06 million and court costs of approximately $0.003 million. Since then, Monarch Air has been conducting post-judgment discovery. The full settlement had been accrued within Accrued expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets by the Company as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Surf Air is also a party to various other claims and matters of litigation incidental to the normal course of its business, none of which were considered to have a potential material impact as of March 31, 2023.
Tax Commitment
On May 15, 2018, Surf Air received notice of a tax lien filing from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for unpaid federal excise taxes for the quarterly periods beginning October 2016 through September 2017 in the amount of $1.9 million, including penalties and interest as of the date of the notice. The Company agreed to a payment plan (“Installment Plan”) whereby the IRS would take no further action and remove such liens at the time such amounts have been paid. In 2019, the Company defaulted on the Installment Plan. Defaulting on the Installment Plan can result in the IRS nullifying such plan, placing the Company in default and taking collection action against the Company for any unpaid balance. The Company’s total outstanding federal excise tax liability, including accrued penalties and interest, is recorded in Accrued expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and is in the amount of $6.3 million and $5.8 million as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
During 2018, the Company defaulted on its property tax obligations in various California counties in relation to fixed assets, plane usage and aircraft leases. The Company’s total outstanding property tax liability including penalties and interest is $2.0 million and $1.7 million as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
F-15
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 8. Disaggregated Revenue
The disaggregated revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended |
||||||
2023 |
2022 |
|||||
On-Demand |
$ |
4,676 |
$ |
3,557 |
||
Scheduled |
|
831 |
|
1,261 |
||
Total revenue |
$ |
5,507 |
$ |
4,818 |
Note 9. Share-Based Compensation
Share Options
A summary of share option activity under the 2016 Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2023 is set forth below:
Number of |
Weighted |
Aggregate |
Weighted |
||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2022 |
39,608,026 |
|
9.01 |
$ |
10,306 |
$ |
0.16 |
||||
Granted |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
||||||
Exercised |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
||||||
Canceled |
(927,849 |
) |
|
$ |
0.16 |
||||||
Outstanding at March 31, 2023 |
38,680,177 |
|
8.75 |
$ |
13,353 |
$ |
0.16 |
||||
Exercisable at March 31, 2023 |
23,829,165 |
|
8.31 |
$ |
8,634 |
$ |
0.16 |
Restricted Stock Units
At March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had 4,937,535 RSU’s unvested with the weighted average grant date fair value of $0.17 per RSU, respectively.
Restricted Share Purchase Agreement
A summary of RSPA activity under the 2016 Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2023 is set forth below:
Number of |
Weighted |
|||||
Unvested RSPAs at December 31, 2022 |
70,835,766 |
|
$ |
0.11 |
||
Granted |
— |
|
$ |
— |
||
Vested |
(1,413,543 |
) |
$ |
0.11 |
||
Forfeited |
— |
|
$ |
— |
||
Unvested RSPAs at March 31, 2023 |
69,422,223 |
|
$ |
0.11 |
Restricted Share Grant Agreement
As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were 84,521,166 RSGA shares outstanding.
F-16
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 10. Income Taxes
For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, the Company was subject to current state taxes in California and Texas of $0.003 million and $0.003 million, respectively.
The Company recognizes deferred income taxes for deferred tax benefits arising from NOL carryforwards and temporary differences between book and tax income, which will be recognized in future years as an offset against future taxable income. A valuation allowance is provided to offset deferred tax assets, if based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Future realization of deferred tax assets depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character. Sources of taxable income include future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, expected future taxable income, taxable income in prior carryback years if permitted under the tax law, and tax planning strategies. Also, utilization of the operating losses may be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to the ownership change limitations provided by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 under Section 382 and similar state provisions. For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, the Company has evaluated all positive and negative evidence to determine that it is appropriate to record a full valuation allowance on the Company’s deferred tax assets, as the Company does not believe that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will ultimately be realized.
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, or Section 382, imposes limitations on a corporation’s ability to utilize its NOL carryforwards, if it experiences an “ownership change” as defined. In general terms, an ownership change may result from transactions increasing the ownership percentage of certain stockholders in the stock of the corporation by more than 50% over a three-year period. In the event of an ownership change, utilization of the NOL carryforwards would be subject to an annual limitation under Section 382 determined by multiplying the value of the Company’s stock at the time of the ownership change by the applicable long-term tax-exempt rate. The Company has not completed a Section 382 study at this time; however, should a study be completed, certain NOL carryforwards may be subject to such limitations. Any future annual limitation may result in the expiration of NOL carryforwards before utilization.
The Company recognizes the impact of a tax position in the condensed consolidated financial statements if the tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination and on the technical merits of the position. Based on the evaluation, the Company has concluded that for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, there were no unrecognized tax benefits. The Company does not anticipate a significant change in unrecognized tax benefits during the next nine months.
The Company is subject to income tax examinations by the U.S. federal and state tax authorities. There were no ongoing income tax examinations as of March 31, 2023. In general, tax years 2011 and forward remain open to audit for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes.
Note 11. Related Party Balances and Transactions
Convertible Notes at Fair Value
As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the 2017 convertible note issued to LamVen, a related party, with a principal amount of $3.5 million, was outstanding. The fair value of LamVen’s portion of the 2017 convertible notes as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was $15.0 million and $13.8 million, respectively. The 2017 Notes are convertible into one of the following: (i) automatically into future preferred shares of the Company at a price per share paid by the other purchasers of new preferred shares multiplied by 70%, upon occurrence of a Qualified Financing (defined as equity financing with gross proceeds of at least $60 million) on or before the maturity date; or (ii) automatically into Class B-2 redeemable convertible preferred shares of the Company at price of $1.1533 per share, if a Qualified Financing has not occurred on or before the maturity; or (iii) ordinary shares of the Company upon occurrence of change of control prior to the time when the 2017 Notes may otherwise be converted at a price of $1.1533 per share; or (iv) ordinary shares of the Company, at the option of the holders of a majority in interest of the aggregate principal amount of the 2017 Notes then outstanding at a price per share of $1.1533, if an initial public offering of the Company’s stock (IPO) occurs prior to the time when the 2017 Notes may otherwise be converted; or (v) at the lender’s election any time prior to the time when the 2017 Notes may otherwise be converted, provided that the accrued interest at conversion would be calculated at 22% per annum and Company would have the sole discretion
F-17
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 11. Related Party Balances and Transactions (cont.)
on whether the conversion is into Class B-5 redeemable convertible preferred shares and/or Class B-6s convertible preferred shares, in which case at a conversion price of $0.38 per share. If the lender makes such an election, a warrant to purchase a number of ordinary shares equal to 10% of number of preferred shares received upon conversion would also be granted.
These related party convertible notes are included in Convertible notes at fair value, current in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
SAFE Notes at Fair Value
As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, SAFE notes issued to LamVen and Park Lane, entities affiliated with our co-founder, with aggregate principal amount of $15.0 million, were outstanding. The SAFE notes’ conversion prices will be based on a contractually defined discount of 20% of the per share consideration payable to common shareholders, in the event of a change in control or qualified financing, and a 35% discount to the price per share of common shares issued in the event of a de-SPAC transaction, IPO, or direct listing. The maturity date for these SAFE notes is May 17, 2024. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the fair value of these SAFE notes in aggregate was $13.2 million and $10.8 million, respectively. The SAFE notes are included in SAFE notes at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Term Notes
The Company entered into term note agreements with related parties and recorded the notes in Due to related parties at carrying value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the term notes outstanding are as follows (in thousands):
Carrying Value at |
||||||
March 31, |
December 31, 2022 |
|||||
Term notes with LamVen, a related party |
$ |
8,892 |
$ |
4,500 |
||
Term notes with LamJam, a related party |
|
5,100 |
|
— |
||
Total |
$ |
13,992 |
$ |
4,500 |
The term notes with LamVen are scheduled to mature on the earlier of December 31, 2023 or the date on which the notes are otherwise accelerated as provided for in the agreement. The notes with aggregate principal amount of $5.5 million bear interest at a rate of 8.25% per annum and the notes with an aggregate principal amount of $3.4 million bear interest at a rate of 10.0% per annum. Interest is payable in full at maturity or upon acceleration by prepayment.
The term notes with LamJam, an entity affiliated with a co-founder of the Company, are scheduled to mature on the earlier of December 31, 2023 or the date on which the note is otherwise accelerated as provided for in the agreement. The note with a principal amount of $1.7 million bears interest at a rate of 8.25% per annum and the note with a principal amount of $3.5 million bears interest at a rate of 10.0% per annum. Interest is payable in full at maturity or upon acceleration by prepayment.
The notes are recorded at their carrying values within Due to related parties within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Other Transactions
Additionally, LamVen paid for various expenses on behalf of the Company. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company owed LamVen $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively. These amounts are recorded within Due to related parties on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
As of March 31, 2023, the Company continues to lease four aircrafts from Park Lane for a monthly lease payment of $0.025 million per aircraft. The lease term for the four aircrafts expires in July 2023.
F-18
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 12. Net Loss per Share Applicable to Ordinary Shareholders, Basic and Diluted
The Company calculates basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders using the two-class method required for companies with participating securities. The Company considers preferred stock to be participating securities as the holders are entitled to receive dividends on a pari passu basis in the event that a dividend is paid on ordinary shares.
The following table sets forth the computation of net loss per ordinary share (in thousands, except share data):
Three Months Ended |
||||||||
2023 |
2022 |
|||||||
Net loss |
$ |
(20,573 |
) |
$ |
(10,647 |
) |
||
Weighted-average number of common shares used in net loss per share applicable to ordinary shareholders, basic and diluted |
|
316,057,459 |
|
|
277,655,784 |
|
||
Net loss per share applicable to ordinary shareholders, basic and diluted |
$ |
(0.07 |
) |
$ |
(0.04 |
) |
The Company excluded the following potential ordinary shares, presented based on amounts outstanding at each period end, from the computation of diluted net loss per share for the periods indicated because including them would have had an anti-dilutive effect:
Three Months Ended |
||||
2023 |
2022 |
|||
Excluded securities: |
||||
Options to purchase ordinary shares |
38,680,177 |
17,610,700 |
||
Restricted stock units |
4,937,535 |
4,937,535 |
||
Unvested RSPAs |
69,422,223 |
68,644,766 |
||
Preferred stock (as converted to ordinary shares) |
300,623,025 |
264,006,084 |
||
Total ordinary shares equivalents |
413,662,960 |
355,199,085 |
Note 13. Subsequent Events
Management evaluated events occurring subsequent to March 31, 2023 through June 2, 2023, the date the condensed consolidated financial statements were available for issuance.
On April 30, 2023, the Company amended the 2020 Note to extend the maturity date from May 1, 2023 to November 1, 2023. All other terms of the note remain the same, bearing compound interest at a rate of 6.25% per annum and a monthly payment of $5 thousand (see Note 4, Financing Arrangements).
On May 22, 2023, the Company entered into a term note agreement in exchange for $4.6 million in cash from LamVen LLC, a related party of the Company. The Company received the $4.6 million in cash contributions as of the report date. The note is scheduled to mature on the earlier of December 31, 2023 or the date on which the note is otherwise accelerated as provided for in the agreement. Interest is due upon maturity at a rate of 10.0% per annum until the note is paid in full at maturity or upon acceleration by prepayment.
On May 25, 2023, SAM entered into an amendment to the acquisition agreement with Southern Airways Corporation, whereby the outside date by which the transaction could be consummated was extended to July 31, 2023. No other terms to the previously amended acquisition agreement were changed.
On June 1, 2023, the Company amended the terms of the 2017 convertible notes issued to LamVen to extend the maturity date from May 31, 2023 to December 31, 2023. No other changes to the terms of the 2017 Notes were made.
On June 2, 2023, the Company issued an aggregate of 5,665,722 shares of Preferred Class of B-6a to one accredited investor at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $3,000,000.
F-19
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Surf Air Global Limited
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Surf Air Global Limited and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of changes in redeemable convertible preferred shares and shareholders’ deficit and of cash flows for the years then ended, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Substantial Doubt about the Company’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has incurred losses from operations, negative cash flows from operating activities and has a working capital deficit that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for leases in 2022.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Los Angeles, California
April 13, 2023
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2021.
F-20
Surf Air Global Limited
Consolidated Balance Sheets
as of December 31, 2022 and 2021
(in thousands)
|
December 31, |
|||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
||||
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
||||
Cash |
$ |
6 |
|
$ |
719 |
|
||
Accounts receivable, net |
|
161 |
|
|
15 |
|
||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
7,755 |
|
|
1,201 |
|
||
Total current assets |
|
7,922 |
|
|
1,935 |
|
||
Restricted cash |
|
906 |
|
|
855 |
|
||
Property and equipment, net |
|
624 |
|
|
703 |
|
||
Intangible assets, net and other assets |
|
3,102 |
|
|
4,065 |
|
||
Operating lease right-of-use assets |
|
1,143 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Total assets |
$ |
13,697 |
|
$ |
7,558 |
|
||
Liabilities, Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares and Shareholders’ Deficit |
|
|
|
|
||||
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
||||
Accounts payable |
$ |
12,891 |
|
$ |
14,042 |
|
||
Accrued expenses |
|
14,740 |
|
|
13,199 |
|
||
Deferred revenue |
|
7,820 |
|
|
5,162 |
|
||
Operating lease liabilities, current |
|
903 |
|
|
— |
|
||
SAFE notes at fair value, current |
|
149 |
|
|
19 |
|
||
Term notes |
|
— |
|
|
11,790 |
|
||
Convertible notes at fair value, current |
|
15,948 |
|
|
11,273 |
|
||
Due to related parties |
|
4,947 |
|
|
90 |
|
||
Total current liabilities |
|
57,398 |
|
|
55,575 |
|
||
Convertible notes at fair value, long term |
|
13,148 |
|
|
408 |
|
||
SAFE notes at fair value, long term |
|
24,565 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Operating lease liabilities |
|
246 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Other long term liabilities |
|
9,762 |
|
|
5,909 |
|
||
Total liabilities |
|
105,119 |
|
|
61,892 |
|
||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11) |
|
|
|
|
||||
Redeemable convertible preferred shares $0.001 par value; 263,459,277 shares authorized as of December 31, 2022 and 2021; 229,144,283 and 179,329,073 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively; and aggregate liquidation preference of $178,608 and $153,094 as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively |
$ |
130,667 |
|
$ |
118,692 |
|
||
Shareholders’ deficit: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Class B-6s convertible preferred shares, $0.001 par value; 98,799,158 authorized shares as of December 31, 2022 and 2021; 71,478,742 and 70,606,523 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively |
|
3,414 |
|
|
3,294 |
|
||
Ordinary shares, $0.001 par value; 801,996,399 and 630,461,814 shares authorized as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, 279,720,332 and 185,959,043 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively |
|
279 |
|
|
186 |
|
||
Additional paid-in capital |
|
126,057 |
|
|
100,971 |
|
||
Accumulated deficit |
|
(351,839 |
) |
|
(277,477 |
) |
||
Total shareholders’ deficit |
|
(222,089 |
) |
|
(173,026 |
) |
||
Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred shares and shareholders’ deficit |
$ |
13,697 |
|
$ |
7,558 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-21
Surf Air Global Limited
Consolidated Statements of Operations
for the Years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
|
Year Ended December 31 |
|||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||
Revenue |
$ |
20,274 |
|
$ |
11,798 |
|
||
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
||||
Cost of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization |
|
24,824 |
|
|
14,495 |
|
||
Technology and development |
|
3,289 |
|
|
2,964 |
|
||
Sales and marketing |
|
5,214 |
|
|
3,773 |
|
||
General and administrative |
|
36,824 |
|
|
22,864 |
|
||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
1,027 |
|
|
1,052 |
|
||
Total operating expenses |
|
71,178 |
|
|
45,148 |
|
||
Operating loss |
|
(50,904 |
) |
|
(33,350 |
) |
||
Other income (expense) |
|
|
|
|
||||
Changes in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value, net |
|
(27,711) |
|
|
(76) |
|
||
Interest expense |
|
(596) |
|
|
(2,140) |
|
||
Gain on extinguishment of debt |
|
5,951 |
|
|
691 |
|
||
Other expense |
|
(1,102 |
) |
|
(909 |
) |
||
Total other expense, net |
|
(23,458 |
) |
|
(2,434 |
) |
||
Loss before income taxes |
|
(74,362 |
) |
|
(35,784 |
) |
||
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
||
Net loss |
$ |
(74,362 |
) |
$ |
(35,784 |
) |
||
Net loss per share applicable to ordinary shareholders, basic and diluted |
$ |
(0.25 |
) |
$ |
(0.19 |
) |
||
Weighted-average number of common shares used in net loss per share applicable to ordinary shareholders, basic and diluted |
|
302,006,679 |
|
|
192,372,698 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-22
Surf Air Global Limited
Changes in Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares and Shareholders’ Deficit
for the Years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(in thousands, except share data)
Redeemable Convertible |
Class B-6s |
Ordinary Shares |
Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Additional |
Accumulated |
Accumulated |
Total Shareholders’ Deficit |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of |
Amount |
Number of |
Amount |
Number of |
Amount |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 |
147,818,884 |
$ |
103,585 |
70,470,546 |
$ |
3,284 |
153,940,086 |
$ |
154 |
$ |
96,072 |
|
$ |
(241,693 |
) |
$ |
641 |
|
$ |
(141,542 |
) |
||||||||||
Release change in fair value due to instrument specific credit risk to earnings |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
(641 |
) |
|
(641 |
) |
|||||||||||
Conversion of 2017 convertible note to Class B-5 redeemable convertible preferred shares |
3,649,587 |
|
355 |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
(19 |
) |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
(19 |
) |
||||||||||
Issuance of Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares |
27,026,046 |
|
14,310 |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
||||||||||
Conversion of promissory note into Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares |
834,556 |
|
442 |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
||||||||||
Ordinary share warrants issued to extend maturity of Term Debt |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
758 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
758 |
|
||||||||||
Ordinary share warrants issued in 2017 convertible notes |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
33 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
33 |
|
||||||||||
Issuances of Class B-6s convertible preferred shares in exchange for outstanding payable |
— |
|
— |
135,977 |
|
10 |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
10 |
|
||||||||||
Gain on extinguishment of a related party notes payable to Park Lane Investments, LLC |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|||||||||||
2021 RSPA grants |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
32,008,957 |
|
32 |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
32 |
|
||||||||||
Cash paid for RSPA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Capital contribution from convertible note |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
943 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
943 |
|
||||||||||
Exercise of share options |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
10,000 |
|
— |
|
1 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
1 |
|
||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
3,183 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
3,183 |
|
||||||||||
Net loss |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
(35,784 |
) |
|
— |
|
|
(35,784 |
) |
||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 |
179,329,073 |
$ |
118,692 |
70,606,523 |
$ |
3,294 |
185,959,043 |
$ |
186 |
$ |
100,971 |
|
$ |
(277,477 |
) |
$ |
— |
|
$ |
(173,026 |
) |
F-23
Surf Air Global Limited
Changes in Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares and Shareholders’ Deficit
for the Years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 — (Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
Redeemable Convertible |
Class B-6s |
Ordinary Shares |
Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Additional |
Accumulated |
Accumulated |
Total |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of |
Amount |
Number of |
Amount |
Number of |
Amount |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Conversion of 2017 convertible note to Class B-5 redeemable convertible preferred shares |
6,215,365 |
|
441 |
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
|||||||||||
Reissuance of Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares for Class B-6s convertible preferred shares |
135,977 |
|
10 |
(135,977 |
) |
|
(10 |
) |
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
(10 |
) |
||||||||||
Conversion of convertible notes to Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares |
14,398,441 |
|
3,484 |
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
||||||||||
Conversion of related party convertible note to Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares |
22,313,779 |
|
6,333 |
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
||||||||||
Issuance of Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares |
2,644,001 |
|
1,400 |
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
||||||||||
Issuances of Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares in exchange for outstanding payable |
4,107,647 |
|
307 |
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
255 |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
255 |
|
||||||||||
Conversion of debt to Class B-6s convertible preferred shares |
— |
|
— |
1,008,196 |
|
|
130 |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
130 |
|
||||||||||
Ordinary share warrants issued in 2017 convertible notes |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
38 |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
38 |
|
||||||||||
Issuance of ordinary warrants in exchange for advisory services |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
567 |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
567 |
|
||||||||||
2022 RSPA and RSGA grants |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
|
— |
|
99,771,818 |
|
|
99 |
|
|
113 |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
212 |
|
||||||||||
Repurchase of RSPA |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
|
— |
|
(6,182,259 |
) |
|
(6 |
) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
(6 |
) |
||||||||||
Capital contribution from convertible notes from related party |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
2,024 |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
2,024 |
|
||||||||||
Issuance of related party SAFEs |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
9,723 |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
9,723 |
|
||||||||||
Exercise of share options |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
|
— |
|
171,730 |
|
|
— |
|
|
7 |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
7 |
|
||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
12,359 |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
12,359 |
|
||||||||||
Net loss |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
(74,362 |
) |
|
— |
|
(74,362 |
) |
||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 |
229,144,283 |
$ |
130,667 |
71,478,742 |
|
$ |
3,414 |
|
279,720,332 |
|
$ |
279 |
|
$ |
126,057 |
$ |
(351,839 |
) |
$ |
— |
$ |
(222,089 |
) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-24
Surf Air Global Limited
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the Years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Net loss |
$ |
(74,362 |
) |
$ |
(35,784 |
) |
||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
1,027 |
|
|
1,052 |
|
||
Gain on extinguishment of debt |
|
(5,951 |
) |
|
(691 |
) |
||
Decrease in allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
— |
|
|
(141 |
) |
||
Share-based compensation expense |
|
12,452 |
|
|
3,191 |
|
||
Changes in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value, net |
|
27,711 |
|
|
77 |
|
||
Amortization of debt discounts and debt issuance costs |
|
46 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Loss on disposal of assets |
|
— |
|
|
117 |
|
||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Accounts receivable, net |
|
(146 |
) |
|
287 |
|
||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
173 |
|
|
(388 |
) |
||
Other assets |
|
— |
|
|
1 |
|
||
Accounts payable |
|
1,336 |
|
|
2,951 |
|
||
Due to a related party |
|
— |
|
|
(31 |
) |
||
Accrued expenses |
|
5,736 |
|
|
2,888 |
|
||
Deferred revenue |
|
3,950 |
|
|
2,083 |
|
||
Other liabilities |
|
(9 |
) |
|
458 |
|
||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
(28,037 |
) |
|
(23,930 |
) |
||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
|
(99 |
) |
|
(137 |
) |
||
Internal-use software development costs |
|
(199 |
) |
|
(124 |
) |
||
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
(298 |
) |
|
(261 |
) |
||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Payments of borrowings on convertible notes |
|
(5 |
) |
|
— |
|
||
Proceeds from borrowings of SAFE notes |
|
15,100 |
|
|
3,500 |
|
||
Proceeds from borrowings on convertible notes |
|
4,000 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Proceeds from borrowings due to related parties |
|
7,106 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Proceeds from the issuance of Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares |
|
1,400 |
|
|
14,752 |
|
||
Proceeds from exercise of shares |
|
72 |
|
|
1 |
|
||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
27,673 |
|
|
18,253 |
|
||
Decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
|
(662 |
) |
|
(5,938 |
) |
||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period |
|
1,574 |
|
|
7,512 |
|
||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period |
$ |
912 |
|
$ |
1,574 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Issuance of SAFE for future services |
$ |
6,416 |
|
$ |
— |
|
||
Issuance of Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares for outstanding payables |
$ |
255 |
|
$ |
— |
|
||
Conversion of convertible securities to Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares |
$ |
9,816 |
|
$ |
— |
|
||
Issuance of Class B-6s convertible preferred shares for outstanding payables |
|
— |
|
|
10 |
|
||
Issuances of Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares in exchange for outstanding payable |
$ |
307 |
|
$ |
— |
|
||
Conversion of 2017 Notes to Class B-5 redeemable convertible preferred shares |
$ |
441 |
|
$ |
368 |
|
||
Issuances of Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares in exchange for outstanding payable |
$ |
— |
|
$ |
75 |
|
||
Issuance of ordinary warrants |
$ |
— |
|
$ |
758 |
|
||
Right-of use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities |
|
1,800 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable |
$ |
61 |
|
$ |
206 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-25
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1. Description of Business
Organization
Surf Air Global Limited is a British Virgin Islands holding company and was formed on August 15, 2016. Surf Air Global Limited, together with its consolidated subsidiaries are collectively referred to hereafter as “Surf Air” or the “Company”.
Surf Air is a technology-enabled regional air travel network, offering daily scheduled flights and on-demand charter flights. Its customers consist of regional business and leisure travelers. Headquartered in Hawthorne, California, Surf Air commenced flight operations in June 2013.
Segment and Geographic Information
The Company operates as a single operating and reportable segment. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer is the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”). The CODM reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis for purposes of assessing financial performance and allocating resources.
Liquidity and Going Concern
The Company has incurred losses from operations, negative cash flows from operating activities and has a working capital deficit. In addition, the Company is currently in default of certain excise and property taxes as well as certain debt obligations. These tax and debt obligations are classified as current liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. As discussed in Note 11, Commitments and Contingencies, on May 15, 2018, the Company received a notice of a tax lien filing from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for unpaid federal excise taxes for the quarterly periods beginning October 2016 through September 2017 in the amount of $1.9 million, including penalties and interest as of the date of the notice. The Company agreed to a payment plan (“Installment Plan”) whereby the IRS would take no further action and remove such liens at the time such amounts have been paid. In 2019, the Company defaulted on the Installment Plan. Defaulting on the Installment Plan can result in the IRS nullifying such plan, placing the Company in default and taking collection action against the Company for any unpaid balance. The Company’s total outstanding federal excise tax liability including accrued penalties and interest of approximately $5.8 million is included as accrued liabilities on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2022. The Company has also defaulted on its property tax obligations in various California counties in relation to fixed assets, plane usage and aircraft leases. The Company’s total outstanding property tax liability including penalties and interest is approximately $1.7 million as of December 31, 2022. Additionally, Los Angeles County has imposed a tax lien on four of the Company’s aircraft due to the late filing of its 2022 property tax return. As of March 31, 2023, the amount of property tax, interest and penalties was approximately $0.2 million. The Company is in the process of remediating the late filing and payment of the property taxes due. The Company also owed the city of Hawthorne, California for past due business license fees from 2018 through 2022 in the total of approximately $0.2 million, which, as of March 31, 2023, had been paid.
In 2019, in connection with certain past due rental and maintenance payments under its aircraft leases totaling in aggregate approximately $5.0 million, which is accrued for at December 31, 2022 and 2021 as Other Long term liabilities, the Company entered into a payment plan pursuant to which all repayments of the past due amounts are deferred until such time as the Company receives at least $30 million in aggregate funds in connection with any capital contribution, at which time it is required to repay $1.0 million of such past due payments, with the eventual full repayment of the remaining amounts being required upon the receipt of at least $50.0 million in capital contributions.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company was also in default of the principal payment related to the 2020 Convertible Note and a Simple Agreements for Future Equity with Token allocation (“SAFE-T”) note (see Note 8 Financing Arrangements). The 2020 Convertible Note had an outstanding principal of $0.6 million as of December 31, 2022. The SAFE-T note had an outstanding principal of $0.5 million as of December 31, 2022. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The going concern assumption contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.
F-26
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1. Description of Business (cont.)
The airline industry and the Company’s operations are cyclical and highly competitive. The Company’s success is largely dependent on the ability to raise debt and equity capital, increase its membership base increase passenger loads, and continue to expand into regions profitably throughout the United States.
The Company’s prospects and ongoing business activities are subject to the risks and uncertainties frequently encountered by companies in new and rapidly evolving markets. Risks and uncertainties that could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition include, but are not limited to the ability to raise additional capital (or financing) to fund operating losses, refinance its current outstanding debt, sustain ongoing operations, the ability to attract and maintain members, the ability to integrate, manage and grow recent acquisitions and new business initiatives, obtain and maintain relevant regulatory approvals, and the ability to measure and manage risks inherent to the business model.
In addition to the risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s emerging business model, there continues to be a worldwide impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 has resulted in changes in consumer and business behavior, pandemic fears, market downturns, and restrictions on business and individual activities, which created significant volatility in global economy and has led to reduced economic activity particularly in the air travel industry. Due to enhanced virtual meeting and teleconferencing technology that has been adopted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are meeting over virtual meeting platforms than in person, which reduces the need for transportation. Specifically, COVID-19 related disruption in air travel has led to a decrease in membership sales, flight cancellations and significant operational volatility contributing to Surf Air defaulting on certain debt arrangements and amending the terms and conditions of certain debt arrangements, in order to meet liquidity needs. (see Note 8, Financing Arrangements and Note 9, Term Notes).
The Company has funded its operations and capital needs primarily through the net proceeds received from the issuance of various debt instruments, convertible securities and preferred and common share financing arrangements. The Company is evaluating strategies to obtain the additional funding for future operations. These strategies may include, but are not limited to, obtaining additional equity financing, issuing additional debt or entering into other financing arrangements, restructuring of operations to grow revenues and decrease expenses. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in achieving its strategic plans, that new financing will be available to the Company in a timely manner or on acceptable terms, if at all. If the Company is unable to raise sufficient financing when needed or events or circumstances occur such that the Company does not meet its strategic plans, the Company will be required to take additional measures to conserve liquidity, which could include, but not necessarily limited to, reducing certain spending, altering or scaling back development plans, including plans to equip regional airline operations with hybrid electric aircraft and reducing funding of capital expenditures, which would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and ability to achieve its intended business objectives. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities and operating results of Surf Air. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Other than net loss, the Company does not have any other elements of comprehensive income or loss for the periods presented.
F-27
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of income and expense during the reporting period.
On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates using historical experience and other factors including the current economic and regulatory environment as well as management’s judgment. Items subject to such estimates and assumptions include: revenue recognition and related allowances, valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, certain accrued liabilities, useful lives and recoverability of long-lived assets, fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in acquisitions, legal contingencies, assumptions underlying convertible notes and convertible securities carried at fair value and share-based compensation. These estimates may change as new events occur and additional information is obtained and such changes are recognized in the consolidated financial statements as soon as they become known. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and any such differences may be material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Concentration of Risk
The financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and accounts receivable. All of the Company’s cash deposits are held at financial institutions that management believes to be of high credit quality. The Company’s cash deposit accounts may exceed federally insured limits at times. The Company has not experienced any losses on cash deposits to date. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s accounts receivable balance is primarily comprised of pending transactions with credit card processors. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, no individual customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s revenues.
Cash and Restricted Cash
Cash and restricted cash consists of cash on hand held in commercial bank accounts. The Company classifies all cash with use limited by contractual provisions as restricted cash. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021 the Company had restricted cash of $0.9 million and $0.8 million, respectively, consisting of collateral against a corporate credit card. The Company has classified the restricted cash as long term, which represents the expected lapse of the restriction.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts receivable primarily represents pending transactions with credit card processors. Accounts receivable is initially recorded at the original invoiced amount. A receivable is considered past due if the Company has not received payments based on agreed-upon terms. Allowances for doubtful accounts are established for the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated recoverable amount. Accounts receivable are written off when the balances are not considered to be recoverable. Write offs are recorded against previously established allowance for doubtful accounts. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s accounts receivable net of allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.2 million and $0.01 million, respectively.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The Company capitalizes expenditures for software developed or obtained for internal use. These costs include personnel and related employee benefits expenses for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to software development projects, and external direct costs of consultants and materials for developing the software. Software development costs that do not qualify for capitalization as well as costs related to minor upgrades and enhancements are expensed as incurred and recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
F-28
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
Purchases of property and equipment, major additions and modifications are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, or, in the case of leasehold improvements, over the term of the lease or economic life, whichever is shorter as follows:
Assets |
Depreciable Life |
|
Furniture and fixtures |
5 years |
|
Equipment and vehicle |
3 years and 5 years |
|
Internal use software |
3 years |
|
Leasehold improvements |
Shorter of the estimated lease term or 5 years |
Depreciation of property and equipment is included within Depreciation and amortization on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist primarily of trademarks and software acquired in an asset acquisition. The Company capitalizes expenditures for major software purchases.
The Company amortizes finite-lived intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from two to five years. The straight-line recognition method approximates the manner in which the expected benefits will be derived.
Business Combinations and Asset Acquisitions
The Company applies a screen test to evaluate if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets to determine whether a transaction should be accounted for as an asset acquisition or business combination. If the gross assets are not concentrated in a single asset or group of similar assets, then the Company determines if the set of assets acquired represents a business. A business is an integrated set of activities and assets capable of being conducted and managed for the purpose of providing a return. Depending on the nature of the acquisition, judgment may be required to determine if the set of assets acquired is a business combination or not.
The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that the assets acquired, and the liabilities assumed be recorded at the date of acquisition at their respective fair value and that direct costs of acquisitions be expensed as they are incurred. The excess purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.
In an asset acquisition, goodwill is not recognized, but rather, any excess purchase consideration over the fair value of the net assets acquired is allocated on a relative fair value basis to the identifiable net assets as of the acquisition date and any direct acquisition-related transaction costs are capitalized as part of the purchase consideration.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets such as property and equipment, finite-lived intangible assets, and right of use assets are reviewed for impairment, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Events or changes in circumstances that may indicate that an asset is impaired include significant decreases in the market value of an asset, significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future results of operations, a change in the extent or manner in which an asset is utilized, significant decline in the estimated fair value of the overall Company for a sustained period, shifts in technology, loss of key management or personnel, changes in the Company’s operating model or strategy and competitive
F-29
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
forces. During 2022 and 2021, the Company determined there were no events or circumstances that would indicate the carrying value of the assets are not recoverable. Accordingly, no impairment charges were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. The Company performs impairment testing at the asset group level that represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. The amount of impairment loss, if any, is measured as the difference between the carrying value of the asset and its estimated fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values, and third-party independent appraisals, as appropriate.
Deferred Revenue
The Company records deferred revenue (contract liabilities) when the Company receives customer payments in advance of the performance obligations being satisfied on the Company’s contracts. The Company generally collects payments from customers in advance of services being provided. The Company recognizes the deferred revenue as revenue when it meets the applicable revenue recognition criteria, which is usually either over the contract term, or when services have been provided. Accordingly, deferred revenue is classified within current liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized revenue of $3.9 million and $2.4 million, respectively, out of the beginning of year deferred revenue balance.
The long-term performance obligations for contractually committed revenues, all of which is related to charter revenue, is recorded in Other long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2022 in the amount of $1.8 million.
Revenue Recognition
The Company determines the amount of revenue to be recognized in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, through application of the following steps:
(1) Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer;
(2) Identification of the performance obligations in the contract;
(3) Determination of the transaction price;
(4) Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and
(5) Recognition of revenue when or as the Company satisfies the performance obligations.
Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company is entitled to in exchange for those services. The Company’s revenue is reported net of discounts and incentives. The Company generally does not issue refunds for flights unless there is a failure to meet its service obligations.
Scheduled Revenue
Scheduled revenue is derived from membership subscriptions, principally relating to two main categories of membership subscriptions: All-You-Can-Fly (“AYCF”) and Pay-As-You-Fly (“PAYF”).
AYCF membership subscriptions allow members to book scheduled flights as needed over the contract term, typically of one month. Customers benefit from the services evenly throughout the service period and the timing of when customers book flights under AYCF is not predictable. AYCF membership fees are billed to the member on a monthly basis in
F-30
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
advance. The Company recognizes the membership subscription revenue on a month-to-month basis. The Company has determined the AYCF membership represents a performance obligation. Revenue derived from AYCF memberships during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 amounted to $2.3 million and $2.9 million, respectively.
The Company also offers PAYF memberships to members. The members pay an annual membership fee, which enables the member to purchase single use vouchers for travel on Company’s scheduled routes. Vouchers are sold in a package and generally expire twelve months after the purchase date. Vouchers are nonrefundable, not exchangeable for cash and may not be used for other Company services. The Company recognizes the upfront annual membership fee as well as amounts paid by members for the purchase of vouchers based on usage or expiration, where applicable, of the vouchers. The Company has determined the PAYF membership and vouchers to represent a single performance obligation. Revenue derived from PAYF memberships and vouchers during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 amounted to $2.0 million and $1.9 million, respectively.
On-Demand Revenues
The Company offers on-demand service (“On-Demand”) whereby a customer specifies the route and aircraft for the desired flight. The Company has determined the provision of charter flights or a single seat on third party scheduled flight to be a separate performance obligation. Revenue is recognized at a point in time once the charter flight or third party scheduled flight is completed. Revenue derived from charter flights was $15.7 million and $6.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Revenue derived from single seat sales on third party scheduled flights was $0.2 million and $0.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Disaggregated Revenue
|
Year Ended December 31 |
|||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||
On-Demand |
$ |
15,950 |
$ |
6,445 |
||
Scheduled |
|
4,324 |
|
5,353 |
||
Total revenue |
$ |
20,274 |
$ |
11,798 |
Principal vs Agent
The Company utilizes FAA certified independent third-party air carriers in the performance of its charter flights on Surf Air aircraft or on aircraft operated by those air carriers. The Company evaluates whether it is a principal or an agent in contracts involving more than one party by assessing whether it controls the flight services before they are transferred to its customers.
The Company acts as the principal when it controls the services by directing third-party air carriers to provide services to customers on its behalf. The Company controls the services when it is primarily responsible for fulfilment of the flight services obligation to the customer and has pricing discretion. In these arrangements, revenue recognized is the gross amount of the contract consideration paid by customers. When the Company is not primarily responsible for the fulfilment of the flight services, it acts as an agent and therefore recognized revenue is net of amounts paid to third-party air carriers and operators that provide the services. All charter revenue was recognized on a gross basis in 2022 and the majority of the charter revenue was recognized on a gross basis in 2021.
Transaction Price
Surf Air’s payment terms generally include advance payment requirements through the use of a credit card. The time between a customer’s payment, the receipt of funds and the satisfaction of performance obligation is not significant. The Company’s contracts with customers do not result in significant obligations associated with returns, refunds, or warranties. The Company’s fees for services are generally fixed and do not include variable consideration.
F-31
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
Leases
The Company currently leases aircraft and space in aircraft hangars, as well as its corporate headquarters facility under operating lease agreements. Aircraft lease terms approximate 3 years with no renewal periods, whereas leased facilities have lease terms ranging from month-to-month to five years. The Company expects that as these leases expire, these will be renewed or replaced by other leases in the normal course of business.
In 2021, lease expense was recognized on a straight-line basis as rent expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 840, Leases. Leases containing tenant improvement allowances, rent holidays, and/or rent escalation clauses were recognized as deferred rent which is the difference between the amount charged to rent expense and the rent paid. Deferred rent is amortized over the noncancellable lease term.
In 2022, with the adoption of ASC 842, Leases the Company analyzed contract arrangements at inception to determine the existence of a lease. Right-of-use assets (“ROUAs”) represent the right to use the underlying asset and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments for the lease term. Operating lease ROUAs and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As none of the Company’s leases provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the appropriate term and information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The lease term may include options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. ROUAs and operating lease liabilities, except for leases with a term of 12 months or less, are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Operating Expenses
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue consists of costs that are directly related to delivering the Company’s services and certain facility costs. Delivery of the Company’s services primarily comprise fees paid to third-party air carriers for operating aircraft in providing flight services and platform infrastructure costs. Cost of revenue also includes facility costs representing leases and operating costs for stations throughout the service network and all personnel related costs for member services and ground concierge staff. Personnel related costs primarily include salary and bonus. Cost of revenue excludes depreciation on property and equipment and amortization of finite-lived intangible assets.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expense consists primarily of personnel related and other costs in connection with the Company’s sales and marketing efforts. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and were not material for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Sales and marketing excludes depreciation on property and equipment and amortization of finite-lived intangible assets.
Technology and Development
Technology and development expense consists of personnel and other costs related to technology development and management efforts including costs for third-party development resources, and allocations of overhead and facility costs. Technology cost also includes research and development cost associated with the Company’s hybrid electrification strategy. The Company’s technology and development efforts are focused on enhancing the ease of use and functionality of its existing software platform by adding new core functionality, services and other improvements, as well as the development of new products and services. Technology and development costs are expensed as incurred, except to the extent that such costs are associated with internal-use software development that qualify for capitalization, which are then recorded within Property and Equipment, net on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Technology and development excludes depreciation on property and equipment and amortization of finite-lived intangible assets.
F-32
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
General and Administrative
General and administrative expense consists of personnel related costs including salary, bonus, and share-based compensation for the Company’s executive, finance, facilities, and human resource teams and facility costs. General and administrative expenses also include professional fees and other corporate related expenses. General and administrative expenses exclude the depreciation on property and equipment and amortization of finite-lived intangible assets.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for the issuance of ordinary share options, restricted share units (“RSUs”), restricted share purchase agreements (“RSPAs”), and restricted share grant agreements (“RSGAs”) in the consolidated financial statements based on the grant date fair value of the awards. Issuances of RSPAs with promissory notes are accounted for as share options and are measured based on the grant date fair value of the option. The Company estimates the fair value of the share options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The grant date fair value of share-based awards with service-only conditions is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis in the consolidated statement of operations over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period ranging from 12 to 48 months. Forfeitures are recorded as they occur. For awards with performance conditions, the Company records compensation expense on a graded-vesting basis when it is deemed probable that the performance condition will be met. For awards with market conditions, the effect of the market conditions is reflected in the fair value measurement and expense, using an option pricing model, recognized on a graded-vesting basis, is not reversed to the extent that the market condition is not achieved. Additionally, awards granted to non-employees are accounted for using their grant date fair value, using Black Sholes option pricing model and are accounted for in the same manner as awards granted to employees.
Determining the fair value of share-based awards requires judgment. The Company’s use of option pricing models requires the input of subjective assumptions, including the fair value of the Company’s ordinary shares underlying the option award, the expected term of the option, the expected volatility of the Company’s ordinary shares, risk-free interest rates, and the expected dividend yield of the Company’s ordinary shares. The assumptions used in the Company’s option pricing model represent management’s best estimates. These estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. If factors change and different assumptions are used the Company’s share-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future.
The Company estimates volatility using the historical volatility of common share of similar entities. The expected term of options granted represents the period for which the options are expected to be outstanding and is estimated based on a midpoint between the end of the requisite service period and the contractual term of the options granted. The risk-free interest rate is derived from the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the date of grant. The Company has not declared or paid dividends to date and does not anticipate declaring dividends. As such, the dividend yield has been estimated to be zero. The Company’s assumptions may change for future grants.
Because there is no public market for the Company’s ordinary shares, the Board of Directors has determined the fair value of the ordinary shares by considering a number of objective and subjective factors including the results of third-party valuations, the Company’s actual operating and financial performance, market conditions and performance of comparable publicly traded companies, developments and milestones in the Company, the likelihood of achieving a liquidity event and transactions involving the Company’s preferred or common share, among other factors. The fair value was determined in accordance with applicable elements of the practice aid issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Valuation of Privately Held Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation.
Warrants
The Company assesses whether the warrants are liability or equity-classified based on the terms of the warrants. If the warrants are determined to be liability-classified, then the warrants are remeasured to fair value each period with changes in fair value recorded within Changes in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company recognizes the fair value of liability-classified warrants within Other liabilities in its Consolidated Balance Sheets. If the warrants are determined to be equity-classified, then the initial fair value is recorded in Additional paid-in capital and the warrants are not remeasured thereafter.
F-33
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
The Company estimates the fair value of warrants to purchase its ordinary shares and redeemable convertible preferred shares using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Warrants are principally issued to lenders and nonemployees, some of whom are related parties, in connection with debt and equity fundraising and debt restructuring activities.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The likelihood of realizing the tax benefits related to a potential deferred tax asset is evaluated, and a valuation allowance is recognized to reduce that deferred tax asset if it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
The Company determines whether a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return is to be recognized in the consolidated financial statements when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. The amount recognized is subject to estimation and management judgment with respect to the likely outcome of each uncertain tax position. The amount that is ultimately sustained for an individual uncertain tax position or for all uncertain tax positions in the aggregate could differ from the amount recognized. For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold, the tax amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements is reduced by the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, in its income tax provision in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Net Loss Per Share Available to Ordinary Shareholders, Basic and Diluted
The Company calculates basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders using the two-class method required for companies with participating securities. The Company considers preferred stock to be participating securities as the holders are entitled to receive dividends on a pari passu basis in the event that a dividend is paid on ordinary shares.
Under the two-class method, basic net loss per share available to ordinary shareholders was calculated by dividing the net loss available to ordinary shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. For purposes of determining the number of weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding, the Company has included issued and outstanding ordinary shares, penny ordinary share warrants, and vested RSPAs and RSGAs. The net loss was not allocated to the preferred stock as the holders of preferred stock do not have a contractual obligation to share in losses. Diluted net loss per share available to ordinary shareholders was computed by giving effect to all potentially dilutive ordinary share equivalents outstanding for the period. For purposes of this calculation, preferred stock, unvested RSUs, unvested RSPAs, and stock options to purchase ordinary shares were considered ordinary share equivalents but had been excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share available to ordinary shareholders as their effect was anti-dilutive. In periods in which the Company reports a net loss available to ordinary shareholders, diluted net loss per share available to ordinary shareholders is the same as basic net loss per share available to ordinary shareholders, since dilutive ordinary shares are not assumed to have been outstanding if their effect is anti-dilutive. The Company reported net loss available to ordinary shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Company elected fair value option to account for its debt instruments
F-34
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
because the Company’s debt instruments contain a number of complex features that would have otherwise required bifurcated derivative accounting. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Fair value measurements are based on a fair value hierarchy, based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, which are the following:
Level 1 |
Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date. |
|
Level 2 |
Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level I, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. |
|
Level 3 |
Inputs are unobservable inputs that reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. |
The Company measures the fair value of certain long-lived assets including finite-lived intangible assets on a nonrecurring basis, when such assets are required to be written down to fair value if impaired. Such fair values are classified within the fair value hierarchy, as the valuations contain significant unobservable inputs, including assumptions of the present value of future cash flows, the use of these assets, as well as estimated disposition value.
There were no assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
The carrying amounts of certain financial assets and liabilities, including restricted cash, other current assets, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and amounts due to related parties approximate fair value because of the short maturity and liquidity of those instruments.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s preferred share warrants are financial liabilities measured at fair value. The fair value estimate includes significant inputs not observable in the market, which represents a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The significant inputs used in the fair value measurement of the preferred share warrants are the estimated fair value of the Company’s redeemable convertible preferred shares and the expected share volatility. Significant increases or decreases in the estimated fair value of the Company’s redeemable convertible preferred shares would significantly impact the fair value of the warrant liability. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model, which was developed for use in estimating the fair value of options. Option valuation models require the input of highly complex and subjective variables including the expected life of options granted and the Company’s expected stock price volatility over a period equal to the expected life of the options.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s ordinary share warrants are equity classified and measured at fair value using the Black Scholes model on their issuance date. The fair value estimate includes significant inputs not observable in the market, which represents a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The significant inputs used in the fair value measurement of the ordinary share warrants are the estimated fair value of the Company’s ordinary shares and the expected share volatility.
SAFE and Convertible Notes at Fair Value
The Company’s Simple Agreements for Future Equity notes (“SAFE”) and Simple Agreement for Future Equity with Tokens (“SAFE-T”) are financial instruments whereby an investor provides an investment into the Company, and the note is subsequently converted into a preferred equity security at a discount to the price paid by other investors when and if a preferred equity is issued through a qualifying capital raise. Due to certain provisions included in the agreements for these instruments, they are classified as liabilities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
The Company elected the fair value option for the convertible notes and SAFE financial instruments, which requires them to be remeasured to fair value each reporting period with changes in fair value recorded in Changes in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, except for change in
F-35
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
the fair value that results from a change in the instrument specific credit risk which is presented separately within other comprehensive income. The fair value estimate includes significant inputs not observable in the market, which represents a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The decision to elect the fair value option is determined on an instrument-by-instrument basis on the date the instrument is initially recognized, is applied to the entire instrument, and is irrevocable once elected. For instruments measured at fair value, embedded conversion or other features are not required to be separated from the host instrument. Issuance costs related to convertible securities carried at fair value are not deferred and are recognized as incurred within Interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The fair values of the convertible notes, preferred stock warrant liabilities, and derivative liability were based on the estimated values of the notes, warrants, and derivative upon conversion, including adjustments to the conversion rates, which were weighted probability associated with certain events, such as a sale of the Company or becoming a public company. The estimated fair values of these financial liabilities were determined utilizing the Probability-Weighted Expected Return Method and is considered a Level 3 fair value measurement.
Significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation models as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
|
December 31, |
|||
2022 |
2021 |
|||
Public listing probability |
50% |
— |
||
SPAC probability |
— |
8% |
||
Lack of marketability |
32% |
32% |
||
Discount rates used in the sale scenario for debt instruments |
70% |
35% – 40% |
||
Discount rates used in the public listing scenario |
20% – 30% |
— |
||
Discount rates used in the SPAC scenario |
— |
30% |
||
Probability weighted volatility |
147% |
144% |
Assets and liabilities are classified in the hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.
The following tables summarize the Company’s financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated financial statements (in thousands):
F-36
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
|
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2022 Using: |
|||||||||||
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Total |
|||||||||
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Convertible notes at fair value |
|
— |
|
— |
$ |
29,096 |
$ |
29,096 |
||||
Preferred shares warrant liability |
|
— |
|
— |
|
51 |
|
51 |
||||
SAFE notes at fair value |
|
— |
|
— |
|
24,714 |
|
24,714 |
||||
GEM derivative liability |
|
— |
|
— |
|
2,963 |
|
2,963 |
||||
Total financial liabilities |
$ |
— |
$ |
— |
$ |
56,824 |
$ |
56,824 |
The following table provides a reconciliation of activity and changes in fair value for the Company’s convertible loans and redeemable convertible preferred stock warrant liability using inputs classified as Level 3 (in thousands):
|
Convertible |
Preferred |
SAFE Notes |
GEM Derivative |
||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 |
$ |
9,074 |
|
$ |
35 |
|
$ |
37 |
|
$ |
650 |
|
||||
Issuance of convertible notes |
|
2,632 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
||||
Conversion of convertible notes to preferred shares |
|
(353 |
) |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
||||
Change in fair value |
|
328 |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
(18 |
) |
|
(215 |
) |
||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 |
$ |
11,681 |
|
$ |
9 |
|
$ |
19 |
|
$ |
435 |
|
||||
Issuance of convertible notes |
|
4,190 |
|
|
— |
|
|
11,839 |
|
|
— |
|
||||
Conversion of convertible notes to preferred shares |
|
(10,257 |
) |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
||||
Conversion of PFG liability to convertible note |
|
11,197 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
||||
Change in fair value |
|
12,284 |
|
|
42 |
|
|
12,856 |
|
|
2,528 |
|
||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 |
$ |
29,095 |
|
$ |
51 |
|
$ |
24,714 |
|
$ |
2,963 |
|
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Adopted
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (ASC 842). ASU 2016-02 outlines a comprehensive lease accounting model. The new guidance requires lessees to recognize lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets for all leases with lease terms of greater than 12 months. It also changes the definition of a lease and expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements.
The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2022 using the modified retrospective transition method. Upon adoption, there was an increase in total assets and total liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet due to the recognition of right-of-use assets of $0.8 million and lease liabilities of $0.8 million for the Company’s leases.
In December 2019, the FASB issued “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”)”, which simplifies various aspects related to the accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles of ASC 740 and clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The Company adopted ASU 2019-12 as of January 1, 2022, and the guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
F-37
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, which requires an acquirer in a business combination to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities (deferred revenue) from acquired contracts using the revenue recognition guidance in ASC 606. Under this “ASC 606 approach”, the acquirer applies the revenue model as if it had originated the contracts. This is a departure from the current requirement to measure contract assets and contract liabilities at fair value. Under current practice, measuring deferred revenue at fair value typically results in a reduction to the deferred revenue balance the acquiree had recorded before the acquisition. The reduction causes the acquirer to recognize less revenue than the acquiree would have absent an acquisition. The amendments in this ASU are applied to business combinations occurring on or after the effective date of the amendments. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods for public entities and for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods for nonpublic entities. The Company believes the adoption of this ASU will not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Not Yet Adopted
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). This new credit losses standard changes the accounting for credit losses for certain instruments. The new measurement approach is based on expected losses, commonly referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model, which is utilized to estimate lifetime “expected credit losses” and record an allowance that, when deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset, presents the net amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. The CECL model is expected to result in more timely recognition of credit losses and applies to financial assets including loans, held-to-maturity debt securities, net investment in leases, and reinsurance and trade receivables, as well as certain off-balance sheet credit exposures, such as loan commitments. The standard also changes the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842), which updated the effective date of this credit loss standard to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 for nonpublic entities, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, however as of the date of these consolidated financial statements the Company has not adopted this new guidance. The Company is evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-13 and currently does not expect this guidance to have material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In September 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-04, Liabilities — Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations (Topic 425). This ASU creates a disclosure framework by which buyers in a supplier finance program will be required to disclose significant qualitative and quantitative information to allow a user of financial statements to understand the program’s nature and potential magnitude. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. The adoption of the new standard is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statement disclosures.
Note 3. Intangible Assets, Net and Other Assets
On May 18, 2021, the Company executed two service agreements with Palantir Technologies Inc. to obtain access to their software: a Master Subscription Agreement for the term of 12 months and Product Order Form for the term of seven years commencing on the effective date. The agreement identifies two phases; an Initial Term from May 18, 2021 through June 30, 2023 with a cost of $11.0 million and an Enterprise Term from July 1, 2023 to May 7, 2028 with a cost of $39.0 million, for a total cost of $50.0 million excluding applicable infrastructure costs and sales taxes. During 2021, Palantir provided $2.0 million of services under the software master subscription agreement.
During February 2022, the Company issued 3,777,148 Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares as consideration for the settlement of the liability associated with the $2.0 million of services provided by Palantir during 2021.
F-38
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 3. Intangible Assets, Net and Other Assets (cont.)
Below is a summary of intangible assets, net and other assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):
|
December 31, |
|||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||
Trademarks |
$ |
7,060 |
|
$ |
7,060 |
|
||
Software |
|
2,967 |
|
|
2,967 |
|
||
Other intangibles |
|
242 |
|
|
242 |
|
||
Intangible assets, gross |
|
10,269 |
|
|
10,269 |
|
||
Accumulated amortization |
|
(8,983 |
) |
|
(8,326 |
) |
||
Intangible assets, net |
|
1,286 |
|
|
1,943 |
|
||
Other assets |
|
1,816 |
|
|
2,122 |
|
||
Intangible and other assets, net |
$ |
3,102 |
|
$ |
4,065 |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, other assets consisted of amounts paid to Palantir for access to a cloud hosted data storage service of $2.0 million. Accumulated amortization related to Palantir was $0.3 million as of December 31, 2022.
For the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, amortization expense for intangible assets was $0.6 million and $0.6 million, which was recognized as a component of depreciation and amortization expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
As of December 31, 2022, the weighted average remaining useful life of the intangible assets was approximately 1.7 years. The future expected amortization expense of the intangible assets held at December 31, 2022, for each of next five years through December 31, 2027 is as follows (in thousands):
Expected future amortization: |
Amount |
||
2023 |
|
594 |
|
2024 |
|
593 |
|
2025 |
|
99 |
|
2026 |
|
— |
|
2027 and thereafter |
|
— |
|
Total |
$ |
1,286 |
Note 4. Property and Equipment, net
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, property and equipment, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
December 31, |
|||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||
Furniture and fixtures |
$ |
96 |
|
$ |
90 |
|
||
Equipment and vehicle |
|
160 |
|
|
154 |
|
||
Internal-use software |
|
434 |
|
|
458 |
|
||
Leasehold improvements |
|
656 |
|
|
622 |
|
||
Property and equipment, gross |
|
1,346 |
|
|
1,324 |
|
||
Accumulated depreciation |
|
(722 |
) |
|
(621 |
) |
||
Property and equipment, net |
$ |
624 |
|
$ |
703 |
|
The Company recorded depreciation expense on property and equipment of $0.4 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, which was recognized as a component of depreciation and amortization expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company wrote off $0.3 million of fully depreciated assets, including $0.2 million of internally developed software. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company returned two planes to the Lessor that had leasehold improvements upon the lease termination. The leasehold improvements resulted in a loss on disposal of assets of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
F-39
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 5. Leases
Leases primarily pertain to certain controlled aircraft, corporate headquarters, and operational facilities, including space in aircraft hangars, which are accounted for as operating leases.
The operating lease cost for noncancelable aircraft and non-aircraft lease agreements recognized for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $1.7 million and $2.5 million respectively. Upon adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2022, the Company recognized an operating lease right-of-use asset of $0.8 million and a corresponding lease liability of $0.8 million, using a discount rate of 7.5%, which reflects the Company’s incremental borrowing rate for a similar asset and similar term as of the date of adoption. The Company elects not to record operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases with a term of less than 12 months.
Operating Lease Commitments — Aircraft
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had four noncancellable aircraft operating lease agreements for Pilatus PC-12 aircraft with Park Lane Investments, LLC (“Park Lane”) a related party of the Company (see Note 15, Related party balances and transactions). The leases expire in July 2023.
The Company recorded rent expense of $1.2 million and $1.9 million related to aircraft leases for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and was recorded as part of Cost of Revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Future minimum payments under noncancelable aircraft operating lease agreements under ASC 842 as of December 31, 2022 are $0.7 million, all expected to be paid in 2023.
Operating Lease Commitments — Non-Aircraft
The Company’s non-aircraft leases include the corporate headquarters and aircraft hangars. These leases do not have significant rent escalation, holidays, concessions, leasehold improvement incentives, or other build-out clauses. Further, the leases do not contain contingent rent provisions or renewal options. Per ASC 842-20-50-9, the leases include both lease components (e.g., fixed payments including rent) and non-lease components (e.g., common-area or other maintenance costs), which are accounted for as a single lease component, as the Company has elected the practical expedient to group lease and non-lease components into a single lease component for all leases.
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, Surf Air leased aircraft hangar/tie-down space and related office space for operations via various rental agreements at four and six locations, respectively. The Company recorded rent expense in the amount of $0.5 million and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, related to these agreements.
Future minimum payments under noncancelable non-aircraft operating lease agreements, was $0.5 million and $0.9 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. At the conclusion of the original lease terms in 2022, the Tahoe Terminal lease was extended through July 2023, the Hawthorne Headquarters office lease was extended through January 2025, and the remainder of the leases were extended on a month-to-month basis.
Supplemental information related to the operating leases is as follows (in thousands):
|
December 31, |
||
Assets |
|
||
Operating lease right-of-use assets |
$ |
1,143 |
|
Liabilities |
|
||
Lease liabilities (short-term) |
|
903 |
|
Lease liabilities (long-term) |
|
246 |
|
Total operating lease liabilities |
$ |
1,149 |
F-40
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 5. Leases (cont.)
Future minimum payments under noncancelable aircraft and non-aircraft operating lease agreements under ASC 840 as of December 31, 2021 are as follows (in thousands):
|
Amount |
||
2022 |
$ |
1,578 |
|
2023 |
|
940 |
|
2024 |
|
229 |
|
2025 |
|
19 |
|
2026 |
|
— |
|
Total |
$ |
2,766 |
Note 6. Accrued Expenses
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
December 31, |
|||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||
Accrued compensation and benefits |
$ |
1,486 |
$ |
476 |
||
Excise and property taxes payables |
|
6,446 |
|
3,768 |
||
Interest and commitment fee payable |
|
64 |
|
3,257 |
||
Reserve for settlement for non-accredited investors |
|
282 |
|
872 |
||
Accrued Monarch legal settlement |
|
1,314 |
|
1,314 |
||
Accrued professional services |
|
3,555 |
|
2,392 |
||
Other accrued liabilities |
|
1,593 |
|
1,120 |
||
Total accrued expenses |
$ |
14,740 |
$ |
13,199 |
Note 7. Paycheck Protection Program Loan
On April 23, 2020, the Company borrowed an aggregate amount of $0.7 million under the U.S. government assisted Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) under the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), which was enacted on March 27, 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Loan, which was in the form of a promissory note dated April 23, 2020, bears interest at a rate of 1.0% per annum, and is payable monthly commencing on November 23, 2020. The Loan may be prepaid by the Company at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalties. Per the provisions of the Loan agreement, proceeds from the Loan may only be used to cover certain qualifying expenses, such as payroll costs, costs used to continue group health care benefits, mortgage payments, rent, utilities, and interest on other debt obligations incurred before February 15, 2020. The Company used the aggregate amount of the Loan to cover qualifying payroll and payroll related benefit payments during the Loan’s qualifying period. Under the terms of the PPP, the Company may apply for full forgiveness of the Loan. In February of 2021, the Company requested for full forgiveness of the aggregate loan amount of $0.7 million and was provided full forgiveness in March 2021.
In March 2021, the Company borrowed an additional $0.7 million under the PPP. The loan is in the form of a Promissory Note and the covered period of the loan was from March 31, 2021 to June 30, 2021. Under the terms of the PPP, the Company may apply for full forgiveness of the loan. In September 2021, the Company requested full forgiveness for the aggregate loan amount of $0.7 million and was provided full forgiveness for the loan amount in October 2021.
The Company initially recognized the PPP loan amounts as a deferred income liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The deferred income liability was derecognized on a systematic basis over the periods in which the Company incurred the qualifying payroll and payroll related benefit expenses the grant intended to offset. The offset is presented within operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, where the Company records payroll and benefit expenses. Furthermore, the PPP Loan proceeds that were expected to be forgiven are classified within the operating activities section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, since those proceeds relate to operating costs (payroll and payroll related benefits).
F-41
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 8. Financing Arrangements
Convertible Notes at Fair Value
2017 Convertible Notes
During 2017 and 2018, Surf Air issued an aggregate of $6.6 million of convertible notes under the June 2, 2017, convertible note purchase agreement, of which $3.5 million was issued to LamVen, a related party. The 2017 Convertible note has been amended on various dates through December 31, 2022 (the “2017 Notes”), accruing interest at a rate of 22% simple interest per annum if the note is paid in cash at maturity, but also have a conversion interest rate of 8% per annum, if converted. The 2017 Notes are convertible into one of the following: (i) automatically into future preferred shares of the Company at a price per share paid by the other purchasers of new preferred shares multiplied by 70%, upon occurrence of a Qualified Financing (defined as equity financing with gross proceeds of at least $60 million) on or before the maturity date; or (ii) automatically into Class B-2 redeemable convertible preferred shares of the Company at price of $1.1533 per share, if a Qualified Financing has not occurred on or before the maturity; or (iii) ordinary shares of the Company upon occurrence of change of control prior to the time when the 2017 Notes may otherwise be converted at a price of $1.1533 per share; or (iv) ordinary shares of the Company, at the option of the holders of a majority in interest of the aggregate principal amount of the 2017 Notes then outstanding at a price per share of $1.1533, if an initial public offering of the Company’s stock (IPO) occurs prior to the time when the 2017 Notes may otherwise be converted; or (v) at the lender’s election any time prior to the time when the 2017 Notes may otherwise be converted, provided that the accrued interest at conversion would be calculated at 22% per annum and Company would have the sole discretion on whether the conversion is into Class B-5 redeemable convertible preferred shares and/or Class B-6s convertible preferred shares, in which case at a conversion price of $0.38 per share. If the lender makes such an election, a warrant to purchase a number of ordinary shares equal to 10% of number of preferred shares received upon conversion would also be granted.
On March 24, 2021, 2017 Notes with the total amount of principal and accrued interest of approximately $1.4 million were converted into 3,649,587 Class B-5 redeemable convertible preferred shares (at $0.38 conversion price).
On February 15, 2022, the 2017 Notes with the total amount of principal and accrued interest of approximately $2.4 million were converted into 6,215,365 Class B-5 redeemable convertible preferred shares (at $0.38 conversion price).
On December 1, 2022, the Company amended the terms of the 2017 Notes to extend the maturity date from December 31, 2022 to May 31, 2023. No other changes to the terms of the 2017 Notes were made.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the 2017 Notes had a face value of $3.85 million and $4.85 million, respectively. With accrued interest, the 2017 Notes had a carrying value of $10.7 million and $11.0 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. The 2017 Notes are recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of the 2017 Notes as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $ 15.2 million and $8.7 million, respectively. Changes in fair value of the 2017 Notes, including accrued interest, was recognized within changes in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The 2017 Notes are carried at fair value with a Level 3 assessment.
2020 Convertible Note
On May 1, 2020, the Company entered into a convertible promissory note agreement (the “2020 Note”) with a vendor for a principal amount of $0.5 million. On September 30, 2020, the Company entered into an amendment to the 2020 Note increasing the principal amount to $0.6 million in exchange for additional services. The 2020 Note bears compound interest at a rate of 6.25% per annum. Unless converted, principal and any accrued but unpaid interest under the 2020 Note is due and payable upon the written election of the vendor no sooner than 36 months from the agreement date. The 2020 Note matures on May 1, 2023 unless converted earlier. As of December 31, 2022, the Company was also in default of the principal payment for this note.
On March 26, 2021, the Company entered into a second amendment to the 2020 Note. The principal after the amendment was $0.6 million. With accrued interest, the carrying amount of the 2020 Convertible Note was $0.7 million at December 31, 2021.
F-42
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 8. Financing Arrangements (cont.)
On October 1, 2022, the Company amended the 2020 Note to require $5 thousand monthly payments due starting November 15, 2022.
The principal amount of the 2020 Note outstanding was $0.6 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. The fair value of the 2020 Note at December 31, 2022 and December 2021 was $0.7 million and $0.4 million, respectively. The 2020 Note is recorded at fair value with a Level 3 assessment on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
2021 Convertible Note
During 2021, Surf Air issued an aggregate of $4.5 million of convertible notes (the “2021 Note”) to an entity affiliated with the co-founder of the Company. The 2021 Notes, recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021, were $2.6 million. The 2021 Note was scheduled to mature on December 31, 2022 unless earlier prepaid or converted. Interest is due upon maturity at a rate of 8.25% per annum. During 2022, the Company received an additional $1.0 million under the 2021 Note. During 2022, the 2021 Note with a face amount of $4.5 million was converted into 17,373,521 Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares.
2022 Convertible Notes
On January 17, 2022, the Company entered into a convertible note agreement for a principal amount of $3.0 million with Aperitus Limited (f/k/a Marcel Reichart Limited) (the “Aperitus Note”), which bears interest at a rate of 8.25% per annum and matures on December 31, 2022. At the election of the holder at any time, the principal and interest due under the Aperitus Note are convertible into a number of shares of convertible preferred shares sold in the Company’s most recent financing round equal to the aggregate amount due under the Aperitus Note multiplied by two, divided by the price per share of the convertible preferred shares. On May 12, 2022, the note in the amount of $3.0 million was converted into 11,565,581 Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares.
On February 15, 2022, the Company entered into a $1.0 million convertible note agreement with Vechery Trust (the “Vechery Note”), which was scheduled to mature on December 31, 2022. Interest is due upon maturity at a rate of 8.25% per annum until the note is paid in full whether at maturity, upon acceleration by prepayment or converted into conversion shares. At the election of the holder, the principal and interest due under the Vechery Note are convertible into a number of shares of convertible preferred shares sold in the Company’s most recent financing round equal to the aggregate amount due under the Vechery Note multiplied by two, divided by the price per share of the convertible preferred shares. On February 15, 2022, the Vechery Note in the amount of $1.0 million was converted into 2,832,860 Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares.
On May 15, 2022, the Company issued a convertible note in exchange for cash of $1.3 million to LamVen, a related party, which was scheduled to mature on the earlier of December 31, 2022 or the date on which the note is otherwise accelerated as provided for in the agreement. Interest is due upon maturity at a rate of 8.25% per annum until the note is paid in full whether at maturity, upon acceleration by prepayment or converted into conversion shares. At the election of the holder, the principal and interest due under the LamVen Note are convertible into a number of shares of convertible preferred shares sold in the Company’s most recent financing round equal to the aggregate amount due under the LamVen Note multiplied by two, divided by the price per share of the convertible preferred shares. On May 17, 2022, the convertible note converted into 4,940,258 Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares.
2017 Convertible Term Notes
On May 17, 2022, the 2017 Term Notes were converted, via a payoff letter, into a SAFE note allowing for the purchase of common shares having an aggregate value up to $15.2 million (see Note 9, Term Notes). The 2017 Term Notes were carried at amortized cost as of December 31, 2021, with a carrying value of $11.8 million, which included a convertible note portion of $2.3 million. As of December 31, 2022, the 2017 Convertible Term Note is carried at fair value of $13.1 million on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The note is carried at fair value with a Level 3 assessment.
F-43
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 8. Financing Arrangements (cont.)
Fair Value of Convertible Instruments
Fair value of convertible notes (in thousands):
|
Fair Value at December 31, |
|||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||
2017 Convertible Notes |
$ |
15,242 |
$ |
8,716 |
||
2020 Convertible Notes |
|
706 |
|
408 |
||
2021 Convertible Notes |
|
— |
|
2,557 |
||
2018 Convertible Notes |
|
13,148 |
|
0 |
||
Total |
$ |
29,096 |
$ |
11,681 |
SAFE Notes at Fair Value
The Company’s Simple Agreements for Future Equity notes (“SAFE”) and Simple Agreement for Future Equity with Tokens (“SAFE-T”) are carried at fair value, with fair value determined using Level 3 inputs. The Company determined that the SAFE and SAFE-T instruments should be classified as a liability based on evaluating the characteristics of the instruments, which contained both debt and equity-like features. As such, the Company recorded the SAFE instruments at fair value as a liability on its balance sheet upon its issuance. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the SAFE notes are recorded in earnings as part of changes in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value within the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
On May 17, 2022, Surf Air and LamVen, a related party, entered into a simple agreement for future equity (the “LamVen SAFE”) in which the Company agreed to sell to LamVen up to a number of common shares having an aggregate value of $7.5 million in exchange for cash received in 2022. The resulting conversion prices will be based on a contractually defined discount of 20% of the per share consideration payable to common shareholders, in the event of a change in control or qualified financing, and a 35% discount to the price per share of common shares issued in the event of a de-SPAC transaction, IPO, or direct listing. The maturity date for the LamVen SAFE is May 17, 2024. The Company recorded a $4.8 million capital contribution by the related party within additional paid-in capital at the issuance of the SAFEs representing the excess of the amount funded over the fair value of the SAFEs. As of December 31, 2022, the fair value of the LamVen is $5.4 million.
On May 17, 2022, Surf Air and Park Lane, a related party, entered into a simple agreement for future equity (the “Park Lane SAFE”) in which the Company agreed to sell to Park Lane up to a number of common shares having an aggregate value of $7.5 million in exchange for cash received in 2022. The resulting conversion prices will be based on a contractually defined discount of 20% of the per share consideration payable to common shareholders, in the event of a change in control or qualified financing, and a 35% discount to the price per share of common shares issued in the event of a de-SPAC transaction, IPO, or direct listing. The maturity date for the Park Lane SAFE is May 17, 2024. The Company recorded $4.9 million of capital contribution associated with the issuance of the SAFE note. As of December 31, 2022, the fair value of the Park Lane SAFE is $5.4 million.
On May 17, 2022, the Company and iHeart Media entered into a SAFE in which the Company agreed to sell to iHeart Media up to a number of ordinary shares having an aggregate value up to $10.0 million in exchange for future services from iHeart Media (the “iHeart SAFE”). The resulting conversion prices will be based on a contractually defined discount of 20% of the per share consideration payable to common shareholders, in the event of a change in control or qualified financing, and a 35% discount to the price per share of common shares issued in the event of a de-SPAC transaction, IPO, or direct listing. The Company initially recorded the future services as prepaid and other current assets and the SAFE note at fair value. As of December 31, 2022, iHeart Media has provided services for $0.1 million to the Company. As services are performed, the Company will reduce the prepaid and other current assets for the value of those services. After issuance, the iHeart SAFE is recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. The maturity date for the iHeart Media SAFE is May 17, 2024. The Company records the iHeart SAFE at fair value at the end of each reporting period. The fair value of the iHeart SAFE as of December 31, 2022 is $7.2 million.
F-44
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 8. Financing Arrangements (cont.)
On June 30, 2022, the Company and Palantir entered into a SAFE in which the Company agreed to sell to Palantir up to a number of ordinary shares having an aggregate value of $9.0 million in exchange for services from Palantir (“Palantir SAFE”). The resulting conversion prices will be based on a contractually defined discount of 20% of the per share consideration payable to common shareholders, in the event of a change in control or qualified financing, and a 35% discount to the price per share of common shares issued in the event of a de-SPAC transaction, IPO, or direct listing. The Company recognizes the future services at fair value on the balance sheet as prepaid assets. The maturity date for the Palantir SAFE is June 30, 2024. The fair value as of December 31, 2022 is $6.5 million.
On September 12, 2022, the Company entered into a simple agreement for future equity in which the Company agreed to sell to an investor up to a number of common shares having an aggregate value of $0.1 million in exchange for cash received in 2022. The resulting conversion prices will be based on a contractually defined discount of 20% of the per share consideration payable to common shareholders, in the event of a change in control or qualified financing, and a 35% discount to the price per share of common shares issued in the event of a de-SPAC transaction, IPO, or direct listing. The maturity date for the SAFE is September 12, 2024. The fair value as of December 31, 2022 is $0.07 million.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, an outstanding SAFE-T instrument had a fair value of $0.1 million and $0.02 million, respectively. The debt matured in July 2019 and the Company is in default of payment as of December 31, 2022.
Note 9. Term Notes
During 2017, the Company entered into a loan and security agreement with a commercial lender (the “Lender”), which was subsequently amended and restated during 2018 (the “2017 Term Notes”). On January 31, 2019, the Company defaulted on its obligation to pay the principal and accrued interest due on the 2017 Term Notes. As a result of the event of default, the Lender had certain remedies available which included declaring the term loan to be immediately due and payable and, without notice, taking possession of substantially all the Company’s assets, which serve as collateral for the loan. In 2020, the Company entered into a forbearance agreement with the Lender, under which, the Lender agreed not to exercise the remedies as a result of the event of default. In May 2020, the Company further defaulted on the amended terms of the 2017 Term Notes.
On May 31, 2021, the Company entered into a further amendment with the Lender for the 2017 Term Notes under which: (i) the Lender agreed to not exercise any remedies that it may had against the Company for any event of default in 2020; (ii) the maturity date of the 2017 Term Notes was extended to December 31, 2021 (the “New Maturity Date”); and (iii) interest accrued on the unpaid principal amount of the 2017 Term Notes at 12%. Subsequent to the New Maturity Date, the outstanding balance of the 2017 Term Notes was due on demand. In connection with the amendment, the Company issued to the Lender a warrant to purchase up to 16,168,295 ordinary shares with an exercise price of $0.01 per ordinary share and expiration date of June 9, 2031. As of December 31, 2021, the 2017 Term Notes had a carrying balance of $11.8 million. Included in the $11.8 million balance of the 2017 Term Notes is a $2.3 million convertible note (see Note 8, Financing Arrangements).
The 2017 Term Notes are convertible at any time at the holder’s option on a dollar-for-dollar basis into any financing instruments issued by the Company. The conversion price with respect to a particular financing instrument is as follows: (i) for Class B-2 redeemable convertible preferred shares, Class B-3 redeemable convertible preferred shares or Class B-4 redeemable convertible preferred shares, $1.7068, or (ii) for equity-based financings the stated issue price at which the financing instruments are issued to investors in the last closing.
On May 17, 2022, the 2017 Term Notes were converted, via a payoff letter, into a SAFE note allowing for the purchase of common shares having an aggregate value of $15.2 million. The resulting conversion prices will be based on a contractually defined discount of 20% of the per share consideration payable to common shareholders, in the event if a change in control or qualified financing, and a 35% discount to the price per share of common shares issued in the event of a de-SPAC transaction, IPO, or direct listing. The payoff letter provided the Lender, in the event that a qualified exchange event does not occur by December 31, 2022, the Lender has the option to reinstate the indebtedness under the 2017 Term Notes, that was intended to be repaid by the SAFE note. On February 1, 2023, the payoff letter was amended to extend the option to exchange to May 30, 2023.
F-45
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 9. Term Notes (cont.)
The Company has accounted for the SAFE instrument conversion as the addition of a substantive conversion feature to the 2017 Term Notes, which results in the extinguishment of the 2017 Term Notes and a simultaneous reissuance of a debt instrument with an equity conversion option. The Company has recorded a gain on extinguishment of debt of $4.0 million, representing the excess of the carrying amount of the 2017 Term note and accrued interest above the fair value of the SAFE instrument, for the year ended December 31, 2022. The combined instrument, with a fair value of $13.1 million, has been recorded as part of convertible notes at fair value (long-term) within the December 31, 2022 Consolidated Balance Sheet. The fair values were estimated using Level 3 fair value measurements.
On November 12, 2022, as amended and restated on November 30, 2022, the Company entered into a term note agreement, effective October 31, 2022, in exchange for $4.5 million in cash from LamVen, an entity owned by an officer of the Company. The Company received $4.5 million in cash as of December 31, 2022. The note is scheduled to mature on the earlier of December 31, 2023 or the date on which the note is otherwise accelerated as provided for in the agreement. Interest is due upon maturity at a rate of 8.25% per annum until the note is paid in full at maturity or upon acceleration by prepayment. This note is recorded at its carrying value within Due to related parties within the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2022.
Note 10. Warrants
Preferred Share Warrants
Convertible Preferred Share Warrant Liability
Warrants to purchase shares of convertible preferred stock are classified as liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value upon issuance because the underlying shares of convertible preferred share are redeemable at the option of the holders upon the occurrence of certain deemed liquidation events considered not solely within the Company’s control, which may therefore obligate the Company to transfer assets at some point in the future. The convertible preferred share warrants are subject to remeasurement to fair value at each balance sheet date and any change in fair value is recognized as a component of other expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company will continue to adjust the liability for changes in fair value until the earlier of the exercise of expiration of the warrants, or the completion of a deemed liquidation event. At that time, the convertible preferred share warrant liability will be reclassified into convertible preferred share or additional paid-in capital, as applicable. The Company uses third party specialists to assist in the estimate of the fair value of these warrants, and these estimates could differ significantly in the future. The convertible preferred share warrant liabilities will increase or decrease each period based on the fluctuations of the fair value of the underlying security.
During 2022 and 2021, the Company did not issue any convertible preferred share warrants and recorded the following preferred warrant shares issued and outstanding: 805,823 shares of B-2 preferred warrants; 410,123 shares of B-3 preferred warrants; and 1,493,015 shares of B-4 preferred warrants. These warrants may be exercised at the price per share of $1.07 with respect to Warrant shares at any time prior to the expiration dates which are between end of 2023 to end of 2025 based on their effective dates. These warrants will terminate on the earlier of the seventh anniversary of their effective date, the closing date of the Company’s initial public offering pursuant to a public registration statement, or the closing of a deemed liquidation event.
The changes in carrying amounts of warrant liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows (in thousands):
|
December 31, |
||||||
2022 |
2021 |
||||||
Warrant liabilities, beginning of the year |
$ |
9 |
$ |
35 |
|
||
Change in fair value of warrants |
|
42 |
|
(26 |
) |
||
Warrant liabilities, end of the year |
$ |
51 |
$ |
9 |
|
F-46
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 10. Warrants (cont.)
Ordinary Share Warrants
Warrants were issued by the Company in connection with debt and equity capital raising transactions, as well as part of debt restructuring activities. The warrants may be exercised with respect to the warrant shares at any time, or from time to time, in whole or in part at any time on or prior to the expiration date, which is seven to ten years from the issuance date. The warrants will terminate the earlier of the expiration date or change in control due to the Company’s initial public offering pursuant to a public registration statement, or the closing of a deemed liquidation event. If there is no change in control, the warrants without a stated expiration date never expire. The warrants will terminate on the earlier of the expiration date or change in control upon effectiveness of the Company’s registration statement or upon the closing of a deemed liquidation event. If there is no change in control, the warrants without a stated expiration date never expire.
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had the following ordinary share warrants issued and outstanding (in thousands, except share and per share data):
Shares |
Issuance |
Exercise Price |
Expiration |
||||||||
Warrant Class |
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||||
Ordinary share warrant |
1,264,488 |
1,264,488 |
August 2016 |
$ |
0.21 |
July 2025 |
|||||
Ordinary share warrant |
1,982,802 |
1,982,802 |
May 2017 |
$ |
0.01 |
May 2027 |
|||||
Ordinary share warrant |
1,189,681 |
1,189,681 |
July 2017 |
$ |
0.01 |
July 2027 |
|||||
Ordinary share warrant |
2,399,570 |
2,399,570 |
February 2018 |
$ |
0.01 |
February 2028 |
|||||
Ordinary share warrant |
5,597,006 |
5,597,006 |
September 2018 |
$ |
0.01 |
September 2028 |
|||||
Ordinary share warrant |
1,742,784 |
1,742,784 |
December 2018 |
$ |
0.01 |
Change in Control |
|||||
Ordinary share warrant |
23,515,057 |
23,515,057 |
December 2020 |
$ |
0.01 |
Change in Control |
|||||
Ordinary share warrant |
45,322,638 |
45,322,638 |
February 2021 |
$ |
0.01 |
Change in Control |
|||||
Ordinary share warrant |
364,955 |
364,955 |
March 2021 |
$ |
0.01 |
March 2028 |
|||||
Ordinary share warrant |
16,168,295 |
16,168,295 |
June 2021 |
$ |
0.01 |
June 2031 |
|||||
Ordinary share warrant |
621,534 |
— |
February 2022 |
$ |
0.01 |
February 2032 |
|||||
Ordinary share warrant |
3,200,000 |
— |
June 2022 |
$ |
0.01 |
Change in Control |
|||||
103,368,810 |
99,547,276 |
|
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company issued warrants to purchase 364,955 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $0.01 per share to different individuals, as the part of the conversion of the debt in 2021, pursuant to the 2017 Convertible Note Purchase Agreement dated June 2, 2017. The fair value of the warrants as of issuance was $0.02 million using Level 3 fair value measurements. The ordinary share warrants remain unexercised as of December 31, 2022. (see Note 8, Financing Arrangements).
During 2021, the Company also issued warrants to purchase 16,168,295 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $0.01 per share to Partners for Growth V, L.P. (“PFG”) in conjunction with the amendment to the 2017 Term Notes. The fair value of the warrants as of issuance was $0.8 million using Level 3 fair value measurements. The ordinary share warrants remain unexercised as of December 31, 2022.
On February 15, 2022, the Company issued 621,534 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $0.01 per share in connection with the conversion of the 2017 Notes.
On June 10, 2022, the Company issued warrants to purchase 3,200,000 ordinary shares to Globe Capital Partners, LLC, in exchange for advisory services. The ordinary share warrants remain unexercised as of December 31, 2022.
The following is a summary of assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model to determine the fair value of warrants granted during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
|
December 31, |
|||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||
Risk-free interest rate |
3.35 |
% |
1.49 |
% |
||
Expected term (in years) |
5.8 |
|
2.0 |
|
||
Dividend yield |
— |
|
— |
|
||
Expected volatility |
159.9 |
% |
89.0 |
% |
F-47
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies
Software License Agreements
On May 18, 2021, the Company executed two agreements with Palantir Technologies Inc. license a suite of software for the term of seven years commencing on the effective date. The agreements identify two phases; an Initial Term from May 18, 2021 through June 30, 2023 with a cost of $11.0 million and an Enterprise Term from July 1, 2023 to May 7, 2028 with a cost of $39.0 million, for a total software cost of $50.0 million. As of December 31, 2022, the Palantir has provided $2.0 million of services to the company.
Share Purchase Agreement with GEM
During 2020, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) with GEM Global Yield LLC SCS (“GEM”) and an entity affiliated with GEM to provide incremental financing in the event the Company completed a business combination transaction with a special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”). Pursuant to the SPA, GEM is required to purchase ordinary shares of the Company at a discount to the volume weighted average trading price up to a maximum aggregate purchase price of $200.0 million, and in return the Company agreed to pay a total commitment fee of $4.0 million payable in installments at the time of each purchase of ordinary shares or no later than one year from the anniversary of a public listing transaction and issued a forward contract for GEM to purchase 0.75% of the Company’s fully-diluted ordinary shares outstanding upon completion of a public listing transaction at an exercise price of $0.01 per ordinary share.
On May 17, 2022 and February 8, 2023, the SPA was further amended and restated, increasing the facility to $400.0 million and the commitment fee to $8.0 million. Pursuant to the amended and restated SPA, upon the terms of and subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, Surf Air Mobility Inc. (“SAM”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, will have the right from time to time at its option to direct GEM to purchase up to a specified maximum amount of shares of our Common Stock, up to a maximum aggregate purchase price of $400 million (the “Aggregate Limit”), over the term of the amended and restated SPA. SAM may request GEM Advances in an aggregate amount of up to $100 million, consisting of four incremental advances of up to $25 million each. Any GEM Advance will reduce amounts that Surf Air can request for future draw downs.
The Company has accounted for the commitment as a derivative financial instrument which is recorded at fair value using Level 3 inputs each period with changes in fair value recorded in Changes in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company estimated the fair value at December 31, 2022 and 2021 to be $3.0 million and $0.4 million, respectively, which was recognized within Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Licensing, Exclusivity and Aircraft Purchase Arrangements
Textron Agreement
On September 15, 2022, Textron Aviation Inc. and one of its affiliates (“TAI”), entered into collaboration and engineering services, licenses, sales and marketing, and aircraft purchase agreements with the Company, which are only effective as of the first trading date of shares of common stock of SAM on a national securities exchange (“Effective Date”).
The Collaboration Agreement provides, among other things, that TAI will provide the Company certain services in furtherance of development of an electrified powertrain technology (the “SAM System”). Under the Collaboration Agreement, the Company agrees to meet certain development milestones by specified dates, including issuance of a supplemental type certificate by the FAA. Should the Company fail to meet certain development milestones, TAI has the right to terminate the agreement.
The licensing agreement grants the Company a nonexclusive license to certain technical information and intellectual property for the purpose of developing an electrified propulsion system for the Cessna Caravan aircraft, and to assist in obtaining Supplemental Type Certificates (“STC”) from the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”), including
F-48
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies (cont.)
any foreign validation by any other aviation authority, for electrified propulsion upfits/retrofits of the Cessna Caravan aircraft. The licensing agreement provides for payment by the Company of license fees aggregating $60.0 million over a multi-year period.
Under the sales and marketing agreement, the parties agreed to develop marketing, promotional and sales strategies for the specifically configured Caravans and further agreed to (a) include the SAM Aircraft in sales and marketing materials (print and digital) distributed to authorized dealers, (b) prominently display the SAM Aircraft on their respective websites and social media, (c) include representatives of SAM and TAI at trade show booths, (d) market SAM Aircraft and conversions to SAM Aircraft to all owners of pre-owned Caravans, and (e) not advertise or offer any third-party Exclusive System variants of the Caravan. Certain technologies for aircraft propulsion are specifically carved out from the Exclusive System. The SMA provides for payment by SAM of exclusivity fees aggregating $40 million, with certain amounts deferred such that the aggregate fee is payable over four years commencing on the earlier of the year after SAM obtains a supplemental type certificate for the SAM System on the Caravan (the “SAM STCs”) or the 5th anniversary of the TAI Effective Date. SAM’s obligation to pay exclusivity fees in any year may be offset, in whole or in part, based on the achievement of certain sales milestones of SAM Aircraft and Caravans subsequently converted to a SAM System.
Under the aircraft purchase agreement, the Company may purchase 100 specifically configured Caravans having an aggregate purchase price in excess of $300.0 million, with an option to purchase an additional 50 specifically configured Caravans having an aggregate purchase price in excess of $150.0 million, over the course of 7 years. The final price to be paid by the Company will be dependent upon a number of factors, including the final specifications of such aircraft and any price escalations.
Jetstream Agreement
On October 10, 2022, SAM and Jetstream Aviation Capital, LLC (“Jetstream”) entered into an Agreement (the “Jetstream Agreement”) that provides for a sale and/or assignment of purchase rights of aircraft from SAM to Jetstream and the leaseback of such aircraft from Jetstream to SAM within a maximum aggregate purchase amount of $450.0 million, including a $120.0 million total minimum usage obligation for SAM. The Jetstream Agreement may be terminated (i) if our Common Stock is not publicly listed and the Southern Acquisition is not consummated prior to December 31, 2023; (ii) upon a termination notice by either party in the event of a material adverse change in the business of the other party which is not resolved within 30 days of such notice; and (iii) as mutually agreed in writing by the parties.
Business Combination Agreements
The Company entered into a business combination agreement, dated as of May 17, 2022 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among Tuscan Holdings Corp II (“Tuscan”). On November 14, 2022, SAM and Tuscan mutually terminated the Merger Agreement. SAM is obligated to issue to Tuscan 600,000 shares of common stock upon a triggering event defined as a direct listing, IPO or a business combination with a SPAC.
On November 11, 2022, SAM entered into an amendment to the acquisition agreement with Southern Airways Corporation dated as of March 17, 2021, as amended on August 22, 2021 and on May 17, 2022, to reflect the termination of the Merger Agreement with Tuscan and to reflect that SAM will acquire 100% of the equity interests in Southern Airways Corporation in exchange for shares equal to the greater of $81.25 million (based on the opening price per share of SAM Common Stock on the day of listing) or 12.5% of SAM’s fully-diluted common shares.
F-49
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies (cont.)
Guarantees
The Company indemnifies its officers and directors for certain events or occurrences arising as a result of the officer or director serving in such capacity. The term of the indemnification period is for the officer or director’s lifetime. The maximum potential future amount the Company could be required to pay under these indemnification agreements is unlimited. The Company believes its insurance would cover any liability that may arise from the acts of its officers and directors and as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company is not aware of any pending claims or liabilities.
The Company entered into indemnification provisions under agreements with other parties in the ordinary course of business, typically with business partners, contractors, customers, landlords and investors. Under these provisions, the Company generally indemnifies and holds harmless the indemnified party for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party as a result of its activities or, in some cases, as a result of the indemnified party’s activities under the agreement. These indemnification provisions often include indemnifications relating to representations Surf Air has made with regards to intellectual property rights. These indemnification provisions generally survive termination of the underlying agreement. The maximum potential future amount the Company could be required to pay under these indemnification provisions is unlimited.
Legal Contingencies
In 2017, the Company acquired Rise U.S. Holdings, LLC (“Rise”). Prior to the close of the acquisition, Rise Alpha, LLC and Rise Management, LLC, (both of which are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Rise and hereinafter referred to as the “Rise Parties”), were served with a petition for judgment by Menagerie Enterprises, Inc. (“Monarch Air”), relating to breach of contract for failure to pay Monarch Air pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Monarch Air Flight Services Agreement, which occurred prior to the Company’s acquisition of Rise. The Rise Parties filed numerous counterclaims against Monarch Air, including fraud, breach of contract, and breach of fiduciary duty. Rise, a subsidiary of the Company, was named as a party in the lawsuit. During 2018 and 2019, certain summary judgements were granted in favor of Monarch Air.
On November 8, 2021, the Rise Parties entered into a final judgment in respect of litigation to finally resolve all claims raised by Monarch Air and the Rise Parties agreed to pay actual damages of $1.0 million, pre-judgment interest of $0.2 million, attorneys’ fees of $0.06 million and court costs of approximately $0.003 million. Since then, Monarch Air has been conducting post-judgment discovery. The full settlement had been accrued within Accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets by the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Surf Air is also a party to various other claims and matters of litigation incidental to the normal course of its business, none of which were considered to have a potential material impact as of December 31, 2022.
Tax Commitment
On May 15, 2018, Surf Air received notice of a tax lien filing from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for unpaid federal excise taxes for the quarterly periods beginning October 2016 through September 2017 in the amount of $1.9 million, including penalties and interest as of the date of the notice. The Company agreed to a payment plan (“Installment Plan”) whereby the IRS would take no further action and remove such liens at the time such amounts have been paid. In 2019, the Company defaulted on the Installment Plan, which can result in the IRS nullifying such plan, placing the Company in default, and taking collection action against the Company for any unpaid balance. The Company’s total outstanding federal excise tax liability including accrued penalties and interest is included as accrued liability in the balance sheet and is in the amount of approximately $5.8 million and $3.8 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
During 2018, the Company defaulted on various property tax obligations to several counties throughout California and Texas. The Company’s total outstanding property tax liability including penalties and interest is approximately $1.7 million and $1.4 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
F-50
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 12. Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares and Convertible Preferred Shares
The preferred shares for all classes do not have mandatory redemption provisions. However, the preferred shares are subject to mandatory conversion upon the occurrence of a deemed liquidation event. Except for the founder preferred and Class B-6s preferred stock, the preferred shares provide for conversion at the option of the holders. Further, the shares of preferred stock are not subject to mandatory repurchases at the option of the holders.
The following table presents information about the Company’s redeemable convertible preferred share as of December 31, 2021 (in thousands, except share data):
|
Shares |
Shares Issued and Outstanding |
Carrying Value |
Issuance Price |
Liquidation Preference |
||||||||
Founder Preferred |
1,866,056 |
1,866,056 |
$ |
838 |
$ |
0.54 |
$ |
1,000 |
|||||
Class A-1 |
1,930,155 |
1,380,217 |
|
1,525 |
|
1.12 |
|
1,546 |
|||||
Class A-2 |
2,820,319 |
1,197,296 |
|
1,840 |
|
1.54 |
|
1,840 |
|||||
Class A-3 |
9,070,476 |
6,206,269 |
|
6,192 |
|
1.00 |
|
6,206 |
|||||
Class A-4 |
552,804 |
552,804 |
|
675 |
|
1.30 |
|
716 |
|||||
Class A-5 |
15,646,415 |
15,400,417 |
|
4,447 |
|
1.11 |
|
17,155 |
|||||
Class B-1 |
14,934,552 |
14,934,552 |
|
20,000 |
|
1.34 |
|
20,000 |
|||||
Class B-2 |
25,000,000 |
24,194,129 |
|
30,768 |
|
1.71 |
|
41,295 |
|||||
Class B-3 |
2,000,000 |
1,464,728 |
|
2,213 |
|
1.71 |
|
2,500 |
|||||
Class B-4 |
6,000,000 |
3,671,818 |
|
5,361 |
|
1.71 |
|
6,267 |
|||||
Class B-5 |
33,638,500 |
19,140,703 |
|
6,240 |
|
0.38 |
|
7,273 |
|||||
Class B-6a |
150,000,000 |
89,320,084 |
|
38,593 |
|
0.53 |
|
47,295 |
|||||
263,459,277 |
179,329,073 |
|
118,692 |
|
— |
|
153,093 |
||||||
Class B-6s |
98,799,158 |
70,606,523 |
|
3,294 |
|
— |
|
— |
|||||
Total |
362,258,435 |
249,935,596 |
$ |
121,986 |
|
— |
$ |
153,093 |
The following table presents information about the Company’s redeemable convertible preferred share as of December 31, 2022 (in thousands, except share data):
|
Shares Authorized |
Shares Issued and Outstanding |
Carrying Value |
Issuance Price |
Liquidation Preference |
||||||||
Founder Preferred |
1,866,056 |
1,866,056 |
$ |
838 |
$ |
0.54 |
$ |
1,000 |
|||||
Class A-1 |
1,930,155 |
1,380,217 |
|
1,525 |
|
1.12 |
|
1,546 |
|||||
Class A-2 |
2,820,319 |
1,197,296 |
|
1,840 |
|
1.54 |
|
1,840 |
|||||
Class A-3 |
9,070,476 |
6,206,269 |
|
6,192 |
|
1.00 |
|
6,206 |
|||||
Class A-4 |
552,804 |
552,804 |
|
675 |
|
1.30 |
|
716 |
|||||
Class A-5 |
15,646,415 |
15,400,417 |
|
4,447 |
|
1.11 |
|
17,155 |
|||||
Class B-1 |
14,934,552 |
14,934,552 |
|
20,000 |
|
1.34 |
|
20,000 |
|||||
Class B-2 |
25,000,000 |
24,194,129 |
|
30,768 |
|
1.71 |
|
41,295 |
|||||
Class B-3 |
2,000,000 |
1,464,728 |
|
2,213 |
|
1.71 |
|
2,500 |
|||||
Class B-4 |
6,000,000 |
3,671,818 |
|
5,361 |
|
1.71 |
|
6,267 |
|||||
Class B-5 |
33,638,500 |
25,356,068 |
|
6,681 |
|
0.38 |
|
9,635 |
|||||
Class B-6a |
150,000,000 |
132,919,929 |
|
50,127 |
|
0.53 |
|
70,448 |
|||||
263,459,277 |
229,144,283 |
|
130,667 |
|
— |
|
178,608 |
||||||
Class B-6s |
98,799,158 |
71,478,742 |
|
3,414 |
|
— |
|
— |
|||||
Total |
362,258,435 |
300,623,025 |
$ |
134,081 |
|
— |
$ |
178,608 |
____________
* The Class B-6s redeemable convertible preferred shares have no liquidation preference and are pari passu to the ordinary shares upon a liquidation event.
F-51
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 12. Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares and Convertible Preferred Shares (cont.)
Amended and Restated Articles of Association
The rights, privileges, and preferences of the Company’s Class A redeemable convertible preferred shares, Class B-1 redeemable convertible preferred shares, Class B-2 redeemable convertible preferred shares, Class B-3 redeemable convertible preferred shares, Class B-4 redeemable convertible preferred shares, Class B-5 redeemable convertible preferred shares and Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares (collectively, “Senior Preferred Shares”), the founder redeemable convertible preferred shares and Class B-6s convertible preferred shares (collectively, “Junior Preferred Shares”) and the ordinary shares are shown as follows:
Dividend Rights
Holders of Senior Preferred Shares are entitled to receive noncumulative dividends on a pari passu basis and in preference to Junior Preferred Shares and ordinary shares equal to 6% per annum of $1.1203 Class A-1 redeemable convertible preferred shares, $1.5368 Class A-2 redeemable convertible preferred shares, $1.0000 Class A-3 redeemable convertible preferred shares, $1.2958 Class A-4 redeemable convertible preferred shares, $1.1139 Class A-5 redeemable convertible preferred shares, $1.3392 Class B-1 redeemable convertible preferred shares, $1.7068 Class B-2 redeemable convertible preferred shares, Class B-3 redeemable convertible preferred shares and Class B-4 redeemable convertible preferred shares $0.3800 Class B-5 redeemable convertible preferred shares and $0.5295 Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares, payable if and when declared by the Board of Directors. No dividends on Senior Preferred Shares or ordinary shares have been declared by the Board of Directors through December 31, 2021. The Company shall not declare pay or set aside any dividends on ordinary shares unless the holders of Senior Preferred Shares and Junior Preferred Shares then outstanding first receive, or simultaneously receive a dividend on each outstanding Senior Preferred share or Junior Preferred share equal to the product of (a) the dividend paid on each ordinary share and (b) the number of ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of each Senior Preferred Share or Junior Preferred Share. Holders of Junior Preferred Shares are not entitled to receive any dividends unless the Board of Directors declares a dividend on ordinary shares and the Senior Preferred Shareholders have received a dividend.
Voting Rights
Ordinary shares vote together with the holders of Senior Preferred Shares as a single class. Each holder of Senior Preferred Shares shall be entitled to the number of votes equal to the number of ordinary shares, into which such shares of Senior Preferred Shares could be converted as of the record date. Holders of Junior Preferred Shares do not have voting rights, except as to matters that affect Junior Preferred Shares as set forth in the Company’s charter documents.
Conversion Rights
The holders of Senior Preferred Shares have the right, at the option of the holder at any time, to convert their preferred shares into ordinary shares of the Company. The conversion rate is equal to $1.1203 Class A-1 redeemable convertible preferred shares, $1.5368 Class A-2 redeemable convertible preferred shares, $1.0000 Class A-3 redeemable convertible preferred shares, $1.2958 Class A-4 redeemable convertible preferred shares, $1.1139, Class A-5 redeemable convertible preferred shares, $1.3392 Class B-1 redeemable convertible preferred shares, $1.7068 Class B-2 redeemable convertible preferred shares, Class B-3 redeemable convertible preferred shares and Class B-4 redeemable convertible preferred shares, $0.3800 Class B-5 redeemable convertible preferred shares and $0.5295 Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares. Certain events will trigger mandatory conversion of both Senior Preferred Shares and Junior Preferred Shares, into the Company’s ordinary shares. Such triggering events include a public offering of the Company’s share generating proceeds, net of discounts and commissions, of at least $50.0 million and with a minimum per share price of $3.4136.
The holders of Class B-6s convertible preferred shares and founder redeemable convertible preferred shares do not have conversion rights unless there is a mandatory conversion event at which time each Class B-6s convertible preferred share converts one for one into ordinary shares and each founder redeemable convertible preferred share converts at a rate of $1.7068 into ordinary shares.
F-52
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 12. Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares and Convertible Preferred Shares (cont.)
Liquidation
In the event of any liquidation dissolution, or winding up of the Company, either voluntary or involuntary or upon a deemed liquidation event, assets available for distribution are first distributed to the holders of Senior Preferred Shares in preference to any distribution to the Junior Preferred Shares shareholders and ordinary shareholders an amount per Senior Preferred Share equal to the greater of (a) one times the original issue price, plus any dividends declared but unpaid or (b) such amount per Senior Preferred Share as would have been payable had all shares of the class of such Senior Preferred Share been converted into ordinary shares. Thereafter, the holders of founder convertible preferred shares are entitled to receive in preference to any distributions to ordinary shareholders or Class B-6s convertible preferred shareholders equal to the greater of $0.5359 per founder preferred share or such amount per founder preferred share as would have been payable had all founder preferred shares been converted into ordinary shares.
If the holders of Senior Preferred Shares and founder preferred stock are paid in full, the remaining assets of the Company will be distributed pro rata to the holders of ordinary shares and Class B-6s convertible preferred shares, pro rata as a single class and on an as converted to ordinary shares basis, based on the number of shares held by each such holder.
Deemed liquidation events include a change in control of the Company and sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company. These deemed liquidation event provisions are considered contingent redemption provisions because such events are not solely within the control of the Company. Therefore, all Senior Preferred Shares and Junior Preferred Shares, except for Class B-6s convertible preferred shares, have been presented in the mezzanine section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Protective Provisions and Anti-dilution
The Company requires the vote or written consent of: (i) the holders of a majority Class A preferred voting as a single class on an as-converted basis, and (ii) the holders of a majority Class B preferred, excluding the founder preferred and Class B-6s convertible preferred (i.e., Junior Preferred Shares voting as a single class on an as-converted basis, before it, or any of its subsidiaries can take certain corporate actions or enter certain transactions including, but not limited to, liquidation events, charter amendments, other actions that would result in the issuance or reclassification of securities that are senior to or on parity with any class of preferred shares, or creation or authorization of debt that has not received the prior approval of the Board of Directors.
Each class of preferred shares also has protective provisions that require consent of any class whose rights, preferences, privileges or powers are disproportionately and materially impacted by a charter amendment or by the authorization or issuance of additional shares of such class. Each class of preferred shares also has anti-dilution protection for share splits, combinations, dividends, distributions, and reorganizations as well as price-based weighted average anti-dilution protection for certain nonexempted equity issuances below the conversion price of the applicable class of preferred shares.
Class B-5 Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares
On March 24, 2021, the 2017 Notes with the total amount of principal and accrued interest of approximately $1.4 million were converted into 3,649,587 Class B-5 redeemable convertible preferred shares (at $0.38 conversion price).
On February 15, 2022, the 2017 Notes with the total amount of principal and accrued interest of approximately $2.4 million were converted into 6,215,365 Class B-5 redeemable convertible preferred shares (at $0.38 conversion price).
F-53
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 12. Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares and Convertible Preferred Shares (cont.)
Class B-6a Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company received $14.3 million cash in connection with the issuance of Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares.
On February 15, 2022, the Company converted the Vechery Note in the amount of $1.0 million into 2,832,860 Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares.
On February 25, 2022, the Company settled an outstanding payable of $2.0 million with 3,777,148 shares of Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares.
On May 12, 2022, the Company converted the Aperitus Note in the amount of $3.0 million into 11,565,581 Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares.
On May 12, 2022, the Company converted the 2021 Note with a face amount of $4.45 million into 17,373,521 Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares.
On September 29, 2022, the Company issued 1,888,574 Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares to an existing investor in exchange for $1.0 million.
On December 21, 2022, the Company issued 283,286 Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares to an existing investor in exchange for $0.15 million cash proceeds.
Class B-6s Convertible Preferred Shares
During 2022, the Company settled outstanding payables of $0.5 million with 1,008,196 shares of Class B-6s convertible preferred shares.
Note 13. Share-Based Compensation
On August 15, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the Surf Air Global Limited 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (“2016 Plan”).
Under the 2016 Plan, officers, employees, and consultants can be granted incentive stock options (“ISOs”), nonqualified stock options (“NSOs”), restricted stock and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to acquire the Company’s ordinary shares. The 2016 Plan, as amended through July 15, 2021, is administered by the Board of Directors and permits the issuance of up to an aggregate of 138,620,470 of the Company’s ordinary shares. The Company recorded $12.5 million and $3.2 million in share-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021, respectively.
If any award under the 2016 Plan expires or lapses or is terminated, surrendered, or canceled without having been fully exercised or is forfeited in whole or in part (including as the result of Company repurchased or redeemed shares at or below the original issuance price), the unused shares shall again be available for the grant of awards under the 2016 Plan. Shares issued under the 2016 Plan may consist in whole or in part of authorized, but unissued shares, shares purchased on the open market or treasury shares.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model, which was developed for use in estimating the fair value of options. Option valuation models require the input of highly complex and subjective variables including the expected life of options granted and the Company’s expected stock price volatility over a period equal to the expected life of the options.
F-54
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 13. Share-Based Compensation (cont.)
Share Options
A summary of share option activity under the 2016 Plan for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 is set forth below:
|
Number of |
Weighted |
Weighted |
Aggregate |
Weighted |
|||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2020 |
3,824,665 |
|
|
6.72 |
$ |
205 |
$ |
0.60 |
||||||
Granted |
7,515,074 |
|
|
9.71 |
|
$ |
0.06 |
|||||||
Exercised |
(10,000 |
) |
$ |
0.04 |
|
$ |
0.06 |
|||||||
Canceled |
(522,948 |
) |
$ |
0.37 |
|
$ |
0.64 |
|||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2021 |
10,806,791 |
|
|
8.48 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0.22 |
||||||
Granted |
29,322,949 |
|
|
9.57 |
|
$ |
0.14 |
|||||||
Exercised |
(171,730 |
) |
$ |
0.05 |
|
$ |
0.06 |
|||||||
Canceled |
(349,984 |
) |
$ |
0.04 |
|
$ |
0.06 |
|||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2022 |
39,608,026 |
|
|
9.01 |
$ |
10,306 |
$ |
0.16 |
|
Number of |
Weighted |
Aggregate |
Weighted |
||||||
Exercisable at December 31, 2022 |
15,112,601 |
$ |
0.07 |
$ |
5,418 |
8.86 |
As of December 31, 2022, unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of the Company’s share options was approximately $6.4 million with a weighted-average remaining vesting period of approximately 2.72 years.
The assumptions used to estimate the fair value of share options granted during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
|
December 31, |
|||
2022 |
2021 |
|||
Risk-free interest rate |
2.42% – 4.02% |
0.79% – 1.49% |
||
Expected term (in years) |
5.80 |
5.0 – 6.08 |
||
Dividend yield |
— |
— |
||
Expected volatility |
116% – 238% |
89% – 113% |
Restricted Stock Units
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had 4,937,535 RSU’s unvested with the weighted average grant date fair value of $0.17 per RSU, respectively.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company has two separate types of granted and unvested RSUs, one with a combined service and performance condition (“RSU SPLE”) and one with only a performance condition (“RSU LE”). Both award types contain a performance condition involving the satisfaction of a pre-determined liquidity event, which includes (1) change in control or (2) becoming a publicly listed company. The RSU SPLE awards contains a
F-55
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 13. Share-Based Compensation (cont.)
service-based vesting condition whereby the service condition either vests monthly over a one-year period, or vests quarterly over a three-year period after a one-year cliff vest period, which has been fully satisfied as of December 31, 2022.
Share-based compensation expense is recognized only for the RSU SPLE awards that are expected to meet both the service and performance conditions, and only for the RSU LE awards that meet the required performance condition. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, achievement of the performance condition was not probable, resulting in unrecognized shared-based compensation expense for all RSUs of $0.8 million, all of which would have vested immediately, if the performance condition had been satisfied on December 31, 2022.
Restricted Share Purchase Agreement
A summary of RSPA activity under the 2016 Plan for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 is set forth below:
|
Number of RSPA |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per RSPA |
||||
Unvested RSPAs at December 31, 2020 |
76,013,708 |
|
$ |
0.33 |
||
Granted |
32,344,494 |
|
$ |
0.09 |
||
Vested |
(32,332,988 |
) |
$ |
0.07 |
||
Forfeited |
(335,537 |
) |
$ |
0.08 |
||
Unvested RSPAs at December 31, 2021 |
75,689,677 |
|
$ |
0.10 |
||
Granted |
16,815,000 |
|
$ |
0.19 |
||
Vested |
(15,486,652 |
) |
$ |
0.06 |
||
Forfeited |
(6,182,259 |
) |
$ |
0.10 |
||
Unvested RSPAs at December 31, 2022 |
70,835,766 |
|
$ |
0.11 |
Some RSPAs were issued for cash while others were issued for promissory notes. As of December 31, 2022, the unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of the Company’s RSPAs issued for promissory notes, excluding executive award as disclosed below, was $0.09 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period less than 1 year. The executed promissory note creates an option for the RSPA holder, since they will repay the loan when the exercise price is lower than the ordinary share fair value. The promissory note contains prepayment features and therefore can be repaid at any time. The maturity date is five years from the grant date. The grant date fair value is based on the terms of the promissory note, since the promissory notes creates the option. The related expense is recorded over the service vesting terms of the restricted shares.
During 2020, an executive received an award of RSPA’s for a promissory note which included three tranches. The first tranche vest based on service conditions only, and vest ratably over each continuous month of service. The second tranche becomes subject to service vesting after a performance condition is met. Subject to the performance vesting conditions, the awards will vest ratably for each continuous month of service. The third tranche vest immediately upon satisfaction of performance conditions and market conditions such as the Company achieving a certain valuation prior to an IPO. For these awards, the repurchase option terminates upon vesting (either immediately or over a service vesting term). However, if the participant is terminated within 12 months of a liquidation event (excluding termination for cause), then the awards vest in full. As of December 31, 2022, the unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of the Company’s executive RSPAs was $25.0 million.
The Company recognizes share compensation expense on the executive’s RSPAs in the first and second tranche, ratably over each month of continuous service after July 1, 2020. No share compensation expense is recorded related to the executive’s RSPAs for the third tranche, as it is not probable for the performance condition to be met as of December 31, 2022. No share compensation expense will be recorded for this tranche until the performance condition triggers become probable.
F-56
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 13. Share-Based Compensation (cont.)
The RSPAs issued for cash contain service vesting conditions. The grant date fair value of the RSPAs is the same as the ordinary share fair value at the grant date. As the grantees paid cash for the RSPAs, they are considered prepaid shares. Should a grantee’s service be terminated, any unvested shares would be repurchased by the Company and the Company would have to return the original cash payment to the grantee for the unvested share portion, thereby creating a liability.
As of December 31, 2022, the unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of the Company’s RSPAs issued for cash was $0.01 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of less than 1 year.
The assumptions used to estimate the fair value of RSPAs granted during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
|
December 31, |
|||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||
Risk-free interest rate |
2.42 |
% |
0.97 |
% |
||
Expected term (in years) |
5.00 |
|
5.00 |
|
||
Dividend yield |
— |
|
— |
|
||
Expected volatility |
217.57 |
% |
152.00 |
% |
Restricted Share Grant Agreement
A summary of RSGA activity under the 2016 Plan for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 is set forth below:
|
Number of Restricted Share Grant Agreement |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per RSGA |
||||
RSGAs at December 31, 2020 |
— |
|
|
— |
||
Granted and vested |
1,768,500 |
|
$ |
0.10 |
||
Forfeited |
— |
|
|
— |
||
RSGAs at December 31, 2021 |
1,768,500 |
|
$ |
0.10 |
||
Granted and vested |
82,762,666 |
|
$ |
0.09 |
||
Forfeited |
(10,000 |
) |
$ |
0.06 |
||
RSGAs at December 31, 2022 |
84,521,166 |
|
$ |
0.09 |
The Company granted 82,762,666 and 1,768,500 fully-vested shares of RSGAs as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The grant date fair value is $8.4 million and $0.1 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These were issued related to provision of employee services and were fully-vested at date of grant. Until such time as the Company exercises the right of first refusal, the grantee has all the rights of a shareholder with respect to voting, liquidation rights and receipt of dividends.
There are transfer restrictions over the RSGA shares. The shares have not been registered under the Securities Act and may not be sold or transferred unless registered under the SEC laws or with receipt of an exemption therefrom. The employee must also notify the Company of his/her intention to dispose of the shares and the Company maintains a right of first refusal and a market stand-off right over the shares. The right of first refusal will lapse on the earlier to occur of: (i) the first date on which the ordinary shares are held by at least 2,000 persons, (ii) a determination by the Company’s Board of Directors that a public market exists, and (iii) a firm commitment underwritten public offering of the shares valued at, at least $20.0 million.
There is no Company repurchase option unless the Company exercises its right of first refusal. After delivery of notice to the Company of intended disposition of the shares by the employee, the Company has the option to repurchase the shares from the employee on the same terms indicated on the disposal form.
F-57
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 14. Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 consist of current state taxes of $0.005 million and $0.007 million, respectively. Income taxes in the consolidated financial statements have been calculated on a separate tax return basis.
The following table presents the principal reasons for the difference between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate (in thousands):
|
December 31, |
|||||||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||||||||
$ |
% |
$ |
% |
|||||||||||
Pretax loss |
$ |
(15,616 |
) |
21 |
% |
$ |
(7,600 |
) |
21 |
% |
||||
State tax benefit |
|
(2,575 |
) |
3 |
% |
|
(2,251 |
) |
6 |
% |
||||
Foreign tax difference |
|
8,085 |
|
(11 |
)% |
|
787 |
|
(2 |
)% |
||||
Transaction costs |
|
871 |
|
(1 |
)% |
|
646 |
|
(2 |
)% |
||||
Permanent difference |
|
556 |
|
(1 |
)% |
|
193 |
|
(1 |
)% |
||||
PPP loan forgiveness |
|
— |
|
0 |
% |
|
(154 |
) |
0 |
% |
||||
Change in valuation allowance |
|
8,717 |
|
(12 |
)% |
|
8,369 |
|
(23 |
)% |
||||
Other |
|
(38 |
) |
0 |
% |
|
10 |
|
(0 |
)% |
||||
Effective Income tax expense |
$ |
0 |
|
0.00 |
% |
$ |
0 |
|
(0 |
)% |
Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||
Deferred tax assets: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Book to tax depreciation differences |
$ |
773 |
|
$ |
545 |
|
||
Accrued expenses and reserves |
|
1,254 |
|
|
1,415 |
|
||
Stock compensation |
|
274 |
|
|
267 |
|
||
Intercompany interest |
|
1,010 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Net operating loss carryforwards |
|
57,825 |
|
|
50,158 |
|
||
Operating lease liabilities |
|
340 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Other |
|
165 |
|
|
165 |
|
||
Total deferred tax assets |
$ |
61,641 |
|
$ |
52,550 |
|
||
Valuation allowance |
|
61,031 |
|
|
52,314 |
|
||
Total deferred tax assets, net |
$ |
610 |
|
$ |
236 |
|
||
Deferred tax liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Operating lease right of use assets |
|
(338 |
) |
|
— |
|
||
Prepaid expenses |
|
(272 |
) |
|
(236 |
) |
||
Total deferred tax liabilities, net |
$ |
(610 |
) |
$ |
(236 |
) |
||
Total deferred tax assets (liabilities), net |
$ |
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
As of December 31, 2022, the Company has approximately $41.6 million of tax-effected federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards, and $16.3 million of California NOL carryforwards, which will begin to expire in 2031. The described carryforwards are included in the Company’s calculation of its deferred tax asset; however, realization of the deferred tax asset is dependent on the Company generating sufficient taxable income prior to expiration of the NOL carryforwards. Also, utilization of the operating losses and tax credits may be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to the ownership change limitations provided by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 under Section 382 and similar state provisions. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded a full valuation allowance of
F-58
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 14. Income Taxes (cont.)
approximately $61.0 million and $52.3 million, respectively, on the net deferred tax assets, as management does not believe it is more likely than not that the tax assets will ultimately be realized. The valuation allowance increased by $8.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, or Section 382, imposes limitations on a corporation’s ability to utilize its NOL carryforwards, if it experiences an “ownership change” as defined. In general terms, an ownership change may result from transactions increasing the ownership percentage of certain stockholders in the stock of the corporation by more than 50% over a three-year period. In the event of an ownership change, utilization of the NOL carryforwards would be subject to an annual limitation under Section 382 determined by multiplying the value of the Company’s stock at the time of the ownership change by the applicable long-term tax-exempt rate. The Company has not completed a Section 382 study at this time; however, should a study be completed, certain NOL carryforwards may be subject to such limitations. Any future annual limitation may result in the expiration of NOL carryforwards before utilization.
The Company recognizes the impact of a tax position in the consolidated financial statements if the tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination and on the technical merits of the position. Based on the evaluation, that Company has concluded that for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, there were no unrecognized tax benefits. The Company does not anticipate a significant change in unrecognized tax benefits during the next 12 months.
The Company and its subsidiaries file tax returns in the United States (federal and state). In general, tax years 2011 and forward are open for examination for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes.
Note 15. Related Party Balances and Transactions
As of December 31, 2019, the Company owed $2.1 million to LamVen LLC (“LamVen”), an entity co-owned by a co-founder of the Company, for various expenses incurred by LamVen on the Company’s behalf. During 2020, $2.0 million of the amount owed to LamVen was extinguished through issuance of 4,370,452 Class B-6s convertible preferred shares with fair value of $0.4 million resulting in a gain on extinguishment of $1.9 million, which was recognized within Additional paid-in capital on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company owed $0.4 million and $0.09 million, respectively, to LamVen. Amounts due to LamVen are included within “Due to related parties” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
During 2019, the Company commenced leasing three aircraft from Park Lane, an entity affiliated with a co-founder of the Company, for a monthly lease payment of $0.025 million per aircraft. During 2020, the Company began leasing a fourth aircraft from Park Lane for a monthly lease payment of $0.025 million (see Note 5, Leases). The lease term for the four aircraft has been extended to July 2023.
On April 7, 2020, the Company entered into a convertible Secured Promissory Note Agreement with Park Lane (“2020 SPNA”) under which prior loans were exchanged for a secured convertible loan aggregating $7.5 million. On December 15, 2020, principal and accrued interest on the secured promissory note of $7.6 million were converted into a total of 15,110,962 Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares. During 2021, the Company received $0.4 million in cash from Park Lane under the 2020 SPNA which was immediately converted to 834,566 of Class B-6a preferred convertible stock.
During 2021, Park Lane purchased an additional $5.0 million in Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares of Surf Air, totaling 9,442,871 Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares.
During 2021, Surf Air issued an aggregate of $4.5 million of convertible notes under the May 12, 2022 (which is effective October 28, 2021), convertible note agreement, (the “2021 Note”) to an entity affiliated with the co-founder of the Company. The 2021 Note was scheduled to mature on December 31, 2022 (see Note 8, Financing Arrangements). During 2022, the 2021 Note with a face amount of $4.5 million was converted into 17,373,521 Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares.
F-59
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 15. Related Party Balances and Transactions (cont.)
On May 15, 2022, the Company issued a convertible note in exchange for cash of $1.3 million to LamVen, a related party, which was scheduled to mature on the earlier of December 31, 2022 or the date on which the note is otherwise accelerated as provided for in the agreement. On May 17, 2022, the convertible note converted into 4,940,258 Class B-6a redeemable convertible preferred shares.
On May 17, 2022, Surf Air and LamVen, a related party, entered into a simple agreement for future equity (the “LamVen SAFE”) in the total amount of $7.5 million in exchange for cash received in 2022 (see Note 8, Financing Arrangements).
On May 17, 2022, Surf Air and Park Lane, a related party, entered into a simple agreement for future equity (the “Park Lane SAFE”) in the total amount of $7.5 million in exchange for cash received in 2022 (see Note 8, Financing Arrangements).
On November 12, 2022, as amended and restated on November 30, 2022, the Company entered into a term note agreement, effective October 31, 2022, in exchange for $4.5 million in cash from LamVen, a related party (see Note 9, Term notes).
Note 16. Net Loss per Share Applicable to Ordinary Shareholders, Basic and Diluted
The following table sets forth the computation of net loss per ordinary share (in thousands, except share data):
|
December 31, |
|||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||
Net loss |
$ |
(74,362 |
) |
$ |
(35,784 |
) |
||
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares used in net loss per share applicable to ordinary shareholders – basic and diluted |
|
302,006,679 |
|
|
192,372,698 |
|
||
Net loss per share applicable to ordinary shareholders, basic and diluted |
$ |
(0.25 |
) |
$ |
(0.19 |
) |
The Company excluded the following potential ordinary shares, presented based on amounts outstanding at each period end, from the computation of diluted net loss per share for the periods indicated because including them would have had an anti-dilutive effect:
|
December 31, |
|||
2022 |
2021 |
|||
Excluded securities: |
||||
Options to purchase ordinary shares |
39,608,026 |
10,806,791 |
||
Restricted stock units |
4,937,534 |
4,937,535 |
||
Unvested RSPAs |
70,835,766 |
75,689,677 |
||
Preferred stock (as converted to ordinary shares) |
300,623,025 |
249,935,594 |
||
Total ordinary shares equivalents |
416,004,351 |
341,369,597 |
Note 17. Subsequent Events
Management evaluated events occurring subsequent to December 31, 2022 through April 13, 2023, the date the consolidated financial statements were available for issuance.
On January 18, 2023, the Company entered into a term note agreement effective December 14, 2022, for $1.0 million in cash from LamVen, a related party. The Company received a cash contribution of $0.4 million as of the effective date and a cash contribution of $0.6 million in 2023. The note is scheduled to mature on the earlier of December 31, 2023 or may be prepaid in whole or in part any time upon written notice to the Lender. Interest is due upon maturity at a rate of 8.25% per annum until the note is paid in full at maturity or upon acceleration by prepayment.
F-60
Surf Air Global Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 17. Subsequent Events (cont.)
On January 18, 2023, the Company entered into a term note agreement effective January 10, 2023, for $1.7 million in cash from LamJam, a related party. The Company received a cash contribution of $1.7 million as of the effective date. The note is scheduled to mature on the earlier of December 31, 2023 or may be prepaid in whole or in part any time upon written notice to the lender. Interest is due upon maturity at a rate of 8.25% per annum until the note is paid in full at maturity or upon acceleration by prepayment.
On January 31, 2023, the Company and a private investor entered into a simple agreement for future equity in which the Company agreed to sell to the investor up to a number of common shares having an aggregate value of $0.3 million in exchange for cash received in 2023. The resulting conversion prices will be based on a contractually defined discount of 20% of the per share consideration payable to common shareholders, in the event if a change in control or qualified financing, and a 35% discount to the price per share of equity securities issued in the event of a de-SPAC transaction, IPO, or direct listing. The maturity date for the SAFE is January 31, 2025.
On February 1, 2023, the Company and a commercial lender amended the payoff letter for the SAFE note related to the 2017 Term Notes to extend the exchange date to May 30, 2023 (see Note 9, Term Notes).
On February 8, 2023, the Company entered into an amended and restated SPA with GEM, which further amended and restated the SPA entered into on May 17, 2022. The amendment increases the facility to $400.0 million and the commitment fee to $8.0 million (see Note 11, Commitments and Contingencies).
On April 1, 2023, the Company entered into a term note agreement for $3.4 million in cash from LamVen, a related party. The Company received the $3.4 million in cash contributions in 2023. The note is scheduled to mature on the earlier of December 31, 2023 or may be prepaid in whole or in part any time upon written notice to the Lender. Interest is due upon maturity at a rate of 10.0% per annum until the note is paid in full at maturity or upon acceleration by prepayment.
On April 1, 2023, the Company entered into a term note agreement for $3.5 million in cash from LamJam, a related party. The Company received the $3.5 million in cash contributions in 2023. The note is scheduled to mature on the earlier of December 31, 2023 or may be prepaid in whole or in part any time upon written notice to the Lender. Interest is due upon maturity at a rate of 10.0% per annum until the note is paid in full at maturity or upon acceleration by prepayment.
In the first quarter of 2023, Los Angeles County imposed a tax lien on four of the Company’s aircraft due to the late filing of its 2022 property tax return where the county assessed the Company approximately $0.2 million of property tax due, inclusive of interest and penalties. The Company is in the process of remediating of the late filing and payment of the property tax liability.
F-61
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-62
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended |
||||||||
2023 |
2022 |
|||||||
Revenues |
$ |
22,674 |
|
$ |
16,720 |
|
||
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
||||
Maintenance, materials, and repairs |
|
2,073 |
|
|
1,100 |
|
||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
937 |
|
|
548 |
|
||
Aircraft fuel |
|
4,041 |
|
|
2,884 |
|
||
Airport-related expenses |
|
1,463 |
|
|
911 |
|
||
Aircraft rent |
|
2,187 |
|
|
1,922 |
|
||
Salaries, wages and benefits |
|
8,453 |
|
|
5,827 |
|
||
Other operating expenses |
|
5,388 |
|
|
4,047 |
|
||
Total operating expenses |
|
24,542 |
|
|
17,239 |
|
||
Operating loss |
|
(1,868 |
) |
|
(519 |
) |
||
Non-operating income (expense): |
|
|
|
|
||||
Interest expense |
|
(666 |
) |
|
(183 |
) |
||
Other income, net |
|
172 |
|
|
(3 |
) |
||
Total non-operating expense, net |
|
(494 |
) |
|
(186 |
) |
||
Loss before income taxes |
|
(2,362 |
) |
|
(705 |
) |
||
Income tax provision |
|
5 |
|
|
5 |
|
||
Net loss including noncontrolling interests |
|
(2,367 |
) |
|
(710 |
) |
||
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests |
|
(201 |
) |
|
— |
|
||
Net loss attributable to common shareholders |
$ |
(2,166 |
) |
$ |
(710 |
) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-63
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN
REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SHARES
AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
Additional |
Accumulated |
Total |
Noncontrolling |
Total |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of |
Amount |
Number of |
$0.0001 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 |
162,589 |
$ |
3,624 |
364,841 |
$ |
— |
$ |
9,858 |
$ |
(10,579 |
) |
$ |
(721 |
) |
$ |
(677 |
) |
$ |
(1,398 |
) |
|||||||||
Exercise of warrants |
— |
|
— |
9,094 |
|
— |
|
107 |
|
— |
|
|
107 |
|
|
— |
|
|
107 |
|
|||||||||
Net loss |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(2,166 |
) |
|
(2,166 |
) |
|
(201 |
) |
|
(2,367 |
) |
|||||||||
Balance at March 31, |
162,589 |
$ |
3,624 |
373,935 |
$ |
— |
$ |
9,965 |
$ |
(12,745 |
) |
$ |
(2,780 |
) |
$ |
(878 |
) |
$ |
(3,658 |
) |
Redeemable |
|
Additional |
Accumulated |
Total |
|||||||||||||||||
Number of |
Amount |
Number of |
$0.0001 |
||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 |
162,589 |
$ |
3,624 |
336,914 |
$ |
— |
$ |
8,468 |
$ |
(6,108 |
) |
$ |
2,360 |
|
|||||||
Net loss |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(710 |
) |
|
(710 |
) |
|||||||
Balance at March 31, 2022 |
162,589 |
$ |
3,624 |
336,914 |
$ |
— |
$ |
8,468 |
$ |
(6,818 |
) |
$ |
1,650 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-64
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended |
||||||||
2023 |
2022 |
|||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Net loss including noncontrolling interests |
$ |
(2,367 |
) |
$ |
(710 |
) |
||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss including noncontrolling interests to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
937 |
|
|
546 |
|
||
Noncash operating lease expense |
|
1,174 |
|
|
833 |
|
||
Other, net |
|
80 |
|
|
5 |
|
||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Accounts receivable |
|
(53 |
) |
|
(239 |
) |
||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
255 |
|
|
(384 |
) |
||
Other assets |
|
(14 |
) |
|
(78 |
) |
||
Accounts payable |
|
785 |
|
|
207 |
|
||
Accrued salaries, wages, and benefits |
|
260 |
|
|
(98 |
) |
||
Operating lease liabilities |
|
(1,269 |
) |
|
(912 |
) |
||
Deferred revenue |
|
991 |
|
|
1,022 |
|
||
Due to related parties |
|
(146 |
) |
|
(170 |
) |
||
Other liabilities |
|
(1,112 |
) |
|
183 |
|
||
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities |
|
(479 |
) |
|
205 |
|
||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
|
(204 |
) |
|
(429 |
) |
||
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
(204 |
) |
|
(429 |
) |
||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Proceeds from collateralized borrowings, net of repayment |
|
1,394 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Principal payments on long-term debt |
|
(557 |
) |
|
(120 |
) |
||
Principal payments on long-term debt – related parties |
|
(179 |
) |
|
(173 |
) |
||
Proceeds from exercise of warrants |
|
107 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Repayment of finance or capital lease obligations |
|
(45 |
) |
|
(32 |
) |
||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
|
720 |
|
|
(325 |
) |
||
Increase (decrease) in cash |
|
37 |
|
|
(549 |
) |
||
Cash at beginning of period |
|
1,402 |
|
|
5,710 |
|
||
Cash at end of period |
$ |
1,439 |
|
$ |
5,161 |
|
||
Supplemental cash flow information |
|
|
|
|
||||
Cash paid for interest |
$ |
648 |
|
$ |
184 |
|
||
Cash paid for income taxes |
$ |
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
||
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities |
|
|
|
|
||||
Purchases of property and equipment accrued in accounts payable and other current liabilities |
$ |
318 |
|
$ |
150 |
|
||
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities |
$ |
691 |
|
$ |
— |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-65
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1. Description of Business
Southern Airways Corporation (“SAC”) is a Delaware Corporation that was founded on April 5, 2013, and its wholly owned subsidiaries Southern Airways Express, LLC (“SAE”), Southern Airways Pacific (“SAP”), Southern Airways Autos, LLC (“SAA”), Multi-Aero Inc. (“MUA”), and its consolidated variable interest entity Mariana Southern Airways LLC (“Marianas”), are collectively referred to hereafter as “Southern” or “the Company”.
Nature of Operations
Southern is a scheduled service commuter airline serving cities across the United States that is headquartered in Palm Beach, Florida and commenced flight operations in June 2013. It is a certified Part 135 operator which operates a fleet of over 50 aircraft, including the Cessna Caravan, the Cessna Grand Caravan, the King Air Super 200, the Saab 340, the Pilatus PC-12, the Tecnam Traveller, and the Citation Bravo. Southern provides both seasonal and full-year scheduled passenger air transportation service in New England, the Mid-Atlantic and Gulf regions, Rockies and West Coast, Far Pacific, and Hawaii, with select routes subsidized by the United States Department of Transportation (“U.S. DOT”) under the Essential Air Service (“EAS”) program and by the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (“CNMI”) under the Incentive Agreement with CNMI (“Incentive Agreement”) until it was terminated on February 21, 2023. (See Note 5, Joint Venture).
Going Concern, Liquidity and Capital Resources
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The going concern assumption contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.
The Company incurred greater than expected operating losses and negative cash flows from operating activities in April and May 2023 due to inefficient aircraft utilization, primarily caused by an underutilization of pilots and a shortage of maintenance personnel and critical aircraft components, which, in aggregate, have challenged the Company’s ability to serve its customers as desired and, in turn, cover expenses. Previously forecasted strategies to alleviate these challenges have been unsuccessful in the full deployment of the Company’s fleet with the Company seeing an increased cancellation rate well above historical averages and previous forecasts, particularly during the second quarter of 2023. This has resulted in an accelerated decline in revenue expectations for the second quarter of 2023, coupled with increasing costs associated with rescheduling pilots and flight personnel to active service areas to mitigate the flight schedule disruptions. Although the Company continues to focus on mitigating these challenges, they are expected to continue to impact financial results in the coming months. The Company’s success going forward is dependent on the ability to achieve a high level of aircraft and crew utilization, increase flight services and the number of passengers flown, and ready access to capital to fund operations and planned growth.
As of March 31, 2023, the Company had approximately $1.4 million in cash and available liquidity. In addition to continued actions to reduce costs, and effectively utilize assets and crews, the Company is evaluating strategies to obtain additional funding for future operations. These strategies may include, but are not limited to, obtaining additional equity financing, issuing additional debt or entering into other financing arrangements, and restructuring of operations to efficiently utilize aircraft and pilots, grow revenues and decrease expenses. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in achieving its strategic plans, that new financing will be available to the Company in a timely manner or on acceptable terms, if at all. If the Company is unable to raise sufficient financing when needed or events or circumstances occur such that the Company does not meet its strategic plans, the Company may be required to take additional measures to enhance, conserve, and increase liquidity, which could include, but not necessarily limited to, increasing ticket prices, additional reductions to spending, selling of aircraft, altering or scaling back operational footprint, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and ability to achieve its intended business objectives.
These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
F-66
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Interim Financial Information
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for annual financial statements and they should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes. The information herein reflects all material adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments), which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair statement of the results for the periods presented. The results for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.
There have been no material changes in significant accounting policies during the three months ended March 31, 2023, from those disclosed in the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Southern. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates using historical experience and other factors including the current economic and regulatory environment as well as management’s judgment. Items subject to such estimates and assumptions include: revenue recognition, certain accrued liabilities, useful lives and recoverability of long-lived assets including finite-lived intangible assets, fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in acquisitions, legal contingencies, stock-based compensation, determination of the fair value of warrants to purchase the Company’s common stock, and realization of tax assets and estimates of tax liabilities. Management evaluates its assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis and may engage outside subject matter experts to assist in the development of estimates. Such estimates often require the selection of appropriate valuation methodologies and models, and significant judgments in evaluating ranges of assumptions and financial inputs. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions, financial inputs, or circumstances.
Concentration of Risk
The financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and accounts receivable. All of the Company’s cash deposits are held at financial institutions that management believes to be of high credit quality. The Company’s cash deposit accounts may exceed federally insured limits at times. The Company has not experienced any losses on cash deposits to date. As of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, approximately 87% and 75%, respectively, of the Company’s accounts receivable balance is due from the U.S. DOT, in relation to certain air routes served by the Company under the U.S. DOT’s EAS program.
Accounts Receivable, net
Accounts receivable primarily consist of amounts due from the U.S. DOT in relation to certain air routes served by the Company under the EAS program and amounts due from airline and non-airline business partners. Receivables from the U.S. DOT and our business partners are typically settled within 30 days. All accounts receivable are reported net of
F-67
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
an allowance for credit losses, which was not material as of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022. The Company has considered past and future financial and qualitative factors, including aging, payment history and other credit monitoring indicators, when establishing the allowance for credit losses.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Adopted
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). This new credit losses standard changes the accounting for credit losses for certain instruments. The new measurement approach is based on expected losses, commonly referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model, which is utilized to estimate lifetime “expected credit losses” and record an allowance that, when deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset, presents the net amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. The CECL model is expected to result in more timely recognition of credit losses and applies to financial assets including loans, held-to-maturity debt securities, net investment in leases, and reinsurance and trade receivables, as well as certain off-balance sheet credit exposures, such as loan commitments. The standard also changes the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19, Codification Improvements to ASC 326, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (“ASC 326”), which updated the effective date of this credit loss standard to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, for non-public entities, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2023, and the adoption did not have any material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures, since the majority of the accounts receivable are due from the U.S. government and the Company historically had no credit losses on these accounts receivable.
In September 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-04, Liabilities — Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations (Topic 425). This ASU creates a disclosure framework by which buyers in a supplier finance program will disclose significant qualitative and quantitative information to allow a user of financial statements to understand the program’s nature and potential magnitude. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company does not have any material supplier finance programs during the quarter ended March 31, 2023.
Note 3. Revenue-related Information
The Company generates revenue from the following principal sources (in thousands):
Three Months Ended |
||||||
2023 |
2022 |
|||||
Passenger revenue |
$ |
9,742 |
$ |
7,779 |
||
EAS and other subsidy revenue |
|
10,263 |
|
6,858 |
||
Charter revenue |
|
1,547 |
|
1,150 |
||
Other revenue |
|
1,122 |
|
933 |
||
Total revenue |
$ |
22,674 |
$ |
16,720 |
EAS revenue was approximately $10.0 million and $6.9 million of the Company’s total revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2023, and March 31, 2022, respectively. Included in other subsidy revenue is approximately $0.2 million of revenue attributable to the per-flight subsidies under the Incentive Agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2023.
F-68
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 3. Revenue-related Information (cont.)
The changes in deferred revenue were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended |
||||||||
2023 |
2022 |
|||||||
Deferred revenue, beginning of period |
$ |
6,260 |
|
$ |
4,513 |
|
||
Revenue deferred |
|
11,681 |
|
|
9,785 |
|
||
Revenue recognized |
|
(10,690 |
) |
|
(8,764 |
) |
||
Deferred revenue, end of period |
$ |
7,251 |
|
$ |
5,534 |
|
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company began providing certain services to Surf Air Inc. (“Surf Air”) for its fleet of four aircraft under an operating agreement. Per the agreement, the Company provides aircraft management and flight operations services, including crew staffing and scheduling, managing all scheduled and charter flights, and maintenance of all Surf Air aircraft subject to the agreement. Included in charter revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2023, is $218 thousand in management fees related to those services, which the Company recognized on a monthly basis when earned. There were no such fees recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2022. When performing services subject to the agreement, the Company incurs certain costs on behalf of Surf Air, which Surf Air reimburses the Company for as they are incurred. The Company recognizes the reimbursement of costs as a reduction of expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
As of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the Company had total receivables related to pass-through cost reimbursements from Surf Air in the amount of $425 thousand and $420 thousand, respectively, which is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets. Additionally, as of December 31, 2022, there was $230 thousand of management fees from Surf Air included in accounts receivable. As of March 31, 2023, there were no management fees from Surf Air included in accounts receivable.
Note 4. Business Combinations
Surf Air Mobility Proposed Acquisition
A proposed business combination between Surf Air and the Company is further described in Note 14, Commitments and Contingencies.
Multi-Aero, Inc. Acquisition
On April 1, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of St. Louis-based air carrier Multi-Aero, Inc. dba Air Choice One (“MUA” or “Air Choice One”) for total cash purchase consideration of $4.1 million that was funded at close by the Clarus Tranche 1 Note (See Note 9, Long-Term Debt, Net). The primary reason for the acquisition was to expand capacity to serve additional EAS routes and to purchase aircraft. The net assets acquired primarily include three aircraft ($3.1 million), a spare aircraft engine ($0.2 million), spare parts inventory ($0.5 million), and liabilities ($0.5 million). The Company recognized $0.8 million of goodwill as part of this transaction relating to expected synergies of combined operations and the assumption of the deferred tax liability. At the close of acquisition, Air Choice One was serving a total of three destinations in the United States: Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee. The Company accounted for the acquisition as a business combination.
There were no adjustments to the allocation of the purchase price during the measurement adjustment period.
Note 5. Joint Venture
During the quarter ended June 30, 2022, the Company acquired a 50% membership interest in Mariana Southern Airways LLC (“Marianas”) for the purposes of providing inter-island air flight services for the transportation of passengers and cargo throughout the Mariana Islands. On July 1, 2022, the Company executed an airline services agreement with Marianas to provide regular scheduled air transportation service. Based on the substantial services
F-69
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 5. Joint Venture (cont.)
that the Company provides, as well as the power to direct operations, per the airline services agreement, the Company has determined it is the primary beneficiary of Marianas. The Company has the power to direct the commercial and operating activities of Marianas and has the obligation to absorb losses and right to receive substantially all of the benefits from Marianas as of the agreement execution date of July 1, 2022. As the primary beneficiary, the Company consolidates the assets and liabilities of Marianas in its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, records the operational results of Marianas in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and records noncontrolling interest for the 50% interest attributable to MP Enterprises, LLC (the “JV partner”). Intercompany transactions between the Company and Marianas have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Asset and liabilities related to Marianas are presented below (in thousands):
March 31, |
December 31, |
|||||
ASSETS |
|
|
||||
Cash |
$ |
19 |
$ |
8 |
||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
47 |
|
380 |
||
Total current assets |
|
66 |
|
388 |
||
Property and equipment, net |
|
336 |
|
337 |
||
Other assets |
|
6 |
|
6 |
||
Total assets |
$ |
408 |
$ |
731 |
||
|
|
|||||
LIABILITIES |
|
|
||||
Current liabilities |
|
|
||||
Accounts payable |
$ |
4 |
$ |
24 |
||
Due to MP Enterprises, LLC |
|
1,158 |
|
984 |
||
Accrued salaries wages and benefits |
|
62 |
|
42 |
||
Current deferred incentive income |
|
645 |
|
678 |
||
Total current liabilities |
|
1,869 |
|
1,728 |
||
Noncurrent liabilities |
|
|
||||
Noncurrent deferred incentive income |
|
— |
|
357 |
||
Total noncurrent liabilities |
|
— |
|
357 |
||
Total liabilities |
$ |
1,869 |
$ |
2,085 |
At the outset of Marianas, the government of the CNMI provided incentives to Marianas, pursuant to the Incentive Agreement in order to help mitigate the associated start-up costs, including $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)-sourced funding to cover the acquisition or mobilization of aircraft, fuel, and equipment; staffing; flight crews; training; travel costs; consultants; real estate and other costs; an 18-month per-flight subsidy consisting of payments up to a total of $6.5 million by CNMI to Marianas based on various flight/departure target volumes; and a Corporate Discount Program for official CNMI government travel.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2022, Marianas received $1.5 million pursuant to the Incentive Agreement for reimbursement of qualified start-up costs, including the costs to purchase aircraft and other capital assets. All costs incurred and recorded by Marianas before the establishment of the joint venture are qualified for reimbursement from CNMI (“Qualified start-up costs”). Qualified start-up costs incurred from the inception of Marianas to the execution of the airline services agreement on July 1, 2022, of $483 thousand was recognized as other income prior to the Company becoming the primary beneficiary of Marianas. The remaining $1.0 million was used to cover a portion of the purchase price of an aircraft.
F-70
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 5. Joint Venture (cont.)
The Company has purchased three aircraft for use in Marianas operations for which it has sole title (See Note 7, Property and Equipment, Net). The first aircraft was purchased for $2.8 million, paid with the above mentioned $1.0 million incentive and $1.8 million was financed by Southern with a ten-year promissory note with the aircraft manufacturer, Tecnam. The second aircraft was purchased for $2.8 million, paid by $800 thousand in cash ($250 thousand from the Company, $200 thousand from Marianas, and $350 thousand from the JV partner) and financed by Southern with a $2.0 million ten-year promissory note with Tecnam. The third aircraft was purchased for $2.9 million financed by Southern with a $2.9 million five-year promissory note with Clarus Capital. In addition to cash contributions for aircraft, the JV partner incurred certain operating expenses on behalf of Marianas, which are included in aggregate in Due to MP Enterprises, LLC, of $1.2 million and $1.0 million as of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively.
The Company classified the above mentioned $1.0 million incentive as deferred incentive income. The Company recognizes the deferred incentive income ratably throughout the Incentive Agreement period. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized approximately $282 thousand of incentive income that is included in Other Income, net in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2022, the Company recorded the remaining $735 thousand as deferred incentive income, of which $678 thousand is included in other current liabilities and $57 thousand is included in other noncurrent liabilities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company recognized $171 thousand of incentive income that is included in Other Income, net in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of March 31, 2023, the remaining deferred incentive income of $564 thousand is included in other current liabilities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
During the quarters ended on September 30, 2022, and December 31, 2022, Marianas received an additional $500 thousand and $250 thousand respectively, from the government of CNMI, as an advance to cover transportation cost of an additional aircraft flown to CNMI and to provide working capital to increase operations.
On February 21, 2023, the Office of the Governor of the CNMI issued a letter to Marianas terminating the Incentive Agreement between Marianas and the CNMI government. The Incentive Agreement had approximately twelve months remaining in duration. Due to the early termination of the Incentive Agreement on February 21, 2023, the Company presents advances net of accounts receivable of $81 thousand included in current liabilities as of March 31, 2023, and $300 thousand included in other noncurrent liabilities as of December 31, 2022.
Note 6. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
March 31, |
December 31, |
|||||
Vendor prepayments |
$ |
82 |
$ |
106 |
||
Progress payments for software development |
|
164 |
|
164 |
||
Expendable spare parts |
|
183 |
|
171 |
||
Credit card receivables |
|
165 |
|
198 |
||
Prepaid fuel |
|
242 |
|
294 |
||
Federal excise taxes receivables |
|
329 |
|
320 |
||
Surf Air cost reimbursements |
|
425 |
|
420 |
||
Engine reserves(1) |
|
1,998 |
|
1,477 |
||
Prepaid insurance |
|
1,149 |
|
1,849 |
||
Other |
|
553 |
|
546 |
||
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets |
$ |
5,290 |
$ |
5,545 |
____________
(1) At March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, this includes $1.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively, which relates to SkyWest, a related party
F-71
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 7. Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment, net, consists of the following (in thousands):
March 31, |
December 31, |
|||||||
Aircraft, equipment, and rotable spares |
$ |
38,018 |
|
$ |
37,566 |
|
||
Office, vehicles and ground equipment |
|
2,507 |
|
|
2,439 |
|
||
Leasehold improvements |
|
2,293 |
|
|
2,309 |
|
||
Property and equipment, gross |
|
42,818 |
|
|
42,314 |
|
||
Accumulated depreciation |
|
(6,561 |
) |
|
(5,760 |
) |
||
Property and equipment, net |
$ |
36,257 |
|
$ |
36,554 |
|
The Company recorded depreciation expense of $810 thousand and $404 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which was recognized as a component of Depreciation and Amortization expense in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, any gain or loss on disposal of property and equipment was not material.
Note 8. Other Current Liabilities
Other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
March 31, |
December 31, |
|||||
Accrued interest |
$ |
102 |
$ |
87 |
||
Accrued vendor payables |
|
733 |
|
686 |
||
Due to MP Enterprises, LLC |
|
1,158 |
|
984 |
||
Deferred incentive income |
|
645 |
|
678 |
||
Collateralized borrowings |
|
2,705 |
|
1,316 |
||
Insurance premium liability |
|
704 |
|
1,395 |
||
Other |
|
196 |
|
370 |
||
Total other current liabilities |
$ |
6,243 |
$ |
5,516 |
Collateralized Borrowings
The Company has a revolving accounts receivable financing arrangement that allows the Company to borrow up to 90% of eligible accounts receivable, as defined, up to a maximum unsettled amount of $5 million. The agreement is secured by a first security interest in all of SAE’s assets and automatically renews annually. The related interest rate is the prime rate plus 1% per annum. Additionally, the Company pays certain ancillary fees associated with each borrowing that vary depending on the borrowed amount and duration, which is no more than 45 days.
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company borrowed a total of $7.8 million under this financing facility, of which $5.1 million was settled through the transfer of pledged receivables and the Company repaid the $1.3 million outstanding as of December 31, 2022. During the six-month period ended December 31, 2022, the Company borrowed a total of $3.0 million under this financing facility, of which $1.7 million was settled through the transfer of pledged receivables. Interest expense incurred on these borrowings during the three months ended March 31, 2023, amounted to $95 thousand and are included in interest expense in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
As of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the outstanding amount due under this facility amounted to $2.7 million and $1.3 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.
F-72
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 9. Long-Term Debt, Net
The Company’s total debt due to unrelated parties consist of the following (in thousands):
Total debt is recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as follows (in thousands):
March 31, |
December 31, |
|||||
Long-term debt, gross |
$ |
23,887 |
$ |
24,445 |
||
Due to related party (See Note 13, Related Party Transactions) |
|
4,060 |
|
4,239 |
||
Total debt, gross |
$ |
27,947 |
$ |
28,684 |
Future maturities of total debt as of March 31, 2023 are as follows (in thousands):
Amount |
|||
Remainder of 2023 |
$ |
2,277 |
|
2024 |
|
3,174 |
|
2025 |
|
3,353 |
|
2026 |
|
3,055 |
|
2027 |
|
13,728 |
|
Thereafter |
|
2,360 |
|
Total |
$ |
27,947 |
Note 10. Common Stock Warrants
In March 2023, all outstanding common stock warrants were exercised. Of the 9,918 warrants outstanding on December 31, 2022, 4,960 of the warrants were exercised in exchange for $107 thousand and the remaining 4,958 warrants were net exercised resulting in the issuance of 4,134 common shares. No additional expense was recognized on the exercise of the warrants.
F-73
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 11. Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares
The following table presents information about the Company’s redeemable convertible preferred shares as of March 31, 2023 (in thousands, except for share data):
Shares |
Shares |
Carrying |
Liquidation |
|||||||
Series A |
105,556 |
105,556 |
$ |
2,150 |
$ |
3,695 |
||||
Series A-1 |
7,033 |
7,033 |
|
141 |
|
242 |
||||
Series A-2 |
25,000 |
25,000 |
|
500 |
|
859 |
||||
Series B |
25,000 |
25,000 |
|
833 |
|
2,412 |
||||
Total |
162,589 |
162,589 |
$ |
3,624 |
$ |
7,208 |
The following table presents information about the Company’s redeemable convertible preferred shares as of December 31, 2022 (in thousands, except for share data):
Shares |
Shares |
Carrying |
Liquidation |
|||||||
Series A |
105,556 |
105,556 |
$ |
2,150 |
$ |
3,635 |
||||
Series A-1 |
7,033 |
7,033 |
|
141 |
|
238 |
||||
Series A-2 |
25,000 |
25,000 |
|
500 |
|
845 |
||||
Series B |
25,000 |
25,000 |
|
833 |
|
2,374 |
||||
Total |
162,589 |
162,589 |
$ |
3,624 |
$ |
7,092 |
As the Company’s convertible preferred shares are only contingently redeemable in the event of a deemed liquidation event, the Company has not recorded preferred dividends of $1.9 million and $1.8 million on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, as the occurrence of the contingent liquidation event is not deemed probable. If the redemption event becomes probable, the carrying amount of the convertible preferred shares will be accreted to its full redemption value.
Note 12. Income Taxes
The Company’s total current income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2023, and March 31, 2022, was $5 thousand and $5 thousand, respectively, due to the various jurisdictions that the Company has filing requirements in for state income tax purposes.
The Company recognizes deferred income taxes for deferred tax benefits arising from NOL carryforwards and temporary differences between book and tax income, which will be recognized in future years as an offset against future taxable income. A valuation allowance is provided to offset deferred tax assets, if based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Future realization of deferred tax assets depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character. Sources of taxable income include future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, expected future taxable income, taxable income in prior carryback years if permitted under the tax law, and tax planning strategies. Also, utilization of the operating losses and tax credits may be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to the ownership change limitations provided by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 under Section 382 and similar state provisions. As of the three months ended March 31, 2023, and March 31, 2022, the Company has evaluated all positive and negative evidence to determine that it is appropriate to record a full valuation allowance on the Company’s deferred tax assets, as the Company does not believe that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will ultimately be realized.
F-74
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 12. Income Taxes (cont.)
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, or Section 382, imposes limitations on a corporation’s ability to utilize its NOL carryforwards, if it experiences an “ownership change” as defined. In general terms, an ownership change may result from transactions increasing the ownership percentage of certain stockholders in the stock of the corporation by more than 50% over a three-year period. In the event of an ownership change, utilization of the NOL carryforwards would be subject to an annual limitation under Section 382 determined by multiplying the value of the Company’s stock at the time of the ownership change by the applicable long-term tax-exempt rate. We have not completed a Section 382 study at this time; however, should a study be completed, certain NOL carryforwards may be subject to such limitations. Any future annual limitation may result in the expiration of NOL carryforwards before utilization.
ASC 740-10 provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on technical merits. Furthermore, income tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the effective date to be recognized upon the adoption of ASC 740-10 and subsequent periods. As of March 31, 2023, and March 31, 2022, the Company had $0.4 million and $0.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits, respectively, none of which would result in a reduction of the Company’s effective rate, if recognized, due to a full valuation allowance recorded within the U.S federal and state jurisdictions. Furthermore, in the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits could change due to the resolution of certain tax matters related to substantiation of federal and state NOLs. These resolutions could reduce the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits by $0.4 million.
The Company is subject to income tax examinations by the U.S. federal and state tax authorities. There are no ongoing income tax examinations as of March 31, 2023. Tax years 2013 and forward remain open to audit for U.S. federal income tax purposes and tax years 2016 and forward remain open for U.S. state income tax purposes.
Note 13. Related Party Transactions
The following table presents Company’s amounts due to related parties (in thousands):
March 31, |
December 31, |
|||||
Accounts payable |
$ |
321 |
$ |
467 |
||
Other current liabilities(1) |
|
158 |
|
158 |
||
Current maturities of long-term debt(2) |
|
735 |
|
728 |
||
Short-term operating lease liabilities |
|
1,728 |
|
1,772 |
||
Total current portion due to related parties |
$ |
2,942 |
$ |
3,125 |
March 31, |
December 31, |
|||||
Other liabilities(1) |
$ |
100 |
$ |
100 |
||
Long-term operating lease liabilities |
|
2,219 |
|
2,606 |
||
Long-term debt, net of current maturities(2) |
|
3,325 |
|
3,511 |
||
Total due to related parties, net of current portion |
$ |
5,644 |
$ |
6,217 |
____________
(1) Liability related to Makani Kai Acquisition and SkyWest Note’s accrued interest
(2) Note Payable to SkyWest
SkyWest Airlines
As of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the Company had a note payable to SkyWest Airlines, Inc. (“SkyWest”) with a principal amount of $4.1 million and $4.2 million, respectively, bearing interest at 4.0% per annum (“SkyWest Note”). Principal and interest payments are due monthly, through April 30, 2028 and the note is collateralized by a pledge for 100% of the stock of Southern Airways Pacific (“SAP”, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company), a
F-75
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 13. Related Party Transactions (cont.)
first priority security interest in all assets of SAP. In the event of a change of control associated with the Company, the then outstanding principal and interest on the note will become due and payable immediately by the Company. As of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, $735 thousand and $728 thousand, respectively, is included in Current portion due to Related Parties. $3.3 million and $3.5 million, respectively, is included in Due to Related Parties, net of current portion on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Additionally, as of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, $1.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively, in engine reserves related to the SkyWest guarantee agreement are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (See Note 9, Long-term debt, net).
SkyWest is currently represented by one of the Company’s total of seven Board of Director seats and owns 85,318 shares of common stock of the Company on March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022.
Kuzari Investor 94647 LLC
As of March 31, 2023, Kuzari Investor 94647 LLC (“Kuzari”) owns 32,699 shares of the Company’s common stock, and is currently represented by one of the Company’s total of seven Board of Directors seats. In addition, Kuzari owns 105,556 Series A redeemable convertible preferred shares and 25,000 Series A-2 redeemable convertible preferred shares, for a combined preferred share investment of $4.6 million at March 31, 2023. Kuzari is also owed approximately $1.3 million of unpaid cumulative redeemable convertible preferred share dividends as of March 31, 2023.
Since March 2017, one of the affiliates of Kuzari provides the Company certain advisory services in areas such as evaluation of business decisions, assessment of market opportunities, and the exploring of financial and/or operational strategic initiatives. In return for the consulting services, Kuzari is entitled to compensation from the Company consisting of an annualized fee within a range of $100 thousand to $150 thousand per year. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, and March 31, 2022, the Company incurred consulting expenses due to Kuzari of $19 thousand and $38 thousand, respectively. As of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the Company had no outstanding payables to Kuzari in connection with the consulting arrangement.
JA Flight Services and BAJ Flight Services
As of March 31, 2023, the Company leased a total of three aircraft from JA Flight Services (“JAFS”) and one aircraft from BAJ Flight Services (“BAJFS”). JAFS is 50% owned by Bruce A. Jacobs (“BAJ”), an officer, shareholder, and board member of the Company and BAJFS is 100% owned by BAJ.
As of March 31, 2023, JAFS owns 40,000 shares of the total outstanding common stock of the Company. The Company recorded approximately $267 thousand and $281 thousand in combined lease and engine reserve expense attributable to JAFS and BAJFS during the three months ended March 31, 2023, and March 31, 2022, respectively. Accounts payable of $130 thousand owed to JAFS and BAJFS as of March 31, 2023, is included in Due to Related Parties, net of current portion on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
In February 2022, BAJ retired from his role as an officer within the Company JAFS continues to be a shareholder of the Company and lessor of three aircraft to the Company, and BAJFS continues to be a lessor of one aircraft to the Company as of March 31, 2023.
Schuman Aviation
As of March 31, 2023, the Company leased six aircraft from Schuman Aviation Ltd. (“Schuman”), an entity which is owned by an executive and shareholder of the Company. Schuman owns 5,774 shares of the total outstanding common stock of the Company. All leases consist of 60-month terms, fixed monthly lease payments and are all eligible for extension at the end of the lease term. All the leases are also subject to monthly engine, propeller and other reserve payment requirements, based on actual flight activity incurred on the subject aircraft engine.
F-76
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 13. Related Party Transactions (cont.)
The Company recorded approximately $428 thousand and $380 thousand in combined lease and engine reserve expense attributable to Schuman for the three months ended March 31, 2023, and March 31, 2022, respectively. As of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the Company owed approximately $190 thousand and $314 thousand, respectively, to Schuman.
On July 7, 2020, the Company entered into a transaction with Schuman, whereby Schuman agreed not to fly any of its Makani Kai airline routes (“Makani Kai”) servicing the Hawaiian Island commuter airspace for a period of 10 years. As consideration for this noncompete agreement, the Company agreed to pay Schuman a total of $500 thousand in the Company’s common stock in five equal installments of $100 thousand. The first installment of 2,777 shares of common stock was transferred on the transaction date of July 7, 2020, with the remaining consideration due on each anniversary of the transaction date. In July 2021, the Company made its second installment payment to Schuman, consisting of 2,225 shares of Southern common stock. In July 2022, the Company made its third installment payment to Schuman, consisting of 2,296 shares of Southern common stock.
Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies
Guarantees
The Company has agreed to indemnify its officers and directors for certain events or occurrences arising as a result of the officer or director serving in such capacity. The term of the indemnification period is for the officer or director’s lifetime. The maximum potential future amount the Company could be required to pay under these indemnification agreements is unlimited. The Company believes that its insurance would cover any liability that may arise from the acts of its officers and directors. As of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the Company is not aware of any such pending liabilities.
The Company has entered into indemnification provisions under agreements with other parties in the ordinary course of business, typically with business partners, contractors, customers, landlords and investors. Under these provisions, the Company generally indemnifies and holds harmless the indemnified party for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party as a result of the Company’s activities or, in some cases, as a result of the indemnified party’s activities under the agreement. These indemnification provisions generally survive termination of the underlying agreement. The maximum potential future amount the Company could be required to pay under these indemnification provisions is unlimited.
Legal Contingencies
Southern is also a party to various claims and matters of litigation incidental to the normal course of its business. As of and for the three months ended March 31, 2023, and the year ended December 31, 2022, there were no material legal contingencies.
Business Combination Agreements
Surf Air Mobility Proposed Acquisition
The Company entered into a prospective transaction, whereby Surf Air Mobility (“SAM”) a wholly-owned subsidiary of Surf Air Global Limited created in 2021, will acquire 100% of the equity interests in the Company pursuant to an acquisition agreement dated as of March 17, 2021, as amended on August 22, 2021. On May 17, 2022, the prospective transaction was further amended when Surf Air Global Limited and its wholly owned subsidiary entered into a business combination agreement with Tuscan Holdings Corp. II (“Tuscan”), whereby the SAM and its related entities will acquire 100% of the equity interests in the Company.
F-77
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies (cont.)
On November 11, 2022, SAM amended the acquisition agreement the Company dated as of March 17, 2021, as amended on August 22, 2021 and on May 17, 2022, to reflect the termination of the business combination agreement with Tuscan and to reflect that SAM will acquire 100% of the equity interests in the Company pursuant to any public listing of SAM common stock for consideration of the higher of $81.25 million or 12.5% of SAM fully-diluted shares at the time of the merger.
Note 15. Subsequent Events
ASC Topic 855, Subsequent Events, establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements, but before the condensed consolidated financial statements are issued. In accordance with this accounting standard, management evaluated events occurring subsequent to March 31, 2023 through June 2, 2023.
Marianas Operations
As of April 1, 2023, Marianas ceased operations in CNMI and the Company is in the process of relocating aircraft, liquidating assets and settling amounts owed to vendors. Upon completing the liquidation, the Company will distribute any remaining capital equally between the Company and the JV partner.
As of March 31, 2023, the Company has approximately $645 thousand in deferred incentive income from the government of CNMI and expects to recognize this entire amount to income during the second half of 2023 as it believes that it will have met all the contract requirements in the Incentive Agreement with the government of CNMI.
Promissory Note
On April 6, 2023, the Company executed a 19-month promissory note in the amount of $2.7 million with SkyWest Leasing, Inc. Interest accrues on the entire principal amount of the note outstanding at a fixed rate of 9.0% per annum. Principal and interest are payable as a fixed monthly amount commencing on May 6, 2023, and continuing through the maturity date of November 6, 2024. On the maturity date, in addition to the final principal and interest payment, a principal balloon payment of $2.3 million is due. The note is collateralized by one aircraft.
Surf Air Mobility Proposed Acquisition
On May 25, 2023, SAM entered into an amendment to the acquisition agreement with the Company, whereby the outside date by which the transaction could be consummated was extended to July 31, 2023. No other terms to the previously amended acquisition agreement were changed.
F-78
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Management and Board of Directors of Southern Airways Corporation
Opinion
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Southern Airways Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”), which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of changes in redeemable convertible preferred shares and stockholders’ equity (deficit) and of cash flows for the years then ended, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”).
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAS). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors’ Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements section of our report. We are required to be independent of the Company and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Substantial Doubt about the Company’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has incurred losses and negative cash flows from operating activities and has stated that substantial doubt exists about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s evaluation of the events and conditions and management’s plans regarding these matters are also described in Note 1. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.
Emphasis of Matter
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for leases in 2022. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.
Responsibilities of Management for the Consolidated Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for one year after the date the consolidated financial statements are available to be issued.
Auditors’ Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with US GAAS will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the consolidated financial statements.
F-79
In performing an audit in accordance with US GAAS, we:
• Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.
• Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.
• Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.
• Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.
• Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control-related matters that we identified during the audit.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Los Angeles, California
April 12, 2023, except with respect to the matters that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, and the effects of the revision discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, as to which the date is June 2, 2023
F-80
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-81
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands)
Year Ended |
||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||
Revenues |
$ |
80,716 |
|
$ |
57,679 |
|
||
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
||||
Maintenance, materials, and repairs |
|
5,430 |
|
|
3,033 |
|
||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
3,051 |
|
|
1,604 |
|
||
Aircraft fuel |
|
15,676 |
|
|
8,310 |
|
||
Airport-related expenses |
|
4,627 |
|
|
3,121 |
|
||
Aircraft rent |
|
8,153 |
|
|
7,274 |
|
||
Salaries, wages and benefits |
|
29,006 |
|
|
21,202 |
|
||
CARES Act |
|
— |
|
|
(11,092 |
) |
||
Other operating expenses |
|
18,785 |
|
|
12,467 |
|
||
Total operating expenses |
|
84,728 |
|
|
45,919 |
|
||
Operating income (loss) |
|
(4,012 |
) |
|
11,760 |
|
||
Non-operating income (expense): |
|
|
|
|
||||
Interest expense |
|
(1,764 |
) |
|
(744 |
) |
||
Other income, net |
|
219 |
|
|
84 |
|
||
Total non-operating expense, net |
|
(1,545 |
) |
|
(660 |
) |
||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
|
(5,557 |
) |
|
11,100 |
|
||
Income tax provision (benefit) |
|
(409 |
) |
|
440 |
|
||
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests |
|
(5,148 |
) |
|
10,660 |
|
||
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests |
|
(677 |
) |
|
— |
|
||
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders |
$ |
(4,471 |
) |
$ |
10,660 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-82
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE
PREFERRED SHARES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(in thousands, except share data)
|
Common Stock |
Additional |
Accumulated |
Total |
Noncontrolling |
Total |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of |
Amount |
Number of |
$0.0001 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 |
162,589 |
$ |
3,624 |
324,669 |
$ |
— |
$ |
8,148 |
$ |
(16,768 |
) |
$ |
(8,620 |
) |
$ |
— |
|
$ |
(8,620 |
) |
|||||||||
Issuance of common stock for acquisition (Makani Kai) |
— |
|
— |
2,225 |
|
— |
|
100 |
|
— |
|
|
100 |
|
|
— |
|
|
100 |
|
|||||||||
Stock-based compensation |
— |
|
— |
10,020 |
|
— |
|
220 |
|
— |
|
|
220 |
|
|
— |
|
|
220 |
|
|||||||||
Net income |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
10,660 |
|
|
10,660 |
|
|
— |
|
|
10,660 |
|
|||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 |
162,589 |
$ |
3,624 |
336,914 |
$ |
— |
$ |
8,468 |
$ |
(6,108 |
) |
$ |
2,360 |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
2,360 |
|
|||||||||
Issuance of common shares to SkyWest for guarantee of debt |
— |
|
— |
27,155 |
|
— |
|
1,290 |
|
— |
|
|
1,290 |
|
|
— |
|
|
1,290 |
|
|||||||||
Issuance of common stock for acquisition (Makani Kai) |
— |
|
— |
772 |
|
— |
|
100 |
|
— |
|
|
100 |
|
|
— |
|
|
100 |
|
|||||||||
Net loss |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(4,471 |
) |
|
(4,471 |
) |
|
(677 |
) |
|
(5,148 |
) |
|||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 |
162,589 |
$ |
3,624 |
364,841 |
$ |
— |
$ |
9,858 |
$ |
(10,579 |
) |
$ |
(721 |
) |
$ |
(677 |
) |
$ |
(1,398 |
) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-83
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
Year Ended |
||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests |
$ |
(5,148 |
) |
$ |
10,660 |
|
||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
3,051 |
|
|
1,604 |
|
||
Loss on extinguishment of debt |
|
37 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Stock-based compensation |
|
— |
|
|
220 |
|
||
Noncash operating lease expense |
|
3,768 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Other, net |
|
166 |
|
|
(41 |
) |
||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Accounts receivable |
|
(752 |
) |
|
(354 |
) |
||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
(2,854 |
) |
|
(1,011 |
) |
||
Other assets |
|
(679 |
) |
|
(825 |
) |
||
Accounts payable |
|
2,610 |
|
|
(67 |
) |
||
Accrued salaries, wages, and benefits |
|
613 |
|
|
627 |
|
||
Operating lease liabilities |
|
(4,116 |
) |
|
— |
|
||
Deferred revenue |
|
1,619 |
|
|
1,892 |
|
||
CARES Act liability |
|
— |
|
|
(1,500 |
) |
||
Due to related parties |
|
309 |
|
|
(533 |
) |
||
Other liabilities |
|
3,165 |
|
|
353 |
|
||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
1,789 |
|
|
11,025 |
|
||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
|
(18,979 |
) |
|
(6,381 |
) |
||
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets |
|
— |
|
|
114 |
|
||
Acquisition of MUA, net of cash acquired |
|
(4,163 |
) |
|
— |
|
||
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
(23,142 |
) |
|
(6,267 |
) |
||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Proceeds from collateralized borrowings, net of repayment |
|
1,316 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt, net of closing costs |
|
19,747 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Principal payments on long-term debt |
|
(3,188 |
) |
|
(409 |
) |
||
Principal payments on long-term debt – related parties |
|
(699 |
) |
|
(450 |
) |
||
Repayment of finance or capital lease obligations |
|
(131 |
) |
|
(262 |
) |
||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
|
17,045 |
|
|
(1,121 |
) |
||
Increase (decrease) in cash |
|
(4,308 |
) |
|
3,637 |
|
||
Cash at beginning of year |
|
5,710 |
|
|
2,073 |
|
||
Cash at end of year |
$ |
1,402 |
|
$ |
5,710 |
|
||
Supplemental cash flow information |
|
|
|
|
||||
Cash paid for interest |
$ |
1,650 |
|
$ |
696 |
|
||
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds |
$ |
418 |
|
$ |
— |
|
||
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities |
|
|
|
|
||||
Common shares issued to related party for guarantee of debt financing |
$ |
1,290 |
|
$ |
— |
|
||
Common shares issued to related party for non-compete agreement |
$ |
100 |
|
$ |
100 |
|
||
Property and equipment purchased through debt financing from seller |
$ |
3,782 |
|
$ |
305 |
|
||
Purchases of property and equipment accrued in accounts payable and other current liabilities |
$ |
202 |
|
$ |
— |
|
||
Derecognition of right-of-use assets and liabilities upon lease termination |
$ |
(1,224 |
) |
$ |
— |
|
||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities |
$ |
8,968 |
|
$ |
— |
|
||
Payment of other liabilities as part of sale of fixed assets |
$ |
— |
|
$ |
69 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-84
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Description of Business
Southern Airways Corporation (“SAC”) is a Delaware Corporation that was founded on April 5, 2013, and its wholly owned subsidiaries Southern Airways Express, LLC (“SAE”), Southern Airways Pacific (“SAP”), Southern Airways Autos, LLC (“SAA”), Multi-Aero Inc. (“MUA”), and its consolidated variable interest entity Mariana Southern Airways LLC (“Marianas”), are collectively referred to hereafter as “Southern” or “the Company”.
Nature of Operations
Southern is a scheduled service commuter airline serving cities across the United States that is headquartered in Palm Beach, Florida and commenced flight operations in June 2013. It is a certified Part 135 operator which operates a fleet of over 50 aircraft, including the Cessna Caravan, the Cessna Grand Caravan, the King Air Super 200, the Saab 340, the Pilatus PC-12, the Tecnam Traveller, and the Citation Bravo. Southern provides both seasonal and full-year scheduled passenger air transportation service in New England, the Mid-Atlantic and Gulf regions, Rockies and West Coast, Far Pacific, and Hawaii, with select routes subsidized by the United States Department of Transportation (“U.S. DOT”) under the Essential Air Service (“EAS”) program and by the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (“CNMI”) under the Incentive Agreement with CNMI (“Incentive Agreement”).
Going Concern, Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company evaluated whether there are any conditions and events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern over the next 12 months from the date of reissuance of these financial statements. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had approximately $1.4 million in cash. At the time of the original issuance of these financial statements, the Company believed that its cash on hand, combined with cash generated from operations, would be sufficient to meet its working capital and capital expenditure requirements for a period of at least twelve months from the date of issuance of these financial statements. Refer to Note 21 for new and amended agreements entered into by the Company since December 31, 2022 in order to provide additional liquidity.
The Company incurred greater than expected losses and negative cash flows from operating activities in April and May 2023 due to inefficient aircraft utilization, primarily caused by an underutilization of pilots and a shortage of maintenance personnel and critical aircraft components, which, in aggregate, have challenged the Company’s ability to serve its customers as desired and, in turn, cover expenses. Previously forecasted strategies to alleviate these challenges have been unsuccessful in the full deployment of the Company’s fleet with the Company seeing an increased cancellation rate well above historical averages and previous forecasts, particularly during the second quarter of 2023. This has resulted in an accelerated decline in revenue, coupled with increasing costs associated with rescheduling pilots and flight personnel to active service areas to mitigate the flight schedule disruptions. The Company’s success going forward is dependent on the ability to achieve a high level of aircraft and crew utilization, increase flight services and the number of passengers flown, and ready access to capital to fund operations and planned growth.
In addition to continued actions to reduce costs, and effectively utilize assets and crews, the Company is evaluating strategies to obtain additional funding for future operations. These strategies may include, but are not limited to, obtaining additional equity financing, issuing additional debt or entering into other financing arrangements, and restructuring of operations to grow revenues and decrease expenses. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in achieving its strategic plans, that new financing will be available to the Company in a timely manner or on acceptable terms, if at all. If the Company is unable to raise sufficient financing when needed or events or circumstances occur such that the Company does not meet its strategic plans, the Company may be required to take additional measures to conserve and increase liquidity, which could include, but not necessarily limited to, increasing ticket prices, additional reductions to spending, selling of aircraft, altering or scaling back operational footprint, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and ability to achieve its intended business objectives.
These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The going concern assumption contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.
F-85
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Description of Business (cont.)
Revision to previously issued financial statements
The Company collects deposits from certain corporate customers that can be used in the future for the purchase of passenger tickets. These credits do not have an expiration date.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2023, the Company identified an error in the accounting for customer deposits, resulting in an overstatement of revenues and an understatement of the associated deferred revenue balance for all periods presented and including opening retained earnings as of January 1, 2021 for periods prior to 2021.
The Company revised its consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the consolidated statements of operations, changes in redeemable convertible preferred shares and stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, and related footnote disclosures to correct these errors. Although management determined that such errors were not material to previously issued financial statements, the Company revised its consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 to improve consistency and comparability of the consolidated financial statements.
The following table presents the effects of the revision on the Company’s previously reported consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 (in thousands):
As Previously Reported |
Adjustment |
As Revised |
||||||||||
Revenues |
$ |
80,963 |
|
$ |
(247 |
) |
$ |
80,716 |
|
|||
Operating loss |
|
(3,765 |
) |
|
(247 |
) |
|
(4,012 |
) |
|||
Loss before income taxes |
|
(5,310 |
) |
|
(247 |
) |
|
(5,557 |
) |
|||
Net loss including noncontrolling interest |
|
(4,901 |
) |
|
(247 |
) |
|
(5,148 |
) |
|||
Net loss attributable to common shareholders |
|
(4,224 |
) |
|
(247 |
) |
|
(4,471 |
) |
The following table presents the effect of the revision on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022 (in thousands):
As Previously Reported |
Adjustment |
As Revised |
||||||||||
Deferred Revenue |
$ |
5,404 |
|
$ |
856 |
|
$ |
6,260 |
|
|||
Current liabilities |
|
26,654 |
|
|
856 |
|
|
27,510 |
|
|||
Total liabilities |
|
65,133 |
|
|
856 |
|
|
65,989 |
|
|||
Accumulated deficit |
|
(9,723 |
) |
|
(856 |
) |
|
(10,579 |
) |
|||
Total stockholders’ deficit |
|
(542 |
) |
|
(856 |
) |
|
(1,398 |
) |
The following table presents the effect of the revision on the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022 (in thousands):
As Previously Reported |
Adjustment |
As Revised |
||||||||||
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests |
$ |
(4,901 |
) |
$ |
(247 |
) |
$ |
(5,148 |
) |
|||
Deferred Revenue |
|
1,372 |
|
|
247 |
|
|
1,619 |
|
|||
Cash Flows from operating activities |
|
1,789 |
|
|
— |
|
|
1,789 |
|
The following table presents the effects of the revision adjustments on the Company’s previously reported consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 (in thousands):
As Previously Reported |
Adjustment |
As Revised |
||||||||
Revenues |
$ |
57,794 |
$ |
(115 |
) |
$ |
57,679 |
|||
Operating income (loss) |
|
11,875 |
|
(115 |
) |
|
11,760 |
|||
Income before income taxes |
|
11,215 |
|
(115 |
) |
|
11,100 |
|||
Net income including noncontrolling interest |
|
10,775 |
|
(115 |
) |
|
10,660 |
|||
Net income attributable to common shareholders |
|
10,775 |
|
(115 |
) |
|
10,660 |
F-86
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Description of Business (cont.)
The following table presents the effect of the revision on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021 (in thousands):
As Previously Reported |
Adjustment |
As Revised |
||||||||||
Deferred Revenue |
$ |
3,904 |
|
$ |
609 |
|
$ |
4,513 |
|
|||
Current liabilities |
|
11,308 |
|
|
609 |
|
|
11,917 |
|
|||
Total liabilities |
|
22,186 |
|
|
609 |
|
|
22,795 |
|
|||
Accumulated deficit |
|
(5,499 |
) |
|
(609 |
) |
|
(6,108 |
) |
|||
Total stockholders’ equity |
|
2,969 |
|
|
(609 |
) |
|
2,360 |
|
The following table presents the effect of the revision on the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2021 (in thousands):
As Previously Reported |
Adjustment |
As Revised |
||||||||
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests |
$ |
10,775 |
$ |
(115 |
) |
$ |
10,660 |
|||
Deferred Revenue |
|
1,777 |
|
115 |
|
|
1,892 |
|||
Cash Flows from operating activities |
|
11,025 |
|
— |
|
|
11,025 |
The error corrections as of December 31, 2021 also contain a $494 thousand adjustment to opening accumulated deficit.
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Southern. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates using historical experience and other factors including the current economic and regulatory environment as well as management’s judgment. Items subject to such estimates and assumptions include: revenue recognition, certain accrued liabilities, useful lives and recoverability of long-lived assets including finite-lived intangible assets, fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in acquisitions, legal contingencies, stock-based compensation, determination of the fair value of warrants to purchase the Company’s common stock, and realization of tax assets and estimates of tax liabilities. Management evaluates its assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis and may engage outside subject matter experts to assist in the development of estimates. Such estimates often require the selection of appropriate valuation methodologies and models, and significant judgments in evaluating ranges of assumptions and financial inputs. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions, financial inputs, or circumstances.
Concentration of Risk
The financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and accounts receivable. All of the Company’s cash deposits are held at financial institutions that management believes to be of high credit quality. The Company’s cash deposit accounts may exceed federally insured limits at times. The Company has not experienced any losses on cash deposits to date. As of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, approximately 75% and 70%, respectively, of the Company’s accounts receivable balance is due from the U.S. DOT, in relation to certain air routes served by the Company under the U.S. DOT’s EAS program.
F-87
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
Impact of COVID-19
COVID-19, which was declared a global health pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020, resulted in changes in consumer and business behavior, pandemic fears, market downturns, and restrictions on business and individual activities, which created significant volatility in the economy and led to reduced economic activity particularly in the air travel industry. To prevent or reduce the spread of COVID-19, there has been implementation and continuation of significant government-imposed measures including travel restrictions, closing of the U.S. border, “shelter in place” orders and business closures. Consequently, the Company experienced an unprecedented decline in the demand for air travel during 2020, which materially and adversely affected the Company’s revenues. While the length and severity of the reduction in demand due to COVID-19 are uncertain due in part to the emergence of new COVID variants, which continue to impact flight demand from consumers, the Company implemented a number of measures to focus on the personal safety of its passengers and employees. Additionally, the Company continues to focus on reducing expenses and managing its liquidity and will continue to modify its cost management structure and capacity as the timing of demand recovery continues to evolve.
The Company could experience continued fluctuations in demand, increased operating costs, delayed purchases of aircraft, disruptions to other elements of Company’s supply chain, and the implementation or reinstatement of government restrictions, among other negative effects. As such, the extent to which global events and market impacts will affect our financial condition, liquidity, and future results of operations is uncertain. The Company has seen partial recovery in demand during 2021 and impact in 2022 was minimal.
Cash
Cash consists of cash on deposit with financial institutions. There were no cash equivalents as of December 31, 2022 or 2021.
Accounts Receivable, net
Accounts and other receivable are carried at cost. The accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2022 and 2021 primarily consist of amounts due from the U.S. DOT, in relation to certain air routes served by the Company under the EAS program. The Company evaluates its receivables periodically for collectability on an individual customer level and establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based on the expected uncollectible receivables. In determining the allowance for doubtful accounts, the Company analyzes the aging of accounts receivable, historical bad debts, customer credit worthiness, current economic trends, and any specific customer collection issues identified. Additions to the allowance are charged to other operating expenses. Accounts receivables are written off against the allowance when an account balance is deemed uncollectible. At December 31, 2022 and 2021 the allowance for doubtful accounts was not material.
The Company has a revolving accounts receivable financing arrangement that allows the Company to borrow up to 90% of eligible accounts receivable, as defined, up to a maximum unsettled amount of $2 million. The financing arrangement is uncommitted, and upon funding does not qualify for sale accounting as the Company does not relinquish control of the receivables based on, among other things, the nature and extent of the Company’s continuing involvement.
Accordingly, the accounts receivable remain on the Company’s balance sheet until paid by the customer and cash proceeds from the financing arrangement are recorded as collateralized borrowing in other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with attributable interest expense recognized over the life of the related transactions. Interest expense and contractual fees associated with the collateralized borrowings are included in interest expense and other income, net, respectively, in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for major additions, renewals, and modifications are capitalized, while minor replacements, maintenance, and repairs, which do not extend the asset’s life, are expensed as incurred.
F-88
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, or in the case of leasehold improvements, over the term of the lease or economic life, whichever is shorter as follows:
Assets |
Depreciable Life |
|
Aircraft |
up to 20 years |
|
Rotable spares |
7 years |
|
Aircraft engines |
3 to 8 years |
|
Office equipment, vehicles, and other |
5 years |
|
Ground equipment |
7 years |
|
Furniture and fixtures |
7 years |
|
Leasehold improvements |
shorter of estimated lease term or 7 years |
Depreciation of property and equipment is included within depreciation and amortization on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Intangible Assets, net
The Company’s intangible assets consist of a trade name resulting from an acquisition in 2019, and a noncompete agreement executed as part of the Makani Kai transaction in 2020. The Company amortizes its trade name and noncompete intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of four years and one year, respectively. The straight-line recognition method approximates the manner in which the expected benefits will be derived.
Goodwill
The Company’s goodwill results from the business combination with Multi-Aero, Inc. dba Air Choice One (“MUA” or “Air Choice One”) and represents the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill may be adjusted within one year from the acquisition date in the event new information is obtained which, if known at the date of the acquisition would have impacted the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities. Goodwill is considered to have an indefinite useful life and is not amortized, but rather tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, or more often if circumstances arise that may indicate risk of impairment. If impaired, goodwill is written down with a corresponding impact to other expense.
Acquisitions
The Company applies a screen test to evaluate if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets to determine whether a transaction should be accounted for as an asset acquisition or business combination. If the gross assets are not concentrated in a single asset or group of similar assets, then the Company determines if the set of assets acquired represents a business. A business is an integrated set of activities and assets capable of being conducted and managed for the purpose of providing a return. Depending on the nature of the acquisition, judgment may be required to determine if the set of assets acquired is a business combination or not.
The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that the assets acquired, and the liabilities assumed be recorded at the date of acquisition at their respective fair value and that costs of acquisitions be expensed as they are incurred. The excess purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.
In an asset acquisition, goodwill is not recognized, but rather, any excess purchase consideration over the fair value of the net assets acquired is allocated on a relative fair value basis to the identifiable net assets as of the acquisition date. Any acquisition costs are capitalized as part of the purchase consideration.
F-89
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
Variable Interest Entities
Authoritative guidance regarding consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIE”) defines a VIE as a legal entity whose equity owners do not have sufficient equity at risk, or as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack any of the following three characteristics: decision-making rights, the obligation to absorb losses, or the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity. Under the variable interest model, the primary beneficiary is identified as the variable interest holder that has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate the VIE unless specific exceptions or exclusions are met. Commercial and operating activities are generally the factors that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE. Such activities include flight operations, aircraft storage and maintenance, fuel procurement, dispatch and compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
Long-lived assets such as property and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Events or changes in circumstances that may indicate that an asset is impaired include significant decreases in the market value of an asset, significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future results of operations, a change in the extent or manner in which an asset is utilized, significant decline in the estimated fair value of the overall Company for a sustained period, shifts in technology, loss of key management or personnel, changes in the Company’s operating model or strategy and competitive forces.
The carrying amount of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. The Company performs impairment testing at the asset group level that represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. The amount of impairment loss, if any, is measured as the difference between the carrying value of the asset and its estimated fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values, and third-party independent appraisals, as appropriate. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, no impairment charge has been recorded.
Deferred Revenue
The Company records deferred revenue (contract liabilities) when it receives customer payments from passengers in advance of the performance obligations being satisfied on the Company’s contracts. The Company generally collects cash from customers in advance of services being provided. The Company recognizes the deferred revenue as revenue when it meets the applicable recognition criteria, which is usually at the point in time when a flight is completed or the required services have been provided. The Company generally meets performance obligations associated with all revenues deferred during the succeeding 12-month period. Accordingly, deferred revenue is classified as a current liability in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the deferred revenue balances on the Consolidated Balance Sheet are customer cash receipts related to passenger tickets sold for future flights.
Deferred Incentive Income
Marianas provides inter-island scheduled and chartered air and cargo passenger service between the CNMI of Saipan, Tinian, Rota and Guam, under an incentive framework agreement with the CNMI government. This agreement includes $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)-sourced funding to cover the acquisition or mobilization of aircraft, fuel, and equipment; staffing; flight crews; training; travel costs; consultants; real estate and other costs. When this funding was received, it was recorded as deferred income liability and is subsequently recognized as income ratably over the life of the agreement. The incentive income is included in Other Income, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
F-90
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
Leases
The Company leases aircraft, airport passenger terminal space, portions of and full aircraft hangars and other airport facilities, other commercial real estate and office space. The Company accounted for its leases under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 840 prior to its adoption of ASC Topic 842 effective January 1, 2022.
Operating Leases Under ASC 840
The Company performs an assessment on all leases at inception to determine the proper classification in accordance with ASC 840. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis as rent expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. Leases containing tenant improvement allowances, rent holidays, and/or rent escalation clauses are recognized as deferred rent, which is the difference between the amount charged to rent expense and the rent paid. Deferred rent is amortized over the non-cancellable lease term. Additionally, inducements received from lessors are treated as a reduction of costs over the term of the agreement. The Company accounts for lease modifications on the straight-line expense method as of the effective date of the lease modification and through the end of the amended lease term. Lease payments made above the straight-line rent expense amount are applied against the deferred rent liability.
Capital Leases Under ASC 840
The Company measures a capital lease asset and capital lease obligation initially at an amount equal to the present value at the beginning of the lease term of minimum lease payments during the lease term, excluding that portion of the payments representing executory costs (such as insurance, maintenance, and taxes to be paid by the lessor) including any profit thereon, with the corresponding obligation recorded within the liabilities section of the balance sheet. During the lease term, each minimum lease payment is allocated by the lessee between a reduction of the obligation and interest expense to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the obligation (the interest method). Capital lease assets are depreciated in accordance with the Company’s property and equipment policy and the corresponding lease obligations are reduced as lease payments are made.
Operating Leases Under ASC 842
Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date, which is the date the Company takes possession of the aircraft, equipment or real estate. Operating lease liabilities represent the present value of lease payments not yet paid. Operating lease right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset and are based upon the operating lease liabilities adjusted for prepayments or accrued lease payments, initial direct costs, lease incentives, and impairment of operating lease assets. To determine the present value of lease payments not yet paid, the Company estimates incremental borrowing rates based on the appropriate term and information available at lease commencement in determining the present value of lease payments including reasonably certain renewal periods. The Company recognizes the lease cost for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Aggregate lease cost is recorded in Aircraft rent, Airport-related expenses, and Other Operating Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Additionally, tenant incentives used to fund leasehold improvements or any rent abatements are recognized when earned and reduce the operating right-of-use asset related to the lease.
Finance Leases Under ASC 842
The Company measures finance lease right-of-use assets and finance lease liabilities initially at an amount equal to the present value at the beginning of the lease term of minimum lease payments during the lease term, excluding that portion of the payments representing executory costs (such as insurance, maintenance, and taxes to be paid by the lessor) including any profit thereon, with the corresponding liability recorded within the liabilities section of the balance sheet. During the lease term, each minimum lease payment is allocated by the lessee between a reduction of the liability and interest expense to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability (the interest method). Finance lease right-of-use assets are depreciated in accordance with the Company’s property and equipment policy and the corresponding lease liabilities are reduced as lease payments are made.
F-91
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
Share-Based Compensation
The Company’s share-based compensation arrangements consist of common stock granted in exchange for goods or services. The issuance of its common stock for such compensatory arrangements is accounted for in the consolidated financial statements based on the grant date fair value of the common stock. The grant-date fair value of share-based awards is recognized as expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations over the requisite service period, if any. Historically, the Company has granted share-based awards with no vesting conditions. Additionally, awards granted to nonemployees are accounted for using their grant date fair value and are accounted for in the same manner as awards granted to employees.
Because there is no public market for the Company’s common stock, the Board of Directors determines the fair value of the common stock by considering a number of objective and subjective factors including the results of third-party valuations, the Company’s actual operating and financial performance, market conditions, and developments and milestones in the Company, among other factors.
Warrants
The Company accounts for warrants issued to purchase its common stock at the fair value of the awards upon issuance using option pricing models. Warrants are principally issued to certain non-employees in conjunction with various consulting services. The Company also assesses whether the warrants are liability- or equity-classified based on the terms of the warrants. If the warrants are determined to be liability-classified, then the warrants are remeasured to fair value each period with changes in fair value recorded on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. If the warrants are determined to be equity-classified, then the initial fair value is recorded in additional paid-in capital and the warrants are not remeasured thereafter.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The likelihood of realizing the tax benefits related to a potential deferred tax asset is evaluated, and a valuation allowance is recognized to reduce that deferred tax asset if it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at the beginning and end of the period. The change in the sum of the deferred tax asset, valuation allowance and deferred tax liability during the period generally is recognized as a deferred tax expense or benefit. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period that includes the enactment date.
The Company determines whether a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return is to be recognized in the consolidated financial statements when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. The amount recognized is subject to estimation and management judgment with respect to the likely outcome of each uncertain tax position. The amount that is ultimately sustained for an individual uncertain tax position or for all uncertain tax positions in the aggregate could differ from the amount recognized. For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold, the tax amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements is reduced by the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, in its income tax expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. Management does not believe it is reasonably possible that the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change within the next twelve months.
F-92
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
Revenue Recognition
Essential Air Services and Per-Flight Subsidy Revenue from CNMI
The Company provides scheduled passenger flight service on certain routes which is subsidized by the U.S. DOT under the EAS program. The EAS program is enacted to guarantee that small communities in the U.S. have the ability to maintain a minimum level of scheduled air services. These contracts are typically in duration of 2-4 years and include certain commitments for the Company to fly a specific number of times annually to each location. The Company generally bills the U.S. DOT on the first of the month following the prior month’s completed flights, and typically collects from the U.S. DOT within 12 to 14 days after billing. Revenue is recognized when the flights are completed.
Marianas provides inter-island scheduled and chartered air and cargo passenger service between the CNMI of Saipan, Tinian, Rota and Guam, under the Incentive Agreement. This agreement was entered into in March 2022 and has an initial term of 18-months and provides per-flight subsidies, consisting of payments of up to a total of $6.5 million by CNMI to Marianas based on various flight/departure target volumes. Revenue is recognized when the flights are completed.
Direct Passenger and Charter Revenue
The Company earns revenue from the passenger for scheduled passenger flight service, as well as charter flights. These sales are generally paid for by credit card. The Company also earns revenue generated by third-party travel booking sites or travel agencies. Tickets are refundable within 24 hours of purchase for flights scheduled to take place more than one week out, or when flights or services are changed, interrupted, or otherwise canceled by the Company. The Company generally does not offer refunds after 24 hours of purchase. The Company recognizes revenue when it meets the applicable recognition criteria, which is at the point in time when a flight is completed or when tickets expire (generally within one year from the date of purchase).
Other Revenue
The Company also earns revenue from various ancillary services such as those relating to baggage fees, reservation change fees, lounge fees, and pet-travel (carry-on) fees. These types of fees are all standard within the aviation industry. These fees are earned when the services are performed at the time of travel.
Principal vs Agent
The Company evaluates whether it is a principal or an agent for all services performed by assessing whether it controls the specified services before they are transferred to its customers. In transactions where the Company directs third-party air carriers to provide flights service to its customers, the Company determined it acts as the principal as it controls the services provided to the customers. In these instances, the Company is primarily responsible for fulfillment of the obligation in the contract, has the authority to direct the key components of the service on behalf of the member or customer regardless of which third-party is used. Therefore, the Company reports revenue and the associated costs on a gross basis in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
In transactions where the Company operates aircraft on behalf of a third party, the Company determined it acts as the agent as it solely carries out the services based on the direction of the third party in exchange for a fixed service fee as determined by the related services agreement. In these instances, the Company reports the service fee as fee revenue net of any operating costs incurred by the Company to perform these services.
F-93
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
Operating Expenses
Maintenance, Materials and Repairs
Maintenance, materials, and repairs expense consists primarily of engine overhauls, mandatory periodic inspections, routine and non-routine repair and general maintenance monitoring expense.
The Company uses the direct expense method of accounting for its aircraft engine overhauls, wherein the associated expense is recorded when the overhaul event occurs. Under the direct expense method, all maintenance costs are expensed in the period incurred. As maintenance activities do not represent separately identifiable assets, property units, or enhancements, rather the maintenance activities performed only restore assets to their original operating condition. The Company capitalizes the cost of aircraft engine rebuilds and depreciates them over their useful lives.
The costs of maintenance for airframe and avionics components, landing gear and other recurring maintenance are expensed as incurred.
Aircraft Fuel
Aircraft fuel expense consists of aircraft jet fuel usage expense, along with certain “into-plane” service expenses, which are costs related to loading the fuel into the planes.
Airport-related Expenses
Airport-related expenses consist of aircraft landing fees, hangar rental expense, aircraft parking fees, terminal rent expense, as well as other airport-related charges.
Aircraft Rent
The Company accounts for certain of its aircraft leases as operating leases, which results in the recording of the associated lease payments as operating expenses over the term of the related leases on a straight-line basis.
Aircraft rent also includes engine reserves paid to lessors in advance of the performance of major maintenance activities, which are recorded as additional rent expense or engine utilization fees. Maintenance costs under these contracts are recognized when the engine hours are flown pursuant to the negotiated terms of each contract. These costs are recorded as part of aircraft rent on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Salaries, Wages, and Benefits
Salaries, wages, and benefits consist of all payroll-related costs relating to the Company’s employees.
CARES Act
The “CARES Act” represents the reduction of qualified payroll and benefit expenses from proceeds received by the Company from Payroll Support Program (“PSP”) grants and Paycheck Protection Plan (“PPP”) loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”).
During 2021, the Company entered into agreements with the U.S. DOT to receive emergency support via monetary grants through the PSP as well as borrowed monies under the government assisted PPP. The Company used proceeds from both the PSP and PPP to make payroll and payroll-related payments to retain employees at the Company during the qualifying period. When received, the proceeds under both the PSP and PPP were recorded as a deferred liability and was subsequently derecognized on a systematic basis over the periods in which the Company paid the qualifying salaries, wages and benefits the PSP grant and PPP loan were intended to offset. The amount of the PPP loan proceeds recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations was based on the amount of the PPP loan that was expected to be forgiven (See Note 11, The CARES Act).
F-94
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses consist primarily of charges relating to the operation of the Company’s non-wage related customer service center costs, passenger ticket reservation system, insurance expenses, utilities expense, non-aircraft rent expense, legal and other professional fees, and marketing expense inclusive of advertising costs of $582 thousand and $714 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Inputs used to measure fair value are classified in the following hierarchy:
Level 1 |
Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date. |
|
Level 2 |
Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level I, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. |
|
Level 3 |
Inputs are unobservable inputs that reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. |
Assets and liabilities are classified in the hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.
The Company measures the fair value of certain long-lived assets including finite-lived intangible assets on a nonrecurring basis, when such assets are required to be written down to fair value if impaired. Such fair values are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, as the valuations contain significant unobservable inputs, including assumptions of the present value of future cash flows, the use of these assets, as well as estimated disposition value.
There were no assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
The carrying amounts of certain financial assets and liabilities, including cash, accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the short maturity and liquidity of those instruments.
The Company’s long-term debt represents term debt. The carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt approximates fair value, which is estimated based on borrowing rates currently available to the Company for financing with similar terms and were determined to be Level 2 fair value measurements.
F-95
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Adopted
In October 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2021-08, Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (Topic 805). This ASU requires an acquirer in a business combination to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities (deferred revenue) from acquired contracts using the revenue recognition guidance in Topic 606. At the acquisition date, the acquirer applies the revenue model as if it had originated the acquired contracts. The Company adopted the ASU as of January 1, 2022. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles of income taxes and reducing the cost and complexity in accounting for income taxes. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2021. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (ASC 842). ASU 2016-02 outlines a comprehensive lease accounting model and supersedes the current lease guidance. The new guidance requires lessees to recognize lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets for all leases with lease terms of greater than 12 months. It also changes the definition of a lease and expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 and related amendments beginning January 1, 2022.
Related to the adoption of ASC 842, for existing leases and leases executed subsequent to the adoption of ASC 842 our policy elections are as follows:
Separation of lease and non-lease components: The Company elected this expedient to account for lease and non-lease components as a single component for our entire population of operating leases.
Short-term policy: The Company has elected the short-term lease recognition exemption for all applicable classes of underlying assets. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less, that do not include an option to purchase the underlying asset that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise, are not recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Lease costs associated with short-term leases are recognized on a straight-line basis.
Our practical expedients utilized as part of the adoption of ASC 842 were as follows:
Practical expedient package |
a) The Company has not reassessed whether any expired or existing contracts are, or contain, leases. |
|
b) The Company has not reassessed the lease classification for any expired or existing leases. |
||
c) The Company has not reassessed initial direct costs for any expired or existing leases. |
||
Hindsight practical expedient |
The Company has not elected the hindsight practical expedient, which permits the use of hindsight when determining lease term and impairment of operating lease assets. |
F-96
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
The impact of the adoption of ASC 842 on the consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2022 is as follows:
F-97
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-10, Government Assistance (Topic 832): This ASU requires business entities to disclose information about government assistance they receive if the transactions were accounted for by analogy to either a grant or a contribution accounting model. The disclosure requirements include the nature of the transaction and the related accounting policy used, the line items on the balance sheets and statements of operations that are affected and the amounts applicable to each financial statement line item and the significant terms and conditions of the transactions. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021. The disclosure requirements can be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all transactions in the scope of the amendments that are reflected in the financial statements at the date of initial application and new transactions that are entered into after the date of initial application. The Company adopted the ASU prospectively on January 1, 2022. Adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
Not Yet Adopted
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). This new credit losses standard changes the accounting for credit losses for certain instruments. The new measurement approach is based on expected losses, commonly referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model, which is utilized to estimate lifetime “expected credit losses” and record an allowance that, when deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset, presents the net amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. The CECL model is expected to result in more timely recognition of credit losses and applies to financial assets including loans, held-to-maturity debt securities, net investment in leases, and reinsurance and trade receivables, as well as certain off-balance sheet credit exposures, such as loan commitments. The standard also changes the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19, Codification Improvements to ASC 326, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (“ASC 326”), which updated the effective date of this credit loss standard to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 for non-public entities, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adopting the ASC 326 guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In September 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-04, Liabilities — Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations (Topic 425). This ASU creates a disclosure framework by which buyers in a supplier finance program will disclose significant qualitative and quantitative information to allow a user of financial statements to understand the program’s nature and potential magnitude. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adopting the ASU 2022-04 guidance on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
Note 3. Revenue-related Information
The Company generates revenue from the following principal sources:
Year Ended |
||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||
Passenger revenue |
$ |
38,959 |
$ |
25,738 |
||
EAS and other subsidy revenue |
|
32,525 |
|
25,597 |
||
Charter revenue |
|
5,043 |
|
3,101 |
||
Other revenue |
|
4,189 |
|
3,243 |
||
Total revenue |
$ |
80,716 |
$ |
57,679 |
Approximately $31.9 million and $25.6 million of the Company’s revenues during the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, were attributable to this EAS program. Approximately $582 thousand revenue was attributable to the per-flight subsidies under the Incentive Agreement during the year ended December 31, 2022 and no such revenue was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2021.
F-98
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 3. Revenue-related Information (cont.)
The changes in deferred revenue were as follows (in thousands):
December 31, |
||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||
Deferred revenue, beginning of year |
$ |
4,513 |
|
$ |
2,621 |
|
||
Revenue deferred |
|
45,983 |
|
|
30,912 |
|
||
Revenue recognized |
|
(44,236 |
) |
|
(29,020 |
) |
||
Deferred revenue, end of year |
$ |
6,260 |
|
$ |
4,513 |
|
During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized revenue for all of the beginning balances of the deferred revenue.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company began providing certain services to Surf Air Inc. (“Surf Air”) for its fleet of four aircraft under an operating agreement. Per the agreement, the Company will provide aircraft management and flight operations services, including crew staffing and scheduling, managing all scheduled and charter flights, and maintenance of all Surf Air aircraft subject to the agreement. Included in charter revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 is $375 thousand in management fees related to those services, which the Company recognized on a monthly basis when earned. When performing services subject to the agreement, the Company incurs certain costs on behalf of Surf Air, which Surf Air reimburses the Company for as they are incurred. The Company recognizes the reimbursement of costs as a reduction of expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had total receivables from Surf Air in the amount of $650 thousand, of which $230 thousand related to management fees are included in Accounts Receivable and the remainder related to reimbursement of cost is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets.
Note 4. Business Combination
Multi-Aero, Inc. Acquisition
On April 1, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of St. Louis-based air carrier Multi-Aero, Inc. dba Air Choice One (“MUA” or “Air Choice One”) for total cash purchase consideration of $4.1 million that was funded at close by the Clarus Tranche 1 Note (See Note 12, Long-Term Debt, Net). The primary reason for the acquisition was to expand capacity to serve additional EAS routes and purchase of aircraft. The net assets acquired primarily include three aircraft ($3.1 million), a spare aircraft engine ($0.2 million), spare parts inventory ($0.5 million), and liabilities ($0.5 million). The Company recognized $0.8 million of goodwill as part of this transaction relating to expected synergies of combined operations and the assumption of the deferred tax liability. At the close of acquisition, Air Choice One was serving a total of three destinations in the United States: Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee. The Company accounted for the acquisition as a business combination.
There were no adjustments to the allocation of the purchase price during the measurement adjustment period.
Note 5. Joint Venture
During the second quarter of 2022, the Company acquired a 50% membership interest in Mariana Southern Airways LLC (“Marianas”) for the purposes of providing inter-island air flight services for the transportation of passengers and good throughout the Mariana Islands. On July 1, 2022 the Company executed an airline services agreement with Marianas to provide regular scheduled air transportation service. Based on the substantial services that the Company provides, as well as the power to direct operations, per the airline services agreement, the Company has determined it is the primary beneficiary of Marianas. The Company has the power to direct the commercial and operating activities of Marianas and has the obligation to absorb losses and right to receive substantially all of the benefits from Marianas
F-99
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 5. Joint Venture (cont.)
as of the agreement execution date of July 1, 2022. As the primary beneficiary, the Company consolidates the assets and liabilities of Marianas in its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2022, records the operational results of Marianas in the Consolidated Statement of Operations since the inception date through December 31, 2022, and records noncontrolling interest for the 50% interest attributable to MP Enterprises, LLC (the “JV partner”). Intercompany transactions between the Company and Marianas have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Asset and liabilities related to Marianas are presented below:
The government of the CNMI provided incentives to Marianas, pursuant to the Incentive Agreement in order to help mitigate the associated start-up costs, including $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)-sourced funding to cover the acquisition or mobilization of aircraft, fuel, and equipment; staffing; flight crews; training; travel costs; consultants; real estate and other costs; an 18-month per-flight subsidy consisting of payments up to a total of $6.5 million by CNMI to Marianas based on various flight/departure target volumes; and a Corporate Discount Program for official CNMI government travel.
In the first quarter of 2022, Marianas received $1.5 million pursuant to the Incentive Agreement for reimbursement of qualified start-up costs, including the costs to purchase aircraft and other capital assets. All costs incurred and recorded by Marianas before the Company’s involvement are qualified for reimbursement from CNMI (“Qualified start-up costs”). Qualified start-up costs incurred from the inception of Marianas to the execution of the airline services agreement on July 1, 2022 of $483 thousand was recognized as other income prior to the Company becoming the primary beneficiary of the Joint Venture with Marianas. The remaining $1.0 million was used to cover a portion of the purchase price of an aircraft.
The Company has purchased three aircraft for use in Marianas operations for which it has sole title (See Note 7, Property and Equipment, Net). The first aircraft was purchased for $2.8 million, paid with the above mentioned $1.0 million incentive and $1.8 million was financed with a ten-year promissory note with the aircraft manufacturer, Tecnam. The second aircraft was purchased for $2.8 million, paid by $800 thousand in cash ($250 thousand from the
F-100
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 5. Joint Venture (cont.)
Company, $200 thousand from Marianas, and $350 thousand from the JV partner) and financed by a $2.0 million ten-year promissory note with Tecnam. The third aircraft was purchased for $2.9 million financed by a $2.9 million five-year promissory note with Clarus Capital (See Note 12, Long-Term Debt, Net).
The Company classified the above mentioned $1.0 million incentive as deferred incentive income, which is included in the other current liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company recognizes the deferred incentive income ratably throughout the Incentive Agreement period. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company has recognized approximately $282 thousand of incentive income that is included in Other Income, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2022, the Company recorded the remaining $735 thousand as deferred incentive income, of which $678 thousand is included in other current liabilities and $57 thousand is included in other noncurrent liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
As of December 31, 2022, Marianas also received an additional advance to be applied against future per-flight subsidies of $750 thousand. Due to the early termination of the Incentive Agreement on February 21, 2023, the Company presents the additional advance net of accounts receivable as other noncurrent liabilities of $300 thousand on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (See Note 21, Subsequent Events). Marianas expects to recognize the $300 thousand in revenue during 2023.
Note 6. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following: (in thousands):
December 31, |
||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||
Vendor prepayments |
$ |
106 |
$ |
— |
||
Progress payments for software development |
|
164 |
|
— |
||
Expendable spare parts |
|
171 |
|
157 |
||
Credit card receivables |
|
198 |
|
150 |
||
Prepaid fuel |
|
294 |
|
96 |
||
Federal excise taxes receivables |
|
320 |
|
131 |
||
Surf Air cost reimbursements |
|
420 |
|
— |
||
Engine reserves(1) |
|
1,477 |
|
508 |
||
Prepaid insurance |
|
1,849 |
|
1,043 |
||
Other |
|
546 |
|
424 |
||
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets |
$ |
5,545 |
$ |
2,509 |
____________
(1) Includes $0.9 million related to SkyWest, which is a related party.
Note 7. Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment, net, consists of the following (in thousands):
December 31, |
||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||
Aircraft, equipment, and rotable spares |
$ |
37,566 |
|
$ |
14,622 |
|
||
Office, vehicles and ground equipment |
|
2,439 |
|
|
1,651 |
|
||
Leasehold improvements |
|
2,309 |
|
|
1,658 |
|
||
Property and equipment, gross |
|
42,314 |
|
|
17,931 |
|
||
Accumulated depreciation |
|
(5,760 |
) |
|
(3,636 |
) |
||
Property and equipment, net |
$ |
36,554 |
|
$ |
14,295 |
|
F-101
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 7. Property and Equipment, net (cont.)
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company purchased a total of fourteen aircraft in several transactions described as follows:
• In April 2022, the Company purchased a total of three previously leased aircraft from a lessor for $1.6 million per aircraft. The Company financed one of the aircraft purchases with the Clarus Tranche 2 Note and the other two aircraft purchases with the Clarus Tranche 3 Note.
• In April 2022, the Company purchased a total of three aircraft and a spare aircraft engine as part of the Air Choice One Acquisition, for a total purchase consideration of $4.2 million. The transaction was financed by the Clarus Tranche 1 Note.
• In May 2022, the Company purchased one aircraft for approximately $2.8 million from Tecnam S.p.A (“Tecnam”) to carry out the inter-island scheduled and chartered air service between Guam and CNMI in relation to Marianas. Marianas paid $1.0 million in cash. The Company financed the remaining with a $1.8 million Promissory Note issued to Tecnam.
• In June 2022, the Company purchased one aircraft for approximately $1.8 million, for which the Company paid $0.1 million in cash and financed the remainder through the Clarus Tranche 3 Note.
• In June 2022, the Company purchased a total of four aircraft for a total consideration of $4.5 million. The Company financed the purchase of all four aircraft with the Clarus Tranche 3 Note.
• In July 2022, the Company purchased one aircraft for approximately $2.8 million, where the Company paid $250 thousand in cash. Marianas, the Company’s joint venture paid $200 thousand in cash. MP Enterprises, LLC, the joint venture’s partner in Marianas paid $350 thousand in cash. The Company financed the remainder with Tecnam, the seller of the aircraft.
• In August 2022, the Company purchased one aircraft for approximately $2.9 million. The Company financed the purchase with the Clarus Tranche 4 Note.
The Company recorded depreciation expense of $2.4 million and $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, which was recognized as a component of Depreciation and Amortization expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the gain or loss on disposal of property and equipment was not material.
Note 8. Intangible Assets, net
Below is a summary of intangible assets, net, as of December 31, 2022 and 2021: (in thousands)
December 31, |
||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||
Tradename |
$ |
270 |
|
$ |
270 |
|
||
Noncompete agreement |
|
500 |
|
|
500 |
|
||
Intangible assets, gross |
|
770 |
|
|
770 |
|
||
Accumulated amortization |
|
(770 |
) |
|
(701 |
) |
||
Intangible assets, net |
$ |
— |
|
$ |
69 |
|
For years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 amortization expense was $69 thousand and $319 thousand, respectively. The intangible assets held at December 31, 2022 were fully amortized as of December 31, 2022. Intangible assets, net is included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
F-102
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 9. Goodwill
The change in Goodwill is presented in the following table (in thousands):
December 31, |
||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||
Beginning of period |
$ |
— |
$ |
— |
||
Addition from acquisition |
|
805 |
|
— |
||
Impairment |
|
— |
|
— |
||
End of period |
$ |
805 |
$ |
— |
The Company recognized $0.8 million of goodwill as part of the Multi-Aero, Inc. Acquisition during the year ended December 31, 2022. The Company performs an analysis for goodwill impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter. Based on the analysis performed, the Company has concluded goodwill was not impaired.
Note 10. Other Current Liabilities
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, other current liabilities consisted of the following: (in thousands):
December 31, |
||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||
Accrued rent |
$ |
— |
$ |
554 |
||
Accrued interest |
|
87 |
|
5 |
||
Accrued vendor payables |
|
686 |
|
512 |
||
Due to MP Enterprises, LLC |
|
984 |
|
— |
||
Deferred incentive income |
|
678 |
|
— |
||
Collateralized borrowings |
|
1,316 |
|
— |
||
Insurance premium liability |
|
1,395 |
|
794 |
||
Other |
|
370 |
|
207 |
||
Total other current liabilities |
$ |
5,516 |
$ |
2,072 |
Collateralized Borrowings
The Company has a revolving accounts receivable financing arrangement that allows the Company to borrow up to 90% of eligible accounts receivable, as defined, up to a maximum unsettled amount of $2 million. The agreement is secured by a first security interest in all of SAE’s assets and automatically renews annually. The related interest rate is the prime rate plus 1% per annum. Additionally, the Company pays certain ancillary fees associated with each borrowing that vary depending on the borrowed amount and duration, which is no more than 45 days.
During 2022, the Company borrowed a total of $3.0 million under this financing facility, of which $1.7 million was settled through the transfer of pledged receivables. Interest expense and fees incurred on these borrowings during the year amounted to $32 thousand and are included in interest expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
As of December 31, 2022 the outstanding amount due under this facility amounted to $1.3 million. There were no outstanding amounts due under this facility as of December 31, 2021. In 2022 and 2021, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.
F-103
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 11. The CARES Act
Under the CARES Act, assistance was made available to the aviation industry in the form of a government assisted PPP Loan and PSP.
Paycheck Protection Program Loan
On April 17, 2020, the Company borrowed $4.3 million under the PPP Loan, which was in the form of a Promissory Note dated April 7, 2020 and due on April 7, 2022. The PPP Loan bore interest at a rate of 0.98% per annum, payable monthly commencing on November 7, 2020. The PPP Loan could be prepaid by the Company at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalties. Per the provisions of the PPP Loan agreement, proceeds from the PPP Loan could only be used to cover certain qualifying expenses, such as payroll costs, costs used to continue group health care benefits, and other eligible expenses such as mortgage payments, rent, utilities, and interest on other debt obligations. The Company used the aggregate amount of the PPP Loan to cover qualifying expenses during 2020. In July 2020, the Company requested full forgiveness of the fully drawn loan amount of $4.3 million and was provided forgiveness for the full outstanding balance in October 2021.
The Company recognized the $4.3 million borrowed under the PPP Loan as a deferred liability within CARES Act liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The deferred liability was derecognized on a systematic basis over the periods in which the Company paid the qualifying salaries, wages, and benefits the PPP Loan intended to offset. The offset is presented as CARES Act within Operating Expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Furthermore, the PPP Loan proceeds are classified within the operating activities section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, since those proceeds relate to operating costs (payroll and payroll related benefits).
Payroll Support Program
On June 19, 2020, the Company entered into the PSP with the U.S. Department of Treasury, and from June 22, 2020 through October 1, 2020, the Company received proceeds through a direct grant under the PSP totaling $8.4 million. The proceeds for the PSP grant could only be used exclusively for the continuation of payment of employee salaries, wages, and benefits, and were conditioned on the Company’s agreement to refrain from conducting involuntary employee layoffs or furloughs through September 2020. Other conditions include prohibitions on share repurchases and dividends through September 2021, and certain limitations on executive compensation until March 2022. The PSP grant proceeds do not have to be repaid as long as the Company complies with the criteria of the PSP.
In March 2021, the Company entered into a Payroll Support Program extension agreement (“PSP Extension”) with the U.S. Department of Treasury and received a grant totaling approximately $4.7 million. In addition, the Company entered into a Payroll Support Program Agreement in April 2021 (“PSP 3”) with the U.S. Department of Treasury and received a grant totaling approximately $4.9 million. Under the terms of the PSP Extension and PSP 3 agreements, these payments are intended to provide payroll support to passenger air carriers and certain contractors and must be used for the continuation of payment of employee salaries, wages, and benefits. At any time, any payroll support in excess of the amount the U.S. Department of Treasury determines the Company is authorized to receive or retain under the terms of these agreements, constitutes debt to the U.S. Government and must be repaid. During 2021, the Company used all proceeds received under these two agreements for the continued payment of employee salaries, wages, and benefits, and the Company recorded it as a reduction of 2021 expenses and recorded the proceeds systematically as the expenses were incurred, and the Company will not be required to repay the U.S. Department of Treasury. The CARES Act liability was zero as of December 31, 2021.
The Company recognized the PSP grant proceeds received as a deferred liability within CARES Act liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The deferred liability was derecognized on a systematic basis over the periods in which the Company paid the qualifying salaries, wages, and benefits the PSP intended to offset. The offset is presented as CARES Act within Operating Expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Operations since the proceeds relate to operating costs (payroll and payroll related benefits).
F-104
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 12. Long-Term Debt, Net
The Company’s total debt due to unrelated parties consist of the following (in thousands):
Total debt is recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as follows (in thousands):
December 31, |
||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||
Long-term debt, gross |
$ |
24,445 |
$ |
4,015 |
||
Due to related party (See Note 18, Related Party Transactions) |
|
4,239 |
|
4,938 |
||
Total debt, gross |
$ |
28,684 |
$ |
8,953 |
Future maturities of total debt are as follows (in thousands):
Amount |
|||
2023 |
$ |
2,973 |
|
2024 |
|
3,171 |
|
2025 |
|
3,308 |
|
2026 |
|
3,007 |
|
Thereafter |
|
16,225 |
|
Total |
$ |
28,684 |
Clarus Capital
In the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company executed four separate promissory notes with Clarus Capital Funding I LLC (“Clarus”) in the amounts of $4.2 million (“Tranche 1 Note”), $3.42 million (“Tranche 2 Note”), $9.35 million (“Tranche 3 Note”) and $2.9 million (“Tranche 4 Note”).
Clarus Capital — Tranche 1 Note
On April 1, 2022, the Company executed a 5-year promissory note, the Tranche 1 Note, in the amount of $4.2 million with Clarus. Interest accrues on the entire principal amount of the note outstanding at a fixed rate of 6.75% per annum. Principal and interest are payable as a fixed monthly amount commencing on May 1, 2022, through the maturity date of April 1, 2027. On the maturity date, in addition to the final principal and interest payment, a principal balloon payment of $2.5 million is due. The note is collateralized by the combined value of a total of four specific aircraft and one aircraft engine.
F-105
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 12. Long-Term Debt, Net (cont.)
Clarus Capital — Tranche 2 Note
On April 29, 2022, the Company executed a 5-year promissory note, the Tranche 2 Note, in the amount of $3.4 million with Clarus. Interest accrues on the entire principal amount of the note outstanding at a fixed rate of 6.75% per annum. Principal and interest are payable as a fixed monthly amount commencing on May 29, 2022, through the maturity date of April 29, 2027. On the maturity date, in addition to the final principal and interest payment, a principal balloon payment of $2.0 million is due. The note is collateralized by the combined value of a total of two specific aircraft.
Clarus Capital — Tranche 3 Note
On June 27, 2022, the Company executed a 5-year promissory note, the Tranche 3 Note in the amount of $9.4 million with Clarus. Interest accrues on the entire principal amount of the note outstanding at a fixed rate of 7.25% per annum. Principal and interest are payable as a fixed monthly amount commencing on July 27, 2022, and continuing through the maturity date of June 27, 2027. On the maturity date, in addition to the final principal and interest payment, a principal balloon payment of $5.5 million is due. The note is collateralized by the combined value of a total of eight specific aircraft.
Clarus Capital — Tranche 4 Note
On August 5, 2022, the Company executed a 5-year promissory note, the Tranche 4 Note in the amount of $2.9 million with Clarus. Interest accrues on the entire principal amount of the note outstanding at a fixed rate of 7.50% per annum. Principal and interest are payable as a fixed monthly amount commencing on September 5, 2022, and continuing through the maturity date of August 5, 2027. On the maturity date, in addition to the final principal and interest payment, a principal balloon payment of $1.7 million is due. The note is collateralized by the combined value of a total of two aircraft.
SkyWest Guarantee and Call Option
In 2022 in conjunction with the Air Choice One Acquisition and the financing of the purchase of eleven aircraft, SkyWest, Inc. (“SkyWest”) agreed to guarantee the Company’s Security Agreement associated with four tranches of notes with Clarus in exchange for 27,155 shares of the Company’s common stock. Subsequent to this issuance, SkyWest owns a total of 85,318 shares of the Company’s total outstanding common stock. The guarantee was recorded as debt issuance costs and will be amortized over the life of the note.
In addition to the consideration set forth above, commencing on April 1, 2023 and terminating on March 31, 2026, SkyWest shall have a limited, one-time option to purchase the Multi-Aero 14 CFR Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate No.MUIA594G for a purchase price of 1,365 shares of the Company’s common stock.
Tecnam
In the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company executed two separate promissory notes with Tecnam in the amounts of $1.8 million (“Tecnam Note 1”) and $2.0 million (“Tecnam Note 2”).
Tecnam Note 1
Effective on May 24, 2022, the Company entered into a 10-year promissory note in the amount of $1.8 million with Tecnam. Interest is accrued on the entire principal amount of the note outstanding at a fixed rate of 6.75% per annum. Principal and interest are payable monthly commencing on August 1, 2022 and continuing through the maturity date of July 1, 2032. The note is collateralized by a specific aircraft.
F-106
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 12. Long-Term Debt, Net (cont.)
Tecnam Note 2
Effective on July 1, 2022, the Company entered into a 10-year promissory note in the amount of $2.0 million with Tecnam. Interest is accrued on the entire principal amount of the note outstanding at a fixed rate of 6.75% per annum. Principal and interest are payable monthly commencing on September 1, 2022 and continuing through the maturity date of August 1, 2032. The note is collateralized by a specific aircraft.
6.50% Note Payable to U.S. Government
In October 2020, the Company entered into a $1.9 million Loan and Guarantee Agreement with the U.S. Department of Treasury. The loan is a five-year term loan dated October 28, 2020 and matures on October 28, 2025 and bears interest at a variable rate per annum equal to the London Interbank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”) divided by one minus the Eurodollar Reserve Percentage, plus 6.50%. This loan was repaid in full in April 2022.
5.72% Note Payable
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had a note payable to a financial institution that is due in monthly installments with a fixed annual interest rate of 5.72% and is secured by an underlying aircraft. At inception, the note payable was personally guaranteed by a former officer of an acquired business. The original maturity date for the entire unpaid principal balance was December 15, 2022.
The agreement was amended at various times in 2020 and 2021 to defer required payments, and at December 31, 2020 the Company was in forbearance on this note payable, which protects the Company against any action by the lender from exercising their rights and remedies as a result of the Company’s events of default. The Company accounted for these amendments as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) due to concessions provided by the financial institution. No aggregate gain or loss was recorded as a result of the TDR. On June 15, 2021, the guarantee on this note was reassigned to the Company from the previous guarantor and the payment terms were modified to consist of 42 installment payments of $20 thousand dollars each, commencing on July 15, 2021, followed by a balloon payment of $477 thousand at the new maturity date of January 15, 2025. The Company was in compliance with the terms and conditions as of December 31, 2022 and therefore no longer in forbearance. The Company made all the agreed-upon debt payments, as well as all required engine reserve payments related to future engine overhaul work associated with the aircraft collateralizing this note payable.
7.60% Note Payable
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had a note payable to Textron Aviation Finance Corporation (“Textron”). Interest is payable in monthly installments with a fixed annual interest rate of 7.60% and is secured by an aircraft. In February 2020, the agreement was modified to defer payments and extend the original term of the agreement from December 2020 to November 2024. The Company accounted for this amendment as a TDR due to concessions provided by Textron. No aggregate gain or loss was recorded as a result of the TDR. The entire unpaid principal balance is due on the maturity date, November 7, 2024.
4.65% Note Payable
On October 28, 2020, the Company entered into a promissory note agreement for $38 thousand related to the purchase of vehicles. The debt has a five-year term and is due in monthly installments with a fixed annual interest rate of 4.65% and is secured by the underlying vehicles. The maturity date on the promissory note is November 11, 2025.
F-107
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 12. Long-Term Debt, Net (cont.)
5.49% Note Payable
In November 2021, the Company entered into a note payable with Chrysler Capital related to the financing of several vehicles. The term loan has a five-year term and is due in monthly installments with a fixed annual interest rate of 5.49% and is secured by the underlying vehicles. The maturity date of the term loan is December 2026.
The Company is subject to customary affirmative covenants and negative covenants on all of the above notes payable. As of December 31, 2022, the Company was in compliance with all covenants in the loan agreements.
Note 13. Leases
The Company leases aircraft, airport passenger terminal space, portions of and full aircraft hangars and other airport facilities, other commercial real estate and office space. Certain of these leases include provisions for variable lease payments which are based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relative leased square footage, passenger facility charges, terminal equipment usage fees, departures, and airports’ annual operating budgets. Due to the variable nature of the rates, these leases are not recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as a right-of-use asset and lease liability, rather the lease costs are expensed as incurred. For leases with terms greater than 12 months, the Company records the related right-of-use asset and lease liability at the present value of fixed lease payments over the lease term. To the extent a lease agreement includes an extension option that is reasonably certain to be exercised, the Company has recognized those amounts as part of our right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less with purchase options or extension options that are not reasonably certain to be exercised are not recorded on the balance sheet. The Company combines lease and non-lease components, such as common area maintenance costs, in calculating the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for all leases.
Upon adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2022, the Company recognized an operating lease right-of-use asset of $11.2 million and a corresponding lease liability of $11.9 million, offset by the derecognition of deferred rent in the amount of $0.7 million, using discount rates between 6.7% and 8.9%, and recognized a finance lease right-of-use asset of $2.0 million and a corresponding lease liability of $2.0 million, using discount rates between 4.8% and 9.8%. The interest rates for both operating and finance right-of-use assets reflects the Company’s incremental borrowing rates for a similar asset, adjusted for duration of term and the quality of collateral as of the date of adoption.
Operating Leases
The Company leased various aircraft, airport passenger terminal space, space at aircraft hangars and other airport facilities, other commercial real estate, and offices under non-cancelable leases. Many of the Company’s operating leases require the Company to pay all taxes, maintenance, insurance, and other operating expenses. Lease cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Aggregate lease cost is recorded in Aircraft rent, Airport-related expenses, and Other Operating Expenses on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Aircraft Leases
The Company had 27 operating leases of aircraft at December 31, 2022, of which ten of the aircraft leases were from three related parties, Schuman Aviation Ltd., JA Flight Services, and BAJ Flight Services LLC (see Note 18, Related Party Transactions). The leases generally range in term from three to five years, and generally have non-escalating rent payments. The variable utilization payments are based on a rate per flight hour and included in variable lease cost as of December 31, 2022.
F-108
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 13. Leases (cont.)
Non-Aircraft Leases
The Company’s non-aircraft lease assets include space at three airport terminals, space at three aircraft hangars, a corporate office and a jet refueling truck.
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follows (in thousands):
Operating Leases |
Classification |
As of |
|||
Assets |
|
||||
Right-of-use assets |
Operating lease right-of-use assets |
$ |
15,149 |
||
Liabilities |
|
||||
Current lease liabilities |
Operating lease liabilities |
|
3,302 |
||
Current lease liabilities |
Current portion due to related parties |
|
1,772 |
||
Non-current lease liabilities |
Long-term operating lease liabilities |
|
8,452 |
||
Non-current lease liabilities |
Due to related parties, net of current portion |
|
2,606 |
||
Total lease liabilities |
|
16,132 |
Lease term and discount rate were as follows:
As of December 31, 2022 |
|||
Weighted average remaining lease term |
3.4 years |
|
|
Weighted average discount rate |
8.45 |
% |
The components of lease cost are as follows (in thousands):
Lease Cost |
Classification |
Year ended |
|||
Operating lease cost – aircraft |
Aircraft rent |
$ |
4,483 |
||
Operating lease cost – non-aircraft |
Airport-related and other operating expenses |
|
380 |
||
Short-term lease cost |
Airport-related and other operating expenses |
|
2,416 |
||
Variable lease cost |
Aircraft rent |
|
922 |
||
Engine reserves |
Aircraft rent |
|
2,727 |
||
Total lease cost |
$ |
10,928 |
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow and other information related to leases are as follows (in thousands):
Year ended |
|||
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities |
$ |
5,217 |
|
Non-cash transactions – operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities |
|
8,968 |
F-109
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 13. Leases (cont.)
Maturities of operating lease liabilities are as follows as of December 31, 2022 (in thousands):
Amount |
|||
2023 |
$ |
6,197 |
|
2024 |
|
5,265 |
|
2025 |
|
3,809 |
|
2026 |
|
2,351 |
|
2027 |
|
936 |
|
Thereafter |
|
— |
|
Total lease payment, undiscounted |
|
18,558 |
|
Less: imputed interest |
|
2,426 |
|
Total |
$ |
16,132 |
Maturities of operating lease liabilities were as follows as of December 31, 2021 under ASC 840 (in thousands):
Amount |
|||
2022 |
$ |
4,586 |
|
2023 |
|
4,374 |
|
2024 |
|
2,889 |
|
2025 |
|
1,239 |
|
2026 |
|
465 |
|
Total |
$ |
13,553 |
Finance Leases
The Company’s finance lease assets include one aircraft, camera equipment, and a vehicle.
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follows (in thousands):
As of December 31, |
|||
Assets |
|
||
Finance lease right-of-use assets |
$ |
1,546 |
|
Liabilities |
|
||
Finance lease liabilities |
|
134 |
|
Long-term finance lease liabilities |
|
1,838 |
|
Total finance lease liabilities |
$ |
1,972 |
Lease term and discount rate are as follows:
As of December 31, |
|||
Weighted average remaining lease term |
3.1 years |
|
|
Weighted average discount rate |
9.71 |
% |
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow and other information related to leases are as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended |
||
Cash paid for finance lease liabilities |
323 |
F-110
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 13. Leases (cont.)
Supplemental information related to the finance leases is as follows:
As of December 31, 2021, three capital leased assets, consisting of one aircraft, camera equipment, and one vehicle were included in property and equipment, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at a combined cost of $2.4 million with accumulated amortization of $354 thousand.
Maturities of finance lease liabilities are as follows as of December 31, 2022 (in thousands):
Amount |
|||
2023 |
$ |
323 |
|
2024 |
|
323 |
|
2025 |
|
312 |
|
2026 |
|
1,526 |
|
2027 |
|
— |
|
Total lease payment, undiscounted |
|
2,484 |
|
Less: imputed interest |
|
512 |
|
Total |
$ |
1,972 |
Maturities of capital lease liabilities were as follows as of December 31, 2021 under ASC 840 (in thousands):
Amount |
|||
2022 |
$ |
323 |
|
2023 |
|
323 |
|
2024 |
|
323 |
|
2025 |
|
312 |
|
Thereafter |
|
1,526 |
|
Total lease payment, undiscounted |
$ |
2,807 |
|
Less: imputed interest |
|
704 |
|
Total |
$ |
2,103 |
Note 14. Stock-Based Compensation
On February 22, 2021, the Company awarded a total of 10,020 fully-vested, non-forfeitable, shares of common stock to various employees and members of the Board of Directors. These common shares were valued at $21.98 per share at the grant date and are subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any share dividend, share split, combination or other similar recapitalization within the Company. The Company recorded $220 thousand in stock-based compensation expense related to these fully-vested common stock grants for the year ended December 31, 2021 and the entire expense is included within Salaries, Wages, and Benefits expense on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company recorded no share-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2022, and had no un-recognized share-based compensation expense as December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Additionally, on February 22, 2021, the Company awarded a total of 43,500 shares of non-forfeitable restricted common stock (“Restricted Stock”) to various employees and executives of the Company for their continued service to the Company. The Restricted Stock was valued at $956 thousand ($21.98 per share) and vests immediately when
F-111
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 14. Stock-Based Compensation (cont.)
the following two conditions are deemed probable: a) the closing of a Proposed Acquisition agreement requiring the listing of shares to the public on an exchange, and b) recipients of the Restricted Stock grant must remain in continuous employment or service with the Company from the date of grant through the closing of the proposed acquisition (see “Proposed Acquisition”). As there is both a required service-based condition and a specific performance condition that must be satisfied for the vesting of this Restricted Stock to occur, no stock-based compensation expense was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 in accordance with ASC 718. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense was $956 thousand related to all the unvested Restricted Stock.
The Company utilized an option valuation model to value its common stock and Restricted Stock grants, which was developed for use in estimating the fair value of the Company’s common stock under a certain SPAC scenario. Option valuation models require the input of highly complex and subjective variables, such as expected liquidation dates, discount rates, weighting of financing scenarios, weighted average cost of capital, and forecasted revenue and expense growth rates.
Note 15. Common Stock Warrants
The Company has issued fully vested common stock warrants in exchange for certain consulting services rendered to the Company in February 2016. A summary of the Company’s outstanding common stock warrants as of December 31, 2022 were as follows:
Warrant Tranche |
Exercise |
Shares |
|||
A |
$ |
12.18 |
2,052 |
||
B |
|
14.01 |
713 |
||
C |
|
18.87 |
795 |
||
D |
|
18.98 |
4,742 |
||
E |
|
41.24 |
606 |
||
F |
|
47.32 |
634 |
||
G |
|
50.00 |
376 |
||
Total |
|
9,918 |
As of both December 31, 2022 and 2021, total outstanding common stock warrants issued by the Company were 9,918 with weighted average exercise price of $27.25 per share. All the warrants outstanding expire at the earlier of April 2, 2023 or the initial closing of a deemed liquidation event, as defined in the warrant agreements. None of these warrants were exercised during 2022 or 2021 and remained unexercised and outstanding as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
All tranches of the common stock warrants issued (A-G) do not have vesting conditions and are equity classified.
Note 16. Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares
The following table presents information about the Company’s redeemable convertible preferred shares as of December 31, 2022: (in thousands, except for share data)
Shares |
Shares |
Carrying |
Liquidation |
|||||||
Series A |
105,556 |
105,556 |
$ |
2,150 |
$ |
3,635 |
||||
Series A-1 |
7,033 |
7,033 |
|
141 |
|
238 |
||||
Series A-2 |
25,000 |
25,000 |
|
500 |
|
845 |
||||
Series B |
25,000 |
25,000 |
|
833 |
|
2,374 |
||||
Total |
162,589 |
162,589 |
$ |
3,624 |
$ |
7,092 |
F-112
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 16. Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares (cont.)
The following table presents information about the Company’s redeemable convertible preferred shares as of December 31, 2021: (in thousands, except for share data)
Shares |
Shares |
Carrying |
Liquidation |
|||||||
Series A |
105,556 |
105,556 |
$ |
2,150 |
$ |
3,396 |
||||
Series A-1 |
7,033 |
7,033 |
|
141 |
|
222 |
||||
Series A-2 |
25,000 |
25,000 |
|
500 |
|
790 |
||||
Series B |
25,000 |
25,000 |
|
833 |
|
2,219 |
||||
Total |
162,589 |
162,589 |
$ |
3,624 |
$ |
6,627 |
Dividend Rights
Holders of shares of Series A, Series A-1, and Series A-2 redeemable convertible preferred shares are entitled to receive prior and in preference to dividends paid on any other class or series of capital stock and dividends as follows:
Holders of Series A, Series A-1, and Series A-2 redeemable convertible preferred shares are entitled to receive cumulative dividends equal to 8% per annum of the original issue price of $20.37 per share of Series A redeemable convertible preferred shares, $20.00 per share of Series A-1 redeemable convertible preferred shares, $20.00 per share of Series A-2 redeemable convertible preferred shares subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any share dividend, share split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to the Series A and Series A-1 redeemable convertible preferred shares, as applicable.
Series A, Series A-1, and Series A-2 redeemable convertible preferred share dividends are payable quarterly in cash on the final business day of each calendar quarter. The Company will not declare, pay or set aside any dividends on shares of any other class or series of capital stock of the Company unless the holders of the Series A, Series A-1, and Series A-2 redeemable convertible preferred shares then outstanding first receive, or simultaneously receive, a dividend on each outstanding share in an amount at least equal to all accrued but unpaid Series A, Series A-1, Series A-2 redeemable convertible preferred share dividends. Unpaid dividends for Series A, Series A-1, and Series A-2 redeemable convertible preferred shares when due will increase to 10% of their respective original issue price for a period of sixty days effective as of the date such dividend payment was due. After such a 60-day period, if the accrued Series A, Series A-1, and Series A-2 redeemable convertible preferred share dividend remains unpaid, the rate will increase to 15% of the respective original issue price until the accrued but unpaid dividends are paid in full.
The Series A, Series A-1, and Series A-2 redeemable convertible preferred share dividend rate will increase to and remain at 15% if the Company, without the prior vote or consent of the Series A Director, Mark Rimer, issues equity securities or convertible securities that are pari passu or senior in priority or preference to the Series A, Series A-1, and Series A-2 redeemable convertible preferred shares with respect to the payment of dividends, amounts in liquidation, or rights of redemption. After the payment in full of accrued Series A, Series A-1, and Series A-2 redeemable convertible preferred share dividends, the holders of shares of redeemable convertible preferred shares are entitled to receive prior and in preference to any dividends paid to the holders of shares of common stock, dividends of redeemable convertible preferred shares are to be paid: (a) 70% to the holders of shares of Series A, Series A-1, and Series A-2 redeemable convertible preferred shareholders ratably among them based upon such holder’s ownership percentage in the Company, and (b) 30% to the holders of Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares until the Series A, Series A-1, and Series A-2 capital repayment amount has been paid in full to the holders. The 30% payment to the holders of Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares will pay, in priority order, (i) the then accrued but unpaid Series B redeemable convertible preferred share dividends and (ii) the Series B capital repayment amount (number of shares times original issue price plus then-effective dividend tax rate). Holders of the Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares are entitled to receive cumulative dividends equal to 8% per annum of the original issue price of $60.00 per share.
F-113
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 16. Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares (cont.)
After the payment in full of the Dividends noted above, the Company may pay Dividends to the holders of all shares of capital stock, when and when declared by the Board of Directors. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 no dividends on any series of redeemable convertible preferred shares or common stock has been declared by the Board of Directors.
Accumulated Dividends
As the Company’s convertible preferred shares are only contingently redeemable in the event of a deemed liquidation event, the Company has not recorded dividends of $1.8 million and $1.3 million on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, as the occurrence of the contingent liquidation event is not deemed probable. If the redemption event becomes probable, the carrying amount of the convertible preferred shares will be accreted to their full redemption value.
Voting Rights
Each holder of outstanding redeemable convertible preferred shares is entitled to cast the number of votes equal to the number of whole shares of common stock, into which the redeemable convertible preferred shares held by such holder are convertible. Holders of redeemable convertible preferred shares vote together with the holders of common stock as a single class.
Conversion Rights
Each share of redeemable convertible preferred shares is convertible at any time, at the option of the holder and without the payment of additional consideration, into such number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of common stock determined by dividing the applicable original issue price by the applicable conversion price (as defined below) in effect at the time of conversion. The conversion price is initially (i) $11.6491 per share for the Series A redeemable convertible preferred shares, (ii) $5.4515 per share for the Series A-1 redeemable convertible preferred shares, (iii) $15.2910 per share for the Series A-2 redeemable convertible preferred shares, and (iv) $17.2654 per share for the Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares. Such initial conversion price, and the rate at redeemable convertible preferred shares may be converted into shares of common stock, is subject to certain adjustments. In the event of liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Company, or a deemed liquidation event, these conversion rights will terminate at the close of business on the last full day preceding the date fixed for the payment of any such amounts distributable on such event to the holders of redeemable convertible preferred shares.
Liquidation
The liquidation preference provisions allow for redemption upon deemed liquidation, which is not in the company’s control and could require settlement in cash or other assets of the company available for distribution. As such, the Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares are disclosed in mezzanine equity. For each reporting period the Company will reassess the shares for remeasurements when a deemed liquidation event becomes probable.
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Company or a deemed liquidation event (as defined below), the holders of shares of capital stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders in the following priority:
First, the holders of Series A, Series A-1, and Series A-2 redeemable convertible preferred shares then outstanding are entitled, on a pari passu basis, to be paid out of the assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders prior and in preference to any payment made to the holders of Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares and common stock by reason of their ownership thereof, all proceeds including all accrued but unpaid Series A, Series A-1, and Series A-2 accrued dividends have been paid in full.
F-114
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 16. Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares (cont.)
Second, after the payment in full of accrued Series A, Series A-1, Series A-2 redeemable convertible preferred share dividends, the holders of Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares then outstanding are entitled to paid out of the assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders prior and in preference to any payments to the holders of shares of common stock by reason of their ownership thereof, all proceeds including all accrued Series B redeemable convertible preferred share dividends have been paid in full.
Lastly, after the payment in full of all amounts pursuant to the foregoing, all remaining amounts from assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders will be paid to the holders of all shares of capital stock ratably among them the based upon each such holder’s percentage interest in the Company. The holders of redeemable convertible preferred shares are not required or obligated to convert redeemable convertible preferred shares into shares of common stock to receive the payments obligated to be made by the Company to them on an as-converted basis.
The liquidation preference is calculated by adding (i) the Original Issue Price plus (ii) the product obtained by multiplying (x) the Original Issue Price of each such share of Preferred Stock (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to the Preferred Stock) by (y) the then applicable Dividend Tax Rate which the rate is 23.8% on the date hereof. Original Issue Prices are as follows: (i) $20.3683 per share for the shares of Series A Preferred Stock, (ii) $20.00 per share for the Series A-1 Preferred Stock, (iii) $20.00 per share for the Series A-2 Preferred Stock, and (iv) $60.00 per share for the Series B Preferred Stock.
Each of the following events shall be considered a “Deemed Liquidation Event”, unless the holders of a majority of each class or series of capital stock elect otherwise by written notice sent to the Corporation at least ten (10) days prior to the effective date of any such event:
(i) the sale, transfer, assignment, conveyance or other disposition (including by merger or consolidation, but excluding any sales by the stockholders of the Company made as part of an underwritten public offering of the Company’s securities) in one transaction or a series of related transactions, of more than 50% of all outstanding shares of the Company,
(ii) the consummation of a consolidation, merger or reorganization of the Company, unless the stockholders of the Company immediately before such consolidation, merger or reorganization own, directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the combined securities of the outstanding securities resulting from such consolidation, merger or reorganization,
(iii) the sale, lease, transfer, exclusive license or other disposition, in a single transaction or series of related transactions, by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company of all or substantially all the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole or (iv) the acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated thereunder) of 50% or more of all outstanding shares of the Company.
Election of Directors
The size of the Board of Directors of the Company is set at seven directors. The holders of record of the shares of Series A, Series A-1, and Series A-2 redeemable convertible preferred shares, exclusively and voting together as a separate and single class, are entitled (but not obligated) to elect one director of the Company (the “Series A Director”). The holders of record of Series B convertible preferred shares, exclusively and voting as a separate and single class, are entitled (but not obligated) to elect one director of the Company. The holders of record of the shares of common stock, exclusively and voting as a separate class, are entitled to elect three directors of the Company. SkyWest is entitled (but not obligated) to elect one director of the Company and one independent director is appointed by the Chairman of the Board and the Series A Director.
F-115
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 17. Income Taxes
Significant components of the provision from income taxes consist of the following: (in thousands)
Year Ended |
|||||||
2022 |
2021 |
||||||
Current: |
|
|
|
||||
Federal |
$ |
— |
|
$ |
— |
||
State |
|
10 |
|
|
440 |
||
Total |
|
10 |
|
|
440 |
||
Deferred: |
|
|
|
||||
Federal |
|
(392 |
) |
|
— |
||
State |
|
(27 |
) |
|
— |
||
Total |
|
(419 |
) |
|
— |
||
Total tax expense (benefit) |
$ |
(409 |
) |
$ |
440 |
The following table presents the principal reasons for the difference between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate: (dollars in thousands)
December 31, |
||||||||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||||||||
$ |
% |
$ |
% |
|||||||||||
Provision (benefit) at statutory rate |
$ |
(1,167 |
) |
21.0 |
% |
$ |
2,331 |
|
21.0 |
% |
||||
State tax provision (benefit), net of federal benefit |
|
(257 |
) |
4.6 |
% |
|
679 |
|
6.1 |
% |
||||
Permanent book/tax difference |
|
69 |
|
(1.2 |
)% |
|
14 |
|
0.1 |
% |
||||
Change in valuation allowance |
|
846 |
|
(15.2 |
)% |
|
(2,584 |
) |
(23.2 |
)% |
||||
Other |
|
100 |
|
(1.8 |
)% |
|
— |
|
— |
|
||||
Effective income tax rate |
|
(409 |
) |
7.4 |
% |
|
440 |
|
4.0 |
% |
Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows: (in thousands)
Year Ended |
||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||
Net operating loss carryforward, net of reserves |
$ |
4,680 |
|
$ |
2,629 |
|
||
Capital loss carryforward |
|
133 |
|
|
142 |
|
||
Amortization of intangibles |
|
385 |
|
|
429 |
|
||
Accrued liabilities |
|
244 |
|
|
214 |
|
||
Deferred revenue |
|
227 |
|
|
166 |
|
||
Deferred rent |
|
— |
|
|
395 |
|
||
Lease liabilities |
|
4,288 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Interest carryforward |
|
456 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Contributions carryforward |
|
109 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Investment in Marianas |
|
46 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Other |
|
— |
|
|
9 |
|
||
Deferred tax assets, gross |
|
10,568 |
|
|
3,984 |
|
||
Valuation allowance |
|
(3,273 |
) |
|
(1,861 |
) |
||
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance |
|
7,295 |
|
|
2,123 |
|
||
Right-of-use assets |
|
(4,027 |
) |
|
— |
|
||
Book/tax depreciation differences |
|
(3,268 |
) |
|
(2,123 |
) |
||
Total deferred tax liabilities |
|
(7,295 |
) |
|
(2,123 |
) |
||
Total deferred tax assets (liabilities), net |
$ |
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
F-116
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 17. Income Taxes (cont.)
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had approximately $3.9 million and $2.3 million of federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards, respectively, and $0.8 million and $0.4 million of state NOL carryforwards, respectively, which will begin to expire in 2035. The above described carryforwards are presented on a tax effected basis and are included in the Company’s calculation of its deferred tax asset; however, realization of the deferred tax asset is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income prior to expiration of the NOL carryforwards. Also, utilization of the operating losses and tax credits may be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to the ownership change limitations provided by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 under Section 382 and similar state provisions. As of December 31, 2022, the Company does not believe it is more likely than not that their assets will ultimately be realized and has recorded a full valuation allowance of approximately $3.3 million on the net deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance increased by $1.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, or Section 382, imposes limitations on a corporation’s ability to utilize its NOL carryforwards if it experiences an “ownership change” as defined. In general terms, an ownership change may result from transactions increasing the ownership percentage of certain stockholders in the stock of the corporation by more than 50% over a three-year period. In the event of an ownership change, utilization of the NOL carryforwards would be subject to an annual limitation under Section 382 determined by multiplying the value of the Company’s stock at the time of the ownership change by the applicable long-term tax-exempt rate. Management has not completed a Section 382 study as of the date of this report; however, should a study be completed, certain NOL carryforwards may be subject to such limitations. Any future annual limitation may result in the expiration of NOL carryforwards before utilization.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had $0.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits none of which would result in a reduction of the Company’s effective tax rate, if recognized, due to a full valuation recorded within the U.S. federal and state jurisdictions. Furthermore, in the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits could change due to the resolution of certain tax matters related to the substantiation of federal and state NOLs. These resolutions could reduce the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits by $0.4 million.
The Company is subject to income tax examinations by the U.S. federal and state tax authorities. There are no open income tax examinations as of December 31, 2022. Tax years 2013 and forward remain open to audit for U.S. federal income tax purposes and tax years 2016 and forward remain open for U.S. state income tax purposes.
Note 18. Related Party Transactions
The following table presents Company’s amounts due to (from) related parties as of December 31, 2022 and 2021: (in thousands)
December 31, |
|||||||
2022 |
2021 |
||||||
Accounts payable (receivable)(1) |
$ |
467 |
$ |
(56 |
) |
||
Other current liabilities(2) |
|
158 |
|
373 |
|
||
Current maturities of long-term debt(3) |
|
728 |
|
699 |
|
||
Short-term operating lease liabilities |
|
1,772 |
|
— |
|
||
Total current portion due to related parties |
$ |
3,125 |
$ |
1,016 |
|
December 31, |
||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||
Other liabilities(2) |
$ |
100 |
$ |
450 |
||
Long-term operating lease liabilities |
|
2,606 |
|
— |
||
Long-term debt, net of current maturities(3) |
|
3,511 |
|
4,239 |
||
Total due to related parties, net of current portion |
$ |
6,217 |
$ |
4,689 |
____________
(1) Net amount of accounts receivable and accounts payable from/to various individuals
(2) Liability related to Makani Kai Acquisition and SkyWest Note’s accrued interest
(3) Note Payable to SkyWest
F-117
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 18. Related Party Transactions (cont.)
SkyWest Airlines
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had a note payable to SkyWest Airlines, Inc. (“SkyWest”) with a principal amount of $4.2 million and $4.9 million, respectively, bearing interest at 4.0% per annum (“SkyWest Note”). Principal and interest payments are due monthly, through April 30, 2028 and the note is collateralized by a pledge for 100% of the stock of Southern Airways Pacific (“SAP”, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company), a first priority security interest in all assets of SAP. In the event of a change of control associated with the Company, the then outstanding principal and interest on the note will become due and payable immediately by the Company. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, $728 thousand and $699 thousand, respectively, is included in Due to Related Parties. $3.5 million and $4.2 million, respectively, is included in Due to Related Parties, net of current portion on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Additionally, as of December 31, 2022, $0.9 million in engine reserves related to the SkyWest guarantee agreement are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (See Note 12, Long-term debt, net). There were no engine reserves related to the SkyWest guarantee agreement as of December 31, 2021.
SkyWest is currently represented by one of the Company’s total of seven Board of Director seats and owns 58,163 shares of common stock of the Company on December 31, 2022.
Kuzari Investor 94647 LLC
As of December 31, 2022, Kuzari Investor 94647 LLC (“Kuzari”) owns 32,699 shares of the Company’s common stock, and is currently represented by one of the Company’s total of seven Board of Directors seats. In addition, Kuzari owns 105,556 Series A redeemable convertible preferred shares and 25,000 Series A-2 redeemable convertible preferred shares, for a combined preferred share investment of $4.5 million at December 31, 2022. Kuzari is also owed approximately $1.2 million of unpaid cumulative redeemable convertible preferred share dividends.
Since March 2017, one of the affiliates of Kuzari provides the Company certain advisory services in areas such as evaluation of business decisions, assessment of market opportunities, and the exploring of financial and/or operational strategic initiatives. In return for the consulting services, Kuzari is entitled to compensation from the Company consisting of an annualized fee within a range of $100 thousand to $150 thousand per year. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company incurred consulting expenses due to Kuzari of $138 thousand and $150 thousand, respectively. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had no outstanding payables to Kuzari, in connection with the consulting arrangement.
JA Flight Services and BAJ Flight Services
As of December 31, 2022, the Company leased a total of three aircraft from JA Flight Services (“JAFS”) and one aircraft from BAJ Flight Services (“BAJFS”). JAFS is 50% owned by Bruce A. Jacobs (“BAJ”), an officer, shareholder, and board member of the Company and BAJFS is 100% owned by BAJ.
As of December 31, 2022 JAFS owns 40,000 shares of the total outstanding common stock of the Company. The Company recorded approximately $1.1 million and $1.2 million in combined lease and engine reserve expense attributable to JAFS and BAJFS during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, the Company owed approximately $500 thousand in total to JAFS and BAJFS, relating primarily to deferred lease payments, as well as engine reserve payments. No amounts were owed for deferred lease payments as of December 31, 2022. Of the $500 thousand owed to both JAFS and BAJFS at December 31, 2022, approximately $250 thousand is included in Due to Related Parties and Due to Related Parties, net of current portion, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
In February 2022, BAJ retired from his role as an officer within the Company JAFS continues to be a shareholder of the Company and lessor of three aircraft to the Company, and BAJFS continues to be a lessor of one aircraft to the Company as of December 31, 2022.
F-118
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 18. Related Party Transactions (cont.)
Schuman Aviation
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company leased six aircraft from Schuman Aviation Ltd. (“Schuman”), an entity which is owned by an executive and shareholder of the Company. Schuman owns 5,002 shares of the total outstanding common stock of the Company. All leases consist of 60-month terms, fixed monthly lease payments and are all eligible for extension at the end of the lease term. All the leases are also subject to monthly engine, propeller and other reserve payment requirements, based on actual flight activity incurred on the subject aircraft engine.
The Company recorded approximately $1.5 million and $930 thousand in combined lease and engine reserve expense attributable to Schuman for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. At December 31, 2022, the Company owed approximately $314 thousand to Schuman. There were no outstanding amounts due to Schuman at December 31, 2021.
On July 7, 2020, the Company entered into a transaction with Schuman, whereby Schuman agreed not to fly any of its Makani Kai airline routes (“Makani Kai”) servicing the Hawaiian Island commuter airspace for a period of 10 years. As consideration for this noncompete agreement, the Company agreed to pay Schuman a total of $500 thousand in the Company’s common stock in five equal installments of $100 thousand. The first installment of 2,777 shares of common stock was transferred on the transaction date of July 7, 2020, with the remaining consideration due on each anniversary of the transaction date. In July 2021, the Company made its second installment payment to Schuman, consisting of 2,225 shares of Southern common stock. In July 2022, the Company made its third installment payment to Schuman, consisting of 2,296 shares of Southern common stock.
Note 19. Commitments and Contingencies
Guarantees
The Company has agreed to indemnify its officers and directors for certain events or occurrences arising as a result of the officer or director serving in such capacity. The term of the indemnification period is for the officer or director’s lifetime. The maximum potential future amount the Company could be required to pay under these indemnification agreements is unlimited. The Company believes that its insurance would cover any liability that may arise from the acts of its officers and directors. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company is not aware of any such pending liabilities.
The Company has entered into indemnification provisions under agreements with other parties in the ordinary course of business, typically with business partners, contractors, customers, landlords and investors. Under these provisions, the Company generally indemnifies and holds harmless the indemnified party for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party as a result of the Company’s activities or, in some cases, as a result of the indemnified party’s activities under the agreement. These indemnification provisions generally survive termination of the underlying agreement. The maximum potential future amount the Company could be required to pay under these indemnification provisions is unlimited.
Aircraft Purchases and Sales
Electric Wing-in-ground-effect Aircraft
In December 2021, the Company signed a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) with a certain aircraft vendor to purchase a total of four electric wing-in-ground-effect Viceroy aircraft (“Firm Viceroys”), with options to purchase eleven additional Viceroy aircraft (“Viceroy Purchase Options”). The price for each Firm Viceroy and Viceroy Purchase Options in a standard configuration is $5.2 million, and the order is not subject to price escalation. In addition, the LOI provides the Company’s net delivery price will be less than or equal to any third party’s net purchase price for the same aircraft. Upon the execution of the purchase agreement, which is anticipated to occur in Q4 2023, the Company is obligated to make payments related to the purchase of the Firm Viceroy’s at: a) $50 thousand per aircraft, b) $150 thousand per Firm Viceroy one year prior to the first commercial delivery (anticipated to occur in Q4 2024), and c) the balance due upon delivery of each Viceroy.
F-119
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 19. Commitments and Contingencies (cont.)
As part of the LOI, the vendor provided the Company the option to purchase a total of five electric wing-in-ground-effect Monarch aircraft for $35 million per aircraft in a standard configuration, which is subject to certain price adjustments, based on the execution of the purchase agreement and the delivery of each aircraft.
As part of the Company’s acceptance of the LOI, Southern paid the vendor an upfront fee of $50 thousand that can be applied to future purchases and received a warrant with an option to purchase $50 thousand of equity in the vendor’s company within one year following completion of the vendor’s mezzanine funding round. In addition, the Company paid the vendor a second upfront fee of $50 thousand, which was placed in an escrow account, which will be released to the vendor, and credited against the balance due, upon delivery of the first Viceroy to the Company. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the upfront fees are recorded in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Legal Contingencies
Southern is also a party to various claims and matters of litigation incidental to the normal course of its business. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, there were no material legal contingencies.
Business Combination Agreements
Surf Air Mobility Proposed Acquisition
The Company entered into a prospective transaction, whereby Surf Air Mobility (“SAM”) a wholly-owned subsidiary of Surf Air Global Limited created in 2021, will acquire 100% of the equity interests in the Company pursuant to an acquisition agreement dated as of March 17, 2021, as amended on August 22, 2021. On May 17, 2022, the prospective transaction was further amended when Surf Air Global Limited and its wholly owned subsidiary entered into a business combination agreement with Tuscan Holdings Corp. II (“Tuscan”), whereby the SAM and its related entities will acquire 100% of the equity interests in the Company.
On November 11, 2022, SAM amended the acquisition agreement the Company dated as of March 17, 2021, as amended on August 22, 2021 and on May 17, 2022, to reflect the termination of the business combination agreement with Tuscan and to reflect that SAM will acquire 100% of the equity interests in the Company pursuant to any public listing of SAM common stock for consideration of the higher of $81.25 million or 12.5% of SAM fully-diluted shares at the time of the merger.
Note 20. Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)
As noted in Note 1, the Company has revised its previously issued financial statements, and related footnote disclosures, as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and for the years then ended, to correct an error related to the revenue recognition associated with prepaid passenger ticket deposits. The Company has evaluated this error and determined that the impact to the previously issued financial statements was not material, however, the Company will also revise its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, and related footnote disclosures, for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 and as of June 30, 2022.
The following table presents the effects of the revision on the Company’s previously issued unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2022 (in thousands):
As Previously Reported |
Adjustment |
As Revised |
||||||||||
Revenues |
$ |
36,521 |
|
$ |
(166 |
) |
$ |
36,355 |
|
|||
Operating loss |
|
(1,631 |
) |
|
(166 |
) |
|
(1,797 |
) |
|||
Loss before income taxes |
|
(2,165 |
) |
|
(166 |
) |
|
(2,331 |
) |
|||
Net loss including noncontrolling interest |
|
(2,171 |
) |
|
(166 |
) |
|
(2,337 |
) |
|||
Net loss attributable to common shareholders |
|
(2,171 |
) |
|
(166 |
) |
|
(2,337 |
) |
F-120
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 20. Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (cont.)
The following table presents the effect of the revision on the Company’s previously issued unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2022 (in thousands):
As Previously Reported |
Adjustment |
As Revised |
||||||||||
Deferred Revenue |
$ |
5,945 |
|
$ |
774 |
|
$ |
6,719 |
|
|||
Current liabilities |
|
18,546 |
|
|
774 |
|
|
19,320 |
|
|||
Total liabilities |
|
49,829 |
|
|
774 |
|
|
50,603 |
|
|||
Accumulated deficit |
|
(7,670 |
) |
|
(774 |
) |
|
(8,444 |
) |
|||
Total stockholders’ equity |
|
(1,902 |
) |
|
(774 |
) |
|
(2,676 |
) |
The following table presents the effect of the revision on the Company’s previously issued unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2022 (in thousands):
As Previously Reported |
Adjustment |
As Revised |
||||||||||
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests |
$ |
(2,171 |
) |
$ |
(166 |
) |
$ |
(2,337 |
) |
|||
Deferred Revenue |
|
1,913 |
|
|
166 |
|
|
2,079 |
|
|||
Cash Flows from operating activities |
|
427 |
|
|
— |
|
|
427 |
|
The following table presents the effects of the revision on the Company’s previously issued unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 (in thousands):
As Previously Reported |
Adjustment |
As Revised |
||||||||
Revenues |
$ |
24,645 |
$ |
(9 |
) |
$ |
24,636 |
|||
Operating income |
|
9,044 |
|
(9 |
) |
|
9,035 |
|||
Income before income taxes |
|
8,725 |
|
(9 |
) |
|
8,716 |
|||
Net loss including noncontrolling interest |
|
8,396 |
|
(9 |
) |
|
8,387 |
|||
Net loss attributable to common shareholders |
|
8,396 |
|
(9 |
) |
|
8,387 |
The following table presents the effect of the revision on the Company’s previously issued unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2021 (in thousands):
As Previously Reported |
Adjustment |
As Revised |
||||||||
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests |
$ |
8,396 |
$ |
(9 |
) |
$ |
8,387 |
|||
Deferred Revenue |
|
2,603 |
|
9 |
|
|
2,612 |
|||
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
10,979 |
|
— |
|
|
10,979 |
Note 21. Subsequent Events
ASC Topic 855, Subsequent Events, establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the date of the consolidated financial statements, but before the consolidated financial statements are issued. In accordance with this accounting standard, management evaluated events occurring subsequent to December 31, 2022 through April 12, 2023.
Incentive Agreement with CNMI and Marianas Operations
On February 21, 2023, the Office of the Governor of the CNMI issued a letter to Marianas terminating the Incentive Agreement between Marianas and the CNMI government. The Incentive Agreement had approximately twelve months remaining in duration.
F-121
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 21. Subsequent Events (cont.)
As of April 1, 2023, Marianas ceased operations in CNMI and the Company is in the process of relocating aircraft, liquidating assets and settling amounts owed to vendors. Upon completing the liquidation, the Company will distribute any remaining capital equally between the Company and the JV partner.
As of March 31, 2023, the Company has approximately $645 thousand in deferred incentive income from the government of CNMI and expects to recognize this entire amount to income during the second half of 2023 as it believes that it will have met all the contract requirements in the Incentive Agreement with the government of CNMI.
Exercise of Warrants
In March 2023, all outstanding common stock warrants were exercised and converted into common stock. Of the 9,918 warrants outstanding on December 31, 2022, 4,960 of the warrants were converted into 4,960 shares in exchange for $107 thousand and the remaining 4,958 warrants were converted into 4,134 common shares.
Promissory Note
On April 6, 2023, the Company executed a 19-month promissory note in the amount of $2.7 million with SkyWest Leasing Inc. Interest accrues on the entire principal amount of the note outstanding at a fixed rate of 9.0% per annum. Principal and interest are payable as a fixed monthly amount commencing on May 6, 2023, and continuing through the maturity date of November 6, 2024. On the maturity date, in addition to the final principal and interest payment, a principal balloon payment of $2.3 million is due. The note is collateralized by one aircraft.
Accounts Receivable Financing Arrangement
On March 21, 2023, the Company amended its revolving accounts receivable financing arrangement to increase the total maximum borrowing capacity to $5 million from $2 million.
Jet Charter Operation
On March 22, 2023, the Company discontinued leasing an aircraft used in its jet charter operations and ceased the charter operations associated with this aircraft. In 2022, the Company recorded $2.3 million in revenue related to its jet charter business.
Events Subsequent to Original Issuance of Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
In connection with the reissuance of the financial statements, the Company has evaluated subsequent events through June 2, 2023, the date the financial statements were available to be reissued.
Surf Air Mobility Proposed Acquisition
On May 25, 2023, SAM entered into an amendment to the acquisition agreement with the Company, whereby the outside date by which the transaction could be consummated was extended to July 31, 2023. No other terms to the previously amended acquisition agreement were changed.
F-122
Surf Air Mobility Inc.
Shares
Common Stock
__________________
PROSPECTUS
__________________
, 2023
Until , 2023 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade shares of our common stock, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers’ obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as the underwriter and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
[Alternate Page for Registered Resale Prospectus]
The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. Securities may not be sold until the preliminary prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion. Dated ________, 2023.
Surf Air Mobility Inc.
Shares of Common Stock
This prospectus relates to the registration of the resale of up to shares of our Common Stock by our stockholders identified in this prospectus. Unlike an initial public offering, the resale by the Registered Stockholders is not being underwritten by any investment bank. The Registered Stockholders may, or may not, elect to sell their shares of Common Stock covered by this prospectus, as and to the extent they may determine. Such sales, if any, will be made through brokerage transactions on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”). See the section entitled “Plan of Distribution”. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock by the Registered Stockholders.
On or prior to effectiveness of this registration statement, we will have one class of authorized Common Stock. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote per share. As of , 2023, after giving effect to the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition, the Tuscan Payment, the SAFE Settlement, the Advisor Accrual, the Initial GEM Issuance and the GEM Advances (each as defined below), our directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders, and their respective affiliates, will hold approximately % of our outstanding Common Stock.
Prior to the initial listing, no public market existed for our Common Stock. There is only a limited history of trading in our Common Stock in private transactions. Based on information available to us, the high and low sales price per share of our Common Stock for such private transactions during the period from through was $ and $ , respectively. For more information, see the section entitled “Sale Price History of our Capital Stock”. Any recent trading prices in private transactions may have little or no relation to the opening trading price of our shares of Common Stock on the NYSE or the subsequent trading price of our shares of Common Stock on the NYSE. Further, the listing of our Common Stock on the NYSE without a traditional underwritten initial public offering is a novel method for commencing public trading in shares of our Common Stock, and consequently, the trading volume and price per share of our Common Stock may be more volatile than if shares of our Common Stock were initially listed in connection with an underwritten initial public offering.
Based on information provided by the NYSE, the opening trading price of our Common Stock on the NYSE will be determined by buy and sell orders collected by the NYSE from broker-dealers. Based on such orders, the designated market maker will determine an opening price for our Common Stock in consultation with a financial advisor pursuant to applicable NYSE rules. For more information, see the section entitled “Plan of Distribution”.
We intend to apply to list our Common Stock on the NYSE under the symbol “SRFM”. We expect our Common Stock to begin trading on the NYSE on or about , 2023. The Southern Acquisition will occur immediately prior to the listing of our Common Stock. Listing of our Common Stock is subject to consummation of the Southern Acquisition. The consummation of the Southern Acquisition is subject to the effectiveness of the registration statement, the approval for listing of our Common Stock, the consummation of the Internal Reorganization, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Concurrently with the effectiveness of this registration statement, SAGL Merger Sub Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM, will be merged with and into Surf Air, after which Surf Air will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM (the “Internal Reorganization”). Immediately prior to listing, SAC Merger Sub Inc. (“SAC Merger Sub”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM, will be merged with and into Southern, after which Southern will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM (the “Southern Acquisition”). Pursuant to the Internal Reorganization, all ordinary shares of Surf Air (after giving effect to the Conversions (as defined below)) outstanding as of
[Alternate Page for Registered Resale Prospectus]
immediately prior to the Closing (as defined below) will be canceled in exchange for the right to receive shares of our Common Stock and all rights to receive ordinary shares of Surf Air (after giving effect to the Conversions (as defined below)) will be exchanged for shares of our Common Stock (or options or RSUs to acquire our Common Stock, as applicable). Pursuant to the Southern Acquisition, Southern stockholders will receive the right to receive a number of shares of our Common Stock equal to the greater of (a) $81.25 million (based on the opening price per share of our Common Stock on the day of listing); or (b) 12.5% of the fully-diluted shares of our Common Stock upon listing (the “Southern Merger Consideration”). This prospectus relates to the registration of the resale of up to shares of our Common Stock to be issued or reserved for issuance pursuant to the Internal Reorganization and the Southern Acquisition, to be distributed to Surf Air shareholders and Southern stockholders (the “Registered Stockholders”).
We are an “emerging growth company” and “smaller reporting company”, as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and will be subject to reduced public company reporting requirements. This prospectus complies with the requirements that apply to an issuer that is an emerging growth company. See the sections entitled “Prospectus Summary — Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company” and “Prospectus Summary — Implications of Being a Smaller Reporting Company”.
See the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 26 and Alt-3 to read about factors you should consider before buying shares of our Common Stock.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (as defined below) will limit the voting rights of persons holding any of our equity securities who are not citizens of the United States to 24.9%. Accordingly, if you are not a citizen of the United States, any shares of Common Stock that you purchase may be subject to voting restrictions. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock — Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation limits voting rights of certain foreign persons”.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Prospectus dated , 2023.
[Alternate Page for Registered Resale Prospectus]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prospectus |
Page |
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S-1 |
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3 |
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6 |
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19 |
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Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information |
24 |
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26 |
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S-3 |
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73 |
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75 |
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77 |
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S-7 |
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78 |
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85 |
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Surf Air’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
86 |
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Southern’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
102 |
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Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information |
116 |
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129 |
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158 |
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164 |
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173 |
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S-8 |
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177 |
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181 |
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194 |
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Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders of our Common Stock |
196 |
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S-10 |
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S-13 |
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200 |
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200 |
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201 |
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F-1 |
Through and including , 2023 (the 25th day after the listing date of our Common Stock), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus.
Neither we nor the Registered Stockholders have authorized anyone to provide you with any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectuses we have prepared. Neither we nor the Registered Stockholders take any responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. To the extent they sell, we or the Registered Stockholders are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, shares of our Common Stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of our Common Stock. Our business, financial condition, and results of operations may have changed since that date.
For investors outside the United States: Neither we nor the Registered Stockholders have done, and have not agreed to do, anything that would permit the use of or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside of the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the shares of our Common Stock by us or the Registered Stockholders and the distribution of this prospectus outside of the United States.
S-i
[Alternate Page for Registered Resale Prospectus]
Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “the Company” or “Surf Air” are to the current business and operations of Surf Air Global Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the Internal Reorganization, references to “Southern” are to the current business and operations of Southern Airways Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the Southern Acquisition and references to “we”, “us”, “our” or “SAM” in this prospectus are to the proposed business and operations of SAM and its consolidated subsidiaries following the consummation of each of the Internal Reorganization and Southern Acquisition. The Southern Acquisition will occur immediately prior to the listing of our Common Stock. Listing of our Common Stock is subject to the consummation of the Southern Acquisition. The consummation of the Southern Acquisition is subject to the effectiveness of the registration statement, the approval for listing of our Common Stock, the consummation of the Internal Reorganization, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. See the section entitled “Business — Key Agreements — Related Agreements and Transactions — Southern Acquisition Agreement”.
This prospectus is a part of a registration statement on Form S-1 and Form S-4 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) using a “shelf” registration or continuous offering process. Under this process, the Registered Stockholders may, from time to time, sell the Common Stock covered by this prospectus in the manner described in the section entitled “Plan of Distribution”. Additionally, we may provide a prospectus supplement to add information to, or update or change information contained in, this prospectus (except that any such additions, updates, or other changes to the section entitled “Plan of Distribution” shall only be made pursuant to a post-effective amendment to the extent they are material). You may obtain this information without charge by following the instructions under the section entitled “Where You Can Find Additional Information”. You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement before deciding to invest in our Common Stock.
The number of shares of Common Stock to be outstanding upon completion of this listing excludes shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of stock options outstanding as of , 2023, pursuant to the Surf Air Global Limited 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”), with a weighted average exercise price of $ per share, based on the Conversion Ratio.
Except as otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus assumes or gives effect to:
• the Internal Reorganization (including the Conversions);
• the Southern Acquisition;
• the issuance to Tuscan Holdings Corp. II, a Delaware corporation (“Tuscan”) of 635,000 shares of our Common Stock (or an equivalent number of shares of common equity of Surf Air) pursuant to the terms of the Termination Agreement (the “Tuscan Payment”). See the section entitled “Prospectus Summary — Recent Developments — Tuscan Termination and Amendment to Southern Acquisition Agreement” for additional information;
• the issuance of shares of our Common Stock pursuant to the SAFE Settlement;
• the issuance of shares of our Common Stock to be paid to a SAM advisor to satisfy the Advisor Accrual;
• the issuance of shares of our Common Stock, to GEM Global Yield LLC SCS (“GEM”) equal to 0.75% of the total shares outstanding of Common Stock upon listing, or shares of our Common Stock based on the Assumed Opening Price, for a purchase price of $0.01 per share of Common Stock (the “Equity Purchase Price”), as described under the Share Subscription Facility to be filed as an exhibit hereto (the “Initial GEM Issuance”); and
• the issuance of shares of our Common Stock pursuant to the GEM Advances.
The number of shares of our Common Stock to be issued in the Southern Acquisition, the SAFE Settlement, the Advisor Accrual, the Initial GEM Issuance and the GEM Advances depends in part on the opening trading price of our Common Stock. After giving effect to Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition, the Tuscan Payment, the SAFE Settlement, the Advisor Accrual, the Initial GEM Issuance and the GEM Advances, as of , 2023, based on an assumed opening price per share of our Common Stock on the initial listing date (the “Assumed Opening Price”) of $ (collectively, the “Other Transactions”), we would have had a total of shares of Common Stock
S-1
[Alternate Page for Registered Resale Prospectus]
outstanding. Between , 2023 and the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, we have not issued any additional shares of Common Stock or awards convertible or exercisable for shares of Common Stock except as noted above.
For illustrative purposes only, the table below shows the total number of shares of our Common Stock expected to be outstanding at various opening prices:
Assumed Opening Price ($) |
Total Shares of Common Stock |
|
$ |
||
$ |
||
$ |
Immediately following the listing of our Common Stock on the NYSE, approximately shares of our Common Stock may be immediately sold either (i) by the Registered Stockholders pursuant to this prospectus or (ii) by our other existing stockholders under Rule 144 under the Securities Act since such shares held by such other stockholders will have been beneficially owned by non-affiliates for at least one year. See also the section entitled “Shares Eligible For Future Sale”.
S-2
[Alternate Page for Registered Resale Prospectus]
REGISTERED RESALE PROSPECTUS RISK FACTORS
Investing in our Common Stock involves a high degree of risk. You should consider and read carefully all of the risks and uncertainties described below, as well all of the risk factors beginning on page 26 of the Primary Offering Prospectus and other information included in this prospectus. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the sections entitled “Surf Air’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, “Southern’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, and Surf Air’s and Southern’s financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, before making an investment decision. The risks described below are not the only ones we face. The occurrence of any of the following risks or additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations. In such case, the trading price of our Common Stock could decline, and you may lose some or all of your original investment.
Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “the Company” or “Surf Air” are to the current business and operations of Surf Air Global Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the Internal Reorganization and Southern Acquisition, references to “Southern” are to the current business and operations of Southern Airways Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the Southern Acquisition and references to “we”, “us”, “our” or “SAM” in this section are to the proposed business and operations of SAM and its consolidated subsidiaries following the Internal Reorganization, the Southern Acquisition and listing. Accordingly, the risks described below relating to Surf Air and Southern could also materially adversely affect SAM after the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock
Our listing differs significantly from a traditional underwritten initial public offering.
This is not a traditional underwritten initial public offering of the Common Stock. This listing of Common Stock on the NYSE differs from a traditional underwritten initial public offering in several significant ways, which include, but are not limited to, the following:
• There is no firm commitment underwriting. Consequently, prior to the opening of trading on the NYSE, there will be no book building process and no price at which underwriters initially sell shares to the public to help inform efficient and sufficient price discovery with respect to the opening trades on the NYSE. Therefore, buy and sell orders submitted prior to and at the opening of trading of Common Stock on the NYSE will not have the benefit of being informed by a published price range or a price at which the underwriters initially sell shares to the public, as would be the case in a traditional underwritten initial public offering. Moreover, there will be no underwriters engaged on a firm commitment underwritten basis assuming risk in connection with the initial resale of shares of Common Stock. Unlike the case in a traditional underwritten offering, this registration statement does not provide for an over-allotment option of the underwriters to purchase additional shares from us. Moreover, we will not engage in, and have not and will not, directly or indirectly, request our financial advisor to engage in, any special selling efforts or stabilization or price support activities in connection with any sales made pursuant to this registration statement. In a traditional underwritten initial public offering, the underwriters may engage in “covered” short sales in an amount of shares representing the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares. To close a covered short position, the underwriters purchase shares in the open market or exercise the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares. In determining the source of shares to close the covered short position, the underwriters typically consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares. Purchases in the open market to cover short positions, as well as other purchases underwriters may undertake for their own accounts, may have the effect of preventing a decline in the trading price of shares of Common Stock. Given that there will be no underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares and no underwriters engaged on a firm commitment underwritten basis engaging in stabilizing transactions with respect to the trading of Common Stock on the NYSE, there could be greater volatility in the trading price of Common Stock during the period immediately following the listing.
S-3
[Alternate Page for Registered Resale Prospectus]
• There is not a fixed or determined number of shares of Common Stock available for sale in connection with the registration and the listing. Therefore, there can be no assurance that any existing stockholders will sell any of their shares of Common Stock, and there may initially be a lack of supply of, or demand for, shares of Common Stock on the NYSE. Alternatively, we may have a large number of existing stockholders who choose to sell their shares of Common Stock in the near term, resulting in potential oversupply of our Common Stock, which could adversely impact the trading price of our Common Stock once listed on the NYSE and thereafter.
• None of our existing stockholders have entered into contractual lock-up agreements or other restrictions on transfer. In an underwritten initial public offering, it is customary for an issuer’s officers, directors, and most or all of its other stockholders to enter into a contractual lock-up arrangement with the underwriters to help promote orderly trading immediately after such initial public offering. Consequently, any of our stockholders, including our directors and officers who own our Common Stock, and other significant stockholders, may sell any or all of their shares at any time (subject to any restrictions under applicable law. If such sales were to occur in a significant volume in a short period of time following the listing, it may result in an oversupply of our Common Stock in the market, which could adversely impact the trading price of our Common Stock. See also “— None of our stockholders are party to any contractual lock-up agreement or other contractual restrictions on transfer. Following our listing, sales of substantial amounts of our Common Stock in the public markets, or the perception that sales might occur, could cause the trading price of our Common Stock to decline”.
• We will not conduct a traditional “roadshow” with underwriters prior to the opening of trading of our Common Stock on the NYSE. Instead, we intend to host one investor day and engage in additional investor education meetings. In advance of the investor day, we will announce the date for such day over financial news outlets in a manner consistent with typical corporate outreach to investors. We intend to prepare an electronic presentation for this investor day, which will have content similar to a traditional roadshow presentation. We will make a version of the presentation publicly available, without restrictions, on our website. There can be no guarantee that the investor day and other investor education meetings will have the same impact on investor education as a traditional “roadshow” conducted in connection with a traditional underwritten initial public offering. As a result, there may not be efficient or sufficient price discovery with respect to our Common Stock or sufficient demand among potential investors immediately after our listing, which could result in a more volatile trading price of our Common Stock.
Such differences from a traditional underwritten initial public offering could result in a volatile trading price for our Common Stock and uncertain trading volume, which may adversely affect your ability to sell any Common Stock that you may purchase.
An active, liquid, and orderly market for our Common Stock may not develop or be sustained. You may be unable to sell your shares of Common Stock at or above the price at which you purchased them.
We currently expect our Common Stock to be listed and traded on the NYSE. Prior to listing on the NYSE, there has been no public market for our Common Stock. Moreover, consistent with Regulation M and other federal securities laws applicable to our listing, we have not consulted with Registered Stockholders or other existing stockholders regarding their desire or plans to sell shares in the public market following the listing or discussed with potential investors their intentions to buy our Common Stock in the open market. While our Common Stock may be sold after our listing on the NYSE by the Registered Stockholders pursuant to this prospectus or by our other existing stockholders in accordance with Rule 144, unlike a traditional underwritten initial public offering, there can be no assurance that any Registered Stockholders or other existing stockholders will sell any of their shares of Common Stock, and there may initially be a lack of supply of, or demand for, Common Stock on the NYSE. Conversely, there can be no assurance that the Registered Stockholders or other existing stockholders will not sell all of their shares of Common Stock, resulting in an oversupply of our Common Stock on the NYSE. In the case of a lack of supply of our Common Stock, the trading price of our Common Stock may rise to an unsustainable level. Further, institutional investors may be discouraged from purchasing our Common Stock if they are unable to purchase a block of our Common Stock in the open market in a sufficient size for their investment objectives due to a potential unwillingness of our existing stockholders to sell a sufficient amount of Common Stock at the price offered by such institutional investors and the greater influence individual investors have in setting the trading price. If institutional investors are unable to purchase our Common Stock in a sufficient amount for their investment objectives, the market for our Common Stock may be more volatile
S-4
[Alternate Page for Registered Resale Prospectus]
without the influence of long-term institutional investors holding significant amounts of our Common Stock. In the case of a lack of demand for our Common Stock, the trading price of our Common Stock could decline significantly and rapidly after our listing. Therefore, an active, liquid, and orderly trading market for our Common Stock may not initially develop or be sustained, which could significantly depress the trading price of our Common Stock and/or result in significant volatility, which could affect ability to sell your shares of Common Stock.
The trading price of our Common Stock may be volatile and could, upon listing on the NYSE, decline significantly and rapidly.
The listing of our Common Stock and the registration of the Registered Stockholders’ shares of our Common Stock is a process that is not a traditional underwritten initial public offering. We have engaged Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC to serve as the financial advisor to the DMM (the “DMM Financial Advisor”), as more fully described in the section entitled “Plan of Distribution”. There will be no book building process and no price at which underwriters initially sell shares to the public to help inform efficient and sufficient price discovery with respect to the opening trades on the NYSE.
While in the past we have completed private capital raises, as there has not been a recent sustained history of trading in our Common Stock in a private placement market prior to listing, NYSE listing rules require that a designated market maker (“DMM”) consult with our financial advisor in order to effect a fair and orderly opening of trading of our Common Stock without coordination with us, consistent with the federal securities laws in connection with our listing. Accordingly, the DMM will consult with the DMM Financial Advisor in order for the DMM to effect a fair and orderly opening of our Common Stock on the NYSE, without coordination with us, consistent with the federal securities laws in connection with our listing. Pursuant to Rule 7.35A(g) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, and based upon information known to it at the time, the DMM Financial Advisor is expected to provide input to the DMM regarding its understanding of the ownership of our outstanding Common Stock and pre-listing selling and buying interest in our Common Stock that it becomes aware of from potential investors and holders of our Common Stock, including after consultation with certain investors (which may include certain of the Registered Stockholders). Such investor consultation by the DMM Financial Advisor would not involve any coordination with or outreach on behalf of the Company. The DMM Financial Advisor will not engage in a book building process as would typically be undertaken by underwriters in a registered initial public offering. Instead, the input that the DMM Financial Advisor provides to the DMM will be based on information that it becomes aware of from potential investors and holders of our Common Stock (which may include certain of the Registered Stockholders) in connection with investor education regarding the process and mechanics of the listing, the receipt of buy and sell orders and other customary brokerage activities undertaken without coordination with us. Additionally, the DMM, in consultation with the DMM Financial Advisor, is also expected to consider the information in the section entitled “Sale Price History of Our Capital Stock”. Based on information provided to the NYSE, the opening public trading price of our Common Stock on the NYSE will be determined by buy and sell orders collected by the NYSE from broker-dealers, and the NYSE is where buy orders can be matched with sell orders at a single price. Based on such orders, the DMM will determine an opening price for our Common Stock pursuant to NYSE rules. However, because the DMM Financial Advisor will not have engaged in a book building process, it will not be able to provide input to the DMM that is based on or informed by that process. For more information, see the section entitled “Plan of Distribution”.
Moreover, prior to the opening trade, there will not be a price at which underwriters initially sell shares of our Common Stock to the public as there would be in a traditional underwritten initial public offering. The absence of a predetermined initial public offering price could impact the range of buy and sell orders collected by the NYSE from various broker-dealers. Consequently, upon listing on the NYSE, the trading price of our Common Stock may be more volatile than in a traditional underwritten initial public offering and could decline significantly and rapidly.
Further, because of our listing process, individual investors may have greater influence in setting the opening public trading price and subsequent public trading prices of our Common Stock on the NYSE and may participate more in our initial and subsequent trading, leading to an increased amount of smaller orders at numerous prices, for example, than is typical for a traditional underwritten initial public offering with more institutional investor influence. These factors could result in more volatility in the public trading price of our Common Stock and an unsustainable trading price if the price of our Common Stock significantly rises upon listing and institutional investors believe our Common Stock is worth less than retail investors, in which case the price of our Common Stock may decline over time. Further, if the public trading price of our Common Stock is above the level that investors determine is reasonable for our Common Stock, some investors may attempt to short our Common Stock after trading begins, which would create
S-5
[Alternate Page for Registered Resale Prospectus]
additional downward pressure on the public trading price of our Common Stock. There will likely be more ability for such investors to short our Common Stock in early trading than is typical for a traditional underwritten public offering given increased availability of our Common Stock on the trading markets in part due to the lack of contractual lock-up agreements or other restrictions on transfer. To the extent that there is a lack of awareness among retail investors, such lack of awareness could reduce the value of our Common Stock and cause volatility in the public trading price of our Common Stock.
The trading price of our Common Stock following our listing is likely to be volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to numerous factors, see the risk factor entitled “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock — The trading price of our Common Stock, upon listing on the NYSE, may have little or no relationship to the historical sales prices of our capital stock in private transactions, and such private transactions have been limited”, many of which are beyond our control, including:
• actual or anticipated fluctuations in our results of operations;
• the number of shares of our Common Stock made available for trading;
• overall performance of the equity markets and the economy as a whole;
• changes in the financial projections we may provide to the public or our failure to meet these projections;
• failure of securities analysts to initiate or maintain coverage of us, changes in financial estimates by any securities analysts who follow our company, or our failure to meet these estimates or the expectations of investors;
• changes in costs of our inputs;
• actual or anticipated changes in our growth rate relative to that of our competitors;
• changes in the anticipated future size or growth rate of our addressable markets;
• announcements of new products, or of acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, or capital-raising activities or commitments, by us or by our competitors;
• additions or departures of board members, management, or key personnel;
• rumors and market speculation involving us or other companies in our industry;
• new laws or regulations or new interpretations of existing laws or regulations applicable to our business, including those related to data privacy and cybersecurity in the United States or globally;
• lawsuits threatened or filed against us;
• other events or factors, including those resulting from war, incidents of terrorism, or responses to these events;
• health epidemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza, and other highly communicable diseases or viruses; and
• sales or expectations with respect to sales of shares of our Common Stock by us or our security holders.
In addition, stock markets with respect to newly public companies, particularly companies in the mobility and technology industry, have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the stock prices of these companies. Stock prices of many companies, including mobility and technology companies, have fluctuated in a manner often unrelated to the operating performance of those companies. These fluctuations may be even more pronounced in the trading market for our Common Stock shortly following the listing of our Common Stock on the NYSE as a result of the supply and demand forces described above. In the past, companies that have experienced volatility in the trading price for their stock have been subject to securities class action litigation. If we were to become involved in securities litigation, it could subject us to substantial costs, divert resources and the attention of management from our business, and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
S-6
[Alternate Page for Registered Resale Prospectus]
The Registered Stockholders may, or may not, elect to sell shares of our Common Stock covered by this prospectus. To the extent any Registered Stockholder choose to sell shares of our Common Stock covered by this prospectus, we will not receive any proceeds from any such sales of our Common Stock. See the section entitled “Principal and Registered Stockholders”.
S-7
[Alternate Page for Registered Resale Prospectus]
PRINCIPAL AND REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock as of May 15, 2023, by:
• each person who is known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our Common Stock;
• each person who is an executive officer or a director of SAM;
• all of SAM’s executive officers and directors as a group; and
• the number of shares of our Common Stock held by and registered for resale by means of this prospectus for the Registered Stockholders.
The Registered Stockholders include (i) our affiliates and certain other stockholders with “restricted securities” (as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act) and their pledgees, donees, transferees, assignees, or other successors-in-interest who, because of their status as affiliates pursuant to Rule 144 or because they acquired their shares of common stock from an affiliate or from us within the prior 12 months, would be unable to sell their securities pursuant to Rule 144 until we have been subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act for a period of at least 90 days, (ii) our non-executive officer service providers and their pledgees, donees, transferees, assignees, or other successors-in-interest who acquired shares from us within the prior 12 months under Rule 701 and hold “restricted securities” (as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act). The Registered Stockholders and their pledgees, donees, transferees, assignees, or other successors-in-interest may, or may not, elect to sell their shares of our Common Stock covered by this prospectus, as and to the extent they may determine. Such sales, if any, will be made through brokerage transactions on the NYSE at prevailing market prices. As such, we will have no input if and when any Registered Stockholder may, or may not, elect to sell their shares of common stock or the prices at which any such sales may occur. See the section titled “Plan of Distribution”.
Information concerning the Registered Stockholders may change from time to time and any changed information will be set forth in supplements to this prospectus, if and when necessary. Because the Registered Stockholders may sell all, some, or none of the shares of our Common Stock covered by this prospectus, we cannot determine the number of such shares of our Common Stock that will be sold by the Registered Stockholders, or the amount or percentage of shares of common stock that will be held by the Registered Stockholders upon consummation of any particular sale. In addition, the Registered Stockholders listed in the table below may have sold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of, or may sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of, at any time and from time to time, shares of common stock in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, after the date on which they provided the information set forth in the table below.
After the listing of our Common Stock on the NYSE, GEM, Tuscan and the advisor receiving the Advisor Accrual will be entitled to registration rights with respect to their shares of our Common Stock, as described in the section titled “Description of Capital Stock — Registration Rights”.
We currently intend to use our reasonable efforts to keep the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part effective for a period of 90 days after the effectiveness of the registration statement. As a result, we have registered shares of our Common Stock currently held by Registered Stockholders, as well as shares of our Common Stock of our affiliates that can vest and settle while the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part is effective.
We are not party to any arrangement with any Registered Stockholder or any broker-dealer with respect to sales of the shares of our Common Stock by the Registered Stockholders. However, we have engaged a financial advisor with respect to certain other matters relating to the listing of our Common Stock on the NYSE. See the section titled “Plan of Distribution”.
We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC, and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Except as indicated by the footnotes below, we believe, based on information furnished to us, that the persons and entities named in the table below have sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all shares that they beneficially own, subject to applicable community property laws.
S-8
[Alternate Page for Registered Resale Prospectus]
Applicable percentage ownership is based on 48,575,959 shares of our Common Stock outstanding as of May 15, 2023, assuming the Other Transactions, each upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of such person, we deemed to be outstanding all shares subject to options held by the person that are currently exercisable, or exercisable within 60 days of May 15, 2023 or issuable pursuant to RSUs that vest within 60 days of May 15, 2023. However, except as described above, we did not deem such shares outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed below is c/o Surf Air Mobility Inc., 12111 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250.
Shares Beneficially |
Shares Beneficially |
Percent of Total |
Percent of Total |
Shares of |
||||||||||||||
Name of Beneficial Owner |
Shares |
% |
Shares |
% |
||||||||||||||
5% Stockholders |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Liam Fayed(1) |
3,758,089 |
9.4 |
% |
4,226,955 |
8.7 |
% |
9.4 |
% |
8.7 |
% |
4,226,955 |
|||||||
Sudhin Shahani |
3,522,559 |
8.8 |
% |
3,522,559 |
7.3 |
% |
8.8 |
% |
7.3 |
% |
3,522,559 |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Directors and Executive Officers |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Sudhin Shahani |
3,522,559 |
8.8 |
% |
3,522,559 |
7.3 |
% |
8.8 |
% |
7.3 |
% |
3,522,559 |
|||||||
Stan Little |
1,266,266 |
3.2 |
% |
1,266,266 |
2.6 |
% |
3.2 |
% |
2.6 |
% |
1,266,266 |
|||||||
Deanna White |
618,196 |
1.5 |
% |
618,196 |
1.3 |
% |
1.5 |
% |
1.3 |
% |
618,196 |
|||||||
Carl Albert(2) |
257,345 |
* |
|
257,345 |
* |
|
* |
|
* |
|
257,345 |
|||||||
Tyrone Bland |
— |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|||||||
John D’Agostino |
42,308 |
* |
|
42,308 |
* |
|
* |
|
* |
|
42,308 |
|||||||
Edward Mady |
137,785 |
* |
|
137,785 |
* |
|
* |
|
* |
|
137,785 |
|||||||
Tyler Painter(3) |
554,558 |
1.4 |
% |
554,558 |
1.1 |
% |
1.4 |
% |
1.1 |
% |
554,558 |
|||||||
All executive officers and directors as a group (8 individuals) |
6,399,018 |
16.0 |
% |
6,399,018 |
13.2 |
% |
16.0 |
% |
13.2 |
% |
6,399,018 |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Other Stockholders |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Non-Executive Officer and Non-Director Current and Former Service Providers Holding Common Stock |
% |
|
% |
|
|
% |
|
% |
||||||||||
All Other Registered Stockholders(4) |
% |
|
% |
|
|
% |
|
% |
____________
* Less than 1%.
(1) Includes 782,985 shares held on behalf of LamJam II LLC, which is an entity affiliated with Liam Fayed, and 2,240,746 shares held on behalf of LamVen LLC, which is an entity affiliated with Liam Fayed.
(2) Includes 257,345 shares held on behalf of The Carl Albert Trust dated June 7, 1991, of which Carl Albert is Trustee.
(3) Includes 554,558 shares held on behalf of The Tyler & Sonia Painter 2020 Trust, of which Tyler Painter is Trustee.
(4) Includes shares to be issued to Surf Air shareholders in connection with the Internal Reorganization and shares to be issued to Southern stockholders in connection with the Southern Acquisition.
After giving effect to the Other Transactions, it is expected that GEM will hold approximately 10% of our Common Stock outstanding. Shares of our Common Stock sold to GEM will be registered on one or more resale registration statements, and we expect GEM to sell any shares it receives in conjunction with the GEM Advances into the public market.
S-9
[Alternate Page for Registered Resale Prospectus]
The Registered Stockholders, and their pledgees, donees, transferees, assignees or other successors-in-interest may sell their shares of Common Stock covered hereby pursuant to brokerage transactions on the NYSE, or other public exchanges or registered alternative trading venues, at prevailing market prices at any time after the shares of Common Stock are listed for trading. We are not party to any arrangement with any Registered Stockholder or any broker-dealer with respect to sales of shares of Common Stock by the Registered Stockholders, except we have engaged financial advisors with respect to certain other matters relating to the registration of shares of our Common Stock and listing of our Common Stock, as further described below. As such, we do not anticipate receiving notice as to if and when any Registered Stockholder may, or may not, elect to sell their shares of Common Stock or the prices at which any such sales may occur, and there can be no assurance that any Registered Stockholders will sell any or all of the shares of Common Stock covered by this prospectus.
We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock by the Registered Stockholders. We will recognize costs related to this listing and our transition to a publicly traded company, consisting of professional fees and other expenses. We will expense these amounts in the period incurred and not deduct these costs from net proceeds to the issuer as they would be in an initial public offering.
We have engaged Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) as our financial advisor to advise and assist us with respect to certain matters relating to the registration of our Common Stock and our listing, including defining our objectives with respect to the filing of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and the listing of our Common Stock on the NYSE, the preparation of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, the preparation of communications and investor presentations in connection with this listing and helping us coordinate efforts related to this listing with any co-advisors, to the extent such co-advisors are engaged. We have engaged Morgan Stanley to consult with the DMM when facilitating the opening on the first day of trading of our Common Stock, as contemplated by the rules of the NYSE. However, Morgan Stanley has not been engaged to participate in investor meetings or to otherwise facilitate or coordinate price discovery activities or sales of our Common Stock in consultation with us, except as will be described herein with respect to Morgan Stanley’s consultation with the DMM on the opening public price in accordance with NYSE rules.
The DMM, acting pursuant to its obligations under the rules of the NYSE, is responsible for facilitating an orderly market for our Common Stock. Based on information provided to the NYSE, the opening public price of our Common Stock on the NYSE will be determined by buy and sell orders collected by the DMM from various broker-dealers and will be set based on the DMM’s determination of where buy orders can be matched with sell orders at a single price. On the NYSE, buy orders priced equal to or higher than the opening public price and sell orders priced lower than or equal to the opening public price will participate in that opening trade. In accordance with Rule 7.35A(g) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, because there has not been a recent sustained history of trading in our Common Stock in a private placement market prior to listing, the DMM will consult with Morgan Stanley in order for the DMM to effect a fair and orderly opening of our Common Stock on the NYSE, without coordination with us, consistent with the applicable securities laws in connection with our listing. Pursuant to Rule 7.35A(g) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, and based upon information known to it at that time, Morgan Stanley is expected to provide input to the DMM regarding its understanding of the ownership of our outstanding Common Stock and pre-listing selling and buying interest in our Common Stock that it becomes aware of from potential investors and holders of our Common Stock, including after consultation with certain investors (which may include certain of the Registered Stockholders). Such investor consultation by Morgan Stanley would not involve any coordination with or outreach on behalf of the Company. Morgan Stanley will not engage in a book building process as would typically be undertaken by underwriters in a registered initial public offering. Instead, the input that Morgan Stanley provides to the DMM will be based on information that it becomes aware of from potential investors and holders of our Common Stock (which may include certain of the Registered Stockholders) in connection with investor education regarding the process and mechanics of the listing, the receipt of buy and sell orders and other customary brokerage activities undertaken without coordination with us. Additionally, the DMM, in consultation with Morgan Stanley, is also expected to consider the information in the section entitled “Sale Price History of Our Capital Stock” in establishing the opening public price. We will endeavor, and it is our understanding that Morgan Stanley and any affiliated persons each will endeavor, to conduct our and their activities specifically in compliance with Regulation M (to the extent that Regulation M applies to such activities). The Registered Stockholders will not be involved in the DMM’s process to establish the opening public price, including any decision regarding the timing of the opening trade.
S-10
[Alternate Page for Registered Resale Prospectus]
Similar to how a security being offered in an underwritten initial public offering would open on the first day of trading, before the opening public price of our Common Stock is determined, the DMM may publish one or more pre-opening indications on the first day of trading, which provides the market with a price range of where the DMM anticipates the opening public price will be, based on the buy and sell orders entered on the NYSE. The pre-opening indications will be available on the consolidated tape and NYSE market data feeds on the first day of trading. As part of this opening process, the DMM will continue to update the pre-opening indication until the buy and sell orders reach equilibrium and can be priced by offsetting one another to determine the opening public price of our Common Stock.
In connection with the process described above, a DMM in our listing may have less information available to it to determine the opening public price of our Common Stock than a DMM would in an underwritten initial public offering. For example, because the direct listing does not involve a firm commitment underwriting, Morgan Stanley will not have engaged in a book building process, and as a result, it will not be able to provide input to the DMM that is based on or informed by that process. Moreover, prior to the opening trade, there will not be a price at which underwriters initially sold shares of Common Stock to the public as there would be in an underwritten initial public offering. This lack of an initial public offering price could impact the range of buy and sell orders collected by the NYSE from various broker-dealers. Consequently, the public price of our Common Stock may be more volatile than in an underwritten initial public offering and could, upon listing on the NYSE, decline significantly and rapidly. See the section entitled “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock”.
Immediately prior to the effectiveness of this registration statement and in connection with the Internal Reorganization, Surf Air will effect the Conversions. Pursuant to the Internal Reorganization, concurrently with the effectiveness of this registration statement, all ordinary shares of Surf Air (after giving effect to the Conversion) outstanding as of immediately prior to the Closing will be canceled in exchange for the right to receive shares of our Common Stock and all rights to receive ordinary shares of Surf Air (after giving effect to the Conversions) will be exchanged for shares of our Common Stock (or options or RSUs to acquire our Common Stock, as applicable). Immediately prior to the listing and subject to the consummation of the Internal Reorganization, SAM will complete the Southern Acquisition, pursuant to which Southern stockholders will receive the right to receive a number of shares of our Common Stock equal to the greater of (a) $81.25 million (based on the opening price per share of our Common Stock on the day of listing); or (b) 12.5% of the fully-diluted shares of our Common Stock upon listing, which will be released from escrow upon instruction from SAM. For further detail, please see the section entitled “Additional Transactions”. Following listing and subject to the opening price per share of our Common Stock at listing, SAM will also issue shares in connection with the Tuscan Payment to Tuscan, the SAFE Settlement to SAFE holders and the Advisor Accrual to a SAM advisor. Following listing, SAM will issue the Initial GEM Issuance and deposit into escrow an amount equal to three times the number of shares of Common Stock set out in the advance request for the GEM Advances. SAM will not be able to request any of the GEM Advances until a resale registration statement covering the shares to be sold to GEM in accordance with the terms of the Share Subscription Facility has been declared effective.
In addition to sales made pursuant to this prospectus, the shares of Common Stock covered by this prospectus may be sold by the Registered Stockholders in individually negotiated, private transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, and the Registered Stockholders may distribute the shares of Common Stock covered by this prospectus to affiliates, managers, members, partners, equity holders and/or other interest holders of such Registered Stockholders.
Under the securities laws of some states, shares of Common Stock may be sold in such states only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers.
Each Registered Stockholder may from time to time transfer, pledge, assign or grant a security interest in some or all of the shares of Common Stock owned by it, and, if it defaults in the performance of its secured obligations, the transferees, pledgees, assignees or secured parties may offer and sell the shares of Common Stock from time to time under this prospectus, under an amendment to this prospectus under Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provision of the Securities Act amending the list of the Registered Stockholders to include the transferee, pledgee, assignee or other successors in interest as Registered Stockholders under this prospectus. The Registered Stockholders also may transfer the shares of Common Stock in other circumstances, in which case the transferees, pledgees or other successors in interest will be the registered beneficial owners for purposes of this prospectus.
S-11
[Alternate Page for Registered Resale Prospectus]
If any of the Registered Stockholders utilize a broker-dealer in the sale of the shares of Common Stock being offered by this prospectus, such broker-dealer may receive commissions in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from such Registered Stockholder, or commissions from purchasers of the shares of Common Stock for whom they may act as agent or to whom they may sell as principal.
We have agreed to indemnify Morgan Stanley for certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. We have further agreed to reimburse Morgan Stanley’s reasonably incurred expenses in an amount not to exceed $75,000 in the aggregate; provided, however, that such expense cap will not apply to the fees and expenses of Morgan Stanley’s legal counsel.
S-12
[Alternate Page for Registered Resale Prospectus]
Our principal legal advisor is O’Melveny & Myers LLP. Latham & Watkins LLP is legal advisor to Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC.
S-13
[Alternate Page for Registered Resale Prospectus]
Surf Air Mobility Inc.
Shares
Common Stock
__________________
PROSPECTUS
__________________
_____________, 2023
Until , 2023 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade shares of our common stock, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers’ obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as the underwriter and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The following table indicates the expenses to be incurred in connection with this registration statement and the listing of our Common Stock, all of which will be paid by us. All amounts are estimated except the SEC registration fee and the exchange listing fee.
Amount |
|||
SEC registration fee |
$ |
11,020 |
|
Exchange listing fee |
|
295,000 |
|
Printing fees and expenses |
|
221,000 |
|
Legal fees and expenses |
|
2,648,000 |
|
Accounting fees and expenses |
|
2,000,000 |
|
Custodian, transfer agent, and registrar fees |
|
10,000 |
|
Other advisors’ fees |
|
6,722,000 |
|
Miscellaneous fees and expenses |
|
35,000 |
|
Total |
$ |
11,942,020 |
____________
* To be filed by amendment.
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section 145 of the DGCL concerning indemnification of officers, directors, employees and agents is set forth below.
“Section 145. Indemnification of officers, directors, employees and agents; insurance.
“(a) A corporation shall have power to 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 the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the 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 the 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 the 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 the person’s conduct was unlawful.
“(b) A corporation shall have power to 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 the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
II-1
“(c) To the extent that a present or former director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, 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.
“(d) Any indemnification under subsections (a) and (b) of this section (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, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because the person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this section. Such determination shall be made, with respect to a person who is a director or officer of the corporation at the time of such determination, (1) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (2) by a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (3) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (4) by the stockholders.
“(e) Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an officer or director of the corporation in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding 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 section. Such expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by former directors and officers or other employees and agents of the corporation or by persons serving at the request of the corporation as directors, officers, employees or agents of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the corporation deems appropriate.
“(f) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, the other subsections of this section shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office. A right to indemnification or to advancement of expenses arising under a provision of the certificate of incorporation or a bylaw shall not be eliminated or impaired by an amendment to the certificate of incorporation or the bylaws after the occurrence of the act or omission that is the subject of the civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding for which indemnification or advancement of expenses is sought, unless the provision in effect at the time of such act or omission explicitly authorizes such elimination or impairment after such action or omission has occurred.
“(g) A corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under this section.
“(h) For purposes of this section, references to “the corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under this section 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.
“(i) For purposes of this section, references to “other enterprises” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; and references to “serving at the request of the corporation” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or
II-2
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 section.
“(j) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this section shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
“(k) The Court of Chancery is hereby vested with exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine all actions for advancement of expenses or indemnification brought under this section or under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. The Court of Chancery may summarily determine a corporation’s obligation to advance expenses (including attorneys’ fees)”.
The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation will provide for indemnification of SAM’s directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by the DGCL, and the Amended and Restated Bylaws will provide for indemnification of SAM’s directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by the DGCL.
In addition, effective upon the consummation of the Business Combination, SAM will enter into indemnification agreements with directors and officers containing provisions which are in some respects broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained in the DGCL. The indemnification agreements require SAM, among other things, to indemnify its directors and officers against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers and to advance their expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers, and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person in a successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, we will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to the court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
Since January 1, 2020, we have issued and sold the following unregistered securities:
Preferred Stock Issuances
In January 2020, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 66,100,094 shares of Preferred Class B-6s to 53 accredited investors in connection with the acquisitions of Blackbird Air Inc. at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $35.0 million.
In February 2020, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 20,545,127 shares of Preferred Class B-6a to three accredited investors at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $10.9 million (of which $8.6 million was in connection with the conversion of digital security tokens).
In March 2020, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 93,673 shares of Preferred Class B-6a to one accredited investor at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $49,600.
In April 2020, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 283,286 shares of Preferred Class B-6a to one accredited investor, in connection with the conversion of a Simple Agreement for Future Equity with Tokens, at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $150,000.
In June 2020, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 472,143 shares of Preferred Class B-6a to one accredited investor at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $250,000.
In July 2020, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 5,665,722 shares of Preferred Class B-6a to one accredited investor at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $3.0 million.
II-3
In October 2020, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 1,416,430 shares of Preferred Class B-6a to one accredited investor at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $750,000 (of which $500,000 was in connection with the conversion of digital security tokens).
In December 2020, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 18,483,821 shares of Preferred Class B-6a to nine accredited investors at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $9.8 million.
In December 2020, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 222,872 shares of Preferred Class B-6a to one accredited investor in connection with the repayment of debt obligations of $118,011.
In December 2020, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 4,370,452 shares of Preferred Class B-6s to one accredited investor in connection with the repayment of debt obligations of $2.3 million.
In January 2021, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 920,280 shares of Preferred Class of B-6a to two accredited investors at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $487,288.
In February 2021, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 8,588,879 shares of Preferred Class of B-6a to three accredited investors at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $4.5 million.
In March 2021, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 283,286 shares of Preferred Class of B-6a to one accredited investor at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $150,000.
In March 2021, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 3,649,587 shares of Preferred Class of B-5 to six accredited investors, in connection with a conversion of the 2017 Notes, at a purchase price of $0.38 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $1.8 million.
In May 2021, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 834,556 shares of Preferred Class of B-6a to one accredited investor, in connection with a conversion of the remaining principal balance of a $7.5 million convertible note.
In June 2021, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 5,665,722 shares of Preferred Class of B-6a to one accredited investor at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $3.0 million.
In August 2021, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 3,777,148 shares of Preferred Class of B-6a to one accredited investor at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $2.0 million.
In September 2021, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 7,062,764 shares of Preferred Class of B-6a to four accredited investors at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $3.7 million.
In October 2021, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 727,967 shares of Preferred Class of B-6a to one accredited investor at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $385,459.
In January 2022, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 708,214 shares of Preferred Class of B-6a to two accredited investors at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $375,000.
In January 2022, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 309,911 shares of Preferred Class of B-6s to three accredited investors in connection with the repayment of debt obligations of $164,098.
In February 2022, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 230,405 shares of Preferred Class of B-6a to two accredited investor at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $122,000.
In February 2022, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 2,832,860 shares of Preferred Class of B-6a to five accredited investors at a purchase price of $0.3530 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $1.0 million.
In February 2022, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 6,215,365 shares of Preferred Class of B-5 to three accredited investors in connection with the conversion of $1.0 million principal of the 2017 Notes plus accrued interest.
In February 2022, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 3,777,148 shares of Preferred Class of B-6a to one accredited investor at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $2.0 million.
In March 2022, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 132,564 shares of Preferred Class of B-6s to two accredited investors in connection with the repayment of debt obligations of $70,193.
II-4
In May 2022, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 188,021 shares of Preferred Class of B-6s to one accredited investor in connection with the repayment of debt obligations of $99,557.
In June 2022, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 377,700 shares of Preferred Class of B-6s to one accredited investor in connection with debt extinguishment related to advisory fees of $199,992.
In September 2022, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 1,888,574 shares of Preferred Class of B-6a to one accredited investor at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $1.0 million.
In December 2022, Surf Air issued an aggregate of 283,286 shares of Preferred Class of B-6a to one accredited investor at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $150,000.
In June 2023, the Company issued an aggregate of 5,665,722 shares of Preferred Class of B-6a to one accredited investor at a purchase price of $0.5295 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $3.0 million.
Convertible Notes Issuances
In October 2021, Surf Air issued to one accredited investor 8.25% 2022 convertible notes at an aggregate purchase price of $750,000, which was converted into an aggregate of 3,048,643 Preferred Class of B-6a shares in May 2022.
In November 2021, Surf Air issued to one accredited investor 8.25% 2022 convertible notes at an aggregate purchase price of $1.0 million, which was converted into an aggregate of 4,044,581 Preferred Class of B-6a shares in May 2022.
In December 2021, Surf Air issued to one accredited investor 8.25% 2022 convertible notes at an aggregate purchase price of $1.8 million, which was converted into an aggregate of 7,025,992 Preferred Class of B-6a shares in May 2022.
In January 2022, Surf Air issued to one accredited investor 8.25% 2022 convertible notes at an aggregate purchase price of $450,000, which was converted into an aggregate of 1,798,536 Preferred Class of B-6a shares in May 2022.
In January 2022, Surf Air issued to one accredited investor 8.25% 2022 convertible notes at an aggregate purchase price of $750,000, which was converted into an aggregate of 2,992,296 Preferred Class of B-6a shares in May 2022.
In February 2022, Surf Air issued to one accredited investor 8.25% 2022 convertible notes at an aggregate purchase price of $500,000, which was converted into an aggregate of 1,991,449 Preferred Class of B-6a shares in May 2022.
In February 2022, Surf Air issued to one accredited investor 8.25% 2022 convertible notes at an aggregate purchase price of $2.3 million, which was converted into an aggregate of 8,934,417 Preferred Class of B-6a shares in May 2022.
In May 2022, Surf Air issued to one accredited investor 8.25% 2022 convertible notes at an aggregate purchase price of $1.3 million, which was converted into an aggregate of 4,940,258 Preferred Class of B-6a shares in May 2022.
Term Note Issuances
In November 2022, Surf Air entered into a term note agreement to receive $4.5 million in cash from LamVen, an entity owned by an officer and co-founder of the Company. The Company received $4.5 million as of December 31, 2022. Interest is due upon maturity at a rate of 8.25% per annum.
In January 2023, Surf Air entered into a term note agreement to receive $1.0 million in cash from LamVen, an entity owned by an officer and co-founder of the Company and a term note agreement to receive $1.65 million in cash from LamJam, an entity co-owned by an officer of the Company, and a family member of such officer and co-founder. The Company received $0.4 million from LamVen as of December 14, 2022 and $0.6 million in 2023, and $1.65 million from LamJam as of January 10, 2023. Interest on each of these term note agreements is due upon maturity at a rate of 8.25% per annum.
In April 2023, Surf Air entered into a term note agreement to receive $3.4 million in cash from LamVen, an entity owned by an officer and co-founder of the Company, and a term note agreement to receive $3.5 million in cash from LamJam, an entity co-owned by an officer and co-founder of the Company and a family member of such officer and co-founder. The Company received $3.4 million from LamVen and $3.5 million from LamJam as of March 31, 2023. Interest is due upon maturity at a rate of 10.0% per annum.
II-5
In May 2023, Surf Air entered into a term note agreement to receive $4.6 million in cash from LamVen, an entity owned by an officer and co-founder of the Company. The Company received $4.6 million from LamVen as of May 15, 2023. Interest is due upon maturity at a rate of 10.0% per annum.
Share-based Compensation
From January 1, 2020, through May 30, 2023, Surf Air granted to certain directors, officers, employees, consultants, and other service providers options to purchase 37.9 million of its ordinary shares, restricted share purchase agreements covering 163.9 million of its ordinary shares, and restricted share grant agreements covering 84.5 million of its ordinary shares, with grant date fair values per share ranging from $0.04 to $0.41.
None of the foregoing transactions involved any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering. Unless otherwise stated, the sales of the above securities were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act (and Regulation D or Regulation S promulgated thereunder) or Rule 701 promulgated under Section 3(b) of the Securities Act as transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering or pursuant to benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation as provided under Rule 701. The recipients of the securities in each of these transactions represented their intentions to acquire the securities for investment only and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof, and appropriate legends were placed on the share certificates issued in these transactions. All recipients had adequate access, through their relationships with us, to information about us. The sales of these securities were made without any general solicitation or advertising.
Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
Exhibit No. |
Description |
|
2.1+ |
||
2.2 |
||
2.3 |
||
2.4 |
||
2.5 |
||
2.6* |
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of [__], 2023, by and among Surf Air Global Limited, Surf Air Mobility Inc. and SAGL Merger Sub Limited. |
|
3.1 |
Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of SAM. |
|
3.2 |
||
4.1 |
||
5.1* |
Opinion of O’Melveny & Myers LLP regarding the validity of the securities being registered. |
|
10.1++ |
||
10.2 |
||
10.3 |
||
10.4 |
||
10.5+++ |
||
10.6+++ |
||
10.7+++ |
II-6
Exhibit No. |
Description |
|
10.8+++ |
||
10.9+++ |
||
10.10+++ |
||
10.11++ |
||
10.12 |
||
10.13 |
||
10.14++ |
||
10.15+++ |
||
10.16++ |
||
10.17 |
||
10.18 |
||
10.19# |
||
10.20# |
||
10.21# |
||
10.22# |
||
10.23# |
||
10.24# |
||
10.25# |
||
10.26# |
||
16.1 |
Letter from CohnReznick LLP regarding change in certifying accountant. |
|
21.1 |
||
23.1 |
||
23.2 |
||
23.3* |
Consent of O’Melveny & Myers LLP (included as part of Exhibit 5.1). |
|
99.1 |
||
99.2 |
||
99.3 |
||
99.4 |
||
99.5 |
||
99.6 |
||
107 |
____________
* To be filed by amendment.
+ Schedules and exhibits to this Exhibit omitted pursuant to Regulation S-K Item 601(b)(2). Registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the SEC upon request.
II-7
++ Schedules to this Exhibit omitted pursuant to Regulation S-K Item 601(a)(5) promulgated under the Exchange Act. The Registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule to the SEC upon request.
+++ Specific provisions or terms to this Exhibit omitted pursuant to Regulation S-K Item 601(b)(10)(iv) promulgated under the Exchange Act. The Registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule to the SEC upon request.
# Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
Item 17. Undertakings.
(a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act, as amended, or the Securities Act.
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness; provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.
(d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.
II-8
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to provisions described in Item 14 above, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit, or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2) for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
II-9
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Hawthorne, State of California, on June 2, 2023.
By: |
/s/ Sudhin Shahani |
|||
Sudhin Shahani |
||||
Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Name |
Title |
Date |
||
/s/ Sudhin Shahani |
Chief Executive Officer |
June 2, 2023 |
||
Sudhin Shahani |
(Principal Executive Officer) and Director |
|||
/s/ Deanna White |
Chief Financial Officer |
June 2, 2023 |
||
Deanna White |
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
II-10
Exhibit 2.1
Execution Version
ACQUISITION AGREEMENT
BY AND AMONG
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC.,
SURF AIR GLOBAL LIMITED,
SURF AIR INC.,
SAC MERGER SUB INC.,
AND
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION
Dated as of March 17, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS; THE MERGER | 2 | |
1.01 | Certain Defined Terms | 2 |
1.02 | [Intentionally Omitted.] | 2 |
1.03 | The Merger | 2 |
1.04 | Effective Time | 2 |
1.05 | Effect of the Merger | 2 |
1.06 | Organizational Document | 3 |
1.07 | Directors and Officers of Surviving Corporation | 3 |
1.08 | Effect of Merger on Capital Stock of the Constituent Corporations and Warrants | 3 |
1.09 | Withholding Taxes | 5 |
1.10 | Dissenting Shares | 5 |
1.11 | Surrender of Certificates | 5 |
1.12 | No Further Ownership Rights in Company Capital Stock | 7 |
1.13 | Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates | 7 |
1.14 | Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action | 7 |
ARTICLE II REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY | 7 | |
2.01 | Organization of the Company | 7 |
2.02 | Company Capitalization | 8 |
2.03 | Subsidiaries | 9 |
2.04 | Authority | 9 |
2.05 | No Conflict | 10 |
2.06 | Consents | 10 |
2.07 | Company Financial Statements | 10 |
2.08 | No Undisclosed Liabilities | 10 |
2.09 | Governmental Authorization | 10 |
2.10 | Compliance with Laws; Permits | 11 |
2.11 | Restriction on Business Activities | 11 |
2.12 | FAA and Other Authorizations | 11 |
2.13 | Small Business Act and CARES Act | 12 |
2.14 | No Additional Representations or Warranties | 12 |
ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SURF ENTITIES | 13 | |
3.01 | Organization | 13 |
3.02 | Authority | 13 |
3.03 | No Conflict | 13 |
3.04 | Consents | 13 |
3.05 | Capitalization | 13 |
ARTICLE IV CONDUCT PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE TIME | 14 | |
4.01 | Conduct of Business | 14 |
4.02 | No Solicitation | 14 |
i
Page | ||
ARTICLE V ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS | 15 | |
5.01 | Access to Information | 15 |
5.02 | Efforts; Status | 15 |
5.03 | Confidentiality | 16 |
5.04 | Public Disclosure | 16 |
5.05 | Notification of Certain Matters | 16 |
5.06 | Additional Documents and Further Assurances | 17 |
5.07 | Stockholder Approval; Additional Documentation | 17 |
5.08 | Key Employment Agreement | 18 |
5.09 | Company Employees | 18 |
5.10 | Option Grants | 18 |
5.11 | Expenses | 19 |
5.12 | Spreadsheet | 19 |
5.13 | Tail Policy | 19 |
5.14 | FIRPTA Compliance | 19 |
5.15 | Tax Matters | 19 |
5.16 | PPP Loan | 20 |
ARTICLE VI CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER | 21 | |
6.01 | Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party to Effect the Merger | 21 |
6.02 | Conditions to the Obligations of Surf Entities | 21 |
6.03 | Conditions to Obligations of the Company | 22 |
ARTICLE VII INDEMNIFICATION | 23 | |
7.01 | No Survival | 23 |
ARTICLE VIII TERMINATION; AMENDMENT AND WAIVER | 24 | |
8.01 | Termination | 24 |
8.02 | Effect of Termination | 25 |
8.03 | Amendment | 25 |
8.04 | Extension; Waiver | 25 |
ARTICLE IX MISCELLANEOUS | 25 | |
9.01 | Notices | 25 |
9.02 | Construction of Certain Terms and Phrases | 26 |
9.03 | Counterparts | 26 |
9.04 | Entire Agreement; Assignment | 26 |
9.05 | Severability | 27 |
9.06 | Other Remedies | 27 |
9.07 | Governing Law; Exclusive Jurisdiction | 27 |
9.08 | Rules of Construction | 27 |
9.09 | Waiver of Jury Trial | 27 |
9.10 | Waiver | 27 |
9.11 | Specific Enforcement | 27 |
ii
This ACQUISITION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of March 17, 2021, by and among Surf Air Global Limited, a British Virgin Islands company (“Surf Holdings”), Surf Air Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Surf Air”), Surf Air Mobility Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Surf Holdings (“NewCo”), SAC Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of NewCo (“Merger Sub”, and together with Surf Air, NewCo and Surf Holdings, the “Surf Entities”), and Southern Airways Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”, and together with the Surf Entities, also referred to herein as the “Parties” and each, a “Party”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Surf Holdings intends to effect a series of related business combination transactions pursuant to which (i) a newly-formed wholly-owned subsidiary of NewCo would be merged with and into Surf Holdings after which Surf Holdings would be a wholly-owned subsidiary of NewCo, (ii) either (a) a newly-formed wholly-owned subsidiary of NewCo would be merged with and into Ampaire, Inc. (“Ampaire”) after which Ampaire would be a wholly-owned subsidiary of New Holdco (the “Ampaire Transaction”) or (b) an Ampaire Equivalent Transaction would be consummated, and (iii) a newly-formed wholly-owned subsidiary of NewCo would be merged with and into a special purpose acquisition company (the “SPAC”) after which the SPAC would be a wholly-owned subsidiary of NewCo, and following all of these transactions NewCo would own directly or indirectly all or substantially all of the assets, business and operations of each of Surf Holdings, Ampaire (in the event the Ampaire Transaction is consummated) and the SPAC (collectively, the “Business Combination”) and, by reason of the Merger (defined below), the Company;
WHEREAS, Surf Holdings, Surf Air, NewCo, Ampaire Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Ampaire, entered into that certain Acquisition Agreement (the “Ampaire Acquisition Agreement”), dated as of February 14, 2021 pursuant to which the Ampaire Transaction will be consummated;
WHEREAS, NewCo may enter into subscription agreements with certain investors for such investors to subscribe for newly issued shares of NewCo Common Stock (as defined below) concurrently with the closing of the Business Combination (the “PIPE Investment”);
WHEREAS, in connection with and prior to the consummation of the Business Combination, NewCo will file with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) on Form S-4 or such other available form for registration with the SEC (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Registration Statement”) pursuant to which the stockholders of each of Surf Holdings, Ampaire and the SPAC will receive in the Business Combination, and the stockholders of the Company will receive in the Merger, shares of common stock in NewCo registered under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “NewCo Common Stock”);
WHEREAS, the Parties intend to effect a merger (the “Merger”) of Merger Sub with and into the Company in accordance with this Agreement and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) to be conditioned on the closing of, and to be consummated simultaneously with the Business Combination, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of NewCo;
WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of each of the Parties believe it is advisable and in the best interests of each entity and its respective stockholders to consummate the Merger and have approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Merger shall occur;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Merger, among other things, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Effective Time, all of the issued and outstanding Company Capital Stock shall be cancelled and extinguished, and converted into the right to receive shares of NewCo Common Stock and the other consideration set forth herein;
WHEREAS, as a condition and inducement to the Surf Entities to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, within fourteen (14) days of Surf Air’s request, the Company shall use reasonable best efforts to deliver to Surf Air from each Stockholder listed on Schedule A hereto (collectively, the “Key Stockholders”), a duly executed voting and support agreement in the form attached as Exhibit A (collectively, the “Voting and Support Agreements”), pursuant to which each Key Stockholder shall agree to vote, or cause to be voted, on every action or approval by written consent of holders of Company Capital Stock, including the Requisite Stockholder Consent, all of its Company Capital Stock in favor of (i) this Agreement, (ii) the Merger, and (iii) and the other transactions contemplated hereby;
WHEREAS, as promptly as practicable following the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the date the Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC, and as a condition and inducement to the Surf Entities to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Company shall seek to obtain and, when obtained, shall deliver to Surf Air a true, correct and complete copy of an executed Action by Written Consent of the Stockholders evidencing the approval of (i) this Agreement, (ii) the Merger and (iii) the other transactions contemplated hereby, in a form reasonably acceptable to Surf Air (the “Stockholder Written Consent”), executed by (x) the Stockholders holding at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of the Company Capital Stock, (y) the Stockholders holding at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Preferred Stock and Series A-2 Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class and (z) the Stockholders holding at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock (the foregoing consents set forth in clauses (x), (y) and (z), collectively, the “Requisite Stockholder Consent”); and
WHEREAS, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, it is intended that the Transactions, taken together, will qualify as a transaction described in Section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements, covenants and other premises set forth herein, the mutual benefits to be gained by the performance thereof, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged and accepted, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS; THE MERGER
1.01 Certain Defined Terms. For all purposes of and under this Agreement, capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in Appendix A.
1.02 [Intentionally Omitted.]
1.03 The Merger. At the Effective Time and subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the applicable provisions of the DGCL, Merger Sub shall be merged with and into the Company, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall cease, and the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation and as a wholly-owned subsidiary of NewCo. The surviving corporation after the Merger is sometimes referred to hereinafter as the “Surviving Corporation.”
1.04 Effective Time. Unless this Agreement is earlier terminated pursuant to its terms, the closing of the Merger (the “Closing”) will take place on a Business Day as promptly as practicable after the execution and delivery hereof by the parties hereto, and following satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VI, remotely by exchange of documents and signatures, unless another time or place is mutually agreed upon in writing the parties hereto. The date upon which the Closing actually occurs shall be referred to herein as the “Closing Date.” On the Closing Date, the parties hereto shall cause the Merger to be consummated by filing a Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Certificate of Merger”), in accordance with the applicable provisions of the DGCL (the time of such filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or the time specified in such filing as the effective time shall be referred to herein as the “Effective Time”).
1.05 Effect of the Merger. At the Effective Time, the effect of the Merger shall be as provided in the applicable provisions of the DGCL. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time, except as otherwise agreed to pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, all of the property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of the Company and Merger Sub shall vest in the Surviving Corporation, and all debts, liabilities and duties of the Company and Merger Sub shall become the debts, liabilities and duties of the Surviving Corporation.
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1.06 Organizational Document.
(a) Unless otherwise determined by Surf Air prior to the Effective Time, the certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation shall be amended and restated as of the Effective Time to be identical to the certificate of incorporation of Merger Sub as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, until thereafter amended in accordance with the DGCL and as provided in such certificate of incorporation; provided, however, that at the Effective Time, Article I of the certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation shall be amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows: “The name of the corporation is Southern Airways Corporation”.
(b) Unless otherwise determined by Surf Air prior to the Effective Time, the bylaws of Merger Sub, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the bylaws of the Surviving Corporation at the Effective Time until thereafter amended in accordance with the DGCL and as provided in the certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation and such bylaws.
1.07 Directors and Officers of Surviving Corporation. The directors and officers of Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the directors and officers of the Surviving Corporation immediately after the Effective Time, each to hold the office of a director or officer of the Surviving Corporation in accordance with the provisions of the DGCL and the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
1.08 Effect of Merger on Capital Stock of the Constituent Corporations and Warrants.
(a) Effect on Company Capital Stock.
(i) At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of Merger Sub, the Company or the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, each share of Series A Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 1.08 and this Agreement, will be cancelled and extinguished and will be converted automatically into the right of the holder to receive from NewCo the Per Share Series A Merger Consideration upon surrender of the certificate, if any, representing such share of Series A Preferred Stock or, with respect to a share of Series A Preferred Stock represented by book-entry, the deemed surrender of such book entry share, as provided in Section 1.11.
(ii) At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of Merger Sub, the Company or the holders of shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock, each share of Series A-1 Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 1.08 and this Agreement, will be cancelled and extinguished and will be converted automatically into the right of the holder to receive from NewCo the Per Share Series A-1 Merger Consideration upon surrender of the certificate, if any, representing such share of Series A-1 Preferred Stock or, with respect to a share of Series A-1 Preferred Stock represented by book-entry, the deemed surrender of such book entry share, as provided in Section 1.11.
(iii) At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of Merger Sub, the Company or the holders of shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock, each share of Series A-2 Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 1.08 and this Agreement, will be cancelled and extinguished and will be converted automatically into the right of the holder to receive from NewCo the Per Share Series A-2 Merger Consideration upon surrender of the certificate, if any, representing such share of Series A-2 Preferred Stock or, with respect to a share of A-2 Preferred Stock represented by book-entry, the deemed surrender of such book entry share, as provided in Section 1.11.
(iv) At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of Merger Sub, the Company or the holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock, each share of Series B Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 1.08 and this Agreement, will be cancelled and extinguished and will be converted automatically into the right of each Person to receive from NewCo the Per Share Series B Merger Consideration upon surrender of the certificate, if any, representing such share of Series B Preferred Stock or, with respect to a share of Series B Preferred Stock represented by book-entry, the deemed surrender of such book entry share, as provided in Section 1.11.
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(v) At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of Merger Sub, the Company or the holders of shares of Company Common Stock, each share of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (including each restricted share of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, which, if unvested, shall automatically vest as provided in Section 1.08(b)), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 1.08 and this Agreement, will be cancelled and extinguished and will be converted automatically into the right of the holder to receive the Per Share Common Stock Consideration upon surrender of the certificate, if any, representing such share of Company Common Stock, or, with respect to a share of Company Common Stock represented by book-entry, the deemed surrender of such book entry share, as provided in Section 1.11.
(vi) Notwithstanding anything set forth in this Section 1.08, Dissenting Shares will be treated as set forth in Section 1.10.
(b) Effect on Restricted Company Common Stock .Immediately prior to the Effective Time, each unvested restricted share of Company Common Stock then issued and outstanding shall automatically and without any action on behalf of the holder thereof vest. At the Effective Time, each restricted share of Company Common Stock shall be treated as Company Common Stock as set forth in Section 1.08(a)(v).
(c) Treatment of Warrants. At the Effective Time, any Warrant that is outstanding and unexercised shall by its terms expire without consideration, and shall not be assumed or otherwise replaced by NewCo in any respect. Prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall provide notice to the holders of the Warrants of the transaction contemplated here by in accordance with the terms of the Warrants.
(d) Consideration; Assumption of Scheduled Indebtedness. For the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall the sum of the aggregate amount of the Per Share Series A Merger Consideration, the Per Share Series A-1 Merger Consideration, the Per Share Series A-2 Merger Consideration, the Per Share Series B Merger Consideration and the Per Share Common Stock Consideration exceed the Aggregate Merger Consideration. In connection with the Merger, the Surviving Corporation shall, directly or indirectly, whether by operation of law or otherwise, assume each Contract set forth on Section 2.02(c) of the Disclosure Schedule pursuant to which any Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary is outstanding or may be incurred or guaranteed (the “Scheduled Indebtedness”).
(e) Effect on Capital Stock of Merger Sub. Each share of common stock of Merger Sub issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain outstanding. Each stock certificate of Merger Sub evidencing ownership of any such shares shall continue to evidence ownership of such shares of capital stock of the Surviving Corporation.
(f) Exchange Ratio Not Determinative of Fair Market Value. Each of the parties hereto hereby acknowledges and agrees that the cash and shares of NewCo Common Stock representing the Aggregate Merger Consideration (i) is a value that has been negotiated at arm’s length by the parties solely for purposes of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) is not necessarily indicative of the fair market value of the shares of the Company Capital Stock as of the date hereof or as of the Closing Date, and (iii) may not be equal to the fair market value attributed to the shares of Company Capital Stock in any independent third-party valuation reports commissioned subsequent to the Closing.
(g) Fractional Shares. The aggregate number of shares of NewCo Common Stock issuable to each holder of Company Preferred Stock and/or Company Common Stock in connection with the Closing or pursuant to Section 5.16, as applicable, shall be rounded to the nearest whole number of NewCo Common Stock, and there shall be no payment in cash in lieu of fractional shares to which a holder of Company Preferred Stock and/or Company Common Stock would otherwise be entitled.
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1.09 Withholding Taxes. The Company, the Exchange Agent, the Surf Entities and the Surviving Corporation shall be entitled to deduct and withhold (or cause to be deducted and withheld) from any consideration payable or otherwise deliverable pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as may be required to be deducted or withheld therefrom under any provision of U.S. federal, state, local or foreign Tax law or under any applicable Legal Requirements (including, without limitation, (x) as a result of the failure of the Company to deliver the FIRPTA Compliance Certificate or (y) upon the payment of any amount properly taxed as compensation. To the extent such amounts are so deducted or withheld (or caused to be deducted and withheld) and timely paid to the applicable Governmental Entity, such amounts shall be treated for all purposes under this Agreement as having been paid to the Person to whom such amounts would otherwise have been paid). No later than five (5) days before deducting or withholding any amount, the Surf Entities shall notify the Person in respect of which it believes any such deduction or withholding will be required, and shall provide such Person with the opportunity to provide such forms, certificates or other evidence to reduce the amount of, or eliminate the necessity for, any such deduction and withholding.
1.10 Dissenting Shares.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, any shares of Company Capital Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time and with respect to which the holder thereof has properly demanded appraisal rights in accordance with Section 262 of the DGCL and who has not effectively withdrawn or lost such holder’s appraisal rights under the DGCL (the “Dissenting Shares”) shall not be converted into or represent a right to receive the applicable consideration for Company Capital Stock set forth in Section 1.08, but the holder thereof shall only be entitled to such rights as are provided by the DGCL.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1.10(a), if any holder of Dissenting Shares shall effectively withdraw or lose (through failure to perfect or otherwise) such holder’s appraisal rights under the DGCL, then, as of the later of the Effective Time and the occurrence of such event, such holder’s shares shall automatically be converted into and represent only the right to receive the consideration for Company Capital Stock, as applicable, set forth in Section 1.08, without interest thereon, upon surrender of the certificate representing such shares.
(c) The Company shall give Surf Air (i) prompt notice of any written demand for appraisal or notice of dissent received by the Company pursuant to the applicable provisions of the DGCL (each an “Appraisal Demand”) and (ii) the opportunity to participate in all negotiations and proceedings with respect to such Appraisal Demands. The Company shall not, except with the prior written consent of Surf Air, make any payment with respect to any such Appraisal Demands or offer to settle or settle any such Appraisal Demands. Any communication to be made by the Company to any Stockholder with respect to such Appraisal Demands shall be submitted to Surf Air in advance and shall not be presented to any Stockholder prior to the Company receiving Surf Air’s written consent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that the Company makes, prior to the Closing, any payment or payments in respect of any Dissenting Shares in excess of the value of the consideration that otherwise would have been payable in respect of such shares in accordance with this Agreement (the “Dissenting Share Payments”), NewCo and Surf Air shall be entitled to deduct the amount of such Dissenting Share Payments from the Aggregate Merger Consideration in accordance with the terms hereof.
1.11 Surrender of Certificates.
(a) Exchange Agent. Prior to the Effective Time, NewCo and Surf Air shall appoint an exchange and paying agent (the “Exchange Agent”) for the Merger.
(b) Issuance of NewCo Common Stock. Prior to or at the Effective Time, NewCo shall issue such number of shares of NewCo Common Stock equal to the Aggregate Stock Consideration and deliver such shares to the Exchange Agent.
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(c) Exchange Procedures. A reasonable period prior to the Effective Time, the Company and NewCo shall cause the Exchange Agent, as soon as reasonably practicable following satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VI and prior to the Effective Time, to mail a letter of transmittal, in a form reasonably acceptable to Surf Air, NewCo and the Company to each Stockholder at the address of such holder as provided by the Company. After receipt of such letter of transmittal and any other documents that Surf Air, NewCo, the Company or the Exchange Agent may reasonably require in order to effect the exchange (the “Exchange Documents”) of the Stockholder’s shares of Company Capital Stock for the merger consideration into which such shares are convertible in the Merger, each Stockholder shall deliver to the Exchange Agent duly completed and validly executed Exchange Documents and, with respect to any of such Stockholder’s shares of Company Capital Stock represented by certificates (the “Company Stock Certificates”), surrender the Company Stock Certificates representing such Stockholder’s shares of Company Capital Stock to the Exchange Agent for cancellation. Shares of Company Capital Stock represented by book-entry (the “Company Book-Entry Shares”) shall be deemed surrendered for cancellation upon delivery of the Exchange Documents relating thereto. With respect to any shares of Company Capital Stock with respect to which the Stockholder thereof shall have delivered to the Exchange Agent duly completed and validly executed Exchange Documents in accordance with the instructions thereto at least two (2) Business Days prior to the Effective Time, together, with respect to shares of Company Capital Stock represented by Company Stock Certificates, such Company Stock Certificates for cancellation, subject to the terms of Section 1.11(e), NewCo shall cause the Exchange Agent to deliver to such Stockholder promptly after the Effective Time the merger consideration that such Stockholder is entitled to receive pursuant to Section 1.08(a) in respect of such shares of Company Capital Stock, including a certificate or book entry representing the number of whole shares of NewCo Common Stock to which such holder is entitled pursuant to Section 1.08(a), it being agreed and understood that any Company Stock Certificates delivered, or Company Book-Entry Shares deemed delivered, by Stockholders prior to the Effective Time shall not be deemed to be surrendered by the Stockholder or cancelled until the Effective Time and, prior to the Effective Time, at the request of the Stockholder shall be returned to the Stockholder. With respect to shares of Company Capital Stock other than those subject to the prior sentence, within two (2) Business Days of the surrender by a Stockholder of a Company Stock Certificate, if any, or the deemed surrender of Company Book- Entry Shares, with respect to such shares of Company Capital Stock for cancellation to the Exchange Agent, together with such Exchange Documents, duly completed and validly executed in accordance with the instructions thereto, subject to the terms of Section 1.11(e), NewCo shall cause the Exchange Agent to deliver promptly to such Stockholder the merger consideration that such Stockholder is entitled to receive pursuant to Section 1.08(a) in respect of such shares of Company Capital Stock, including a certificate or book entry representing the number of whole shares of NewCo Common Stock to which such holder is entitled pursuant to Section 1.08(a), and any Company Stock Certificate so surrendered, if applicable, or Company Book-Entry Shares deemed surrendered, shall be cancelled. Until so surrendered, each Company Stock Certificate or Company Book-Entry Shares outstanding after the Effective Time which has been converted into the right to receive the applicable portion of the Aggregate Merger Consideration as set forth herein, will be deemed, for all corporate purposes thereafter, to evidence only the right to receive the portion of the Aggregate Merger Consideration into which such securities shall have been so converted pursuant to Section 1.08. Subject to Section 1.13, no portion of the Aggregate Merger Consideration will be paid or delivered to the holder of any unsurrendered Company Stock Certificate or Company Book-Entry Shares with respect to shares of Company Capital Stock formerly represented thereby until the holder of record of such Company Stock Certificate or Company Book-Entry Shares shall deliver the Exchange Documents pursuant hereto, together any Company Stock Certificate relating thereto.
(d) No Distributions With Respect to Unexchanged Shares. No dividends or other distributions declared or made after the Effective Time with respect to shares of NewCo Common Stock with a record date after the Effective Time will be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered Company Stock Certificate or Company Book-Entry Shares with respect to the shares of NewCo Common Stock represented thereby until the holder of record of such Company Stock Certificate or Company Book-Entry Shares shall surrender, or deemed to have surrendered, such Company Stock Certificate or Company Book-Entry Shares, as applicable. Subject to applicable Legal Requirements, following surrender or deemed surrender of any such Company Stock Certificate or Company Book-Entry Shares, there shall be paid to the record holder certificates or book entry shares representing whole shares of NewCo Common Stock issued in exchange therefor, without interest, at the time of such surrender, the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore paid with respect to such whole shares of NewCo Common Stock.
(e) Transfers of Ownership. If any certificate or book entry for shares of NewCo Common Stock is to be issued in a name other than that in which the Company Stock Certificate or Company Book-Entry Shares surrendered in exchange therefor is registered or if any cash amounts are to be disbursed pursuant to Section 1.08 hereof to a Person other than the Person whose name is reflected on any Company Stock Certificate surrendered or, with respect to Company Book-Entry Shares, on the books and records of the Company, in exchange therefor, it will be a condition of the issuance or delivery thereof in exchange for any Company Stock Certificate surrendered that any such certificate so surrendered will be properly endorsed and otherwise in proper form for transfer and that the person requesting such exchange will have paid to NewCo or the Exchange Agent any transfer or other Taxes required by reason of the issuance of a certificate or book entry for shares of NewCo Common Stock or payment of any portion of the Aggregate Merger Consideration in any name other than that of the registered holder of the certificate or Company Book-Entry Shares surrendered, or established to the reasonable satisfaction of Surf Air, NewCo or the Exchange Agent that such Tax has been paid or is not payable.
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(f) No Liability. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 1.11, neither the Exchange Agent, Surf Air, NewCo, the Surviving Corporation, nor any party hereto shall be liable to a holder of shares of Company Capital Stock for any amount paid to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
1.12 No Further Ownership Rights in Company Capital Stock. The merger consideration paid or delivered in respect of the surrender for exchange of shares of Company Capital Stock in accordance with the terms hereof shall be deemed to be full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such shares of Company Capital Stock, and from and after the Effective Time, there shall be no further registration of transfers on the records of the Company of shares of Company Capital Stock which were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time, Company Stock Certificates or Company Book-Entry Shares are presented to the Surviving Corporation for any reason, they shall be canceled and exchanged as provided in this Article I.
1.13 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. Notwithstanding any requirement herein that a Stockholder surrender Company Stock Certificates in order to receive such Stockholder’s applicable portion of the Aggregate Merger Consideration, in the event any Company Stock Certificates shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, the Exchange Agent shall issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed certificates, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the holder thereof, such amount, if any, as may be required pursuant to Section 1.08; provided, however, that Surf Air or NewCo may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the Stockholder who is the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificates to provide an indemnification agreement in a form and substance reasonably acceptable to Surf Air or NewCo, against any claim that may be made against any Surf Entity, the Surviving Corporation or the Exchange Agent with respect to the certificates alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.
1.14 Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action. If, at any time after the Effective Time, any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement and to vest the Surviving Corporation with full right, title and possession to all assets, property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of the Company, Surf Air, NewCo, the Surviving Corporation and the officers and directors of Surf Air, NewCo and the Surviving Corporation are fully authorized in the name of their respective corporations or otherwise to take, and will take, all such lawful and necessary action.
ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Surf Entities, subject to such exceptions as are specifically disclosed in the disclosure schedule supplied by the Company to Surf Air (the “Disclosure Schedule”), as follows:
2.01 Organization of the Company. The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Company has the corporate power to own its properties and to carry on its business as currently conducted and as currently contemplated to be conducted. The Company is duly qualified or licensed to do business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in which the failure to be so qualified or licensed would have a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company has Made Available a true and correct copy of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws, as amended to the date hereof, each in full force and effect on the date hereof (collectively, the “Company Charter Documents”), to Surf Air. The Board of Directors of the Company has not approved or proposed any amendment to any of the Company Charter Documents.
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2.02 Company Capitalization.
(a) The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 1,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock, of which 378,189 shares (of which 42,500 are restricted shares as defined in the grant agreements with respect thereto) are issued and outstanding as of the date hereof, and 162,589 shares of Company Preferred Stock, (i) of which 105,556 have been designated as Series A Preferred Stock, of which 105,556 shares are issued and outstanding as of the date hereof, (ii) of which 32,033 have been designated as Series A-1 Preferred Stock, of which 7,033 shares are issued and outstanding as of the date hereof, (iii) of which 25,000 have been designated as Series A-2 Preferred Stock, of which 25,000 shares are issued and outstanding as of the date hereof, and (iv) of which 25,000 have been designated as Series B Preferred Stock, of which 25,000 shares are issued and outstanding as of the date hereof. As of the date hereof, the Company Capital Stock is registered on the books and records of the Company as held by the Persons set forth in Section 2.02(a) of the Disclosure Schedule, which further sets forth as of the date hereof for each such Person the number, class and series of Company Capital Stock registered on the books and records of the Company as held by such Person, the number of the applicable stock certificates issued by the Company representing such shares and the domicile address of such Person as reflected on the books and records of the Company. All outstanding shares of Company Capital Stock and Warrants are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and are not subject to preemptive rights created by Legal Requirements, the Company Charter Documents, or any agreement to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound, except as set forth on Section 2.02(a) of the Disclosure Schedule. Except as set forth on Section 2.02(a) of the Disclosure Schedule, there are no declared or accrued but unpaid dividends with respect to any shares of Company Capital Stock. Other than the Company Capital Stock set forth in Section 2.02(a) of the Disclosure Schedule and this Section 2.02(a) above, the Company has no other capital stock authorized, issued or outstanding.
(b) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has in effect any stock option plan or any other plan or agreement providing for equity-based compensation (whether payable in securities, cash or other property) to any Person. The Company has no Company Options outstanding. Section 2.02(b) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth as of the date hereof for each outstanding Warrant, the name of the holder of such Warrant, the number of shares of Company Capital Stock issuable upon the exercise of such Warrant, the date of grant of such Warrant, and the exercise price of such Warrant. Section 2.02(b) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth as of the date hereof the outstanding principal, accrued interest and applicable rate of interest of all outstanding loans from the Company to Stockholders.
(c) Section 2.02(c) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth as of the date hereof a complete and correct list of each Contract to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party pursuant to which any Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary is outstanding or may be incurred or guaranteed, together with the amount outstanding thereunder. “Indebtedness” means (i) indebtedness for borrowed money, whether secured or unsecured, (ii) obligations under conditional or installment sale or other title retention Contracts relating to purchased property, (iii) capitalized lease obligations, and (iv) guarantees of any of the foregoing of another Person. Except for the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, no event has occurred which either entitles or could entitle (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) the holder of any Indebtedness to accelerate, or which does accelerate, the maturity of any such Indebtedness. Section 2.02(c) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth as of the date hereof a complete and correct list of any Indebtedness that entitles or could entitle the holder thereof to any acceleration of such Indebtedness or any change in control or other payments or benefits, together with a listing of such change in control or other payment amounts or other benefits, in each case upon the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement. Except as set forth on Section 2.02(c) of the Disclosure Schedule, all outstanding Indebtedness of the Company and the Subsidiaries as of the date hereof can be prepaid without penalty.
(d) No bonds, debentures, notes or other Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary (i) having the right to vote on any matters on which stockholders may vote (or which is convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities having such right) or (ii) the value of which is in any way based upon or derived from capital or voting stock of the Company or any Subsidiary, are issued or outstanding.
(e) No shares of Company Common Stock are issuable upon the exercise of outstanding Company Options. Except for the Warrants, the shares of Company Preferred Stock and as set forth on Section 2.02(a) of the Disclosure Schedule, there are no options, warrants, calls, rights, convertible securities, commitments or agreements of any character, written or oral, to which the Company is a party or by which the Company is bound obligating the Company to issue, deliver, sell, repurchase or redeem, or cause to be issued, delivered, sold, repurchased or redeemed, any shares of the capital stock of the Company or obligating the Company to grant, extend, accelerate the vesting of, change the price of, otherwise amend or enter into any such option, warrant, call, right, commitment or agreement. There are no outstanding or authorized stock appreciation, restricted stock, restricted stock unit, phantom stock, profit participation, profits interest or other similar rights with respect to the Company. Except as contemplated hereby, there are no voting trusts, proxies, or other agreements or understandings with respect to the voting stock of the Company to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, and except as set forth on Section 2.02(e) of the Disclosure Schedule there are no agreements to which the Company is a party relating to the registration, sale or transfer (including agreements relating to rights of first refusal, co-sale rights, “drag-along” or “tag-along” rights) of any Company Capital Stock. As a result of the Merger, NewCo will be the sole record and beneficial holder of all issued and outstanding Company Capital Stock and all rights to acquire or receive any shares of Company Capital Stock, whether or not such shares of Company Capital Stock are outstanding.
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2.03 Subsidiaries.
(a) Section 2.03(a) of the Disclosure Schedule lists as of the date hereof the name of each Subsidiary and, to the extent applicable, the Subsidiary that owns the equity interests of such Subsidiary. Each Subsidiary is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization, and has full corporate, limited liability company or partnership power and authority to conduct its business as and to the extent now conducted and to own, use and lease its properties. Each Subsidiary is duly qualified or licensed to do business and is in good standing as a foreign Person in each jurisdiction in which the failure to be so qualified or licensed would have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Section 2.03(a) of the Disclosure Schedule lists every state or foreign jurisdiction in which any Subsidiary has employees or facilities or otherwise conducts its business as of the date hereof.
(b) All of the outstanding equity interests of each Subsidiary are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and are owned, beneficially and of record, by the Company or the applicable Subsidiaries free and clear of all Liens other than restrictions under securities laws and the governing documents of the Subsidiaries. There are no outstanding options with respect to any Subsidiary. Except as set forth on Section 2.02(c) of the Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is party to any agreement pursuant to which such Person has granted preemptive rights, rights of first refusal, registration rights or similar rights to any Person with respect to the equity interests of such Subsidiary or any other Subsidiary or any agreement relating to voting of the equity interests of such Subsidiary or any other Subsidiary. None of the Company and the Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, owns any capital stock of or other equity interests in any corporation, partnership or other entity or Person other than the Subsidiaries or has entered into any commitment to purchase equity interests issued by any Person.
2.04 Authority. The Company has all requisite power and authority to enter into this Agreement and any Related Agreements to which it is a party and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and any Related Agreements to which the Company is a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company and no further action is required on the part of the Company to authorize the Agreement and any Related Agreements to which it is a party and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, subject only to the approval of this Agreement by the Stockholders. The vote required to approve this Agreement by the Stockholders is a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of Company Capital Stock, voting together as a single class, the vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Preferred Stock and Series A-2 Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class, and the vote of holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock. This Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including the Merger) have been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of the Company. This Agreement and each of the Related Agreements to which the Company is a party have been duly executed and delivered by the Company and assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties hereto and thereto, constitute the valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable against it in accordance with their respective terms, subject to (i) laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, the relief of debtors and enforcement of creditors’ rights in general, and (ii) rules of law governing specific performance, injunctive relief, other equitable remedies and other general principles of equity.
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2.05 No Conflict. The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and any Related Agreement to which the Company is a party do not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will not, conflict with or result in any violation of or default under (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation, modification or acceleration of any obligation or loss of any benefit under (any such event, a “Conflict”) (i) any provision of the Company Charter Documents or any governing document of any Subsidiary, (ii) any Contract to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party or by which any of its properties or assets (whether tangible or intangible) are bound except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, or (iii) any judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to the Company, any Subsidiary or any of the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s properties or assets (whether tangible or intangible). Section 2.05(a) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth as of the date hereof all necessary consents, waivers and approvals of parties to any Contracts material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as are required thereunder in connection with the consummation of Merger, or for any such material Contract to remain in full force and effect without limitation, modification or alteration after the Effective Time so as to preserve all rights of, and benefits to, the Surviving Corporation or any Subsidiary under such Contracts from and after the Effective Time. Following the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation will be permitted to exercise all of its rights under the Company’s material Contracts without the payment of any additional amounts or consideration other than ongoing fees, royalties or payments which the Company would otherwise be required to pay pursuant to the terms of such material Contracts had the transactions contemplated by this Agreement not occurred. To the Knowledge of the Company as of the date hereof, there is no reason to believe that any of the Contracts listed in Section 2.05(b) of the Disclosure Schedule will not be renewed when the terms of such Contracts expire. None of the Company or any Subsidiary is a party to any Contract that would result, separately or in the aggregate, in the payment of any “excess parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code.
2.06 Consents. No consent, notice, waiver, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any court, administrative agency or commission or other federal, state, county, local or other foreign governmental authority, instrumentality, agency or commission (each, a “Governmental Entity”) is required by, or with respect to, the Company or any Subsidiary in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and any Related Agreement to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, except for (i) such consents, notices, waivers, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings as may be required under applicable securities laws or the failure to make or obtain would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, (ii) such consents, waivers, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings as may be required as identified in Section 2.06 of the Disclosure Schedule, (iii) the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, and (iv) the adoption of this Agreement and approval of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by the Stockholders.
2.07 Company Financial Statements. Section 2.07 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth the Company’s and its consolidated Subsidiaries’ (i) consolidated unaudited statement of profit and loss for the twelve (12)-month period ended December 31, 2019 (the “Year-End Financials”), and (ii) consolidated unaudited balance sheet as of September 30, 2020 (the “Balance Sheet Date”), and the related unaudited statement of profit and loss for the nine (9) months then ended (the “Interim Financials”). Subject to Section 2.07 of the Disclosure Schedule, the Year-End Financials and the Interim Financials (collectively referred as the “Financials”) present fairly the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ financial condition and operating results as of the date and during the periods indicated therein. The Company’s and its consolidated Subsidiaries’ unaudited balance sheet as of the Balance Sheet Date is referred to hereinafter as the “Current Balance Sheet.” Subject to Section 2.07 of the Disclosure Schedule, the Financial Statements were compiled from the books and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries, which have been, and are being, maintained in all material respects in accordance with applicable legal and accounting requirements.
2.08 No Undisclosed Liabilities. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has any Indebtedness or material obligation, liability, expense, claim, deficiency, guaranty or endorsement of any type, whether accrued, absolute, contingent, matured, unmatured or other (of a type required by GAAP to be reflected in financial statements), except for those which (i) have been reflected in the Current Balance Sheet, (ii) have arisen in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices or (iii) have arisen since the date hereof and do not arise from a violation of Section 4.01.
2.09 Governmental Authorization. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries has been issued or granted each material consent, license, permit, grant or other authorization (i) pursuant to which the Company or any Subsidiary currently operates or holds any interest in any of their respective properties, or (ii) which is required for the operation of the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s business as currently conducted or currently contemplated to be conducted or the holding of any such interest (collectively, “Company Authorizations”). The Company Authorizations are in full force and effect and constitute all Company Authorizations required to permit the Company and the Subsidiaries to operate or conduct in all material respects their respective businesses or hold any interest in their respective properties or assets.
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2.10 Compliance with Laws; Permits.
(a) The Company and each Subsidiary has complied with, is not in violation of, and has not received any notices of suspected, potential or actual of violation with respect to, any Legal Requirements, except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Section 2.10(b) of the Disclosure Schedule contains as of the date hereof a true, complete and accurate list, of all permits that are material to the operations of the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries as currently being conducted to permit the Company and its Subsidiaries to own their properties and assets and operate the business (the “Material Permits”). The Material Permits are valid and in full force and effect, and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in default in any material respect under the Material Permits. As of the date hereof, no action for the suspension, cancellation, modification, revocation or nonrenewal of any such Material Permit is pending, or to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened.
2.11 Restriction on Business Activities.
(a) There is no agreement (non-competition or otherwise), commitment, judgment, injunction, order or decree to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party or otherwise binding upon the Company or any Subsidiary which has or may reasonably be expected to have the effect of prohibiting or impairing any business practice of the Company or any Subsidiary, any acquisition of property (tangible or intangible) by the Company or any Subsidiary, the conduct of business by the Company or any Subsidiary, or otherwise limiting the freedom of the Company or any Subsidiary to engage in any line of business or to compete with any person, in each case, except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has entered into any agreement under which the Company or any Subsidiary is restricted from selling, licensing, manufacturing or otherwise distributing any of its technology or products or from providing services to customers or potential customers or any class of customers, in any geographic area, during any period of time, or in any segment or the market, or from hiring or soliciting potential employees, consultants or independent contractors, in each case, except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
2.12 FAA and Other Authorizations.
(a) Section 2.12(a) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth as of the date hereof a true and complete list of all permits that are used in and that are material to the operations of the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries as currently being conducted and issued to the Company or any Subsidiary by (i) the FAA (the “FAA Authorizations”); (ii) the DOT (the “DOT Authorizations”); and (iii) by any foreign licensing Governmental Entity that regulates aircraft, including the maintenance thereof and the manufacture of parts therefor (the “International Aviation Authorizations” and collectively with the FAA Authorizations and the DOT Authorizations, the “Aviation Authorizations”), including all pending applications therefor. As of the date of this Agreement, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has filed with the FAA, DOT or any other Governmental Entity any applications or petitions relating to the Aviation Authorizations which are pending before such Governmental Entity.
(b) (i) The FAA Authorizations constitute all of the authorizations required by the rules and regulations of the FAA for the present operation of the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries as currently being conducted, (ii) the DOT Authorizations constitute all of the authorizations required by the rules and regulations of the DOT for the present operations of the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries as currently being conducted, (iii) the International Aviation Authorizations constitute all of the foreign authorizations required from any foreign Governmental Entity for the present operation of the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries as currently being conducted, and (iv) the Aviation Authorizations are in full force and effect and have not been revoked, suspended, canceled, rescinded or terminated and have not expired. As of the date hereof, there is not pending or, to Knowledge of the Company, threatened any action by or before the FAA, DOT or any other Governmental Entity to revoke, suspend, cancel, rescind or adversely modify any of the Aviation Authorizations (other than proceedings relating to rules of general applicability), and there is no order to show cause, notice of violation, notice of apparent liability, or notice of forfeiture or formal complaint pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or any Subsidiary by or before the FAA, DOT or any other Governmental Entity. The Company and each Subsidiary is operating in compliance in all material respects with the Aviation Authorizations.
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(c) With respect to the Aviation Authorizations, all material reports and filings required by applicable Legal Requirements to be filed with, and all regulatory fees required to be paid to, any Governmental Entity by the Company and each Subsidiary (i) have been timely filed and paid and (ii) are accurate and complete in all material respects.
(d) The tests and development, if any, conducted by or on behalf of the Company and each Subsidiary are being conducted in all material respects in accordance with protocols, procedures and controls pursuant to accepted professional and scientific standards for products comparable to those being developed by the Company and its Subsidiaries and all applicable Legal Requirements. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any notices or correspondence from the FAA, DOT or any foreign licensing Governmental Entity requiring the termination, suspension or material modification of any tests or developments conducted by or on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary that are material to the Company.
(e) Section 2.12(e) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth as of the date hereof a true and complete list of all management and qualified technical personnel of the Company and each Subsidiary in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulation Section 119.69 (collectively, the “Management Individuals”). Each Management Individual is, and has been, in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Legal Requirements, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, as of the date hereof there is no action, suit, claim, investigation or proceeding of any nature pending or threatened against any of the Management Individuals, whether by any Governmental Entity or other Person, nor is there any reasonable basis therefor.
2.13 Small Business Act and CARES Act. All proceeds received by the Company pursuant to the CARES Act have been deposited and maintained by the Company in a separate account segregated from its general funds, to the extent required by the CARES Act. Each of the certifications made by the Company in connection with the application for such loans were true and correct, and the Company properly applied for such loans in accordance with the terms of the Small Business Act and the CARES Act. With respect to each loan, the Company (i) satisfied any applicable criteria for the such loan under the Paycheck Protection Program, (ii) has complied with the requirements of such loan and any applicable requirements of the Paycheck Protection Program, including with respect to use of the proceeds of such loan, and (iii) has maintained all records required to be retained or submitted in connection such loan. All proceeds from such loans used by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries have been used solely for purposes permissible under the Small Business Act and the CARES Act.
2.14 No Additional Representations or Warranties. Except for the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Article II, the Company is not making nor has it made, and no other Person is making or has made on behalf of the Company, any express or implied representation or warranty in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Each Surf Entity acknowledges and agrees that, except for the representations and warranties contained in Article II, none of the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company or any other Person acting on behalf of the Company or any such Subsidiary or any Stockholder makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, with respect to the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company or with respect to any other information provided to any Surf Entity or any of their respective representatives or any other Person in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the accuracy or completeness thereof, nor is any Surf Entity or any of their respective representatives relying thereon.
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ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SURF ENTITIES
Each of the Surf Entities hereby represents and warrants to the Company, subject to such exceptions as are specifically disclosed in the disclosure schedule (referencing the appropriate section, subsection, paragraph and subparagraph numbers) supplied by Surf Air to the Company (the “Surf Air Disclosure Schedule”), as follows:
3.01 Organization. Each of NewCo, Surf Air and Merger Sub is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Delaware. Surf Holdings is a limited company organized under the laws of the British Virgin Islands. Each of the Surf Entities has the corporate or company power to own its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted and as currently contemplated to be conducted and is duly qualified or licensed to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the failure to be so qualified or licensed would have a material adverse effect on the business, assets (including intangible assets), condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations or capitalization of the Surf Entities on a consolidated basis (a “Surf Air Material Adverse Effect”). Prior to the date hereof, Surf Air has made available to the Company a true and correct copy of each of the Surf Entities’ organizational documents, as amended to the date hereof, each in full force and effect on the date hereof (collectively, the “Acquirer Charter Documents”). The Boards of Directors of the Surf Entities have not approved or proposed any amendment to any of the Acquirer Charter Documents. NewCo was formed solely for the purpose of engaging in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Business Combination Agreement. Merger Sub has not incurred, directly or indirectly, any obligations or conducted any business other than incident to its formation and pursuant to this Agreement and the Business Combination Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
3.02 Authority. Each of the Surf Entities has all requisite corporate or similar power and authority to enter into this Agreement and any Related Agreements to which it is a party and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, except to the extent consummation of the transactions involves or relates to the SPAC. The execution and delivery by each of the Surf Entities of this Agreement and any Related Agreements to which it is a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or company action on the part of each of the Surf Entities. This Agreement and any Related Agreements to which any Surf Entity is a party have been duly executed and delivered by such Surf Entity and constitute the valid and binding obligations of such Surf Entity, enforceable against such Surf Entity in accordance with their terms, subject to (i) laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, the relief of debtors and enforcement of creditors’ rights in general, and (ii) rules of law governing specific performance, injunctive relief, other equitable remedies and other general principles of equity.
3.03 No Conflict. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and any Related Agreement to which any Surf Entity is a party do not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will not, conflict with, or result in any Conflict with (i) any provision of the Acquirer Charter Documents, (ii) any Contract to which any Surf Entity or any of their respective properties or assets (whether tangible or intangible) are subject except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Surf Air Material Adverse Effect, or (iii) any judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Surf Air or Merger Sub or any of their respective properties or assets (whether tangible or intangible).
3.04 Consents. No consent, notice, waiver, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Entity is required by, or with respect to, Surf Air or Merger Sub in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and any Related Agreements to which Surf Air or Merger Sub is a party or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, except for (i) such consents, notices, waivers, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings as may be required by NewCo or under applicable securities laws, including without limitation the filing and effectiveness of the Registration Statement; (ii) such consents, notices, waivers, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings which, if not obtained or made, would not have a Surf Air Material Adverse Effect; and (iii) the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
3.05 Capitalization. Section 3.05 of the Surf Air Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list as of the date hereof of (i) the authorized, issued and outstanding classes of capital stock or other outstanding equity securities of Surf Holdings and the identity and the amount and class of equity of Surf Holdings owned by each of the holders of five percent (5%) or more of the outstanding equity securities of any class of equity securities of Surf Holdings, (ii) the equity of Surf Holdings issued in its most recent round of equity financing, and (iii) the post- money valuation of Surf Holdings reflected in its most recent round of equity financing. Surf Holdings indirectly owns all of the outstanding equity securities of Surf Air and such equity securities are the only material assets of Surf Holdings.
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ARTICLE IV
CONDUCT PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE TIME
4.01 Conduct of Business. During the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement or the Effective Time, without Surf Air’s prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), and except (x) as otherwise expressly required, contemplated or permitted by this Agreement, (y) as set forth in Section 4.01(a) of the Disclosure Schedule or (z) as required by applicable Legal Requirements, the Company shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries:
(a) to use reasonable best efforts to conduct its business in all material respects in the usual, regular and ordinary course in substantially the same manner as heretofore conducted, except for any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries acting reasonably and in good faith in response to COVID-19 or any COVID-19 Measures;
(b) to pay its Indebtedness when due in accordance with its terms, taking into account applicable cure periods;
(c) to pay and perform in all material respects its other obligations when due in accordance with their terms taking into account applicable cure periods; and
(d) to use reasonable best efforts to preserve intact its present business organizations, keep available the services of the Key Employee and sufficient Management Individuals (or replacements thereto) as are necessary to operate the Company in accordance with the regulations of the FAA, and preserve its relationships with customers, suppliers, distributors, licensors, licensees, and others having business dealings with them, all with the goal of preserving the goodwill and ongoing businesses of the Company and the Subsidiaries at the Effective Time, except that the Company or its Subsidiaries may acting reasonably and in good faith take action or omit to take action in response to COVID-19 or any COVID-19 Measures.
Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, without Surf Air’s prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), and except (x) as otherwise expressly required, contemplated or permitted by this Agreement, (y) as set forth in Section 4.01(a) of the Disclosure Schedule or (z) as required by applicable Legal Requirements, the Company shall not, or permit its Subsidiaries to from and after the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement or the Effective Time:
(i) make, cause or permit any material modification, amendment or change to the terms of, or terminate (other than in accordance with its terms), any of the Scheduled Indebtedness (or agree to do so);
(ii) other than in the ordinary course in connection with the Car Rental Program, incur any Indebtedness (whether under the Scheduled Indebtedness or otherwise), or guarantee any Indebtedness of any Person; or
(iii) violate in any material respect the terms of any of the Scheduled Indebtedness.
4.02 No Solicitation. Until the earliest of (i) the Effective Time, (ii) the No-Shop Termination Date or (iii) the date of termination of this Agreement, the Company shall not (nor shall the Company permit any of its Subsidiaries or its or its Subsidiaries’ officers to) and the Company shall use reasonable best efforts to cause its and its Subsidiaries’ directors, employees, agents and representatives not to, directly or indirectly, take any of the following actions with any party other than Surf Air and its designees: (a) solicit, knowingly encourage, knowingly assist, initiate or participate in any inquiry, negotiations or discussions, or enter into any agreement, with respect to any Company Proposal, (b) disclose any information concerning the business, technologies or properties of the Company, or afford to any Person access to their respective properties, technologies, books or records, in connection with any potential Company Proposal, (c) assist or cooperate with any Person to make any Company Proposal, or (d) enter into any agreement with any Person providing for any Company Proposal. The Company shall immediately cease and cause to be terminated any such negotiations, discussions or agreements (other than with Surf Air) that are the subject matter of clause (a), (b), (c) or (d) above. In the event that the Company, any Subsidiary or any of the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s officers, directors, employees or agents shall receive, prior to the earliest of the Effective Time, the No-Shop Termination Date or the termination of this Agreement, any Company Proposal, or any request for disclosure or access as referenced in clause (b) above, the Company shall immediately (or cause to immediately) (x) suspend any discussions with such offeror or party with regard to such offers, proposals, or requests and (y) notify Surf Air thereof, including information as to the identity of the offeror or the party making any such offer or proposal and the specific terms of such offer or proposal, as the case may be, and such other information related thereto as Surf Air may reasonably request.
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ARTICLE V
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
5.01 Access to Information. The Company shall afford the Surf Entities and the SPAC and their respective accountants, counsel and other representatives, reasonable access during normal business hours, without disruption to the business of the Company (and subject to the SPAC executing a customary confidentiality agreement with the Company) during the period from the date hereof and ending at the Effective Time to (i) all of the properties, books, contracts, commitments and records of the Company and the Subsidiaries, including all Company Intellectual Property, (ii) all other information concerning the business, properties and personnel (subject to restrictions imposed by applicable Legal Requirements) of the Company and the Subsidiaries as Surf Air may reasonably request, and (iii) all employees of the Company as identified by Surf Air. The Company agrees to provide to the Surf Entities and SPAC and their respective accountants, counsel and other representatives copies of internal financial statements (including Tax Returns and supporting documentation) promptly upon request (and subject to the SPAC executing a customary confidentiality agreement with the Company). No information or knowledge obtained in any investigation pursuant to this Section 5.01 or otherwise shall affect or be deemed to modify any representation or warranty contained herein or the conditions to the obligations of the parties to consummate the Merger in accordance with the terms and provisions hereof.
5.02 Efforts; Status.
(a) During the period from the date hereof and ending at the Effective Time, each of Surf Air and Surf Holdings will use reasonable best efforts to (i) identify a SPAC and potential equity and debt financing sources for a Business Combination, (ii) in the event, and only in the event, that the Ampaire Acquisition Agreement is terminated and the Ampaire Transaction is not consummated, negotiate the terms of, and enter into definitive agreements with respect to, (1) an acquisition of or business combination with another developer of electric propelled aircraft, or (2) a commercial arrangement (e.g., collaboration, joint venture or license) with a provider of electric propelled aircraft technology, in each case described in the foregoing clauses (1) and (2), that is reasonably expected to permit NewCo to obtain commercial certification of a hybrid-electric Cessna Caravan aircraft by 2024 (each of the foregoing transactions described in the foregoing clauses (1) and (2), an “Ampaire Equivalent Transaction”), (iii) negotiate the terms of, and enter into, definitive agreements providing for (1) a Business Combination and (2) the consummation simultaneously with such Business Combination of the Merger pursuant to this Agreement (with the Company becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of NewCo) and either the Ampaire Transaction or an Ampaire Equivalent Transaction, and (iv) negotiate the terms of, and enter into definitive agreements with respect to, equity or debt financing for any such Business Combination. Surf Holdings and Surf Air shall keep the Company (through its Chief Executive Officer and outside counsel) reasonably informed on an on-going basis concerning status of such efforts, the identity of SPACs and potential sources of such equity and debt financing with which it is engaging in discussions, potential terms of any Business Combination, Ampaire Transaction or Ampaire Equivalent Transaction and/or debt or equity financing proposed by Surf Air or Surf Holdings or their respective representatives and the potential parties thereto (including providing the Company with copies of terms sheets and draft agreements and side letters provided by or to potential counterparties and copies of all executed definitive agreements and side letters) and the status of negotiations regarding any potential Business Combination, Ampaire Transaction or Ampaire Equivalent Transaction., as applicable, and debt or equity financing with respect thereto. From and after the date that a definitive agreement providing for a Business Combination, a definitive agreement with respect to the Ampaire Transaction or an Ampaire Equivalent Transaction, and/or any definitive agreements with respect to equity or debt financing for a Business Combination is entered into by any Surf Entity or any of its Subsidiaries, the Surf Entities shall use reasonable best efforts to cause the conditions to Closing of this Agreement to be satisfied and the Merger to be consummated in accordance with the terms hereof.
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(b) In addition, during the period from the date hereof and prior to the Effective Time, without the prior written consent of the Company, no Surf Entity shall (nor shall any permit any of its Affiliates or its or its Affiliates’ officers, directors, employees or other representatives to) enter into any agreement with respect to any potential business combination transaction involving any Airline Partner (other than the Company). The Surf Entities shall not, and shall cause their Affiliates and their and their Affiliates’ respective officers, directors, employees or other representatives not engage in any negotiations or discussions with any Airline Partner unless the Company is consulted in advance of any such negotiations or discussions and either the prior written consent of the Company, not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned, is obtained or the Company is included, in a meaningful way, in such negotiations or discussions. In the event that the any Surf Entity or any Subsidiary or any Surf Entity or any Surf Entity’s or any Subsidiary’s officers, directors, employees, affiliates or agents shall receive, prior to the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement, any inquiry or proposal from a potential Airline Partner (other than the Company) with respect to any potential business combination, each Surf Entity shall immediately (or cause to immediately) (x) suspend any discussions with such Airline Partner with regard to any combination (unless such discussions are approved in writing by the Company, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) and (y) notify the Company thereof, including information as to the identity of the Airline Partner making any such inquiry or proposal and the specific terms of such inquiry or proposal, as the case may be, and such other information related thereto as the Company may reasonably request.
5.03 Confidentiality. For a period starting on the date hereof and ending on the earlier to occur of (x) the Effective Time and (y) the two (2) year anniversary of the date of any termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 8, the Surf Entities on the one hand, and the Company and its Subsidiaries on the other hand, shall, and shall cause their respective controlled affiliates to, hold, and shall use their reasonable best efforts to cause their respective officers, directors, employees, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants, actuaries, consultants and other agents, advisors and representatives to hold, in confidence any and all non-public or confidential information concerning the other party or parties; provided, however, that no such party shall be prevented from making disclosures required by applicable Legal Requirements or as contemplated hereunder, including, without limitation, in connection with the Registration Statement, Prospectus, Information Statement or any applicable stock market listing rules. The obligations of confidentiality in this Section 5.03 shall not apply to information which was or is obtained on a non-confidential basis from other sources not bound by an obligation to the Surf Entities on the one hand, or the Company and its Subsidiaries on the other hand, as applicable, which was or is or becomes generally available to the public, which is independently developed without reference to such non-public information concerning the disclosing party or which is required to be disclosed to a Governmental Entity, including pursuant to a Legal Requirement.
5.04 Public Disclosure. Neither the Company, any Subsidiary, nor any of their representatives, on one hand, nor any of the Surf Entities or any of their respective representatives, on the other hand, shall issue any statement or communication to any third party (other than its agents that are bound by confidentiality restrictions) regarding the subject matter of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, including, if applicable, the termination of this Agreement and the reasons therefor, without the consent of the other; provided however, that the Company, the Surf Entities and any of their respective representatives may issue any such statement or communication as required by applicable Legal Requirements or to (i) any third party pursuant to any existing contractual obligation, (ii) any existing investor of the Company, the Surf Entities or the SPAC, or (iii) any prospective investor of the Surf Entities or the SPAC.
5.05 Notification of Certain Matters.
(a) The Company shall give prompt notice to Surf Air of: (i) the occurrence or non-occurrence of any event, the occurrence or non-occurrence of which is likely to cause any representation or warranty of the Company contained in this Agreement to be untrue or inaccurate at or prior to the Effective Time, and (ii) any failure of the Company to comply with or satisfy any material covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it hereunder; provided, however, that the delivery of any notice pursuant to this Section 5.05 shall not (a) limit or otherwise affect any remedies available to the party receiving such notice or (b) constitute an acknowledgment or admission of a breach of this Agreement. No disclosure by the Company pursuant to this Section 5.05, however, shall be deemed to amend or supplement the Disclosure Schedule or prevent or cure any misrepresentations, breach of warranty or breach of covenant.
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(b) Surf Air shall give prompt notice to the Company of: (i) the occurrence or non- occurrence of any event, the occurrence or non-occurrence of which is likely to cause any representation or warranty of any Surf Entity contained in this Agreement to be untrue or inaccurate at or prior to the Effective Time, and (ii) any failure of any Surf Entity to comply with or satisfy any material covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it hereunder; provided, however, that the delivery of any notice pursuant to this Section 5.05 shall not (a) limit or otherwise affect any remedies available to the party receiving such notice or (b) constitute an acknowledgment or admission of a breach of this Agreement. No disclosure by Surf Air pursuant to this Section 5.05, however, shall be deemed to amend or supplement the Surf Air Disclosure Schedule or prevent or cure any misrepresentations, breach of warranty or breach of covenant.
5.06 Additional Documents and Further Assurances. Each party hereto, at the reasonable request of another party hereto, shall execute and deliver such other instruments and do and perform such other acts and things as may be necessary or desirable for effecting completely the consummation of the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby.
5.07 Stockholder Approval; Additional Documentation.
(a) As promptly as practicable following the execution of this Agreement and the date the Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC, the Company shall deliver to each Stockholder a copy of the Prospectus and the Information Statement and solicit and seek to obtain the Requisite Stockholder Consent, which shall constitute the irrevocable approval of Stockholders representing at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of the Company Capital Stock of (i) this Agreement, (ii) the Merger, and (iii) and the other transactions contemplated hereby, in accordance with the DGCL and the Company Charter Documents. The Company shall deliver to Surf Air a copy of the written stockholder consents obtained pursuant to the Requisite Stockholder Consent. The Company shall assist Surf Air as may be necessary to comply with all Legal Requirements relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(b) At Surf Air’s request, the Company shall use reasonable best efforts to deliver to Surf Air, within fourteen (14) days of such request, from each Key Stockholder, a duly executed Voting and Support Agreement, pursuant to which each Key Stockholder shall agree to vote, or cause to be voted, on every action or approval by written consent of holders of Company Capital Stock, including the Requisite Stockholder Consent, all of its Company Capital Stock in favor of (i) this Agreement, (ii) the Merger, and (iii) and the other transactions contemplated hereby.
(c) The Prospectus shall constitute the disclosure document for the offer and issuance of the shares of NewCo Common Stock to the holders of shares of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock in the Merger. The Company agrees to provide promptly to Surf Air such information concerning its business and the management, operations and financial condition of the Company reasonably available to it as is required by the SEC for inclusion in the Registration Statement (“Company Information”), including, all financial statements required by relevant securities laws and regulations (the “Required Financial Statements”), which shall be prepared under such accounting principles and for such periods as required by the forms, rules and regulations of the SEC or as requested by the SEC in connection with its review of the Registration Statement. Subject to the Company’s review and approval of any Registration Statement including Company Information and the consent of the Company’s auditor to the inclusion of the Required Financial Statements in the Registration Statement (in each case, such approval or consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), the Company acknowledges and agrees that Company Information (including the Required Financial Statements), or summaries thereof or extracts therefrom, may be included in the Registration Statement. In connection therewith, the Company shall instruct the employees, counsel, financial advisors, auditors and other authorized representatives of the Company to reasonably cooperate with Surf Air as relevant if required to achieve the foregoing. Surf Air agrees to provide the Company with a reasonable opportunity to review any Registration Statement and not to file the Registration Statement without the Company’s approval (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).
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(d) As of the date of the filing of the Registration Statement with the SEC, none of the Company Information, Required Financial Statements or other financial information supplied by the Company for inclusion in the Registration Statement, and none of the comparable financial and other information supplied by Surf Air, shall contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. If at any time prior to Closing, a change in such financial or other information which would make the preceding sentence incorrect, should be discovered by the Company or Surf Air, as the case maybe, such party shall promptly notify the other party of such change.
(e) The Information Statement shall be subject to review and approval by Surf Air and shall include information regarding the Company, the terms of the Merger and this Agreement, and the unanimous recommendation of the Board of Directors of the Company in favor of the Merger and this Agreement. Anything to the contrary contained herein notwithstanding, the Company shall not include in such materials any information with respect to the Surf Entities or their affiliates or associates, unless consented to in writing by Surf Air prior to such inclusion. The Company will promptly advise Surf Air in writing if at any time prior to the Closing the Company shall obtain knowledge of any facts and circumstances that might make it necessary or appropriate to amend or supplement such materials in order to make statements contained or incorporated by reference therein not misleading or to comply with Legal Requirements.
(f) The Board of Directors of the Company shall not alter, modify, change or revoke its unanimous approval of the Merger, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including each of the matters set forth in this Section 5.07, nor its unanimous recommendation that the Stockholders vote in favor of the Merger, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including each of the matters set forth in this Section 5.07.
5.08 Key Employment Agreement. Newco and the Company shall enter into an “at-will” employment agreement with the Key Employee to be effective as of the Effective Time reflecting the terms set forth in that certain “Stan Little - Employment Agreement Term Sheet” or otherwise in a form mutually agreeable to the Key Employee and Surf Air (collectively, the “Key Employee Agreement”).
5.09 Company Employees.
(a) Prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall take all actions necessary to terminate the Company’s 401(k) plan, effective prior, and subject, to the occurrence of the Closing. The Company shall take all necessary action to cause the account balances of the participants under the Company’s 401(k) plan to be fully vested and non-forfeitable upon the date the Company’s 401(k) plan is terminated and the Company shall be responsible for any required contributions, expenses and costs related thereto.
(b) Nothing contained in this Agreement (but subject to the terms of the Key Employee Agreement) shall be construed (i) as requiring Surf Air, the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective affiliates continue the employment of any specific employee, (ii) to prohibit Surf Air, the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective affiliates from, at any time after the Closing Date, changing the compensation, title, rank or job duties of any employee, (iii) as an amendment to any particular plan of any of Surf Air or its affiliates, or (iv) as obligating Surf Air, the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective affiliates to maintain any particular employee benefit plan.
(c) The Parties hereto acknowledge and agree that all provisions contained in this Section 5.09 are included for the sole benefit of the Parties hereto, and that nothing in this Section 5.09, whether express or implied, shall create any third party beneficiary or other rights in any other Person, including, without limitation, any employee or former employee of the Company or any Subsidiary, any participant in any employee benefits plan, or any dependent or beneficiary thereof.
5.10 Option Grants. As soon as practicable following the Closing, pursuant to the terms of NewCo Plan, NewCo shall use reasonable best efforts to grant, or cause to grant, to each of the employees listed on Schedule 5.10 (such schedule to be agreed upon by Surf Air and the Company prior to Closing) a NewCo Option to purchase the number of shares of NewCo Common Stock set forth opposite such Person’s name on such schedule at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the shares of NewCo Common Stock on the date of grant, as determined by NewCo’s board of directors. As a condition to receiving any NewCo Option, each employee shall enter into a stock incentive agreement with NewCo, with terms to be agreed upon prior to the Closing by Surf Air and the Company.
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5.11 Expenses.
(a) Whether or not the Merger is consummated, each party shall be responsible for its own expenses and costs that it incurs with respect to the negotiation, execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement. Without limiting or expanding the foregoing, the Company shall be responsible for all fees and expenses incurred by or on its behalf in connection with the Merger, including, without duplication:
(i) all legal, accounting, financial advisory, consulting, finders and all other fees and expenses of third parties incurred by a party (other than the Surf Entities) in connection with the negotiation and effectuation of the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby; and
(ii) the premiums associated with the Tail Policy (as defined in Section 5.13) (any amounts unpaid at Closing under subsections (i) and (ii), collectively, the “Third-Party Expenses”).
(b) The Company shall provide Surf Air with a statement of estimated Third- Party Expenses showing in detail Third-Party Expenses incurred by the Company unpaid as of the Closing Date not less than two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date (the “Statement of Expenses”). The Statement of Expenses will reflect all Third-Party Expenses incurred by the Company as a result of the negotiation and effectuation of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby unpaid as of Closing.
5.12 Spreadsheet. The Company shall deliver to Surf Air and the Exchange Agent a spreadsheet (the “Spreadsheet”), which spreadsheet shall be certified as complete and correct by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company as of the Closing and which shall include, as of the Closing, (i) the name and address of each securityholder of the Company receiving consideration pursuant to Section 1.08(a); (ii) the number and series of shares of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock held by such securityholder as of the Closing Date, the certificate number(s), if any, representing such shares and the dates on which such shares were acquired; (iii) the portion of the Aggregate Merger Consideration to be received by such securityholder in accordance with Section 1.08(a); (iv) the portion of the Aggregate Stock Consideration attributable to such securityholder; (v) whether such securityholder is a current or former employee (or neither); and (vi) the Pro Rata Share of such securityholder. The Company shall deliver the Spreadsheet two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date.
5.13 Tail Policy. On or prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall have obtained an occurrence-based irrevocable “tail” or extended reporting policy (the “Tail Policy”) with respect to the Company’s directors and officers liability insurance policy in place as of immediately prior to the Closing, which shall survive for at least three (3) years following the Closing and provide coverage no less favorable than provided thereunder as of immediately prior to the Closing.
5.14 FIRPTA Compliance. On the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver to Surf Air a properly executed statement described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.1445-2(c)(3) (a “FIRPTA Compliance Certificate”) in a form reasonably acceptable to Surf Air.
5.15 Tax Matters.
(a) Conduct of Business with respect to Taxes. During the period from the date hereof to the Closing Date without the consent of Surf Air, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall make, revoke or amend any material Tax election; adopt or change any annual accounting period; adopt or change any method of accounting (except as required by a change in Legal Requirements or GAAP); file any material amended Tax Return; sign or enter into any material closing agreement or settlement agreement; settle or compromise any material Tax claim or assessment; surrender any right to claim a material refund of Taxes; or consent to any extension or waiver of the limitations period applicable to any material claim or assessment.
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(b) Reorganization. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, it is intended that the Business Combination, the PIPE Investment, any Ampaire Equivalent Transaction and the Merger (the “Transactions”) qualify as a single integrated transaction described in Section 351 of the Code (the “Intended Tax Treatment”). From and after the date hereof and until the Effective Time, none of the Surf Entities, the Company and any of their respective Subsidiaries shall knowingly (i) take any action, cause any action to be taken or fail to take any action, that could reasonably be expected to prevent or impede the Intended Tax Treatment or (ii) enter into any contract, agreement, commitment or arrangement to take or fail to take any such action described in (i). Provided the Company receives the opinion described in Section 6.03(e), each Party (and its affiliates) shall report the Transactions in accordance with the Intended Tax Treatment (including by attaching the statement described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.351- 3(b) on or with the U.S. federal income Tax Return of such Party (or affiliate) for the taxable year that includes the Transactions), and no Party (nor any affiliate thereof) shall take any position on any Tax Return, in any Tax proceeding or otherwise that is inconsistent with the Intended Tax Treatment, in each case, unless otherwise required pursuant to a “determination” within the meaning of Section 1313(a)(1) of the Code.
(c) Tax Representation Letters. The Surf Entities shall use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver to Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, counsel to the Company (“Fried Frank”), a “Tax Representation Letter”, dated as of the Closing Date (and, if requested, dated as of the date the Registration Statement shall have been declared effective by the SEC), signed by an officer of Surf Air, and containing representations of the Surf Entities, and the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver to Fried Frank a “Tax Representation Letter” (with a copy to the Surf Entities), dated as of the Closing Date (and, if requested, dated as of the date the Registration Statement shall have been declared effective by the SEC), signed by an officer of the Company, and containing representations of the Company, in each case, as shall be reasonably necessary or appropriate to enable Fried Frank to render the opinion described in Section 6.03(e).
5.16 PPP Loan.
(a) Prior to Closing and prior to any deadline for such application, the Company shall complete a forgiveness application with respect to the PPP Loan reflecting its use of all of the PPP loan proceeds received pursuant to the PPP Loan, and submit such application, together with any required supporting documentation, to the PPP Lender (the “Forgiveness Application”).
(b) If and to the extent that there is a PPP Loan Amount as of the Closing Date, (x) at the Closing, one of the Surf Entities or NewCo shall deliver the PPP Loan Amount to the PPP Lender to be held in the PPP Escrow Account pursuant to the PPP Escrow Agreement (the “PPP Escrow Fund”) and (y) the Aggregate Cash Consideration shall be reduced by the PPP Loan Amount.
(c) The PPP Escrow Fund, if one is so created pursuant to Section 5.16(b), shall be held in accordance with the terms and provisions of the PPP Escrow Agreement until the final resolution of the PPP Loan Forgiveness Amount. All Parties hereto agree for all Tax purposes that NewCo shall be treated as the owner of 100% of the PPP Escrow Fund, if such fund is created pursuant to Section 5.16(b), and (i) all interest and earnings earned from the investment and reinvestment of the PPP Escrow Fund, or any portion thereof, shall be allocable to NewCo, and (ii) if and to the extent any amount of the PPP Escrow Fund is actually distributed to the Stockholders, interest may be imputed on such amount, as required by Section 483 or 1274 of the Code. No Party hereto shall take any action or filing position inconsistent with the foregoing.
(d) Following the final determination by the SBA of the PPP Loan Forgiveness Amount, the PPP Escrow Fund shall be disbursed as follows:
(i) first, to repay any outstanding principal and interest that is not Forgiven (i.e., the Unforgiven PPP Loan Amount) and remains payable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries following such determination under the PPP Loan; and
(ii) second, after giving effect to the payments described in the foregoing subclause (i), any remaining amount (i.e., the PPP Loan Forgiveness Amount) to the Exchange Agent, on behalf of the Stockholders, for disbursement to the Stockholders pursuant to Section 5.16(e).
(e) Within two (2) Business Days after the Exchange Agent receives the PPP Loan Forgiveness Amount from the PPP Lender pursuant to the terms of the PPP Escrow Agreement and Section 5.16(d) above, the Company, the Surf Entities and the Stockholders shall cause the Exchange Agent to distribute to the Stockholders (x) the PPP Loan Forgiveness Amount in cash (in accordance with the Stockholders’ respective Pro Rata Share) by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the Stockholders in their respective letters of transmittal submitted to the Exchange Agent pursuant to Section 1.11(c), and (y) shares of NewCo Common Stock with a value equal to the Unforgiven PPP Loan Amount (with such shares valued for this purpose as set forth in the definition of Aggregate Merger Consideration in Appendix A, to the Stockholders (in accordance with the Stockholders’ respective Pro Rata Share) in certificate or book entry form as specified by the Stockholders in their respective letters of transmittal submitted to the Exchange Agent pursuant to Section 1.11(c).
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ARTICLE VI
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
6.01 Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party to Effect the Merger. The respective obligations of the Company and the Surf Entities to effect the Merger shall be subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to the Effective Time, of the following conditions:
(a) No Order; Injunctions; Restraints; Illegality. No Governmental Entity shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, injunction, order or other legal restraint (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) which is in effect and which has the effect of making the Merger illegal or otherwise prohibiting or preventing consummation of the Merger.
(b) Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have become effective under the Securities Act and no stop order suspending the use of the Registration Statement shall have been issued by the SEC, and the shares of NewCo Common Stock issuable to the Stockholders in the Merger shall have been registered under the Registration Statement for issuance to the Company’s securityholders pursuant to Section 1.08(a). The shares of NewCo Common Stock issuable pursuant to Section 1.08(a) shall have been approved for listing on NYSE or The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, subject to official notice of issuance.
(c) Business Combination. A Business Combination shall be simultaneously consummated.
(d) Stockholder Approval. The Requisite Stockholder Consent shall have been obtained, adopting and approving this Agreement, the Merger, the Certificate of Merger, and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
6.02 Conditions to the Obligations of Surf Entities. The obligations of the Surf Entities to effect the Merger shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of each of the following conditions, any of which may be waived, in writing, exclusively by Surf Air and Merger Sub:
(a) Representations, Warranties and Covenants. (i) The representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement (other than the representations and warranties of the Company as of a specified date, which shall have been true and correct as of such date) are true and correct as of the Closing Date as though such representations and warranties were made on and as of the Closing Date (it being understood that for purposes of determining the accuracy of such representations and warranties, any materiality qualifications contained in such representations and warranties, including “Company Material Adverse Effect,” shall be disregarded), except for failures to be so true and correct that would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, and (ii) the Company shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants and obligations under this Agreement required to be performed and complied with by the Company as of the Closing.
(b) No Material Adverse Effect. There shall not have occurred a Company Material Adverse Effect since the date hereof.
(c) Key Employee Agreement. The Key Employee shall have entered into the Key Employee Agreement.
(d) Qualified Personnel. The Company shall have qualified personnel serving in each of the position listed (or equivalent positions) set forth in Federal Aviation Regulation Section 119.69.
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(e) Resignation of Officers and Directors. Surf Air shall have received a duly executed resignation letter, in a form mutually agreed to between Surf Air and the Company, from any officers and directors of the Company or any Subsidiary that Surf Air requires to resign effective as of the Effective Time or the Company shall have otherwise duly removed such officer or director from his or her position.
(f) Statement of Expenses. Surf Air shall have received the Statement of Expenses pursuant to Section 5.11, certified as true and correct, as of the Closing Date, by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer or the Chief Executive Officer for and on the Company’s behalf.
(g) Spreadsheet. Surf Air and the Exchange Agent shall have received from the Company the Spreadsheet pursuant to Section 5.12, which shall have been certified as of the Closing Date as complete and correct by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company for and on the Company’s behalf.
(h) Certificate of the Company. Surf Air shall have received a certificate from the Company, validly executed by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company for and on the Company’s behalf, to the effect that, as of the Closing:
(i) the representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement (other than the representations and warranties of the Company as of a specified date, which were true and correct as of such date) are true and correct as of the Closing Date as though such representations and warranties were made on and as of the Closing Date (it being understood that for purposes of determining the accuracy of such representations and warranties, any materiality qualifications contained in such representations and warranties, including “Company Material Adverse Effect,” shall be disregarded), except for failures to be so true and correct that would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect; and
(ii) the Company has performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants and obligations under this Agreement required to be performed and complied with by the Company as of the Closing.
(i) Certificate of Secretary of the Company. Surf Air shall have received a certificate, validly executed by the Secretary of the Company, for and on the Company’s behalf, certifying (i) as to the terms and effectiveness of the Company Charter Documents, (ii) as to the valid adoption of resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company (whereby the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereunder were unanimously approved by the Board of Directors) and (iii) that the Requisite Stockholder Consent shall have been obtained, adopting and approving the Merger, this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
(j) Certificate of Good Standing. Surf Air shall have received a certificate of good standing of the Company from the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
(k) Certificate of Status of Foreign Corporation. Surf Air shall have received a certificate of status of foreign corporation or equivalent certificate of the Company from the applicable Governmental Entity in each jurisdiction in which it is qualified to do business.
(l) FIRPTA Certificate. Surf Air shall have received a copy of the FIRPTA Compliance Certificate, validly executed by a duly authorized officer of the Company, for and on behalf of the Company.
(m) Consent. The condition set forth on Section 6.02 of the Disclosure Schedules shall have been satisfied.
6.03 Conditions to Obligations of the Company. The obligations of the Company to effect the Merger shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of each of the following conditions, any of which may be waived, in writing, exclusively by the Company:
(a) Representations, Warranties and Covenants. (i) The representations and warranties of the Surf Entities in this Agreement (other than the representations and warranties of the Surf Entities as of a specified date, which shall be true and correct as of such date) shall have been true and correct when made and shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date as though such representations and warranties were made on and as of such date, and (ii) each of the Surf Entities shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants and obligations under this Agreement required to be performed and complied with by such parties as of the Closing Date.
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(b) Certificate of Surf Entities. The Company shall have received a certificate executed on behalf of each Surf Entity by an officer of such Surf Entity for and on its behalf to the effect that, as of the Closing:
(i) all representations and warranties made by such Surf Entity in this Agreement (other than the representations and warranties of such Surf Entity as of a specified date, which were true and correct as of such date) were true and correct on the date they were made and are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date as though such representations and warranties were made on and as of such date; and
(ii) such Surf Entity shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants and obligations under this Agreement required to be performed or complied with by such parties as of the Closing.
(c) Certificate of Secretary of the Surf Entities. The Company shall have received a certificate, validly executed by the Secretary of each of the Surf Entities, certifying (i) as to the terms and effectiveness of the Acquirer Charter Documents, (ii) as to the valid adoption of resolutions of the Board of Directors of such Surf Entity (whereby the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereunder were unanimously approved by Board of Directors of such entity) and, solely with respect to Merger Sub, (iii) that the consent of the sole stockholder of the Merger Sub shall have been obtained, adopting and approving the Merger, this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
(d) NewCo. NewCo shall have minimum cash available of at least $100,000,000 (including funds remaining in the SPAC’s trust account, net of redemptions, proceeds from a concurrent PIPE financing raised in connection with a Business Combination and the Public Listing Advance (as defined in the GEM Facility)), and NewCo shall own directly or indirectly Surf Air and its Subsidiaries, a SPAC, and the Company and its Subsidiaries and either have consummated the Ampaire Transaction or an Ampaire Equivalent Transaction.
(e) Tax Opinion. The Company shall have received from Fried Frank a written opinion dated as of the Closing Date to the effect that for U.S. federal income tax purposes the Business Combination, the PIPE Investment, any Ampaire Equivalent Transaction and the Merger, taken together, will qualify as a transaction described in Section 351 of the Code. In rendering such opinion, Fried Frank shall be entitled to rely upon assumptions, representations, warranties and covenants, including those contained in this Agreement and in the Tax Representation Letters described in Section 5.15.
ARTICLE VII
INDEMNIFICATION
7.01 No Survival.
(a) The representations and warranties, covenants and agreements (to the extent contemplating or requiring performance prior to the Closing) of the Company and the Stockholders set forth in this Agreement or in any Related Agreement (other than those contained in the Exchange Documents to the extent provided therein) shall not survive the Closing. Each of the representations and warranties of the Company and the Stockholders set forth in this Agreement or in any Related Agreement (other than those contained in the Exchange Documents to the extent provided therein) shall terminate effective immediately as of the Closing such that no claim for breach of any such representation or warranty, detrimental reliance or other right or remedy (whether in contract, in tort or at law or in equity) may be brought after the Closing with respect thereto against the Company or the Stockholders except to the extent contained in the Exchange Documents. The covenants and agreements of the Company, the Stockholders, Surf Air and Merger Sub set forth in this Agreement and in any Related Agreement to the extent contemplating or requiring performance prior to the Closing shall terminate effective immediately as of the Closing such that no claim for breach of any such covenant or agreement, detrimental reliance or other right or remedy (whether in contract, in tort, at law or in equity) may be brought after the Closing with respect thereto against the Company, the Stockholders, or any Surf Entity.
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(b) Each of the Surf Entities, for itself and on behalf of its affiliates (including, after the Closing with respect to the Surf Entities, the Surviving Corporation and the Surviving Corporation’s Subsidiaries), acknowledges and agrees that, from and after the Closing, to the fullest extent permitted under Legal Requirements, any and all rights, claims and causes of action it may have against any Stockholder or its affiliates or any of the former, current, or future general or limited partners, shareholders or equityholders, managers, members, directors, officers, employees, representatives or agents or any former, current or future general or limited partner, direct or indirect shareholder or equityholder, manager, member, director, officer, employee, affiliate, representative or agent of any of the foregoing (collectively, the “Stockholder Related Persons”) relating to the operation of the Company and its Subsidiaries or their respective businesses or relating to the subject matter of this Agreement or any Related Agreement, whether arising under, or based upon, any Legal Requirement or otherwise (including any right, whether arising at law or in equity, to seek indemnification, contribution, cost recovery, damages or any other recourse or remedy, including as may arise under common law) are hereby irrevocably waived. Furthermore, without limiting the generality of this Section 7.01, no claim shall be brought or maintained by, or on behalf of, any of the Surf Entities or any of their respective affiliates (including, after the Closing with respect to the Surf Entities, the Surviving Corporation and the Surviving Corporation’s Subsidiaries) against any Stockholder Related Person, and no recourse shall be sought or granted against any of them, by virtue of, or based upon, any alleged misrepresentation or inaccuracy in, or breach of, any of the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements of the Company, the Stockholders or any other Person set forth or contained in this Agreement or any Related Agreement, the subject matter of this Agreement or the disclosure schedules or Exhibits hereto or the Merger, the business or the ownership, operation, management, use or control of the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, any of their assets, or any actions or omissions at, or prior to, the Closing.
ARTICLE VIII
TERMINATION; AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
8.01 Termination. Except as provided in Section 8.02, this Agreement may be terminated and the Merger abandoned at any time prior to the Closing:
(a) by mutual agreement of the Company and Surf Air;
(b) by Surf Air or the Company if the Closing Date shall not have occurred by July 31, 2021;
(c) by Surf Air or the Company if any Governmental Entity shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, injunction, order or other legal restraint which is in effect and which has the effect of making the Merger illegal;
(d) by Surf Air if it is not in material breach of its obligations under this Agreement, and there has been a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of the Company contained in this Agreement such that the conditions set forth in Section 6.02(a) would not be satisfied and such breach has not been cured within ten (10) calendar days after written notice thereof to the Company; provided, however, that no cure period shall be required for a breach which by its nature cannot be cured;
(e) by Surf Air if the Requisite Stockholder Consent has not been obtained within fourteen (14) days of the date the Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC;
(f) by Surf Air if the Company has not delivered the Voting and Support Agreements within twenty one (21) days of Surf Air’s request, or if any of the Voting and Support Agreements has been duly terminated by a Key Stockholder;
(g) by Surf Air in case of a Company Material Adverse Effect since the Balance Sheet Date;
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(h) by the Company if (A) the Surf Entities, NewCo and a SPAC shall not have entered into a definitive Business Combination Agreement providing for a Business Combination and the consummation simultaneously with such Business Combination of the Merger pursuant to this Agreement (with the Company becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of NewCo), or (B) if (and only if) the Ampaire Acquisition Agreement shall have been terminated, the Surf Entities shall not have entered into a definitive agreement providing for an Ampaire Equivalent Transaction and the consummation simultaneously of such Ampaire Equivalent Transaction with the Merger pursuant to this Agreement, in each case on or prior to April 30, 2021 (or such later date as shall be agreed by the Company); or
(i) by the Company if the Company is not in material breach under this Agreement, and there has been a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of Surf Air contained in this Agreement such that the conditions set forth in Section 6.03(a) would not be satisfied and such breach has not been cured within ten (10) calendar days after written notice thereof to Surf Air; provided, however, that no cure period shall be required for a breach which by its nature cannot be cured.
8.02 Effect of Termination. In the event of termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 8.01, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and there shall be no liability or obligation on the part of any Surf Entity, the Company, or their respective officers, directors or stockholders, if applicable; provided, however, that each party hereto and each Person shall remain liable for any willful breaches of this Agreement, the Related Agreements or in any certificate or other instruments delivered pursuant to this Agreement prior to its termination; and provided further, however, that, the provisions of Sections 5.03 (Confidentiality), 5.04 (Public Disclosure) and 5.11 (Expenses), Article IX (General Provisions) hereof and this Section 8.02 shall remain in full force and effect and survive any termination of this Agreement pursuant to the terms of this Article VIII.
8.03 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto at any time by execution of an instrument in writing signed on behalf of the party against whom enforcement is sought. Notwithstanding the foregoing, after approval and adoption of this Agreement by the Stockholders, no amendment shall be made which requires further approval by the Stockholders under applicable Legal Requirements without such further stockholder approval.
8.04 Extension; Waiver. At any time prior to the Closing, Surf Air and the Company may, to the extent legally allowed, extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations of the other party hereto, (i) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties made to such party contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto, and (ii) waive compliance with any of the covenants, agreements or conditions for the benefit of such party contained herein. Any agreement on the part of a party hereto to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such party.
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
9.01 Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given: (a) on the date of service if served personally on the party to whom notice is to be given; (b) upon written confirmation of receipt if sent via email to the email address given below; (c) on the day after delivery to Federal Express or similar overnight courier or the Express Mail service maintained by the United States Postal Service; or (d) on the fifth (5th) day after mailing, if mailed to the party to whom notice is to be given, by first class mail, registered or certified, postage prepaid and properly addressed, to the party as follows:
If to any Surf Entity, to:
Surf Air Inc.
12111 S. Crenshaw Blvd
Hawthorne, CA 90250
Attention: Chairman and CEO
Email: Sudhin@surfair.com
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Surf Air Inc.
12111 S. Crenshaw Blvd
Hawthorne, CA 90250
Attention: General Counsel
Email: legalnotices@surfair.com
If to the Company, to:
Southern Airways Corporation
101 N. Riverside Drive
Pompano Beach, FL 33062
Attention: Chief Executive Officer
Email: s.little@iflysouthern.com
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
One New York Plaza
New York, NY 10004
Attention: Philip Richter
Email: philip.richter@friendfrank.com
Any party from time to time may change its address, email or other information for the purpose of notices to that party by giving notice specifying such change to the other party hereto.
9.02 Construction of Certain Terms and Phrases. Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise requires, (i) words of any gender include each other gender; (ii) words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively; (iii) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby” and derivative or similar words refer to this entire Agreement; (iv) the terms “Article”, “Section”, “Exhibit” or “Schedule” refer to the specified Article, Section, Exhibit or Schedule of this Agreement; and (v) the phrases “ordinary course of business” and “ordinary course of business consistent with past practice” refer to the business and practice of the Company. Whenever this Agreement refers to a number of days, such number shall refer to calendar days unless Business Days are specified. All accounting terms used herein and not expressly defined herein shall have the meanings given to them under GAAP.
9.03 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, and with counterpart signature pages, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement, binding on all of the parties hereto notwithstanding that all such parties have not signed the same counterpart. Counterpart signature pages to this Agreement transmitted by facsimile transmission, by electronic mail in “portable document format” (“.pdf”) form, or by any other electronic means intended to preserve the original graphic and pictorial appearance of a document will have the same effect as physical delivery of the paper document bearing an original signature.
9.04 Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement, the exhibits hereto, the Disclosure Schedule, the Surf Air Disclosure Schedule, the Confidential Disclosure Agreement, and the documents and instruments and other agreements among the parties hereto referenced herein: (i) constitute the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and understandings both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, (ii) except for Section 7.01(b) and Sections 1.08(a), 1.08(b), 1.11 and 5.16(e) (all of which shall be enforceable by any of the Stockholders), are not intended to confer upon any other person any rights or remedies hereunder, and (iii) shall not be assigned by operation of law or otherwise, except that Surf Air may assign its rights and delegate its obligations hereunder to its affiliates as long as Surf Air remains ultimately liable for all of Surf Air’s obligations hereunder.
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9.05 Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof, becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement will continue in full force and effect and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances will be interpreted so as reasonably to effect the intent of the parties hereto. The parties further agree to replace such void or unenforceable provision of this Agreement with a valid and enforceable provision that will achieve, to the extent possible, the economic, business and other purposes of such void or unenforceable provision.
9.06 Other Remedies. Any and all remedies herein expressly conferred upon a party will be deemed cumulative with and not exclusive of any other remedy conferred hereby, or by law or equity upon such party, and the exercise by a party of any one remedy will not preclude the exercise of any other remedy.
9.07 Governing Law; Exclusive Jurisdiction. All provisions of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, in connection with any matter based upon or arising out of this Agreement or the matters contemplated herein, agrees that process may be served upon them in any manner authorized by the laws of the State of Delaware for such persons and waives and covenants not to assert or plead any objection which they might otherwise have to such jurisdiction, venue and such process. Each party agrees not to commence any legal proceedings related hereto except in such courts.
9.08 Rules of Construction. The parties hereto agree that they have been represented by counsel during the negotiation and execution of this Agreement and, therefore, waive the application of any law, regulation, holding or rule of construction providing that ambiguities in an agreement or other document will be construed against the party drafting such agreement or document.
9.09 Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY AND ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ACTIONS OF ANY PARTY HERETO IN NEGOTIATION, ADMINISTRATION, PERFORMANCE OR ENFORCEMENT HEREOF.
9.10 Waiver. Reference is made to the final prospectus of the SPAC relating to the SPAC’s initial public offering (the “SPAC IPO”). The Company, on behalf of all Stockholders, understands that the SPAC has established a trust account for the benefit of the public stockholders of the SPAC and the underwriters of the SPAC IPO pursuant to a trust agreement and that, except for a portion of the interest earned on the amounts held in the trust account, the SPAC may disburse monies from the trust account only for the purposes set forth in the applicable trust agreement. For and in consideration of the Surf Entities agreeing to enter into this Agreement, the Company, on behalf of all Stockholders, hereby agrees that it does not have any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies in the SPAC’s trust account and hereby agrees that it will not seek recourse against such trust account for any claim it may have in the future as a result of, or arising out of, any negotiations, contracts or agreements with the SPAC.
9.11 Specific Enforcement. The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any provision of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with its specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed by the parties hereto that the Company or the Surf Entities shall be entitled to an immediate injunction or injunctions, without the necessity of proving the inadequacy of money damages as a remedy and without the necessity of posting any bond or other security, to prevent breaches of the provisions of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof or thereof in any court of the United States or any state having jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled at law or in equity.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be signed as of the date first written above.
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC. | |||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | ||
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | ||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer | ||
SURF AIR GLOBAL LIMITED | |||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | ||
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | ||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer | ||
SURF AIR INC. | |||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | ||
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | ||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer | ||
SAC MERGER SUB INC. | |||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | ||
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | ||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer | ||
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION | |||
By: | /s/ R. Stanley Little | ||
Name: | R. Stanley Little | ||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT]
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Appendix A
Certain Definitions
“Adjustment Amount” means an amount equal to proceeds actually received by the Company and/or its subsidiaries after the date hereof and prior to the Closing Date pursuant to, and in accordance with, the Small Business Act, the CARES Act and/or any other Airline Support Program, but, in each case, excluding any Indebtedness.
“Aggregate Common Stock Consideration” means an amount equal to the Aggregate Merger Consideration, minus the Preferred Stock Merger Consideration.
“Aggregate Merger Consideration” means (a) an amount in cash equal to fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000) minus the PPP Loan Amount, if any, in respect of which the Aggregate Cash Amount is required to be reduced pursuant to Section 5.16 (“Aggregate Cash Consideration”), plus (b) an aggregate number of shares of NewCo Common Stock with a value of thirty-five million dollars ($35,000,000) (it being understood and agreed that for purposes of this Agreement, the value of a share of NewCo Common Stock shall be the lesser of (x) $10.00 divided by the number of shares of common stock of the SPAC convertible into one share of NewCo Common Stock pursuant to a Business Combination and (y) the lowest value paid by any investor for a share of NewCo Common Stock in connection with a Business Combination, other than shares issued to GEM in connection with the Public Listing Advance, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the GEM Facility), plus (c) an aggregate number of shares of NewCo Common Stock with a value (as determined in the same manner as under clause (b) of this definition) equal to the Adjustment Amount (the “Aggregate Stock Consideration”); provided that to the extent that, as of the Closing Date, there are unpaid Third-Party Expenses and/or Dissenting Share Payments (the aggregate amount, if any, of such unpaid Third-Party Expenses and/or Dissenting Share Payments, the “Reduction Amount”), the amount of the Aggregate Cash Consideration included in the Aggregate Merger Consideration shall be reduced by thirty percent (30%) of the Reduction Amount, and the aggregate number of shares of NewCo Common Stock constituting the Aggregate Stock Consideration shall be reduced by seventy percent (70%) of the Reduction Amount. For purposes hereof, the “Cash Consideration Percentage” means the percentage represented by the quotient of (i) the Aggregate Cash Consideration after giving effect to any reduction pursuant to the foregoing proviso, divided by the (ii) the amount of the Aggregate Merger Consideration after giving effect to any reduction pursuant to the foregoing proviso; and the “Stock Consideration Percentage” means the percentage represented (x) one (1), less (y) the Cash Consideration Percentage.
“Airline Partner” means any operator of short haul aircraft.
“Airline Support Program” means the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and any other governmental program under which the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries are entitled to receive support funds from any Governmental Entity.
“Business Day” means each day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which Surf Air is closed for business or banking institutions located in Los Angeles, California are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.
“CARES Act” means the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, P.L. 116- 136 (2020), as amended, including pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.
“Car Rental Program” means the car rental service operated by the Company and its Subsidiaries at the airports at which it operates.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any regulations and official guidance promulgated thereunder.
“Company Capital Stock” means the Company Common Stock, the Company Preferred Stock and any other shares of capital stock, if any, of the Company, taken together.
“Company’s Certificate of Incorporation” means the certificate of incorporation of the Company, as amended or restated from time to time and in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time.
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“Company Common Stock” means common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company.
“Company Intellectual Property” means any and all Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Rights that are owned or purported to be owned by the Company.
“Company Material Adverse Effect” means any change, event, violation, inaccuracy, circumstance or effect (any such item, an “Effect”), individually or when taken together with all other Effects that have occurred prior to the date of determination of the occurrence of the Company Material Adverse Effect, that is or is reasonably likely to be materially adverse to the business, assets (including intangible assets), liabilities, financial condition or results of operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; provided, however, that in no event shall any Effect primarily resulting from the announcement or pendency of the Merger be deemed to constitute or be taken into account in determining whether there has been a Company Material Adverse Effect; provided, further, that a Company Material Adverse Effect shall not result from nor shall any of the following be taken into account in determining whether there has been a Company Material Adverse Effect (i) changes in the United States or global financial markets or general business, economic or airline industry conditions except to the extent the same has had or would reasonably be expected to have a disproportionate effect on the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other similarly sized and situated Persons operating in the same industry as the Company or the Subsidiaries, (ii) effects arising from changes in United States or global political or social conditions, including war or terrorism, or any worsening or escalation thereof, (iii) any earthquake, hurricane, tsunami, tornado, flood, mudslide or other natural disaster, epidemic, pandemic (including COVID-19), weather condition or other force majeure event or act of God in the United States, or (iv) any actions taken, or omitted to be taken, in response to COVID-19 or any COVID-19 Measure or as otherwise required to be taken, or omitted to be taken, under applicable Legal Requirements.
“Company Options” means all issued and outstanding options (including commitments to grant options, but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, shares of Company Preferred Stock) to purchase or otherwise acquire shares of Company Common Stock (whether or not vested) held by any Person, including, but not limited to, options to purchase shares of Company Common Stock.
“Company Preferred Stock” means, collectively, Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock.
“Company Proposal” means any inquiry, proposal or offer from any Person other than the Surf Entities or any of their affiliates with respect to any (a) merger, joint venture, partnership, consolidation, tender offer, recapitalization, reorganization, spin-off, share exchange, business combination, purchase or similar transaction involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries which if consummated would result in any Person (other than the Surf Entities or any of their affiliates) becoming the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, in one or a series of related transactions, of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the total voting power of the Company or (b) direct or indirect acquisition, in one or a series of related transactions, of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in each case, other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
“Contract” means any mortgage, indenture, lease, contract, covenant, plan, insurance policy or other agreement, instrument, arrangement, understanding or commitment, permit, concession, franchise or license.
“COVID-19” means the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 and all related strains, sequences, evolutions or mutations thereof, and the associated disease COVID-19).
“COVID-19 Measures” means any Legal Requirement, directive, pronouncement or guideline issued by a Governmental Entity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization providing for business closures, changes to business operations, “sheltering-in-place,” curfews or other restrictions that relate to, or arise out of COVID-19, including, but not limited to, the CARES Act.
“DOT” means the United States Department of Transportation.
“FAA” means the United States Federal Aviation Administration.
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“Forgiven” means, with respect to Indebtedness, that such Indebtedness is forgiven by the SBA.
“GAAP” means United States generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied.
“GEM” means GEM Global Yield LLC SCS.
“GEM Facility” means that certain Share Purchase Agreement dated as of August 26, 2020, by and among Surf Holdings, GEM and GEM Yield Bahamas Limited, in effect as of the date hereof, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time; provided; however, that Surf Entities shall not amend, restate, supplement or otherwise modify such agreement or any of the terms thereof in a manner to include or be subject to terms or conditions less favorable to the issuer thereunder or any of the stockholders of the Company or such issuer than the terms reflected in the form of the agreement provided to the Company prior to the date hereof.
“Information Statement” means the final version of the solicitation and information statement to be distributed to the Stockholders in connection with (i) soliciting the Stockholder Written Consent and (ii) notifying the Stockholders of any dissenters’ rights pursuant to Section 1.10.
“Intellectual Property” means any or all of the following (i) works of authorship including computer programs, source code, and executable code, whether embodied in software, firmware or otherwise, architecture, documentation, designs, files, records, and data, (ii) inventions (whether or not patentable), discoveries, improvements, and technology, (iii) proprietary and confidential information, trade secrets and know how, (iv) databases, data compilations and collections and technical data, (v) logos, trade names, trade dress, trademarks and service marks, (vi) domain names, web addresses and sites, (vii) tools, methods and processes, (viii) devices, prototypes, schematics, breadboards, netlists, maskworks, test methodologies, verilog files, emulation and simulation reports, test vectors and hardware development tools, and (ix) any and all instantiations of the foregoing in any form and embodied in any media.
“Intellectual Property Rights” means worldwide common law and statutory rights associated with (i) patents, patent applications and inventors’ certificates, (ii) copyrights, copyright registrations and copyright applications, “moral” rights and mask work rights, (iii) the protection of trade and industrial secrets and confidential information, (iv) other proprietary rights relating to intangible Intellectual Property, (v) trademarks, trade names and service marks, (vi) divisions, continuations, renewals, reissuances and extensions of the foregoing (as applicable) and (vii) analogous rights to those set forth above, including the right to enforce and recover remedies for any of the foregoing.
“Key Employee” means the employee of the Company and/or any Subsidiary listed on Schedule B.
“Knowledge” or “Known” means, (i) with respect to the Company, the knowledge of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, after due and diligent inquiry, and (ii) with respect to the Surf Entities, the knowledge of officers Surf Air, after due and diligent inquiry.
“Legal Requirements” means any applicable federal, state, local, non-U.S. or other law, statute, constitution, principle of common law, ordinance, code, order, edict, decree, rule, regulation, ruling or requirement issued, enacted, adopted, promulgated, implemented or otherwise put into legal effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Entity.
“Lien” means any lien, pledge, charge, claim, mortgage, security interest or other encumbrance of any sort.
“Made Available” shall mean that the Company has made available to Surf Air and its representatives during the negotiation of this Agreement, but only if so posted or made available at least one (1) Business Days prior to the date of this Agreement.
“NewCo Option” means any option to purchase shares of NewCo Common Stock.
“NewCo Plan” means the equity incentive plan of NewCo disclosed in the Registration Statement.
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“No-Shop Termination Date” means March 31, 2021, unless a definitive Business Combination Agreement by and among the Surf Entities and a SPAC shall have been duly entered into by such entities providing for a Business Combination involving such entities and their Subsidiaries and the consummation simultaneously with such Business Combination of the Merger pursuant to this Agreement (with the Company becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of NewCo) and the Ampaire Transaction or an Ampaire Equivalent Transaction, in which case the No-Shop Termination Date shall be the date upon which either the Business Combination Agreement or the Ampaire Acquisition Agreement is no longer in effect.
“Per Share Common Stock Consideration” means an amount equal to the Aggregate Common Stock Consideration divided by the aggregate number of shares of Company Common Stock (including vested and unvested restricted shares of Company Common Stock) outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time. The Cash Consideration Percentage of the Per Share Common Stock Consideration shall be in cash and the Stock Consideration Percentage of the Per Share Common Stock Consideration shall be in the form of shares of NewCo Common Stock.
“Per Share Series A Merger Consideration” means the portion of the Aggregate Merger Consideration payable in respect of each share of Series A Preferred Stock upon a Deemed Liquidation Event under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation. The Cash Consideration Percentage of the Per Share Series A Merger Consideration shall be in cash and Stock Consideration Percentage of the Per Share Series A Merger Consideration shall be in the form of shares of NewCo Common Stock.
“Per Share Series A-1 Merger Consideration” means the portion of the Aggregate Merger Consideration payable in respect of each share of Series A-1 Preferred Stock upon a Deemed Liquidation Event under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation. The Cash Consideration Percentage of the Per Share Series A-1 Merger Consideration shall be in cash and Stock Consideration Percentage of the Per Share Series A-1 Merger Consideration shall be in the form of shares of NewCo Common Stock.
“Per Share Series A-2 Merger Consideration” means the portion of the Aggregate Merger Consideration payable in respect of each share of Series A-2 Preferred Stock upon a Deemed Liquidation Event under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation. The Cash Consideration Percentage of the Per Share Series A-2 Merger Consideration shall be in cash and Stock Consideration Percentage of the Per Share Series A-2 Merger Consideration shall be in the form of shares of NewCo Common Stock.
“Per Share Series B Merger Consideration” means the portion of the Aggregate Merger Consideration payable in respect of each share of Series A Preferred Stock upon a Deemed Liquidation Event under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation. The Cash Consideration Percentage of the Per Share Series B Merger Consideration shall be in cash and Stock Consideration Percentage of the Per Share Series B Merger Consideration shall be in the form of shares of NewCo Common Stock.
“Person” means an individual or entity, including a partnership, a limited liability company, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, or a Governmental Entity (or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof).
“PPP Escrow Account” means an account with the PPP Lender into which the PPP Loan Amount will be funded by one of the Surf Entities or NewCo at Closing pursuant to Section 5.16(b) to be held pursuant to the PPP Escrow Agreement.
“PPP Escrow Agreement” means an Escrow Agreement, dated as of or around the Closing Date, by and among the Company and the PPP Lender (as escrow agent), in form and substance acceptable to the PPP Lender.
“PPP Lender” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
“PPP Loan” means that certain Note (as amended from time to time) dated as of April 7, 2020, by and between Southern Airways Express, LLC and the PPP Lender, in the original principal amount of $4,286,910 (together with any interest thereon payable by the Company or any of its subsidiaries after the Closing Date and less any such amounts actually Forgiven on or before the Closing Date, the “PPP Loan Amount”) issued pursuant to the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program under the CARES Act.
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“PPP Loan Forgiveness Amount” means the portion of the PPP Loan Amount that is determined to be Forgiven by the SBA and is actually remitted to the Company (or any of its Subsidiaries) or the Exchange Agent by the PPP Lender pursuant to the terms of the PPP Escrow Agreement following the Closing Date.
“PPP” means the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program.
“Preferred Stock Merger Consideration” means the sum of (i) the Series A Merger Consideration, (ii) the Series A-1 Merger Consideration, (iii) the Series A-2 Merger Consideration and (iv) the Series B Merger Consideration.
“Pro Rata Share” means, with respect to each Stockholder, the proportion of the PPP Loan Forgiveness Amount in cash and the Unforgiven PPP Loan Amount in the form of shares of NewCo Common Stock, if any, to which such Stockholder may become entitled pursuant to Section 5.16, which shall be calculated as a fraction, (x) the numerator of which is the number of shares of Company Common Stock held by such Stockholder immediately prior to the Effective Time plus the number of shares of Common Stock issuable immediately prior to the Effective Time upon conversion of the shares of Company Preferred Stock held by such Stockholder immediately prior to the Effective Time and (y) the denominator of which is the total number of shares of Company Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time plus the total number of shares of Common Stock issuable immediately prior to the Effective Time upon conversion of all of the shares of Company Preferred Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. Each Stockholder’s Pro Rata Share shall be set forth on the Spreadsheet.
“Prospectus” means the final prospectus of NewCo included in the Registration Statement.
“Related Agreements” means the Key Employee Agreement, Certificate of Merger, Stockholder Written Consent, PPP Escrow Agreement, any director and officer resignation and release letters, and all other agreements and certificates entered into by the Company and the Stockholders in connection with the transactions contemplated herein.
“SBA” means the United States Small Business Administration.
“SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Series A Merger Consideration” means an amount equal to the Per Share Series A Merger Consideration multiplied by the aggregate number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time.
“Series A Preferred Stock” means Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company.
“Series A-1 Merger Consideration” means an amount equal to the Per Share Series A-1 Merger Consideration multiplied by the aggregate number of shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time.
“Series A-1 Preferred Stock” means Series A-1 Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company.
“Series A-2 Merger Consideration” means an amount equal to the Per Share Series A-2 Merger Consideration multiplied by the aggregate number of shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time.
“Series A-2 Preferred Stock” means Series A-2 Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company.
“Series B Merger Consideration” means an amount equal to the Per Share Series B Merger Consideration multiplied by the aggregate number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time.
“Series B Preferred Stock” means Series B Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company.
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“Stockholder” means any holder of any Company Capital Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any party, any Person, in which such party directly or indirectly, beneficially owns more than fifty percent (50%) of either the equity interests in, or the voting control of, such Person.
“Tax” or “Taxes” means any federal, state, local, or non-U.S. income, gross receipts, license, payroll, employment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, windfall profits, environmental, customs duties, capital stock, franchise, profits, withholding, social security (or similar), unemployment, disability, real property, personal property, sales, use, transfer, registration, value added, alternative or add-on minimum, estimated, or other tax of any kind whatsoever, including any interest, penalty, or addition thereto, whether disputed or not and including any obligations to indemnify or otherwise assume or succeed to the Tax liability of any other Person.
“Tax Return” means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, or information return or statement relating to Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof.
“Unforgiven PPP Loan Amount” means the amount, if any, by which the PPP Loan Amount as of the Closing Date exceeds the PPP Loan Forgiveness Amount.
“Warrants” means the common stock warrants to purchase shares of Company Common Stock, each dated April 2, 2018, granted by the Company to each of Academy Securities Inc., Roger Brandt and Patrick Perdue and any warrants issued in replacement thereof.
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Exhibit A
Form of Voting and Support Agreement
Exhibit 2.2
EXECUTION VERSION
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
ACQUISITION AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE ACQUISITION AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) is entered into as of August 22, 2021, by and among Surf Air Global Limited, a British Virgin Islands company (“Surf Holdings”), Surf Air Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Surf Air”), Surf Air Mobility Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Surf Holdings (“NewCo”), SAC Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of NewCo (“Merger Sub”, and together with Surf Air, NewCo and Surf Holdings, the “Surf Entities”), and Southern Airways Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). Each entity is referred to herein as a “Party” and, collectively, as the “Parties”. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Amendment shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Original Agreement, as defined below.
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Surf Entities and the Company entered into that certain Acquisition Agreement, dated as of March 17, 2021 (the “Original Agreement”) pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions thereunder, the Parties intend to effect a merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company in accordance with the Original Agreement and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of NewCo;
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to amend the Original Agreement as set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 8.03 of the Original Agreement, the Original Agreement may be amended by a written instrument signed on behalf of the Party against whom enforcement is sought.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. Amendments to the Original Agreement. The Original Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
(a) | A new Section 5.11(c) is hereby added as follows: |
“Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.11, the Parties acknowledge and agree that (x) Surf Air has paid or will pay all expenses incurred by it or its affiliates associated with outsourced accounting teams to uplift the Company’s financial statements to PCAOB compliance and for expenses incurred by it and its affiliates in connection with the audit of such financial statements and the preparation of the Registration Statement, except that the Company shall pay one-half (1/2) of all reasonable fees and expenses of PricewaterhouseCoopers incurred by Surf Air from and after August 6, 2021 continuing through the Closing or termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 8.01 to uplift the Company’s financial statements to be PCAOB compliant and complete the audit of such financial statements, in each case to the extent required for the preparation of the Registration Statement, up to a maximum of $250,000, in the aggregate; and (iii) the Company confirms that, if (and only if) this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section 8.01, of the Company shall be permitted use such financial statements and audits for any purpose.”
(b) | Section 4.01(a) is hereby amended to add after the words “COVID-19 Measures” the following “except that the Company and its Subsidiaries may disburse to its stockholders, employees or other Persons any cash or cash equivalents held by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, so long as immediately after giving effect to any such disbursement the Company and its Subsidiaries will continue to hold at least $8 million, in the aggregate”; |
(c) | A new Section 1.11(g) is hereby added as follows: (g) The Surf Entities agree to take all actions necessary to ensure that, from and after the Effective Time, no former stockholder of the Company (or any of its affiliates) shall be subject to any “lock-up” or other restriction on such former stockholder’s (or its affiliates) ability to at any time sell or otherwise transfer the shares of NewCo Common Stock received in the Merger in open market transactions or otherwise. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Surf Entities agree to take all actions necessary so that, from and after the Effective Time until the first anniversary of the filing by Newco of current Form 10 Information in accordance with Rule 144(i) of the Securities Act, the Registration Statement (or another registration statement) shall be in effect and provide for the reoffer and resale (including in open-market transactions) of shares of Newco Common Stock received in the Merger by former stockholders of the Company who may be limited under the Securities Act (with respect to volume of sales or otherwise) in their ability to publicly offer or resell such shares. The Surf Entities shall be responsible for all costs and expenses of registering such shares and shall indemnify and hold harmless such former stockholders from any losses or liabilities that may suffer or incur by reason of any false or misleading statement contained in (or incorporated by reference in) any such registration statement or related prospectus. |
(d) | Sections 5.16(b)-(e) are hereby deleted in their entirety. |
(e) | Section 8.01(b) is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“by Surf Air or the Company if the Closing Date shall not have occurred by the Outside Date;”
(f) | Section 8.01(h) is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
by the Company if no Compliant Business Combination Agreement is then in effect and for the thirty consecutive day period prior thereto there shall be not be in effect a Compliant LOI for which no notice of termination has been delivered by any party thereto ;”
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(g) | Section 8.01(i) is hereby amended to replace the “.” at the end of such subsection with “; or”. |
(h) | A new Section 8.01(j) is hereby added as follows: |
“by the Company if (and only if) the Ampaire Acquisition Agreement shall have been terminated, and the Surf Entities shall not have entered into a definitive agreement providing for an Ampaire Equivalent Transaction and the consummation simultaneously of such Ampaire Equivalent Transaction with the Merger pursuant to this Agreement on or prior to the Outside Date (or such later date as shall be agreed by the Company).”
(i) | The definitions of each of “Adjustment Amount”, “Aggregate Merger Consideration”, “Airline Support Program”, “Per Share Common Stock Consideration”, “Per Share Series A Merger Consideration”, “Per Share Series A-1 Merger Consideration”, “Per Share Series A-2 Merger Consideration”, “Per Share Series B Merger Consideration”, “PPP Escrow Account”, “PPP Escrow Agreement”, “PPP Loan Amount”, “PPP Loan Forgiveness Amount”, “Pro Rata Share”, “Related Agreements” and “Unforgiven PPP Loan Amount” as set forth in Appendix A of the Original Agreement shall be deleted in their entirety and replaced with the following (as applicable): |
“Aggregate Merger Consideration” means freely-tradable shares of New Common Stock representing 6.25% of shares of New Common Stock, and 6.25% of any other form of consideration, constituting the Total Consideration, but in no event shall such consideration have a value at Closing of less than 6.25% of $800,000,000.
“Per Share Common Stock Consideration” means an amount equal to the Aggregate Common Stock Consideration divided by the aggregate number of shares of Company Common Stock (including vested and unvested restricted shares of Company Common Stock) outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time.”
“Per Share Series A Merger Consideration” means the portion of the Aggregate Merger Consideration payable in respect of each share of Series A Preferred Stock upon a Deemed Liquidation Event under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation.”
“Per Share Series A-1 Merger Consideration” means the portion of the Aggregate Merger Consideration payable in respect of each share of Series A-1 Preferred Stock upon a Deemed Liquidation Event under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation.”
“Per Share Series A-2 Merger Consideration” means the portion of the Aggregate Merger Consideration payable in respect of each share of Series A-2 Preferred Stock upon a Deemed Liquidation Event under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation.”
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“Per Share Series B Merger Consideration” means the portion of the Aggregate Merger Consideration payable in respect of each share of Series B Preferred Stock upon a Deemed Liquidation Event under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation.”
“Related Agreements” means the Key Employee Agreement, Certificate of Merger, Stockholder Written Consent, any director and officer resignation letters, and all other agreements and certificates entered into by the Company and the Stockholders in connection with the transactions contemplated herein.
(j) | The following defined terms shall be added to Appendix A of the Original Agreement: |
“Compliant Business Combination Agreement” means a definitive agreement for a Business Combination involving the Surf Entities, NewCo and a SPAC and the simultaneous consummation with such Business Combination of the Merger pursuant to this Agreement and an Ampaire Transaction; provided that such definitive agreement reflects a non-contingent valuation of the combined equity of Surf Air, Ampaire and Southern equal to or greater than $800 million and no party to such definitive agreement has indicated intention to reduce such valuation below $800 million;
“Compliant LOI” means a letter of intent with respect to a Business Combination involving the Surf Entities, NewCo and a SPAC and the simultaneous consummation with such Business Combination of the Merger pursuant to this Agreement and an Ampaire Transaction; provided that such letter of intent reflect a non-contingent valuation of the combined equity of Surf Air, Ampaire and Southern equal to or greater than $800 million and no party to the letter of intent has indicated intention to reduce such valuation below $800 million;
“Total Consideration” means the total number of shares of NewCo Common Stock (on an as-converted to NewCo Common Stock basis to the extent there is more than one class of capital stock of NewCo) and/or other consideration issuable or payable in respect of the assets and/or equity interests of the Surf Entities, the Company in connection with the Business Combination, the Merger and the Ampaire Transaction (including for this purpose (i) the maximum number of shares of capital stock of NewCo and/or other consideration issuable or payable in respect of the assets and/or equity interests of the Surf Entities, the Company in connection with the Business Combination, the Merger and the Ampaire Transaction pursuant to any escrow, earn-out, holdback or other contingent event and (ii) any shares of NewCo capital stock reserved for issuance pursuant to any equity incentive plans of NewCo).”
“Outside Date” means the earlier of (a) if a definitive Business Combination Agreement shall have been executed by the Surf Entities, NewCo and a SPAC, the date of the termination thereof in accordance with its terms and (b) December 31, 2021, provided that, such date shall automatically be extended by an additional 60 days if the Company, NewCo and the SPAC continue to work in good faith towards consummating the transactions contemplated by a Compliant Business Combination Agreement that is in effect, including the Business Combination and the simultaneous consummation of the Merger pursuant to this Agreement and the Amplaire Transaction.”
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(k) | The reference to “Aggregate Cash Consideration” appearing in Section 16(b) of the Original Agreement shall be changed to “Aggregate Merger Consideration”. |
2. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more such counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Parties. A signed copy of this Amendment delivered by electronic transmission shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy of this Amendment.
3. Effect of Amendment; No Waiver. Except as expressly set forth in Section 1 of this Amendment: (a) the terms and conditions of the Original Agreement are unaffected by this Amendment, (b) the Parties hereby reserve all rights and privileges under the Original Agreement that exist as of the date of this Agreement and Amendment and (c) the execution of this Amendment by the Parties shall not constitute a waiver by any Party of any such rights or privileges that exist as of the date of this Amendment.
4. Other Provisions. Sections 8.03 (Amendment), 8.04 (Extension; Waiver), 9.01 (Notices), 9.04 (Entire Agreement; Assignment), 9.05 (Severability), 9.07 (Governing Law; Exclusive Jurisdiction), 9.08 (Rules of Construction) and 9.09 (Waiver of Jury Trial) of the Original Agreement are incorporated into this Amendment by reference as if fully set forth herein, mutatis mutandis.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHERE OF, the Parties have duly executed this Amendment as of the date first written above.
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | President |
SURF AIR GLOBAL LIMITED | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | Executive Chairman and CEO |
SURF AIR INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | Executive Chairman and CEO |
SAC MERGER SUB INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | President |
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION | ||
By: | /s/ Stan Little | |
Name: | Stan Little | |
Title: | CEO |
[Signature Page to Amendment No. 1 to Southern Acquisition Agreement]
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Exhibit 2.3
Execution Version
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO
ACQUISITION AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE ACQUISITION AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) is entered into as of May 17, 2022, by and among Surf Air Global Limited, a British Virgin Islands company (“Surf Holdings”), Surf Air Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Surf Air”), Surf Air Mobility Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Surf Holdings (“NewCo”), SAC Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of NewCo (“Merger Sub”, and together with Surf Air, NewCo and Surf Holdings, the “Surf Entities”), and Southern Airways Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). Each entity is referred to herein as a “Party” and, collectively, as the “Parties”. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Amendment shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Acquisition Agreement, as defined below.
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Surf Entities and the Company entered into that certain Acquisition Agreement, dated as of March 17, 2021, as amended by that certain Amendment No. 1 to Acquisition Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2021 (collectively, the “Acquisition Agreement”) pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions thereunder, the Parties intend to effect a merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company in accordance with the Acquisition Agreement and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of NewCo;
WHEREAS in connection with the execution and delivery of that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among Tuscan Holdings Corp. II, a Delaware corporation , Surf Holdings, NewCo, THCA Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and SAGL Merger Sub Limited, a BVI business company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, the Parties desire to amend the Acquisition Agreement as set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 8.03 of the Acquisition Agreement, the Acquisition Agreement may be amended by a written instrument signed on behalf of the Party against whom enforcement is sought.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. Amendments to the Acquisition Agreement. The Acquisition Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
(a) | Section 4.01(a) is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“(a) to use reasonable best efforts to conduct its business in all material respects in the usual, regular and ordinary course in substantially the same manner as heretofore conducted, except (i) for any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries acting reasonably and in good faith in response to COVID-19 or any COVID-19 Measures and (ii) nothing herein shall prohibit the Company and its Subsidiaries from disbursing to its stockholders, employees or other Persons any cash or cash equivalents held by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, so long as immediately after giving effect to any such disbursement the Company and its Subsidiaries will continue to hold cash and cash equivalents of at least (x) $3 million, in the aggregate, less (y) amounts owed by Surf Entities and their Subsidiaries to the Company and its Subsidiaries (excluding any deposits delivered by the Surf Entities and their Subsidiaries to secure such amounts owed);”
(b) | Section 4.01(d)(ii) is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“(ii) other than in the ordinary course in connection with the Car Rental Program, incur any Indebtedness (whether under the Scheduled Indebtedness or otherwise), or guarantee any Indebtedness of any Person; provided, however, nothing herein shall prohibit the Company and its from incurring or guaranteeing Indebtedness for the purchase of additional airplanes; or”
(c) | Section 5.11(c) is hereby amended to delete therefrom: “, except that the Company shall pay one-half (1/2) of all reasonable fees and expenses of PricewaterhouseCoopers incurred by Surf Air from and after August 6, 2021 continuing through the Closing or termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 8.01 to uplift the Company’s financial statements to be PCAOB compliant and complete the audit of such financial statements, in each case to the extent required for the preparation of the Registration Statement, up to a maximum of $250,000, in the aggregate” |
(d) | A new Section 5.17 is hereby added as follows: |
“5.17 NewCo Board. The Parties acknowledge and agree that following the closing of the Business Combination, (a) the board of directors of NewCo (the “NewCo Board”) is intended to have nine (9) members, with seven (7) initially designated by Surf Holdings, one (1) initially designated by SPAC and approved by Surf Holdings (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld) and one (1) who shall be the chief executive officer of NewCo and (b) NewCo shall have a three-tier classified board, with each member of the NewCo Board to be designated in one of the three classes as mutually agreed by Surf Holdings and SPAC. The Parties agrees that (x) the Company shall have the right to designate one of the members of NewCo Board initially designated by Surf Holdings, which the Company agrees will be R. Stanley Little (or, if R. Stanley Little, is unable to serve, a replacement determined by the Company prior to Closing), and, (y) if at any time within twelve (12) months following the Effective Date, the number of directors of the NewCo Board is increased to more than nine (9) members, R. Stanley Little shall be entitled to designate an additional director to the NewCo Board, and such member shall be deemed pre-approved by Surf Holdings and SPAC. The NewCo Board shall comply with Nasdaq Stock Market and any applicable state law requirements, including with respect to diversity, independence and committee composition. The Parties agree that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, R. Stanley Little shall be an express third party beneficiary of this Section 5.17 entitled to enforce the terms hereof.”
(e) | A new Section 5.18 is hereby added as follows: |
“5.18 Management Incentive Plan. Prior to or concurrently with the closing of the Merger, (a) NewCo shall adopt an incentive plan for the employees, consultants and other service providers Company and its Subsidiaries reflecting the terms set forth on Exhibit B attached hereto and otherwise reflecting terms and conditions reasonably acceptable to Company, as determined by its Chairman, and (b) NewCo shall grant awards under the plan to employees, consultants and other service providers of Company and its Subsidiaries based on their beneficial ownership of equity securities of the Company as shall be determined by the Chairman of the Company prior to the Closing. The Parties agree that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, Chairman of the Company prior to the Closing shall be an express third party beneficiary of this Section 5.18 entitled to enforce the terms hereof.”
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(f) | A new Section 5.19 is hereby added as follows: |
5.19. Excluded Interests. The Surf Entities agree to consult in good faith with the Chairman of the Company with respect to the use of proceeds raised through the issuance of Excluded Interests and not to use such proceeds to repay any Indebtedness.
(g) | A new Section 5.20 is hereby added as follows: |
“5.20 BCA Documents. The Surf Parties shall use their commercially reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to cause the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement to be consummated on the terms set forth in the Business Combination Agreement and the other BCA Documents, including using their commercially reasonable efforts to (i) maintain in full force and effect the Business Combination Agreement and the other BCA Documents in accordance with the terms thereof, (ii) satisfy on a timely basis all conditions to the obligations of the Surf Entities to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, to the extent within the control of the Surf Entities and their Subsidiaries , and, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to closing set forth in the Business Combination Agreement, to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement concurrently with the Closing, (iii) comply on a timely basis with the obligations of Surf Entities and their Subsidiaries under the Business Combination Agreement and the other BCA Documents, and (iv) enforce the rights of Surf Entities and their Subsidiaries under the Business Combination Agreement and the other BCA Documents. The Surf Entities have provided the Company with true and correct copies of the Business Combination Agreement and the other BCA Documents and the Surf Entities shall give the Company prompt written notice upon becoming aware of (A) any breach or default (or any event or circumstance which, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, could reasonably be expected to give rise to any breach or default) by any party to any of the Business Combination Agreement or the other BCA Documents that would reasonably be expected to cause any of the conditions set forth in any of the Business Combination Agreement or the other BCA Documents not to be satisfied, (B) any written termination or repudiation of, or threat in writing to terminate or repudiate, the Business Combination Agreement by any party thereto, (C) any material dispute or disagreement between or among any of the Business Combination Agreement or the other BCA Documents, or (D) the occurrence of an event or development that any of the Surf Entities reasonably expects to have a material adverse impact on the ability of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement to be consummated. Prior to the Closing, without the prior written consent of the Company (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), no Surf Entity nor any of its Subsidiaries shall permit (I) any amendment or modification to be made to, or any waiver of any provision or remedy under the Business Combination Agreement or the other BCA Documents (including, without limitation, any amendment, modification or waiver that (v) adversely affects the ability of the parties to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, (w) adversely affects the termination provisions of, or would result in the termination of, the Business Combination Agreement or any of the other BCA Documents, (x) imposes additional conditions precedent to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement or amends or modifies any of the existing conditions to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement or (z) adversely impacts the ability of the Surf Entities or any of their subsidiaries to enforce their rights against the counterparties to the Business Combination Agreement or any of the other BCA Documents) or (II) any grant of any release or consent under the Business Combination Agreement or any of the other BCA Documents. The Surf Entities shall consult in good faith with the Company in connection with the exercise by the Surf Entities and/or any of their Subsidiaries of their rights in the event of (1) any breach or default (or any event or circumstance which, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, could reasonably be expected to give rise to any breach or default) by any party to the Business Combination Agreement or any of the other BCA Documents or (2) any failure of the conditions to the consummation of the Business Combination Agreement or any of the other BCA Documents, including with respect to the decision whether to waive any such breach, default or failure.”
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(h) | A new Section 5.21 is hereby added as follows: |
“Certain Defined Terms. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement but not otherwise defined shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Business Combination Agreement.”
(i) | Section 6.01(c) is hereby amended in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“(c) Business Combination. The Transactions (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement) shall be simultaneously consummated in accordance with the terms of the Business Combination Agreement.
(j) | Section 8.01(b) is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“(b) by Surf Air or the Company if the Business Combination Agreement has been validly terminated or any party thereto has the right to terminate the Business Combination Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof.”
(k) | Section 8.01(h) is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“(h) by the Company, if the Closing Date shall not have occurred by the Outside Date.”
(l) | Section 8.01(j) is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“(j) by the Company, (i) if the Business Condition (as defined in Exhibit B) is not satisfied as of September 30, 2022 or fails to be satisfied at any time thereafter or, (ii) if the Surf Entities’ financial advisor for the transaction contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement withdraws from, or otherwise ceases to serve in, that role and is not within 30 days replaced with a financial advisor that, in the Company’s good faith determination, has a reputation and is of caliber at least as good as the prior financial advisor.
(m) | The attached Exhibit B shall be attached to the Acquisition Agreement. |
(n) | The following defined term shall be added to Appendix A of the Acquisition Agreement: |
“BCA Documents” means the Business Combination Agreement, together with the Exhibits, Disclosure Schedules, and Schedules thereto and each of the Transaction Documents and other agreements and documents referenced in the Transaction Documents, as they may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
““Business Combination Agreement” means that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among Tuscan Holdings Corp. II, a Delaware corporation, Surf Holdings, NewCo, THCA Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and SAGL Merger Sub Limited, a BVI business company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, as it may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.”
““Excluded Interests” means those Simple Agreements for Future Equity, each dated May 17, 2022 and in the form previously provided to the Company, between Surf Holdings and each of Broader Media Holdings, LLC, Partners for Growth V, L.P. and Parklane Investments, LLC and such other financings for cash effected by any of the Surf Entities or any of their respective Subsidiaries after the date hereof, but prior to or concurrent with the Closing.
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(o) | The following defined terms in Appendix A of the Acquisition Agreement are hereby deleted in their entirety: “Complaint LOI” and “Complaint Business Combination Agreement.” |
(p) | The following defined terms in Appendix A of the Acquisition Agreement are hereby deleted in their entirety and replaced with the following: |
““Aggregate Merger Consideration” means (i) shares of NewCo Common Stock representing the greater of (a) $81.25 million and (b) 12.5% of shares of the Total Closing Consideration, and (ii) the right to receive (to the extent payable under the Business Combination Agreement) (x) upon the occurrence of each of the First Earnout Achievement Date, the Second Earnout Achievement Date, the Third Earnout Achievement Date and the Fourth Earnout Achievement Date (including by virtue of any deemed occurrence of the First Earnout Achievement Date, the Second Earnout Achievement Date, the Third Earnout Achievement Date and the Fourth Earnout Achievement Date pursuant to Section 2.10(f) of the Business Combination Agreement) in accordance with Section 2.10(a), Section 2.10(b), Section 2.10(c) and Section 2.10(d), respectively, of the Business Combination Agreement, (upon each such occurrence) a number of shares of NewCo Common Stock equal to the product of (A) 7,000,000 multiplied by (B) 12.5%, and (y) upon the satisfaction of the Commercial and Strategic Arrangement Condition in accordance with Section 2.10(e) of the Business Combination Agreement, a number of shares of NewCo Common Stock equal to the product of (A) 10,000,000 multiplied by (B) 12.5%.”
“Outside Date” shall have the meaning set forth in the Business Combination Agreement.
““Total Closing Consideration” means the total number of shares of NewCo Common Stock (on an as-converted to NewCo Common Stock basis to the extent there is more than one class of capital stock of NewCo) and/or other consideration issuable or payable (x) in respect of the assets and/or equity interests (including, for avoidance of doubt, Simple Agreements for Future Equity, equity awards and warrants) of the Surf Entities and the Company pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement or otherwise in connection with the Business Combination or in the Merger (y) and, to the extent applicable, in the Ampaire Equivalent Transaction (including, for this purpose (i) the maximum number of shares of capital stock of NewCo and/or other consideration issuable or payable (x) in respect of the assets and/or equity interests (including, for avoidance of doubt, Simple Agreements for Future Equity, equity awards and warrants) of the Surf Entities and the Company pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement or otherwise in connection with the Business Combination, the Merger and (y) to the extent applicable, the Ampaire Equivalent Transaction, in each case pursuant to any escrow, earn-out, holdback or other contingent event, but excluding (I) any shares of NewCo capital stock reserved for issuance pursuant to any equity incentive plans of NewCo but not subject to awards thereunder granted prior to the consummation of the Business Combination Agreement, the Business Combination or the Merger, (II) any shares of NewCo Common Stock issuable upon (x) the occurrence of any of the First Earnout Achievement Date, the Second Earnout Achievement Date, the Third Earnout Achievement Date, the Fourth Earnout Achievement Date (including by virtue of any deemed occurrence of the First Earnout Achievement Date, the Second Earnout Achievement Date, the Third Earnout Achievement Date and the Fourth Earnout Achievement Date pursuant to Section 2.10(f) of the Business Combination Agreement) pursuant to Section 2.10(a), Section 2.10(b), Section 2.10(c) Section 2.10(d), respectively, of the Business Combination Agreement and (y) the satisfaction of the Commercial and Strategic Arrangement condition, pursuant to Section 2.10(e) of the Business Combination Agreement, (III) shares of NewCo Common Stock issuable pursuant to the SkyWest Agreement, and (IV) shares of NewCo Common Stock issuable upon the exercise or conversion of the Excluded Interests.”
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2. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more such counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Parties. A signed copy of this Amendment delivered by electronic transmission shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy of this Amendment.
3. Effect of Amendment; No Waiver. Except as expressly set forth in Section 1 of this Amendment: (a) the terms and conditions of the Acquisition Agreement (as previously amended) are unaffected by this Amendment, (b) the Parties hereby reserve all rights and privileges under the Acquisition Agreement that exist as of the date of the Acquisition Agreement (as previously amended) and this Amendment and (c) the execution of this Amendment by the Parties shall not constitute a waiver by any Party of any such rights or privileges that exist as of the date of this Amendment.
4. Other Provisions. Sections 8.03 (Amendment), 8.04 (Extension; Waiver), 9.01 (Notices), 9.04 (Entire Agreement; Assignment), 9.05 (Severability), 9.07 (Governing Law; Exclusive Jurisdiction), 9.08 (Rules of Construction) and 9.09 (Waiver of Jury Trial) of the Acquisition Agreement are incorporated into this Amendment by reference as if fully set forth herein, mutatis mutandis.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHERE OF, the Parties have duly executed this Amendment as of the date first written above.
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | President | |
SURF AIR GLOBAL LIMITED | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | CEO | |
SURF AIR INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | CEO | |
SAC MERGER SUB INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | President | |
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION | ||
By: | /s/ R. Stanley Little | |
Name: | R. Stanley Little | |
Title: | CEO |
[Signature Page to Amendment No. 2 to Southern Acquisition Agreement]
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Exhibit 2.4
Execution Version
AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO
ACQUISITION AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE ACQUISITION AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) is entered into as of November 11, 2022, by and among Surf Air Global Limited, a British Virgin Islands company (“Surf Holdings”), Surf Air Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Surf Air”), Surf Air Mobility Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Surf Holdings (“NewCo”), SAC Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of NewCo (“Merger Sub”, and together with Surf Air, NewCo and Surf Holdings, the “Surf Entities”), and Southern Airways Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). Each entity is referred to herein as a “Party” and, collectively, as the “Parties”. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Amendment shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Acquisition Agreement, as defined below.
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Surf Entities and the Company entered into that certain Acquisition Agreement, dated as of March 17, 2021, as amended by that certain Amendment No. 1 to Acquisition Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2021 and that certain Amendment No. 2 to Acquisition Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2022 (collectively, the “Acquisition Agreement”) pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions thereunder, the Parties intend to effect a merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company in accordance with the Acquisition Agreement and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of NewCo;
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution of this Amendment, the Company has delivered the Stockholder Written Consent;
WHEREAS, in connection with a possible direct listing of shares of NewCo common stock, the Parties desire to amend the Acquisition Agreement as set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 8.03 of the Acquisition Agreement, the Acquisition Agreement may be amended by a written instrument signed on behalf of the Party against whom enforcement is sought.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. Amendments to the Acquisition Agreement. The Acquisition Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
(a) | The first two (2) recitals and the forth and the fifth recitals are deleted in their entirety and replaced with the following: |
“WHEREAS, the Parties intend to effect a merger (the “Merger”) of Merger Sub with and into the Company in accordance with this Agreement and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) to be conditioned on the closing of, and to be consummated simultaneously with the Business Combination (as defined below), with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of NewCo;
WHEREAS, Surf Holdings intends to effect a business combination transaction pursuant to which a newly-formed wholly-owned subsidiary of NewCo would be merged with and into Surf Holdings after which Surf Holdings would be a wholly-owned subsidiary of NewCo (the “Business Combination”) pursuant to a Business Combination Agreement by and among Surf Holdings, NewCo and the other parties thereto to be entered into prior to the Closing in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company, as such agreement may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time (the “Business Combination Agreement”);
WHEREAS, prior to the effectiveness of the Business Combination and the Merger, NewCo will file with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) on Form S-1 or such other available form for registration with the SEC (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Registration Statement”) to register the resale of the then outstanding shares of NewCo Common Stock, and concurrently with the Registration Statement becoming effective, the Merger the Business Combination and the Direct Listing will be completed and, as a result, the stockholders of each of Surf Holdings and the Company will hold NewCo Common Stock registered under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;
(b) | The ninth (9th) recital is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
WHEREAS, Southern will use reasonable best efforts to deliver prior to the Closing an Action by Written Consent of the Stockholders evidencing the approval of (i) this Agreement, (ii) the Merger and (iii) the other transactions contemplated hereby, in a form reasonably acceptable to Surf Air (the “Stockholder Written Consent”), executed by (x) the Stockholders holding at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of the Company Capital Stock, (y) the Stockholders holding at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Preferred Stock and Series A-2 Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class and (z) the Stockholders holding at least a majority of the outstanding shares of series B Preferred Stock (the foregoing consents set forth in clauses (x), (y) and (z), collectively, the “Requisite Stockholder Consent”);
(c) | The first sentence of Section 1.04 is deleted in its entirety as replaced with the following: |
Unless this Agreement is earlier terminated pursuant to its terms, the closing of the Merger (the “Closing”) will take place concurrently with the Direct Listing (as defined in Appendix A) on a Business Day as promptly as practicable after the execution and delivery hereof by the parties hereto, and following satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VI, remotely by exchange of documents and signatures, unless another time or place is mutually agreed upon in writing the parties hereto.
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(d) | A new sentence is added the end of Section 1.11(c) to read as follows: |
“For the avoidance of doubt, the letter of transmittal shall include representations and warranties necessary to determine if a Stockholder is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 5.01(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.”
(e) | Section 3.02 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“3.02. Authority. Each of the Surf Entities has all requisite corporate or similar power and authority to enter into this Agreement and any Related Agreements to which it is a party and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery by each of the Surf Entities of this Agreement and any Related Agreements to which it is a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or company action on the part of each of the Surf Entities. This Agreement and any Related Agreements to which any Surf Entity is a party have been duly executed and delivered by such Surf Entity and constitute the valid and binding obligations of such Surf Entity, enforceable against such Surf Entity in accordance with their terms, subject to (i) laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, the relief of debtors and enforcement of creditors’ rights in general, and (ii) rules of law governing specific performance, injunctive relief, other equitable remedies and other general principles of equity.”
(f) | Section 5.01 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“5.01 Access to Information. The Company shall afford the Surf Entities and their respective accountants, counsel and other representatives, reasonable access during normal business hours, without disruption to the business of the Company during the period from the date hereof and ending at the Effective Time to (i) all of the properties, books, contracts, commitments and records of the Company and the Subsidiaries, including all Company Intellectual Property, (ii) all other information concerning the business, properties and personnel (subject to restrictions imposed by applicable Legal Requirements) of the Company and the Subsidiaries as Surf Air may reasonably request, and (iii) all employees of the Company as identified by Surf Air. The Company agrees to provide to the Surf Entities and its accountants, counsel and other representatives copies of internal financial statements (including Tax Returns and supporting documentation) promptly upon request. No information or knowledge obtained in any investigation pursuant to this Section 5.01 or otherwise shall affect or be deemed to modify any representation or warranty contained herein or the conditions to the obligations of the parties to consummate the Merger in accordance with the terms and provisions hereof.”
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(g) | Section 5.04 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“5.04 Public Disclosure. Neither the Company, any Subsidiary, nor any of their representatives, on one hand, nor any of the Surf Entities or any of their respective representatives, on the other hand, shall issue any statement or communication to any third party (other than its agents that are bound by confidentiality restrictions) regarding the subject matter of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, including, if applicable, the termination of this Agreement and the reasons therefor, without the consent of the other; provided however, that the Company, the Surf Entities and any of their respective representatives may issue any such statement or communication as required by applicable Legal Requirements or to (i) any third party pursuant to any existing contractual obligation, (ii) any existing investor of the Company or the Surf Entities, or (iii) any prospective investor of the Surf Entities.”
(h) | Section 5.07(a) is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“(a) [Reserved]”
(i) | Section 5.07(e) is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“(a) [Reserved]”
(j) | Section 5.15(b) is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
(b) Reorganization. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, it is intended that the
Business Combination, the Pipe Investment, if any, and the Merger (the “Transactions”) qualify as a single integrated transaction described in Section 351 of the Code (the “Intended Tax Treatment”). From and after the date hereof and until the Effective Time, none of the Surf Entities, the Company and any of their respective Subsidiaries shall knowingly (i) take any action, cause any action to be taken or fail to take any action, that could reasonably be expected to prevent or impede the Intended Tax Treatment or (ii) enter into any contract, agreement, commitment or arrangement to take or fail to take any such action described in (i). Provided the Company receives the opinion described in Section 6.03(e), each Party (and its affiliates) shall report the Transactions in accordance with the Intended Tax Treatment (including by attaching the statement described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.351- 3(b) on or with the U.S. federal income Tax Return of such Party (or affiliate) for the taxable year that includes the Transactions), and no Party (nor any affiliate thereof) shall take any position on any Tax Return, in any Tax proceeding or otherwise that is inconsistent with the Intended Tax Treatment, in each case, unless otherwise required pursuant to a “determination” within the meaning of Section 1313(a)(1) of the Code.
(k) | 5.17 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“5.17 NewCo Board. The Parties acknowledge and agree that following the closing of the Direct Listing, (a) the board of directors of NewCo (the “NewCo Board”) is intended to have nine (9) members. The Parties agrees that (x) the Company shall have the right to designate one of the members of NewCo Board which the Company agrees will be R. Stanley Little (or, if R. Stanley Little, is unable to serve, a replacement determined by the Company prior to Closing), and, (y) if at any time within twelve (12) months following the Effective Date, the number of directors of the NewCo Board is increased to more than nine (9) members, R. Stanley Little shall be entitled to designate an additional director to the NewCo Board. The NewCo Board shall comply with the requirements on any stock exchange on which the NewCo Common Stock will be listed and any applicable state law requirements, including with respect to diversity, independence and committee composition. The Parties agree that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, R. Stanley Little shall be an express third party beneficiary of this Section 5.17 entitled to enforce the terms hereof.”
(l) | Section 6.01(b) is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“(b) Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall register the resale of the outstanding shares of NewCo Common Stock issued in the Merger and the Business Combination and in respect of any Pipe Investment, such Registration statement shall have become effective under the Securities Act, all of the shares of Newco Common Stock issued in the Merger and the Business Combination and in respect of any Pipe Investment shall have been registered thereunder for resale from and after the consummation of the Merger and no stop order suspending the use of the Registration Statement shall have been issued by the SEC. The shares of NewCo Common Stock issuable pursuant to Section 1.08(a) shall have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange or The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, subject to official notice of issuance.
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(m) | Section 6.01(c) is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“(c) Business Combination. The Business Combination shall be consummated in accordance with the terms of the Business Combination Agreement and the Direct Listing shall be consummated, in each case simultaneously with the consummation of the Merger. ”
(n) | Section 6.01(d) is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
(d) Stockholder Approval. The Requisite Stockholder Consent shall have been obtained, adopting and approving this Agreement, the Merger, the Certificate of Merger, and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The Stockholder Written Consent has been duly executed and delivered, has not been rescinded and remains in full force and effect.
(o) | Section 6.03(e) is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“(e) Tax Opinion. The Company shall have received from Fried Frank a written
opinion dated as of the Closing Date to the effect that for U.S. federal income tax purposes the Business Combination, a Pipe Investment, if any, and the Merger, taken together, will qualify as a transaction described in Section 351 of the Code. In rendering such opinion, Fried Frank shall be entitled to rely upon assumptions, representations, warranties and covenants, including those contained in this Agreement and in the Tax Representation Letters described in Section 5.15.”
(p) | Section 8.01(j) is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“(j) by the Company, if the Business Condition (as defined in Exhibit B) is not satisfied as of September 30, 2022 or fails to be satisfied at any time thereafter.
(q) | Section 9.10 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“9.10 [Reserved]”
(r) | Exhibit B to the Acquisition Agreement is amended to delete the definition of “Business Combination” in its entirety. |
(s) | The following defined term shall be deleted from Appendix A of the Acquisition Agreement: “Information Statement” and “Total Closing Consideration” . |
(t) | The following defined terms in Appendix A of the Acquisition Agreement are hereby deleted in their entirety and replaced with the following: |
“Aggregate Merger Consideration” means a number of shares of NewCo Common Stock representing the greater of (a) shares having an aggregate DL Value equal to $81.25 million and (b) 12.5% of shares of the Fully-Diluted Shares.
“NewCo Common Stock” means the common stock of NewCo, par value $0.0001 per share.
“Outside Date” means April 30, 2023.
(u) | The following defined terms are added to Appendix A of the Acquisition Agreement: |
“DL Value” means the opening price per share of NewCo Common Stock on the applicable national securities exchange on the first full day of trading on such exchange after the Direct Listing.
“Direct Listing” means NewCo’s initial listing of Newco Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange or The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC by means of the Registration Statement and such Registration Statement registers all of the shares of Newco Common Stock issued in the Merger, the Business Combination or any Pipe Investment for resale from and after the consummation of the Merger. For the avoidance of doubt, a Direct Listing shall not be deemed to be an underwritten offering.
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“Fully-Diluted Shares” means the number of shares of NewCo Common Stock to be outstanding after giving effect to the Business Combination, the Merger, the Pipe Investment, if any, and any other issuance of equity of Newco prior to, or in connection with, the Business Combination, the Merger, the Pipe Investment, if any, and the Direct Listing and transactions related thereto on a fully-diluted basis assuming the full exercise, exchange, conversion and settlement of all then outstanding options, warrants, restricted stock units, Simple Agreements for Future Equity, or other securities or rights, directly or indirectly, exercisable or exchangeable for, or convertible into, shares of NewCo Common Stock but excluding any shares of NewCo Common Stock reserved for issuance but not awarded under any equity incentive compensation plan of Newco or any of its Subsidiaries.
2. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more such counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Parties. A signed copy of this Amendment delivered by electronic transmission shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy of this Amendment.
3. Effect of Amendment; No Waiver. Except as expressly set forth in Section 1 of this Amendment: (a) the terms and conditions of the Acquisition Agreement (as previously amended) are unaffected by this Amendment, (b) the Parties hereby reserve all rights and privileges under the Acquisition Agreement that exist as of the date of the Acquisition Agreement (as previously amended) and this Amendment and (c) the execution of this Amendment by the Parties shall not constitute a waiver by any Party of any such rights or privileges that exist as of the date of this Amendment.
4. Other Provisions. Sections 8.03 (Amendment), 8.04 (Extension; Waiver), 9.01 (Notices), 9.04 (Entire Agreement; Assignment), 9.05 (Severability), 9.07 (Governing Law; Exclusive Jurisdiction), 9.08 (Rules of Construction) and 9.09 (Waiver of Jury Trial) of the Acquisition Agreement are incorporated into this Amendment by reference as if fully set forth herein, mutatis mutandis.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHERE OF, the Parties have duly executed this Amendment as of the date first written above.
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | President | |
SURF AIR GLOBAL LIMITED | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | CEO | |
SURF AIR INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | CEO | |
SAC MERGER SUB INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | President | |
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION | ||
By: | /s/ R. Stanley Little | |
Name: | R. Stanley Little | |
Title: | CEO |
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Exhibit 2.5
Execution Version
AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO
ACQUISITION AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO THE ACQUISITION AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) is entered into as of May 25, 2023, by and among Surf Air Global Limited, a British Virgin Islands company (“Surf Holdings”), Surf Air Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Surf Air”), Surf Air Mobility Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Surf Holdings (“NewCo”), SAC Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of NewCo (“Merger Sub”, and together with Surf Air, NewCo and Surf Holdings, the “Surf Entities”), and Southern Airways Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). Each entity is referred to herein as a “Party” and, collectively, as the “Parties”. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Amendment shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Acquisition Agreement, as defined below.
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Surf Entities and the Company entered into that certain Acquisition Agreement, dated as of March 17, 2021, as amended by that certain Amendment No. 1 to Acquisition Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2021, that certain Amendment No. 2 to Acquisition Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2022 and that certain Amendment No. 3 to Acquisition Agreement (collectively, the “Acquisition Agreement”) pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions thereunder, the Parties intend to effect a merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company in accordance with the Acquisition Agreement and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of NewCo;
WHEREAS, in connection with a possible direct listing of shares of NewCo common stock, the Parties desire to amend the Acquisition Agreement as set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 8.03 of the Acquisition Agreement, the Acquisition Agreement may be amended by a written instrument signed on behalf of the Party against whom enforcement is sought.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. | Amendments to the Acquisition Agreement. The Acquisition Agreement is hereby amended as follows: |
(a) | The following defined term in Appendix A of the Acquisition Agreement is hereby deleted in their entirety and replaced with the following: |
“Outside Date” means July 31, 2023.
2. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more such counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Parties. A signed copy of this Amendment delivered by electronic transmission shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy of this Amendment.
3. Effect of Amendment; No Waiver. Except as expressly set forth in Section 1 of this Amendment: (a) the terms and conditions of the Acquisition Agreement (as previously amended) are unaffected by this Amendment, (b) the Parties hereby reserve all rights and privileges under the Acquisition Agreement that exist as of the date of the Acquisition Agreement (as previously amended) and this Amendment and (c) the execution of this Amendment by the Parties shall not constitute a waiver by any Party of any such rights or privileges that exist as of the date of this Amendment.
4. Other Provisions. Sections 8.03 (Amendment), 8.04 (Extension; Waiver), 9.01 (Notices), 9.04 (Entire Agreement; Assignment), 9.05 (Severability), 9.07 (Governing Law; Exclusive Jurisdiction), 9.08 (Rules of Construction) and 9.09 (Waiver of Jury Trial) of the Acquisition Agreement are incorporated into this Amendment by reference as if fully set forth herein, mutatis mutandis.
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHERE OF, the Parties have duly executed this Amendment as of the date first written above.
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | President | |
SURF AIR GLOBAL LIMITED | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | CEO | |
SURF AIR INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | CEO | |
SAC MERGER SUB INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | President | |
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION | ||
By: | /s/ R. Stanley Little | |
Name: | R. Stanley Little | |
Title: | CEO |
Exhibit 3.1
AMENDED AND RESTATED
CERTIFICATE
OF INCORPORATION
OF
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC.
Pursuant to the provisions of § 242 and § 245 of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
Surf Air Mobility Inc. (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), does hereby certify as follows:
FIRST: The present name of the Corporation is Surf Air Mobility Inc. The original certificate of incorporation of the Corporation was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on January 5, 2022 under the name Surf Air Mobility Inc. (the “Original Certificate”).
SECOND: The certificate of incorporation of the Corporation as heretofore in effect is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as set forth in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation hereinafter provided for (this “Certificate of Incorporation”).
THIRD: This Certificate of Incorporation herein certified has been duly adopted by the Corporation in accordance with Sections 242 and 245 of the DGCL and has been adopted by the requisite vote of the stockholders of the Corporation in accordance with the DGCL.
FOURTH: This Certificate of Incorporation shall become effective upon the filing of this Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
FIFTH: This Certificate Incorporation of the Corporation shall, at the effective time, read as follows:
Article I
Name
The name of the Corporation is Surf Air Mobility Inc.
Article II
Registered Office
The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, Zip Code 19801, and the name of the Corporation’s registered agent at such address is Corporation Trust Company.
Article III
Purpose and Powers
The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the DGCL.
Article IV
Capital Stock
Section 4.1 Authorized Capital Stock.
The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is two hundred fifty five million (255,000,000) shares of capital stock, consisting of (i) two hundred fifth five million (250,000,000) shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), and (ii) five million (5,000,000) shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”).
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the rights and preferences of the Common Stock shall at all times be subject to the rights and preferences of the Preferred Stock as may be set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation or one or more certificates of designations filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware from time to time in accordance with the DGCL and this Certificate of Incorporation. The number of authorized shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) from time to time by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the Corporation’s then outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL (or any successor provision thereto), and no vote of the holders of the Common Stock or the Preferred Stock voting separately as a class or series shall be required therefor unless a vote of any such holder is required pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock).
Section 4.2 Common Stock.
The voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and such qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the Common Stock, in addition to those set forth elsewhere herein, are as follows:
(a) | Voting Rights. Each holder of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to vote at all meetings of the stockholders and to cast one vote for each outstanding share of Common Stock held by such holder on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise required by law, holders of Common Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock) or pursuant to the DGCL. |
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(b) | Dividends and Distributions. Subject to the prior rights of the holders of all series of Preferred Stock at the time outstanding having prior rights or preferences as to dividends or other distributions, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, out of the assets of the Corporation legally available therefor, such dividends and other distributions as may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors and shall share equally on a per share basis in all such dividends and other distributions. |
(c) | Liquidation. Subject to the prior rights of creditors of the Corporation, including without limitation the payment of expenses relating to any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, and the holders of all series of Preferred Stock at the time outstanding having prior rights as to distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, either voluntary or involuntary, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive their ratable and proportionate share of the remaining assets of the Corporation. A merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any other corporation or other entity, or a sale or conveyance of all or any part of the assets of the Corporation (which shall not in fact result in the liquidation of the Corporation and the distribution of assets to its stockholders) shall not be deemed to be a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation. |
Section 4.3 Preferred Stock.
The Board of Directors is hereby expressly authorized, without any action or vote by the Corporation’s stockholders (except as may otherwise be provided by the terms of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding), to provide for the issuance of all or any shares of the Preferred Stock in one or more series of Preferred Stock, and to fix for each such series the voting powers, if any, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, as shall be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issuance of such series and the number of shares constituting each such series, and to increase or decrease the number of shares of any such series to the extent permitted by the DGCL.
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Article V
Board of Directors
Section 5.1 Powers of the Board of Directors.
Except as otherwise provided by the DGCL, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.
Section 5.2 Number of Directors.
Subject to any rights of the holders of Preferred Stock to elect directors, the Board of Directors shall consist of one or more members, the exact number of which shall be fixed by, or in the manner provided in, the Corporation’s Amended and Restated Bylaws (as may be further amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “Bylaws”).
Section 5.3 Classification of the Board of Directors.
The directors of the Corporation (other than those directors elected by the holders of any series or class of Preferred Stock provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of Article IV hereof (the “Preferred Stock Directors”)) shall be and are divided into three (3) classes, designated Class A, Class B and Class C. Each class shall consist, as nearly as may be possible, of one-third (1/3) of the total number of directors constituting the entire Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may assign members of the Board of Directors already in office at the Effective Time to such classes. Subject to the rights of holders of any series or class of Preferred Stock to elect directors, each director shall serve for a term ending on the date of the third annual meeting of stockholders following the annual meeting of stockholders at which such director was elected; provided that each director initially assigned to Class A shall serve for a term expiring at the Corporation’s first annual meeting of stockholders held after the Effective Time; each director initially assigned to Class B shall serve for a term expiring at the Corporation’s second annual meeting of stockholders held after the Effective Time; and each director initially assigned to Class C shall serve for a term expiring at the Corporation’s third annual meeting of stockholders held after the Effective Time; provided further, that the term of each director shall continue until the election and qualification of his or her successor and be subject to his or her earlier death, disqualification, resignation or removal. If the number of such directors is changed, any increase or decrease shall be apportioned among the classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible, and any such additional director of any class elected to fill a newly created directorship resulting from an increase in such class shall hold office for a term that shall coincide with the remaining term of that class, but in no case shall a decrease in the number of directors remove or shorten the term of any incumbent directors. A director may resign at any time upon notice to the Corporation as provided in the Bylaws.
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Section 5.4 Removal of Directors.
Except for any Preferred Stock Director, any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the total voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.
Section 5.5 Vacancies.
Subject to the rights of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, any vacancy on the Board of Directors, by reason of death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal or otherwise, and any newly created directorship that results from an increase in the number of directors, shall be filled only by a majority of the Board of Directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. Any director of any class elected to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors of such class shall hold office for a term that shall coincide with the remaining term of that class. Any director elected to fill a vacancy not resulting from an increase in the number of directors shall have the same remaining term as that of his or her predecessor.
Section 5.6 Preferred Stock Directors.
During any period when the holders of any series of Preferred Stock have the right to elect Preferred Stock Directors, then upon commencement and for the duration of the period during which such right continues: (i) the then otherwise total authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall automatically be increased by such specified number of directors, and the holders of such Preferred Stock shall be entitled to elect the additional directors so provided for or fixed pursuant to said provisions, and (ii) each such additional director shall serve until such director’s successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, or until such director’s right to hold such office terminates pursuant to said provisions, whichever occurs earlier, subject to his or her earlier death, disqualification, resignation or removal. Except as otherwise provided by the Board of Directors in the resolution or resolutions establishing such series, whenever the holders of any series of Preferred Stock having such right to elect Preferred Stock Directors are divested of such right pursuant to the provisions of such stock, the terms of office of all such Preferred Stock Directors elected by the holders of such stock, or elected to fill any vacancies resulting from the death, resignation, disqualification or removal of such additional directors, shall forthwith terminate and the total authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall be reduced accordingly.
Section 5.7 Powers and Authority.
In addition to the powers and authority expressly conferred upon them herein or by statute, the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation, subject, nevertheless, to the provisions of the DGCL and this Certificate of Incorporation.
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Article VI
Stockholder Action
Section 6.1 Election of Directors.
Elections of directors need not be by written ballot except and to the extent provided in the Bylaws.
Section 6.2 Advance Notice.
Advance notice of nominations for the election of directors or proposals or other business to be considered by stockholders, which are made by any stockholder of the Corporation, shall be given in the manner and to the extent provided in the Bylaws.
Section 6.3 Stockholder Action by Written Consent.
Any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation may be effected only at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such stockholders in lieu of a meeting of stockholders.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any action required or permitted to be taken by the holders of Preferred Stock, voting separately as a series or separately as a class with one or more other such series, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, to the extent expressly so provided by the applicable certificate of designation relating to such series of Preferred Stock.
Article VII
Limitation of Director and Officer Liability; Indemnification
Section 7.1 To the fullest extent that the DGCL, as it exists on the date hereof or as it may hereafter be amended, permits the limitation or elimination of the liability of directors or officers, no person who is, or was at any time but is no longer serving as, a director or officer of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty by such person as a director or officer. If the DGCL is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors or officers, then the liability of a director or officer of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as so amended. No amendment to or repeal of this Article VII shall have the effect of increasing the liability or alleged liability of any director or officer of the Corporation for or with respect to any act or omission of such director or officer occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.
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Section 7.2 To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, the Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless each person who is or was made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “proceeding”) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or, while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise or nonprofit entity, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (an “indemnitee”), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent, or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, taxes and penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred by such indemnitee in connection with such proceeding. The Corporation shall to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law pay the expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an indemnitee in defending or otherwise participating in any proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided, however, that, to the extent required by applicable law, such payment of expenses in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking, by or on behalf of the indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified under this Section VII(B) or otherwise. The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses conferred by this Section VII(B) shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators.
Article VIII
Amendment of Bylaws
In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred upon it by the laws of the State of Delaware, the Board of Directors shall have the power to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws by the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors (assuming no vacancies on the Board of Directors). The Bylaws may also be adopted, amended, altered or repealed by the affirmative vote of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the total voting power of the Corporation’s issued and outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.
Article IX
Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation
The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation in the manner now or hereafter prescribed in this Certificate of Incorporation or the DGCL, and all rights herein conferred upon stockholders are granted subject to such reservation; provided, however, that, notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation (and in addition to any other vote that may be required by law), the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the voting power of the Corporation’s issued and outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required to amend, alter, change or repeal or to adopt any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with any provision of Article V, Article VI, Article VII, Article VIII, this Article IX, Article X, OR Article XI.
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Article
X
Limitations on Foreign Ownership
At no time shall more than 25% of the voting interest of the Corporation be owned or controlled by persons who are not "citizens of the United States" (as such term is defined in Title 49, United States Code, Section 40102 and administrative interpretations thereof issued by the Department of Transportation or its successor, or as the same may be from time to time amended) ("Non-Citizens"). In the event that Non-Citizens shall own (beneficially or of record) or have voting control over any shares of capital stock of the Corporation, the voting rights of such persons shall be subject to automatic suspension to the extent required to ensure that the Corporation is in compliance with applicable provisions of law and regulations relating to ownership or control of a U.S. air carrier. The Bylaws shall contain provisions to implement this Article X, including, without limitation, provisions restricting or prohibiting transfer of shares of voting stock to Non-Citizens and provisions restricting or removing voting rights as to shares of voting stock owned or controlled by Non-Citizens. Any determination as to ownership, control or citizenship made by the Board of Directors shall be conclusive and binding as between the Corporation and any stockholder for purposes of this Article X.
Corporation Opportunity
In the event that a member of the Board of Directors who is not an employee of the Corporation or its subsidiaries, or any employee or agent of such member, other than someone who is an employee of the Corporation or its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Covered Persons”), acquires knowledge of any business opportunity matter, potential transaction, interest or other matter, unless such matter, transaction or interest is presented to, or acquired, created or developed by, or otherwise comes into the possession of, a Covered Person expressly and solely in connection with such individual’s service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation (a “Corporate Opportunity”), then the Corporation to the maximum extent permitted from time to time under the DGCL (including Section 122(17) thereof): (a) renounces any expectancy that such Covered Person offer an opportunity to participate in such Corporate Opportunity to the Corporation; and (b) waives any claim that such opportunity constituted a Corporate Opportunity that should have been presented by such Covered Person to the Corporation or any of its affiliates. No amendment or repeal of this paragraph shall apply to or have any effect on the liability or alleged liability of any officer, director or stockholder of the Corporation for or with respect to any opportunities of which such officer, director or stockholder becomes aware prior to such amendment or repeal.
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Article XI
Forum Selection
Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, (A) (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer, other employee or stockholder of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws (as either may be amended or restated) or as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine of the law of the State of Delaware shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be exclusively brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction thereof, the federal district court of the State of Delaware; and (B) the federal district courts of the United States of America shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The provisions of this Article XI shall not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal district courts of the United States of America have exclusive jurisdiction.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of Incorporation to be executed on its behalf this ___ day of _________ 2023.
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 3.2
AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
OF
surf air mobility inc.
A Delaware Corporation
Effective [__________], 2023
Table of Contents
Page | |||||
Article I OFFICES | 1 | ||||
1.1 | Principal Executive Office | 1 | |||
1.2 | Registered Office | 1 | |||
1.3 | Other Offices | 1 | |||
Article II STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETINGS | 1 | ||||
2.1 | Place of Meetings | 1 | |||
2.2 | Annual Meetings | 1 | |||
2.3 | Special Meetings | 1 | |||
2.4 | Notice | 2 | |||
2.5 | Adjournments | 2 | |||
2.6 | Quorum | 2 | |||
2.7 | Voting | 2 | |||
2.8 | Participation at Stockholder Meetings by Remote Communications | 3 | |||
2.9 | Proxies | 3 | |||
2.10 | No Stockholder Action by Written Consent | 4 | |||
2.11 | Record Date | 4 | |||
2.12 | Stockholders’ List | 4 | |||
2.13 | Conduct of Meetings | 5 | |||
2.14 | Advance Notice of Stockholder Business and Director Nominations | 5 | |||
Article III DIRECTORS | 10 | ||||
3.1 | Powers and Duties | 10 | |||
3.2 | Number and Qualifications | 10 | |||
3.3 | Classified Board of Directors | 10 | |||
3.4 | Resignations and Removals of Directors | 10 | |||
3.5 | Vacancies | 11 | |||
3.6 | Regular Meetings | 11 | |||
3.7 | Special Meetings | 11 | |||
3.8 | Organization | 11 | |||
3.9 | Meetings by Means of Conference Telephone | 11 | |||
3.10 | Quorum | 11 | |||
3.11 | Action of the Board by Written Consent | 12 |
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Table of Contents
(continued)
Page | |||||
3.12 | Expense Reimbursement and Compensation | 12 | |||
3.13 | Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board | 12 | |||
3.14 | Committees | 12 | |||
3.15 | Telephonic Meetings | 13 | |||
Article IV OFFICERS | 13 | ||||
4.1 | General | 13 | |||
4.2 | Appointment and Term | 13 | |||
4.3 | Resignations | 13 | |||
4.4 | Vacancies | 13 | |||
4.5 | Compensation | 13 | |||
4.6 | Authority and Duties of Officers | 14 | |||
Article V STOCK | 14 | ||||
5.1 | Certificates | 14 | |||
5.2 | Transfers | 14 | |||
5.3 | Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Certificates | 14 | |||
5.4 | Record Owners | 15 | |||
Article VI NOTICES | 17 | ||||
6.1 | Notices | 17 | |||
6.2 | Waivers of Notice | 18 | |||
Article VII INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES | 18 | ||||
7.1 | Definitions | 18 | |||
7.2 | Indemnification | 18 | |||
7.3 | Determination | 19 | |||
7.4 | Expenses Payable in Advance | 19 | |||
7.5 | Claim | 19 | |||
7.6 | Other Indemnification or Advancement | 19 | |||
7.7 | Insurance | 19 | |||
Article VIII GENERAL PROVISIONS | 20 | ||||
8.1 | Fiscal Year | 20 | |||
8.2 | Corporate Seal | 20 | |||
8.3 | Maintenance and Inspection of Records | 20 | |||
8.4 | Reliance Upon Books, Reports and Records | 20 | |||
8.5 | Dividends | 20 | |||
8.6 | Emergency Bylaws | 20 | |||
8.7 | Certificate of Incorporation Governs | 21 | |||
8.8 | Severability | 21 | |||
8.9 | Actions with Respect to Securities of Other Entities | 21 | |||
Article IX Amendments | 21 | ||||
9.1 | Amendments | 21 |
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AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
OF
surf air mobility inc.
Article
I
OFFICES
1.1 Principal Executive Office. The principal executive office of Surf Air Mobility Inc. (the “Corporation”) shall be at such place established by the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) in its discretion. The Board shall have full power and authority to change the location of the principal executive office.
1.2 Registered Office. The registered office of the Corporation shall be as set forth in the Corporation’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (as may be amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “Certificate of Incorporation”).
1.3 Other Offices. The Corporation may also have offices at such other places, both within and outside of the State of Delaware, as the Board may from time to time determine.
Article
II
STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETINGS
2.1 Place of Meetings. Meetings of stockholders shall be held at such place, if any, either within or outside of the State of Delaware, as shall be designated from time to time by the Board and specified in the notice of the meeting. In the absence of such designation, stockholders’ meetings shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation.
2.2 Annual Meetings. The annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting shall be held at such time and date as shall be designated from time to time by the Board and stated in the Corporation’s notice of the meeting. The Board may postpone, reschedule or cancel any previously scheduled annual meeting of stockholders, before or after the notice for such meeting has been sent to the stockholders.
2.3 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by a resolution adopted by the majority of the Board, and may not be called by any other person or persons. The Board acting pursuant to a resolution may postpone, reschedule or cancel any previously scheduled special meeting of stockholders, before or after the notice for such meeting has been sent to the stockholders. Business transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to matters relating to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice of meeting.
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2.4 Notice. Whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, whether annual or special, a written notice of the meeting shall be given by the Corporation to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of such meeting. Such notice shall state the place, if any, date and hour 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 was called. Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws (as may be further amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time, these “Bylaws”), notice of any meeting shall be given not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting.
2.5 Adjournments. Any meeting of stockholders, annual or special, whether or not a quorum is present, may be adjourned from time to time for any reason by either the chairman of the meeting, by a resolution adopted by the majority of the Board or in accordance with Section 2.6. Notwithstanding the provisions in Section 2.4 hereof, notice need not be given of any such adjourned meeting if the time, place, if any, and date of the meeting and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting and the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (if such date is different from the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting) are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken; provided, however, that if the date of any adjourned meeting is more than thirty (30) days after the date for which the meeting was originally called or a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given in conformity with Section 2.4. At such adjourned meeting, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the original meeting if such meeting had been held as originally called.
2.6 Quorum. Unless otherwise required by applicable law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote on any matter thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, then either the chairman of the meeting or the stockholders entitled to vote thereon, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, in the manner provided in Section 2.5 hereof, until a quorum shall be present or represented. A quorum, once established, shall not be broken by the withdrawal of enough stockholders to leave less than a quorum.
2.7 Voting.
(a) Unless otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, each stockholder entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders shall be entitled to one (1) vote for each share of stock held by such stockholder which has voting power on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation.
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(b) Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, the rules or regulations of any stock exchange applicable to the Corporation, or any regulation applicable to the Corporation or its securities, (i) every matter brought before any meeting of the stockholders, other than the election of directors, shall be decided by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares of stock entitled to vote on such matter that are present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and are voted for or against the matter, voting as a single class, and (ii) directors shall be elected by vote of the holders of a plurality of the votes cast. Abstentions and broker non-votes shall not be counted as votes for or against the matter. Notwithstanding the foregoing, two (2) or more classes or series of stock shall only vote together as a single class if and to the extent the holders thereof are entitled to vote together as a single class at a meeting. Where a separate vote by class is required, the vote of the holders of a majority in total voting power of each class of Corporation’s outstanding capital stock represented at the meeting and entitled to vote on such matter and are voted for or against the matter shall be the act of such class, except as otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws. The Board, in its discretion, or the Chairman of the Board, or the presiding officer of a meeting of the stockholders, in such person’s discretion, may require that any votes cast (including election of directors) at such meeting shall be cast by written ballot.
2.8 Participation at Stockholder Meetings by Remote Communications. 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 in accordance with Section 211(a)(2) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) or any successor provision. If authorized by the Board in its sole discretion, and subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Board may adopt, stockholders and proxyholders not physically present at a meeting of stockholders may, by means of remote communication, (a) participate in a meeting of stockholders, and (b) be deemed present in person and vote at a meeting of stockholders, whether such meeting is to be held at a designated place or solely by remote communication, provided that (x) the Corporation may implement reasonable measures to verify that each person deemed present and permitted to vote at the meeting by means of remote communication is a stockholder or proxyholder, (y) the Corporation may implement reasonable measures to provide such stockholders and proxyholders a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the stockholders, including an opportunity to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting substantially concurrently with such proceedings, and (z) if any stockholder or proxyholder votes or takes other action at the meeting by means of remote communication, a record of such vote or other action shall be maintained by the Corporation.
2.9 Proxies. Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders has the right to do so either in person or by one (1) or more agents authorized by a proxy, which may be in the form of a telegram, cablegram or other means of electronic transmission, filed with the Secretary of the Corporation, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three (3) years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. A duly executed proxy shall be irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and if, and only as long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power. A stockholder may revoke any proxy which is not irrevocable by attending the meeting and voting in person or by delivering an instrument in writing stating that the proxy is revoked or by filing another proxy bearing a later date with the Secretary of the Corporation.
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2.10 No Stockholder Action by Written Consent. Subject to the rights of the holders of any class or series of preferred stock then outstanding, as may be set forth in the certificate of designations for such class or series of preferred stock, any action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders may be taken only upon the vote of stockholders at an annual or special meeting duly noticed and called in accordance with the DGCL and may not be taken by written consent of stockholders without a meeting.
2.11 Record Date.
(a) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of the stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board may fix a record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting or adjournment thereof. The record date so fixed 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 sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting. 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 the stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of 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 notice of or to vote at the adjourned meeting.
(b) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or to exercise rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or in respect 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 by the Board, and which record date shall not be more than sixty (60) days prior to such action. If no such record date is fixed, the record date for determining the stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the date on which the Board adopts the resolution relating thereto.
2.12 Stockholders’ List. A complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders (provided, however, if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than ten (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, shall be prepared by the officer having charge of the stock ledger. Such list shall be open to examination by any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, for a period of at least ten (10) days before such meeting (a) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (b) during ordinary business hours at the principal place of business of the Corporation. If the meeting is to be held at a place, then a list of stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting shall be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof and may be examined by any stockholder who is present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then 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. 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 required by this Section 2.12 or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.
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2.13 Conduct of Meetings. The meetings of the stockholders shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board, or if he or she is not present, by the Chief Executive Officer, or if neither the Chairman of the Board, nor the Chief Executive Officer is present, by a chairman elected by a resolution adopted by the majority of the Board. The order of business at all meetings of stockholders shall be as determined by the chairman of the meeting.
2.14 Advance Notice of Stockholder Business and Director Nominations.
(a) Annual Meetings of Stockholders.
(1) Nominations of persons for election to the Board and the proposal of other business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders only (i) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) delivered pursuant to Section 2.4 and Article VI hereof, (ii) by or at the direction of the Board or any duly authorized committee thereof, or (iii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who (x) is a stockholder of record at the time of delivery by the stockholder of the notice provided for in Section 2.14(a)(2) to the Secretary of the Corporation and at the time of the annual meeting, (y) who is entitled to vote at the meeting and upon such election, and (z) who complies with the notice procedures set forth in Section 2.14(a)(2); clause (iii) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations or submit other business (other than matters properly brought under Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and included in the Corporation’s notice of meeting) before an annual meeting of stockholders. Except as otherwise required by law, any failure to comply with these procedures shall result in the nullification of such nomination or proposal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a stockholder is entitled to vote only for a specific class or category of directors at a meeting of the stockholders, such stockholder’s right to nominate one (1) or more individuals for the election of a director at the meeting shall be limited to such class or category of directors.
(2) Without qualification, for any nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting of stockholders by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of Section 2.14(a)(1), the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof, in proper written form as provided in Section 2.14(c), to the Secretary of the Corporation and any such proposed business (other than nominations of persons for the election to the Board) must constitute a proper matter for stockholder action under the DGCL. To be timely, such a stockholder’s notice shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the ninetieth (90th) day nor earlier than the close of business on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day prior to the first anniversary date of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced more than thirty (30) days prior to such anniversary date or delayed more than seventy (70) days after such anniversary date then to be timely such notice must be so delivered, or mailed and received, not later than the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting or, if later, the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such annual meeting was first made. In no event shall the adjournment or postponement of any meeting, or any announcement thereof, commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. The number of nominees a stockholder may nominate for election at the annual meeting (or in the case of a stockholder giving the notice on behalf of a beneficial owner, the number of nominees a stockholder may nominate for election at the annual meeting on behalf of such beneficial owner) shall not exceed the number of directors to be elected as such annual meeting.
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(b) Special Meetings of Stockholders. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting delivered pursuant to Section 2.4 and Article VI hereof. Nominations of persons for election to the Board may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting (1) by or at the direction of the Board or any duly authorized committee thereof or (2) provided that the Board has determined that directors shall be elected at such meeting, by any stockholder of the Corporation who (x) is a stockholder of record at the time of delivery by the stockholder of the notice provided for in this Section 2.14(b) to the Secretary of the Corporation and at the time of the special meeting, (y) who is entitled to vote at the meeting and upon such election, and (z) who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.14(b). In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one (1) or more directors to the Board, any such stockholder entitled to vote in such election of directors may nominate a person or persons for election to such position(s) as specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, if the stockholder’s notice, in proper written form as set forth in Section 2.14(c), shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not earlier than the close of business on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such special meeting or the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board to be elected at such meeting. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of a special meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a stockholder is entitled to vote only for a specific class or category of directors at a special meeting of the stockholders, such stockholder’s right to nominate one (1) or more individuals for the election of a director at the meeting shall be limited to such class or category of directors.
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(c) Form of Notice. To be in proper written form, such stockholder’s notice to the Secretary (whether pursuant to clauses (a)(2) or (b) of this Section 2.14) must set forth:
(1) as to each person, if any, whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a director (i) all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors in an election contest, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, (ii) such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected and (iii) a reasonably detailed description of any compensatory, payment or other financial agreement, arrangement or understanding that such person has with any other person or entity other than the Corporation including the amount of any payment or payments received or receivable thereunder, in each case in connection with candidacy or service as a director of the Corporation;
(2) as to any other business (other than the nomination of persons for election as directors) that the stockholder desires to bring before the meeting, (i) a brief description of the business proposed to be brought before the meeting, (ii) 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 these Bylaws, the language of the proposed amendment), (iii) the reasons why the stockholder favors the proposal, (iv) the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting, and (v) any material interest in such business of such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; and
(3) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made (i) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s books, and of such beneficial owner, (ii) the class or series and number of shares of the Corporation’s capital stock that are, directly or indirectly, owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder and by such beneficial owner, (iii) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding with respect to the nomination or proposal between or among such stockholder and/or such beneficial owner, any of their respective affiliates or associates, and any others acting in concert with any of the foregoing, including, in the case of a nomination, the nominee, (iv) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any derivative or short positions, profit interests, options, warrants, convertible securities, stock appreciation, forwards, futures, swaps, or similar rights, hedging transactions, and borrowed or loaned shares) that has been entered into as of the date of the stockholder’s notice by, or on behalf of, such stockholder and such beneficial owner, whether or not such instrument or right shall be subject to settlement in underlying shares of capital stock of the Corporation, the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, manage risk or benefit of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of such stockholder or such beneficial owner with respect to shares of capital stock of the Corporation, (v) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such business or nomination, (vi) a representation whether the stockholder or the beneficial owner, if any, intends or is part of a group which intends (A) to deliver a proxy statement and/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 elect the nominee and/or (B) otherwise to solicit proxies or votes from stockholders in support of such proposal or nomination, (vii) any other information relating to such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for, as applicable, the proposal and/or for the election of directors in an election contest pursuant to and in accordance with Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and (viii) such other information relating to any proposed item of business as the Corporation may reasonably require to determine whether such proposed item of business is a proper matter for stockholder action.
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The foregoing notice requirements of this Section 2.14(c) shall be deemed satisfied by a stockholder with respect to business other than a nomination if the stockholder has notified the Corporation of his, her or its intention to present a proposal at an annual meeting in compliance with applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act and such stockholder’s proposal has been included in a proxy statement that has been prepared by the Corporation to solicit proxies for such annual meeting.
If requested by the Corporation, the information required under clauses (c)(3)(ii), (iii) and (iv) of this Section 2.14 shall be supplemented by such stockholder and any such beneficial owner not later than ten (10) days after the record date for the meeting to disclose such information as of the record date.
(d) General.
(1) The Corporation may require any proposed nominee for election or re-election as a director to furnish such other information, in addition to the information set forth in the stockholder’s notice delivered pursuant to this Section 2.14, as it may reasonably require to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation and whether such nominee qualifies as an “independent director” or “audit committee financial expert” under applicable law, securities exchange rules or regulations, or any publicly-disclosed corporate governance guideline or committee charter of the Corporation.
(2) Except as otherwise expressly provided in any applicable rule or regulation promulgated under the Exchange Act, only such persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.14 shall be eligible to be elected at an annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to serve as directors, and only such business as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.14 shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders. Except as otherwise provided by law, the chairman of the meeting shall have the power and duty to (i) determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.14 (including whether the stockholder or beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made or solicited (or is part of a group which solicited) or did not so solicit, as the case may be, proxies or votes in support of such stockholder’s nominee or proposal in compliance with such stockholder’s representation as required by Section 2.14(c)(3)(vi), and, (ii) if any proposed nomination or business was not made or proposed in compliance with this Section 2.14, to declare that such nomination shall be disregarded or that such proposed business shall not be transacted. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.14, unless otherwise required by law, if the stockholder who has delivered a notice pursuant to this Section 2.14 (or a qualified representative of such stockholder) does not appear at the annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to present a nomination or proposed business, such nomination shall be disregarded and such proposed business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation. To be considered a “qualified representative” of the stockholder, a person must be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or must be authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or by telegram, cablegram or other means of electronic transmission that is deemed valid in accordance with Section 2.9 hereof delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting of stockholders, and such person must produce such writing or telegram, cablegram or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or telegram, cablegram or electronic transmission, at the meeting of stockholders.
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(3) For purposes of this Section 2.14, “public announcement” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service, or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Sections 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(4) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.14, stockholders shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 2.14; provided, however, that any references in these Bylaws to the Exchange Act or the rules promulgated thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit the requirements applicable to nominations or proposals as to any other business to be considered pursuant to clause (a)(1)(iii) or (b) of this Section 2.14. Nothing in this Section 2.14 shall be deemed to affect any rights (x) of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals or nominations in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Exchange Act or (y) of the holders of any series of preferred stock to elect directors pursuant to any applicable provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation.
(e) Submission of Questionnaire, Representation and Agreement. To be eligible to be a nominee for election or re-election as a director of the Corporation nominated by a stockholder pursuant to Section 2.14(a)(1)(iii), the candidate for nomination must deliver (in accordance with the time periods prescribed for delivery of notice under clauses (a)(2) or (b) of this Section 2.14, as applicable) to the Secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation (1) a completed written questionnaire (in a form provided by the Corporation) with respect to the background, qualifications, stock ownership and independence of such person and the background of any other person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made (which questionnaire shall be provided by the Secretary upon written request) and (2) a written representation and agreement (in the form provided by the Secretary upon written request) that such person (1) is not and, if elected as a director during his or her term of office, will not become a party to (x) any agreement, arrangement or understanding with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such person, if elected as a director of the Corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question in his or her capacity as a director (a “Voting Commitment”) that has not been disclosed to the Corporation or (y) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such person’s ability to comply, if elected as a director of the Corporation, with such person’s fiduciary duties under applicable law, (2) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement or indemnification in connection with service or action as a director of the Corporation that has not been disclosed therein and (3) in such person’s individual capacity and on behalf of any person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made, would be in compliance, if elected as a director of the Corporation, and will comply with all applicable publicly disclosed corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the Corporation (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).
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Article
III
DIRECTORS
3.1 Powers and Duties. Subject to the provisions of the DGCL and to any limitations in the Certificate of Incorporation relating to action required to be approved by the stockholders, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed, and all corporate powers shall be exercised, by or under the direction and control of the Board. The Board may delegate the management of the day-to-day operation of the business of the Corporation, provided that the business and affairs of the Corporation shall remain under the ultimate direction and control of the Board.
3.2 Number and Qualifications. The Board shall consist of one (1) or more members, the exact number of which shall be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board. Unless otherwise required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, directors need not be stockholders of the Corporation or residents of the State of Delaware. 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 Classified Board of Directors. The Board shall be divided into classes, with each such class serving for a term, as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.
3.4 Resignations and Removals of Directors. Any director of the Corporation may resign from the Board or any committee thereof at any time, by giving notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the Chairman of the Board, the President or the Secretary of the Corporation and, in the case of a committee, to the chairman of such committee, if there be one and if there is no such chairman, to the Chairman of the Board. Such resignation shall take effect at the time therein specified (which may be upon the happening of an event specified therein) or, if no time is specified, immediately. Unless otherwise specified in such notice, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Except as otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation and except for any director elected by the holders of any series or class of preferred stock provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of Article V of the Certificate of Incorporation, any director or the entire Board may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause, and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the total voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors, voting together as a single class. Unless otherwise provided by the charter of the committee, any director serving on a committee of the Board may be removed from such committee at any time by the Board.
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3.5 Vacancies. Except as otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, any vacancy on the Board, by reason of death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal or otherwise, and any newly created directorship that results from an increase in the number of directors, shall be filled only by a majority of the Board then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. Any director of any class elected to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors of such class shall hold office for a term that shall coincide with the remaining term of that class. Any director elected to fill a vacancy not resulting from an increase in the number of directors shall have the same remaining term as that of his or her predecessor.
3.6 Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board shall be held at such place or places, within or without the State of Delaware, on such date or dates and at such time or times, as shall have been established by the Board and publicized among all directors. A notice of each regular meeting shall not be required.
3.7 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, if any, the President or any two (2) directors then in office. Notice of each such meeting shall be given to each director, if by mail, addressed to such director at his or her residence or usual place of business, at least five (5) days before the day on which such meeting is to be held, or shall be sent to such director at such place by facsimile, electronic mail or other electronic transmissions, or be delivered personally or by telephone, in each case at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the time set for such meeting. A notice of special meeting need not state the purpose of such meeting, and, unless indicated in the notice thereof, any and all business may be transacted at a special meeting.
3.8 Organization. Meetings of the Board shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board, or in his or her absence by the Vice Chairman of the Board, if any, or in his or her absence by the Chief Executive Officer, if any, if such person is a member of the Board, or in the absence of any such person, by a chairperson chosen at the meeting. The Secretary shall act as secretary of the meeting, but in his or her absence the chairperson of the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.
3.9 Meetings by Means of Conference Telephone. Members of the Board of the Corporation, or any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting of the Board or such committee by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting through the use of such equipment shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
3.10 Quorum. Except as otherwise required by law, these Bylaws or the Certificate of Incorporation, at all meetings of the Board or any committee thereof, a majority of the entire Board or a majority of the directors constituting such committee, as the case may be, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the directors or committee members present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board or such committee, as applicable. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board or any committee thereof, a majority of the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting of the time and place of the adjourned meeting, until a quorum shall be present.
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3.11 Action of the Board by Written Consent. Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board or any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all of the members of the Board or such committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or such committee. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form. After an action is taken, the consent or consents relating thereto shall be filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or such committee.
3.12 Expense Reimbursement and Compensation. Directors and members of committees may receive such compensation, if any, for their services and such reimbursement of expenses as may be fixed or determined by resolution of the Board. This Section 3.12 shall not be construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity as an officer, agent, employee or otherwise and receiving compensation for those services.
3.13 Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board. The Corporation shall have a Chairman of the Board and, at the Board’s discretion, a Vice Chairman of the Board. Any such Chairman of the Board or Vice Chairman of the Board may be an officer of this Corporation as determined by the Board pursuant to Section 4.1. The Chairman of the Board shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board and shall exercise and perform such other powers and duties as may be from time to time assigned to him or her by the Board or as may be prescribed by these Bylaws.
3.14 Committees.
(a) The Board may, by resolution, designate from among its members one (1) or more committees, each such committee to consist of one (1) or more of the directors of the Corporation, the exact number of which shall be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board. The Board may designate one (1) or more directors as alternate members of any committee to 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 present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he, she or they 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. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board establishing such committee, 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 which may require it; provided, however, no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to the following matters: (i) approving or adopting, or recommending to the stockholders, any action or matter (other than the election or removal of directors) expressly required by the DGCL to be submitted to stockholders for approval, or (ii) adopting, amending or repealing any bylaw of the Corporation. All committees of the Board shall keep minutes of their meetings and shall report their proceedings to the Board when requested or required by the Board.
(b) Any committee of the Board may adopt such rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws for the conduct of its meetings as such committee may deem proper.
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3.15 Telephonic Meetings. 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 such committee, as the case may be, by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation in a meeting shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.
Article
IV
OFFICERS
4.1 General. The officers of the Corporation shall be chosen by the Board and shall include a President, a Chief Executive Officer, and a Secretary. The Board, in its discretion, may also appoint such additional officers as the Board may deem necessary or desirable, including a Chief Financial Officer, one (1) or more Vice Presidents, one (1) or more Assistant Vice Presidents, one (1) or more Assistant Secretaries, a Treasurer and one (1) or more Assistant Treasurers, each of whom shall hold office for such period, have such authority and perform such duties as the Board may from time to time determine. Subject to the rules or regulations of any stock exchange applicable to the Corporation or other applicable law, the Board may delegate to any officer of this Corporation or any committee of the Board the power to appoint, remove and prescribe the term and duties of any officer provided for in this Section 4.1. Any number of offices may be held by the same person, unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws.
4.2 Appointment and Term. Each officer shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and shall hold office until such officer’s successor has been appointed, or until such officer’s earlier death, resignation or removal. Any officer may be removed, either with or without cause, by the Board or by any officer upon whom such power of removal may be conferred by the Board.
4.3 Resignations. An officer may resign from his or her position at any time, by giving notice in writing or electronic transmission to the Corporation. Such resignation shall be without prejudice to any rights, if any, the Corporation may have under any contract to which the officer is a party. Such resignation shall take effect at the time therein specified (which may be upon the happening of an event specified therein), or, if no time is specified, immediately; and unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
4.4 Vacancies. A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise shall be filled by the Board in the manner prescribed in these Bylaws for election or appointment to such office.
4.5 Compensation. The Board shall fix, or may appoint a committee to fix, the compensation of all officers of the Corporation appointed by the Board. Subject to the rules or regulations of any stock exchange applicable to the Corporation or other applicable law, the Board may authorize any officer upon whom the power to appoint officers may have been conferred pursuant to Section 4.1 to fix the compensation of such officers.
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4.6 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.
Article
V
STOCK
5.1 Certificates. The shares of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided that the Board may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of the Corporation’s stock shall be uncertificated shares. Any such resolution shall not apply to shares represented by a certificate until such certificate is surrendered to the Corporation. Every holder of stock in the Corporation represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of, the Corporation by any two (2) authorized officers, representing the number of shares registered in certificate form. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile signature. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issuance.
5.2 Transfers. Subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 5.3, shares of stock of the Corporation shall be transferable upon the Corporation’s books by the holders thereof, in person or by their duly authorized attorneys or legal representatives, upon surrender to the Corporation of the certificate or certificates representing such shares endorsed by the appropriate person or persons (or, with respect to uncertificated shares, by delivery of duly executed instructions or in any other manner permitted by applicable law). Certificates representing such shares, if any, shall be cancelled and new certificates, if the shares are to be certificated, shall thereupon be issued. Shares of capital stock of the Corporation that are not represented by a certificate shall be transferred in accordance with applicable law. A record shall be made of each transfer. Whenever any transfer of shares shall be made for collateral security, and not absolutely, it shall be so expressed in the entry of the transfer if, when the certificates are presented, both the transferor and transferee request the Corporation to do so. The Board shall have power and authority to make such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary or proper concerning the issue, transfer and registration of certificates for shares of stock of the Corporation.
5.3 Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Certificates. The Board may direct a new certificate or uncertificated shares be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing such issuance of a new certificate or uncertificated shares, the Board may, in its discretion, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate to give the Corporation a bond (or other adequate security) in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate or uncertificated shares. The Board may adopt such other provisions and restrictions with reference to lost certificates, not inconsistent with applicable law, as it shall in its discretion deem appropriate.
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5.4 Record Owners. The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise required by law.
5.5 Restrictions on Foreign Ownership
.
(a) For purposes of this Section 5.5, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) “Act” shall mean Subtitle VII of Title 49 of the United States Code, as amended, or as the same may be from time to time amended.
(2) “Beneficial Ownership,” “Beneficially Owned” or “Owned Beneficially” refers to beneficial ownership as defined in Rule 13d-3 (without regard to the 60-day provision in paragraph (d) (1)(i) thereof) under the Exchange Act.
(3) “Foreign Stock Record” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.6(c).
(4) “Non-Citizen” shall mean any person or entity who is not a “citizen of the United States” (as defined in Section 40102 of the Act and administrative interpretations issued by the Department of Transportation, its predecessors and successors, from time to time), including any agent, trustee or representative of a Non-Citizen.
(5) “Own or Control” or “Owned or Controlled” shall mean (i) ownership of record, (ii) beneficial ownership or (iii) the power to direct, by agreement, agency or in any other manner, the voting of Stock. Any determination by the Board of Directors as to whether Stock is Owned or Controlled by a Non-Citizen shall be final.
(6) “Permitted Percentage” shall mean 25% of the voting power of the Stock.
(7) “Stock” shall mean the outstanding capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote; provided, however, that for the purpose of determining the voting power of Stock that shall at any time constitute the Permitted Percentage, the voting power of Stock outstanding shall not be adjusted downward solely because shares of Stock may not be entitled to vote by reason of any provision of this Section 5.5.
(b) It is the policy of the Corporation that, consistent with the requirements of the Act, Non-Citizens shall not Own and/or Control more than the Permitted Percentage and, if Non-Citizens nonetheless at any time Own and/or Control more than the Permitted Percentage, the voting rights of the Stock in excess of the Permitted Percentage shall be automatically suspended in accordance with Section 5.5(c) and Section 5.5(d).
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(c) The Corporation or any transfer agent designated by it shall maintain a separate stock record (the “Foreign Stock Record”) in which shall be registered Stock known to the Corporation to be Owned and/or Controlled by Non-Citizens. It shall be the duty of each stockholder to register his, her or its Stock if such stockholder is a Non-Citizen. A Non-Citizen may, at its option, register any Stock to be purchased pursuant to an agreement entered into with the Corporation, as if Owned or Controlled by it, upon execution of a definitive agreement. Such Non-Citizen shall register his, her or its Stock by sending a written request to the Corporation, noting both the execution of a definitive agreement for the purchase of Stock and the anticipated closing date of such transaction. Within ten (10) days of the closing, the Non-Citizen shall send to the Corporation a written notice confirming that the closing occurred. Failure to send such confirmatory notice shall result in the removal of such Stock from the Foreign Stock Record. For the sake of clarity, any Stock registered as a result of execution of a definitive agreement shall not have any voting or other ownership rights until the closing of that transaction. In the event that the sale pursuant to such definitive agreement is not consummated in accordance with such agreement (as may be amended), such Stock shall be removed from the Foreign Stock Record without further action by the Corporation. The Foreign Stock Record shall include (i) the name and nationality of each such Non-Citizen and (ii) the date of registration of such shares in the Foreign Stock Record. In no event shall shares in excess of the Permitted Percentage be entered on the Foreign Stock Record. In the event that the Corporation shall determine that Stock registered on the Foreign Stock Record exceeds the Permitted Percentage, sufficient shares shall be removed from the Foreign Stock Record so that the number of shares entered therein does not exceed the Permitted Percentage. Stock shall be removed from the Foreign Stock Record in reverse chronological order based upon the date of registration therein.
(d) If at any time the number of shares of Stock known to the Corporation to be Owned and/or Controlled by Non-Citizens exceeds the Permitted Percentage, the voting rights of Stock Owned and/or Controlled by Non-Citizens and not registered on the Foreign Stock Record at the time of any vote or action of the stockholders of the Corporation shall, without further action by the Corporation, be suspended. Such suspension of voting rights shall automatically terminate upon the earlier of the (i) transfer of such shares to a person or entity who is not a Non-Citizen, or (ii) registration of such shares on the Foreign Stock Record, subject to the last two sentences of Section 5.5(c).
(e) The Corporation may by notice in writing (which may be included in the form of proxy or ballot distributed to stockholders in connection with the annual meeting or any special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, or otherwise) require a person that is a holder of record of Stock or that the Corporation knows to have, or has reasonable cause to believe has, Beneficial Ownership of Stock to certify in such manner as the Corporation shall deem appropriate (including by way of execution of any form of proxy or ballot of such person) that, to the knowledge of such person:
(1) all Stock as to which such person has record ownership or Beneficial Ownership is Owned and Controlled only by citizens of the United States; or
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(2) the number and class or series of Stock owned of record or Beneficially Owned by such person that is Owned and/or Controlled by Non-Citizens is as set forth in such certificate.
(f) With respect to any Stock identified in response to clause (e) (2) above, the Corporation may require such person to provide such further information as the Corporation may reasonably require in order to implement the provisions of this Section 5.5.
(g) For purposes of applying the provisions of this Section 5.5 with respect to any Stock, in the event of the failure of any person to provide the certificate or other information to which the Corporation is entitled pursuant to this Section 5.5, the Corporation shall presume that the Stock in question is Owned and/or Controlled by Non-Citizens.
Article
VI
NOTICES
6.1 Notices.
(a) Whenever notice is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, such notice may be given by mail, addressed to such director, member of a committee or stockholder, at such person’s address as it appears on the books of the Corporation or given by the stockholder for such purpose, with postage thereon prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail. Notice may also be given personally or by facsimile, electronic mail or other means of electronic transmission in accordance with applicable law. Without limiting the foregoing, any notice to stockholders given by the Corporation pursuant to 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.
(b) Notice to a stockholder given by a form of electronic transmission in accordance with these Bylaws shall be deemed given: (i) if by facsimile telecommunication, when directed to a number at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (ii) if by electronic mail, when directed to an electronic mail address at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (iii) if by a posting on an electronic network, together with separate notice to the stockholder of such specific posting, upon the later of such posting and the giving of such separate notice; and (iv) if by another form of electronic transmission, when directed to the stockholder. For purposes of these Bylaws, “electronic transmission” means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, 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.
(c) Any notice to stockholders given by the Corporation may be given by a single written notice to stockholders who share an address if consented to by the stockholders at such address to whom such notice is given. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholders by written notice to the Corporation. Any stockholder who fails to object in writing to the Corporation, within sixty (60) days of having been given written notice by the Corporation of its intention to send the single notice as set forth in this Section 6.1(c) shall be deemed to have consented to receiving such single written notice.
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6.2 Waivers of Notice. Whenever any notice is required by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to notice, or a waiver thereof given by electronic transmission by the person or persons entitled to notice, in each case, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto. Attendance of a person at a meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where the person attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual or special meeting of stockholders or any regular or special meeting of the directors or members of a committee of directors need be specified in any written waiver of notice unless so required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws.
Article
VII
INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES
7.1 Definitions. For purposes of this Article VII, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
(a) “Action” means any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative.
(b) “Indemnified Party” means any person who is or was a party or is threatened to be made a party to any Action by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation (which shall include actions taken in connection with or relating to the incorporation 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, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including any employee benefit plan of the Corporation.
7.2 Indemnification. The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any Indemnified Party against any and all liability and loss suffered and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Party. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, except as provided in Section 7.5, the Corporation shall be required to indemnify an Indemnified Party in connection with an Action (or part thereof) commenced by such Indemnified Party only if the commencement of such Action (or part thereof) by the Indemnified Party was authorized in the specific case by the Board of the Corporation.
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7.3 Determination. Any indemnification under this Article VII (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that the indemnification of Indemnified Party is proper in the circumstances because such Indemnified Party has met the applicable standard of conduct required by applicable law, as the case may be. Such determination shall be made, with respect to an Indemnified Party who is a director or officer at the time of such determination, (a) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such Action, even though less than a quorum, (b) by a committee of such directors designated by a majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, (c) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (d) by the stockholders. Such determination shall be made, with respect to former directors or 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 Indemnified Party of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Action or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such Indemnified Party shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection therewith, without the necessity of authorization in the specific case.
7.4 Expenses Payable in Advance. Expenses, including without limitation attorneys’ fees, incurred by an Indemnified Party in defending any Action shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such Action upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Indemnified Person (if required by law) to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such Indemnified Party is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article VII.
7.5 Claim. If a claim for indemnification under this Article VII (following the final disposition of such proceeding) is not paid in full within sixty (60) days after the Corporation has received a claim therefor by the Indemnified Party, or if a claim for any advancement of expenses under this Article VII is not paid in full within thirty (30) days after the Corporation has received a statement or statements requesting such amounts to be advanced, the Indemnified Party shall thereupon (but not before) be entitled to file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim. If successful in whole or in part, the Indemnified Party shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim to the fullest extent permitted by law. In any such action, the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the Indemnified Party is not entitled to the requested indemnification or advancement of expenses under applicable law.
7.6 Other Indemnification or Advancement. The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by this Article VII shall not be construed to be exclusive of or limit any other rights to which any Indemnified Party or other person may be entitled under the Certificate of Incorporation or any bylaw, agreement, vote of the stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such Indemnified Party’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding office.
7.7 Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance in the amounts the Board deems appropriate or advisable on behalf of any Indemnified Party against any liability asserted against such Indemnified Party and incurred by such Indemnified Party in such Indemnified Party’s capacity, or arising out of such Indemnified Party’s status, as an Indemnified Party, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such Indemnified Party against such liability under applicable provisions of law.
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Article
VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
8.1 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board.
8.2 Corporate Seal. The Corporation may adopt and may subsequently alter the corporate seal and it may use the same by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.
8.3 Maintenance and Inspection of Records. The Corporation shall, either at its principal executive office or at such place or places as designated by the Board, keep a record of its stockholders listing their names and addresses and the number and class of shares held by each stockholder, a copy of these Bylaws as amended to date, accounting books and other records.
8.4 Reliance Upon Books, Reports and Records. Each director and each member of any committee designated by the Board shall, in the performance of his or her duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Corporation and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Corporation by any of its officers or employees, or committees of the Board so designated, or by any other person as to matters which such director or committee member reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation
8.5 Dividends. Subject to the requirements of the DGCL and the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, dividends on the capital stock of the Corporation may be declared by the Board at any regular or special meeting of the Board (or any action by written consent in lieu thereof in accordance with Section 3.11 hereof), and may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the Corporation’s capital stock. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board from time to time, in its absolute discretion, deems proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for purchasing any of the shares of capital stock, warrants, rights, options, bonds, debentures, notes, scrip or other securities or evidences of indebtedness of the Corporation, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for any proper purpose, and the Board may modify or abolish any such reserve. In the event that the Board declares a dividend on the capital stock of the Corporation pursuant to this Section 8.5, the Board may fix a record date in order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend, which record date shall be fixed in accordance with Section 2.11(b).
8.6 Emergency Bylaws. In the event of any emergency, disaster or catastrophe, as referred to in Section 110 of the DGCL or any successor provision, or other similar emergency condition, as a result of which a quorum of the Board or a standing committee of the Board cannot readily be convened for action, then the director or directors in attendance at the meeting shall constitute a quorum. Such director or directors in attendance may further take action to appoint one (1) or more of themselves or other directors to membership on any standing or temporary committees of the Board as they shall deem necessary and appropriate.
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8.7 Certificate of Incorporation Governs. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and these Bylaws, the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation shall govern.
8.8 Severability. Any determination that any provision of these Bylaws is for any reason inapplicable, illegal or ineffective shall not affect or invalidate any other provision of these Bylaws.
8.9 Actions with Respect to Securities of Other Entities. All stock and other securities of other entities owned or held by the Corporation for itself, or for other parties in any capacity, shall be voted (including by written consent), and all proxies with respect thereto shall be executed, by the person or persons authorized to do so by resolution of the Board or, in the absence of such authorization, by the President, Chief Executive Officer, Secretary or such other officer of the Corporation designated by the Board.
Article
IX
Amendments
9.1 Amendments. These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or in part, or new Bylaws may be adopted by the Board or by the stockholders as expressly provided in the Certificate of Incorporation.
* * *
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Exhibit 4.1
Number A-1
SEE REVERSE FOR IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING OWNERSHIP AND
TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS AND CERTAIN OTHER INFORMATION
SRFM | CUSIP [__] | |
SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS |
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC.
A Delaware Corporation
INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.
COMMON STOCK
SPECIMEN
FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK. PAR VALUE OF $0.0001 PER SHARE OF
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC.
transferable on the books of the company in person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this certificate properly endorsed.
This certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent and registered by the Registrar. Witness the seal of the Company and the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers.
Chief Executive Officer | Chief Financial Officer |
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC.
The Company will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof of the Company and the qualifications, limitations, or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights. This certificate and the shares of common stock represented hereby are issued and shall be held subject to all the provisions of the Company’s certificate of incorporation and all amendments thereto and resolutions of the Board of Directors providing for the issue of securities (copies of which may be obtained from the secretary of the Company), to all of which the holder of this certificate by acceptance hereof assents.
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM | — | as tenants in common | UNIF GIFT MIN ACT — | ______ | Custodian | ______ | ||
TEN ENT | — | as tenants by the entireties | (Cust) | (Minor) | ||||
IT TEN | — | as joint tenants with right of survivorship and | Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act _________ | |||||
TTEE | — | not as tenants in common | (State) | |||||
trustee under Agreement dated | ||||||||
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
For value received, ____________________________ hereby sell, assign and transfer unto
PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
|
PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE
Shares of the common stock represented by this certificate and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint , attorney, to transfer the said stock on the books of the within-named corporation with full power of substitution in the premises.
DATED_______________ | ||
NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the certificate in every particular without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever. |
SIGNATURE GUARANTEED:
THE SIGNATURES(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION, (BANKS STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM), PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15 (OR ANY SUCCESSOR RULE).
Exhibit 10.1
EXECUTION VERSION
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED
SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
dated as of February 8, 2023
by and among
SURF AIR GLOBAL LTD.
GEM GLOBAL YIELD LLC SCS
and
GEM YIELD BAHAMAS LIMITED
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | |
Article I Definitions. | 2 |
Section 1.01 Definitions | 2 |
Article II PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES | 8 |
Section 2.01 Purchase and Sale of Shares | 8 |
Section 2.02 The Shares | 8 |
Section 2.03 Required Filings | 9 |
Section 2.04 Closing Date; Settlement Dates | 9 |
Article III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES | 10 |
Section 3.01 Representations and Warranties of the Company | 10 |
Section 3.02 Representatives and Warranties of the Purchaser | 18 |
Article IV COVENANTS | 20 |
Section 4.01 Securities Compliance | 20 |
Section 4.02 Registration and Listing | 20 |
Section 4.03 Registration Rights Agreement | 21 |
Section 4.04 Compliance with Laws | 21 |
Section 4.05 Keeping of Records and Books of Account | 21 |
Section 4.06 Limitations on Holdings and Issuances | 21 |
Section 4.07 Registration Statement | 21 |
Section 4.08 Other Agreements and Other Financings | 22 |
Section 4.09 Stop Orders | 22 |
Section 4.10 Selling Restrictions; Volume Limitations | 23 |
Section 4.11 Non-Public Information | 23 |
Section 4.12 Commitment Fee | 23 |
Section 4.13 Private Transaction Fee | 24 |
Section 4.14 DWAC Eligibility | 24 |
Section 4.15 Reservation of Shares | 24 |
Section 4.16 Amendments to the Registration Statement; Prospectus Supplements | 24 |
Section 4.17 Escrow Agreement | 24 |
Article V CLOSING CERTIFICATE; CONDITIONS TO THE SALE AND PURCHASE OF THE SHARES; OPINION AND COMFORT LETTERS | 25 |
Section 5.01 Closing Certificate | 25 |
Section 5.02 Conditions Precedent to the Obligation of the Company to Sell the Shares | 25 |
Section 5.03 Conditions Precedent to the Obligation of the Purchaser to Accept a Draw Down and Purchase the Shares | 26 |
Section 5.04 Conditions Precedent to the Obligation of the Purchaser to Accept Committed Draw Down Notice and Pay the Committed Draw Down | 28 |
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Article VI DRAW DOWN TERMS | 29 |
Section 6.01 Draw Down Terms | 29 |
Section 6.02 Aggregate Limit | 30 |
Section 6.03 Advances and Mandatory Draw Downs upon Public Listing | 30 |
Article VII TERMINATION | 32 |
Section 7.01 Term, Termination by Mutual Consent | 32 |
Section 7.02 Effect of Termination | 32 |
Article VIII INDEMNIFICATION | 32 |
Section 8.01 General Indemnity. | 32 |
Section 8.02 Indemnification Procedures | 33 |
Article IX MISCELLANEOUS | 34 |
Section 9.01 Fees and Expenses | 34 |
Section 9.02 Specific Enforcement, Consent to Jurisdiction | 34 |
Section 9.03 Entire Agreement; Amendment | 34 |
Section 9.04 Notices | 35 |
Section 9.05 Waivers | 35 |
Section 9.06 Headings | 36 |
Section 9.07 Successors and Assigns; Third-Party Beneficiary | 36 |
Section 9.08 Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial | 36 |
Section 9.09 Survival | 36 |
Section 9.10 Counterparts | 36 |
Section 9.11 Publicity | 37 |
Section 9.12 Severability | 37 |
Section 9.13 Further Assurances | 37 |
EXHIBITS | |
Exhibit A | Form of Registration Rights Agreement |
Exhibit B | Form of Company Closing Certificate |
Exhibit C | Form of Company Compliance Certificate |
Exhibit D | Form of Draw Down Notice |
Exhibit E | Form of Closing Notice |
COMPANY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULES | |
Schedule 3.01(c) | Capitalization |
Schedule 3.01(j) | Indebtedness |
Schedule 3.01(p) | Operation of Business |
Schedule 3.01(q) | Environmental Compliance |
Schedule 3.01(s) | Transactions with Affiliates |
Schedule 3.01(u) | Employees |
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SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED
SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
February 8, 2023
This SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the date first above written by and among SURF AIR GLOBAL LTD., a company limited by shares formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands and having BVI Co. No. 1915770 and a principal place of business at 12111 Crenshaw Boulevard, Hawthorne, California, 90250 (the “Company”), on the one hand, and GEM GLOBAL YIELD LLC SCS, a “société en commandite simple” formed under the laws of Luxembourg having LEI No. 213800CXBEHFXVLBZO92 having an address at 412F, Route d’Esch, L-2086 Luxembourg (“Purchaser”) and GEM YIELD BAHAMAS LIMITED, a limited company formed under the laws of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and having an address at 3 Bayside Executive Park, West Bay Street & Blake Road, P.O. Box N-4875, Nassau, The Bahamas (“GYBL,” and together with the Company and Purchaser, the “Parties”), on the other hand.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Parties entered into that certain Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 25, 2020 (the “Original Agreement”), and that certain Amended and Restated Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2022 (the “A&R Agreement”), and desire to amend and restate the Original Agreement and the A&R Agreement as set forth herein;
WHEREAS, the Parties desire that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein, the Company may issue and sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser may purchase from the Company up to the Aggregate Limit of the Shares (as defined below);
WHEREAS, as partial consideration for the transactions contemplated hereby, upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein, the Company shall issue and sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser shall purchase from the Company, the Purchased Shares (as defined below).
WHEREAS, such investments will be made in reliance upon the provisions of Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act (“Section 4(a)(2)”) and Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Act (“Regulation D”), and upon such other exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act as may be available with respect to any or all of the investments in the Shares to be made hereunder; and
WHEREAS, the Parties entered into that certain Registration Rights Agreement concurrently with the execution of the Original Agreement, pursuant to which the Company shall register the Shares and the Purchased Shares, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein.
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NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, agree to amend and restate the Original Agreement and the A&R Agreement as follows:
Article
I
Definitions.
Section 1.01 Definitions.
(a) Additional Transferred Shares” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.03(d) hereof.
(b) Adjustment Date” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.12(b) hereof.
(c) Affiliate” means with respect to a party to this Agreement (i) any company of which over fifty percent (50%) of its issued and voting share capital is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such party, or (ii) any company which owns or controls, directly or indirectly, over fifty percent (50%) of the issued and voting share capital of such party, or (iii) any company owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, to the extent of over fifty percent (50%) or more of the issued and voting share capital, by any of the foregoing.
(d) Aggregate Limit” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01(a) hereof.
(e) Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.03(d) hereof.
(f) Articles” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01(c) hereof.
(g) Change of Control” shall mean (i) the acquisition by any Person of direct or indirect beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then-issued and outstanding equity of the Company; (ii) the occurrence of a merger, consolidation, reorganization, share exchange or similar corporate transaction, whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation, other than a transaction which would result in the voting equity outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least 50% of the voting equity shares of the Company or such surviving entity immediately after such transaction; or (iii) the sale, transfer or disposition of all or substantially all of the business and assets of the Company to any Person.
(h) Closing” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.04 hereof.
(i) Closing Date” means the date of the Original Agreement.
(j) Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(k) Commission” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor entity.
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(l) Commission Documents” shall mean, as of a particular date, all reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, including material filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, and shall include all information contained in such filings and all filings incorporated by reference therein.
(m) Commitment Fee” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.12.
(n) Committed Draw Down” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.03(a) hereof.
(o) Committed Draw Down Amount” shall mean $25,000,000.
(p) Committed Draw Down Date” shall mean each of (I) the “First Draw Down Date”, which shall be a date determined by the Company that is no later than the 5th Trading Day after the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 5.04, (II) the “Second Draw Down Date”, which shall be a date determined by the Company that is no earlier than the 1st Trading Day following the end of the first Committed Draw Down Pricing Period and no later than the 5th Trading Day after the end of the first Committed Draw Down Pricing Period (or in the event there is no First Draw Down Date, no earlier than the 5th Trading Day after the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 5.04), (III) the “Third Draw Down Date”, which shall be a date determined by the Company that is no earlier than the 1st Trading Day following the end of the second Committed Draw Down Pricing Period and no later than the 5th Trading Day after the end of the second Committed Draw Down Pricing Period (or in the event there is no Second Draw Down Date, the date which would have been the end of the second Committed Draw Down Pricing Period had the Draw Down Notice therefor been delivered on the 25th Trading Day after the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 5.04), and (IV) the “Fourth Draw Down Date”, which shall be a date determined by the Company that is no earlier than the 1st Trading Day following the end of the third Committed Draw Down Pricing Period and no later than the 5th Trading Day after the end of the third Committed Draw Down Pricing Period (or in the event there is no Third Draw Down Date, the date which would have been the end of the third Committed Draw Down Pricing Period had the Draw Down Notice therefor been delivered on the 45th Trading Day after the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 5.04).
(q) Committed Draw Down Purchase Price” shall mean a per-Share amount equal to 90% of the average Volume Weighted Average Prices during the applicable Committed Draw Down Pricing Period.
(r) Committed Draw Down Notice” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.03 hereof.
(s) Committed Draw Down Pricing Period” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.03 hereof.
(t) Committed Draw Down Shortfall” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.03(d) hereof.
(u) Current Report” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2.03.
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(v) Common Shares” means, without limitation, the common stock, equity shares, or other ordinary or common equity shares of the Company that are to be listed on the Principal Market.
(w) Draw Down” means the transactions contemplated under Section 6.01 and Section 6.03 of this Agreement.
(x) Draw Down Amount” means the actual amount of proceeds to be paid by the Purchaser in connection with a Draw Down.
(y) Draw Down Amount Requested” shall mean the amount of a Draw Down requested by the Company in its Draw Down Notice as provided in Section 6.01(h) hereof.
(z) Draw Down Exercise Date” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01(h) hereof.
(aa) “Draw Down Limit” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01(a) hereof.
(bb) “Draw Down Notice” shall mean a notice sent by the Company to exercise a Draw Down as provided in Section 6.01(h) hereof.
(cc) “Draw Down Pricing Period” shall mean a period of 20 consecutive Trading Days commencing with the first Trading Day designated in each Draw Down Notice.
(dd) “Effective Date” shall mean the date of the execution and delivery this Agreement.
(ee) “Environmental Laws” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01(r) hereof.
(ff) “Escrow” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.03(b).
(gg) “Escrow Agent” shall mean a nationally recognized firm that provides escrow services mutually selected by the Parties and reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser to serve as escrow agent pursuant to the terms of the Escrow Agreement.
(hh) “Escrow Agreement” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.17.
(ii) Equity Purchase Price” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01(b).
(jj) “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
(kk) “First Trading Day” shall mean the first day on which the Shares trade on the Principal Market.
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(ll) “Fundamental Representations” means the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Sections 3.01(a) (Organization, Good Standing and Power), 3.01(b) (Authorization, Enforcement), 3.01(c) (Capitalization), 3.01(d) (Issuance of Shares), 3.01(e)(i) (No Conflicts with Organizational Documents), 3.01(g) (No Material Adverse Effect) and 3.01(n) (Certain Fees).
(mm) “GAAP” shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as consistently applied by the Company.
(nn) “Indebtedness” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01(k) hereof.
(oo) Initial Mandatory Draw Down” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.03(d)(i).
(pp) “Investment Period” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.01 hereof.
(qq) “Knowledge” means the actual knowledge of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after reasonable inquiry of all officers, directors and employees of the Company who could reasonably be expected to have knowledge or information with respect to the matter in question.
(rr) “Lien” means with respect to any property or asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest, option, adverse claim, restriction on title or transfer, encroachments, occupancy rights, or other encumbrance of any kind or character in respect of such property or asset, and any agreement to create any of the foregoing.
(ss) “Losses” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.01(a) hereof.
(tt) “Material Adverse Effect” shall mean (i) any effect on the business, operations, properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company that is material and adverse to the Company and its Affiliates, taken as a whole, or (ii) any condition, circumstance, or situation that would prohibit or otherwise materially interfere with the ability of the Company to enter into and perform any of its obligations under this Agreement in any material respect; provided, however, that in the case of clause (i), none of the following shall be taken into account in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred: any events, changes or effects (a) occurring in economic or political conditions or the financing, banking, currency or capital markets in general; (b) occurring generally in, or generally affecting, the industries or the markets in which Company conduct business; (c) resulting from changes in laws or orders or approvals of governmental authorities, or accounting requirements or principles, or any interpretation thereof, after the date hereof; (d) resulting from an outbreak or escalation of hostilities involving any country where Company does business, the declaration by any country where Company does business of a national emergency or war, or the occurrence of any acts of terrorism and any actions or reactions thereto in such country; (e) resulting from any natural disaster; (f) resulting from any failure of Company to meet any projections or forecasts (provided that this clause (f) shall not by itself exclude the underlying causes of any such failure); or (g) due to any epidemic, pandemic, disease outbreak (including COVID-19) or other health crisis or public health event, or the worsening of any of the foregoing; provided, further, that notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to clauses (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) above, any such event, change or effect shall be taken into account in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred to the extent such event, change or effect disproportionately and adversely affects the Company as compared to other participants in industries or markets in which the Company operates.
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(uu) “Material Agreements” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01(r) hereof.
(vv) “Memorandum” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01(c) hereof.
(ww) “Other Financing” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.10 hereof.
(xx) Parties” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble.
(yy) “Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, governmental authority or other entity.
(zz) “Plan” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01(x) hereof.
(aaa) “Principal Market” shall mean the U.S. national securities exchange on which the Common Shares are traded.
(bbb) “Private Placement Transaction” shall mean a sale of Common Shares by the Company or the Successor Company to investors in a private placement pursuant to Sections 4(2) or 4(6) or Rule 504, 505 or 506 of the Securities Act
(ccc) “Private Transaction” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.13.
(ddd) “Prospectus” means the prospectus in the form included in the Registration Statement, as supplemented from time to time by any Prospectus Supplement, including the documents incorporated by reference therein.
(eee) “Prospectus Supplement” means any prospectus supplement to the Prospectus filed with the Commission from time to time pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act, including the documents incorporated by reference therein.
(fff) “Public Company Date” means the date that the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act.
(ggg) “Public Listing” shall mean the public listing of the Shares for trading on the Principal Market or the consummation of a Reverse Merger Transaction, whichever is earlier.
(hhh) “Public Listing Date” means the date on which the Public Listing occurs.
(iii) Purchase Price” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01(a) hereof.
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(jjj) “Purchased Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(b).
(kkk) “Registration Statement” shall mean one or more registration statements on Form S-1, S-3 or S-4 under the Securities Act, or other relevant registration statement, as applicable, to be filed by the Company with the Commission with respect to the registration of the Shares and the Purchased Shares, pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.
(lll) “Reverse Merger Transaction” shall mean a merger, reverse merger, acquisition, consolidation, business combination or similar transaction between the Company or one of its subsidiaries or Affiliates and a special purpose acquisition company or other entity whose securities are publicly listed on the Principal Market, following which transaction (i) the shares of the special purpose acquisition company or other entity, the Company or one of their respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates are publicly listed on the Principal Market, or (ii) the applicable publicly listed person holds, owns or has the right to acquire, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (and/or any of its subsidiaries or Affiliates), as determined on a consolidated basis prior to the consummation of the applicable transaction.
(mmm) “Second Mandatory Draw Down” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.03(d)(ii).
(nnn) “Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
(ooo) Settlement Date” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01(d) hereof.
(ppp) “Shares” shall mean all of the Common Shares of the Company issuable to the Purchaser upon exercise of any Draw Down.
(qqq) “Subsequent Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.03(d) hereof.
(rrr) “Subsequent Committed Draw Down” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.03(d) hereof.
(sss) “Subsequent Committed Draw Down Pricing Period” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.03(d) hereof.
(ttt) “Subsequent Committed Draw Down Purchase Price” shall mean a per-Share amount equal to 90% of the average Volume Weighted Average Prices during the applicable Subsequent Committed Draw Down Pricing Period.
(uuu) “Subsidiary” shall mean any corporation or other entity of which at least a majority of the securities or other ownership interest having ordinary voting power (absolutely or contingently) for the election of directors or other Persons performing similar functions are at the time owned directly or indirectly by the Company and/or any of its other Subsidiaries.
(vvv) “Successor Company” shall mean (i) any company the common equity shares of which are traded on the Principal Market with which the Company merges, consolidates, amalgamates or combines, including without limitation, the resulting or successor company in a merger transaction or a Reverse Merger Transaction, or (ii) any successor or similar entity of the Company (whether by merger, consolidation, combination or otherwise) or any subsidiary or Affiliate of, or other similar entity related to, the Company or any subsidiary or Affiliate thereof, in each case, formed for the purpose of facilitating, or in connection with, a Public Listing.
(www) “Threshold Price” is the lowest price at which the Company may sell Shares during a Draw Down Pricing Period, as set forth in each Draw Down Notice.
(xxx) Trading Day” shall mean a trading day on the Principal Market.
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(yyy) “Transaction Documents” shall mean this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Escrow Agreement, and each other agreement or undertaking executed or delivered to the Purchaser by the Company pursuant hereto or thereto.
(zzz) “Transferred Shares” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.03(b) hereof.
(aaaa) “Volume Weighted Average Price” means the volume weighted average sale price per Common Shares as recorded by the Principal Market, on a particular day.
Article
II
PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES
Section 2.01 Purchase and Sale of Shares.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company shall issue and sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser agrees to purchase from the Company during the Investment Period (as defined in Section 7.01) up to the number of Common Shares having an aggregate value of U.S. $400,000,000 as of the respective Settlement Dates of the Draw Downs (the “Aggregate Limit”) duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable Shares of the Company by the delivery to the Purchaser of Draw Down Notices as provided in ARTICLE VI hereof. The aggregate dollar amount of all Draw Down Amounts pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall not exceed the Aggregate Limit. For the avoidance of doubt, each Committed Draw Down paid by the Purchaser in accordance with Section 6.03(a) shall be deemed a Draw Down Amount and included for purposes of determining whether the Purchaser has purchased the Aggregate Limit.
(b) In addition to any Shares purchased by the Purchaser pursuant to any Draw Down Notice, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, on the Public Listing Date, the Company shall sell, assign, transfer and convey to Purchaser, free and clear of all Liens, and Purchaser shall purchase and acquire from the Company, an amount of Common Shares equal to 0.75% of the total number of Common Shares outstanding as of the Public Listing Date, calculated on a fully diluted basis (the “Purchased Shares”), for an aggregate purchase price of $0.01 per Common Share (the “Equity Purchase Price”).
Section 2.02 The Shares. The Company has or will have authorized and has or will have reserved, and covenants to continue to so reserve once reserved, free of preemptive rights and other similar contractual rights of shareholders, a sufficient number of its authorized but unissued Common Shares to cover the Purchased Shares and the Shares to be issued in connection with all Draw Downs requested under this Agreement prior to the issuance to the Purchaser of such Shares under this Agreement.
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Section 2.03 Required Filings. If the Company is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as practicable, but in any event not later than 5:30 p.m. (New York City time) on the fourth Trading Day immediately following the Public Company Date, the Company shall file with the Commission a report on Form 8-K relating to the transactions contemplated by, and describing the material terms and conditions of the Transaction Documents and attaching copies of this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement (including all exhibits thereto, the “Current Report”). In the event that such terms, conditions and copies are included in the Registration Statement, then the Current Report need not be filed with the Commission. The Company shall provide the Purchaser a reasonable opportunity to comment on a draft of such Current Report, give due consideration to such comments, and not file the Current Report to the extent the Purchaser reasonably objects to the form or content thereof. Not later than 15 calendar days following the Closing Date, the Company shall file a Form D with respect to the securities hereunder in accordance with Regulation D and shall provide a copy thereof to the Purchaser promptly after such filing. The Company shall prepare and file the Registration Statement (including the Prospectus) covering the resale by the Purchaser of the registrable securities with the Commission in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act and the Registration Rights Agreement. The Company shall file with the Commission in accordance with Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act the final Prospectus to be used in connection with sales pursuant to the Registration Statement no later than 8:30 a.m. (New York City time) on the first Draw Down Exercise Date. If the transactions contemplated by any Draw Down are material to the Company (individually or collectively with all other prior Draw Downs, the consummation of which have not previously been reported in any Prospectus Supplement filed with the Commission under Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act or in any report, statement or other document filed by the Company with the Commission under the Exchange Act), or if otherwise required under the Securities Act (or the interpretations of the Commission thereof), in each case as reasonably determined by the Company or the Purchaser, then, on the first Trading Day immediately following the last Trading Day of the Draw Down Pricing Period with respect to such Draw Down, the Company shall file with the Commission a Prospectus Supplement pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act with respect to the applicable Draw Down(s), disclosing the total Draw Down Amount Requested pursuant to such Draw Down(s), the total number of Shares that are to be (and, if applicable, have been) issued and sold to the Purchaser pursuant to such Draw Down(s), the total purchase price for the Shares subject to such Draw Down(s), the applicable discount price(s) for such Shares and the net proceeds that are to be (and, if applicable, have been) received by the Company from the sale of such Shares. To the extent not previously disclosed in the Prospectus or a Prospectus Supplement, the Company shall disclose in its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K the information described in the immediately preceding sentence relating to all Draw Down(s) consummated during the relevant fiscal year, and include each such report in a Prospectus Supplement and file such Prospectus Supplement with the Commission under Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act.
Section 2.04 Closing Date; Settlement Dates. The Original Agreement became effective and binding (the “Closing”) upon the delivery of counterpart signature pages of the Original Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement executed by each of the parties hereto and thereto, and the delivery of all other documents, instruments and writings required to be delivered at the Closing, in each case as provided in ARTICLE V on the Closing Date. In consideration of and in express reliance upon the representations, warranties and covenants contained in, and upon the terms and subject to the conditions of, this Agreement, during the Investment Period the Company shall issue and sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser shall purchase from the Company, the Shares in respect of each Draw Down. The issuance and sale of Shares to the Purchaser pursuant to any Draw Down shall occur on the applicable Settlement Date in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; provided that all of the conditions precedent thereto set forth in ARTICLE V theretofore shall have been fulfilled on or prior to such Settlement Date.
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Article
III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Section 3.01 Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company hereby makes the following representations and warranties to the Purchaser and GYBL as of the date of the Original Agreement, as of the Effective Date, as of each Draw Down Exercise Date and as of each Settlement Date, except (i) where the representation is expressly made only as of the Effective Date and, (ii) with respect to Draw Down Exercise Dates, to the extent stated otherwise in any updates to the Schedules provided by the Company or in any Commission Documents filed through such time (it being understood that any Commission Documents shall be deemed to be incorporated into such Schedules as of their respective dates of filing with the Commission):
(a) Organization, Good Standing and Power. The Company is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation and has the requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and to conduct its business as it is now being conducted. All Company Subsidiaries are duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of their respective jurisdictions of formation and have the requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate their respective properties and assets and to conduct their respective business as it is now being conducted. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to do business and is in good standing in every jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted or property owned by it makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified, authorized or in good standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Authorization, Enforcement. The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and each other Transaction Document and to issue and sell the Purchased Shares and the Shares in accordance with the terms hereof. Except for approvals of the Company’s Board of Directors or a committee thereof as may be required in connection with any issuance and sale of Shares to the Purchaser hereunder, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and each other Transaction Document by the Company and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and, except as contemplated by Section 2.02, no further consent or authorization of the Company or its Board of Directors or shareholders is required. This Agreement and each other Transaction Document has been duly executed and delivered by the Company. This Agreement and each other Transaction Document constitutes, or shall constitute when executed and delivered, a valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, liquidation, conservatorship, receivership or similar laws relating to, or affecting generally the enforcement of, creditor’s rights and remedies or by other equitable principles of general application.
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(c) Capitalization. The authorized equity capital of the Company and the shares thereof issued and outstanding are or will be as set forth in the Commission Documents as of the date of such Commission Documents. All of the Shares will be, and the outstanding Common Shares have been, duly and validly authorized, and are fully paid and non-assessable. Except as are or will be set forth in the Commission Documents, no holders of Shares or Common Shares are entitled to preemptive rights or registration rights, and there are no outstanding options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, call or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights convertible into, any shares of equity capital of the Company. Furthermore, except as are or will be set forth in the Commission Documents, there are no contracts, commitments, understandings, or arrangements by which the Company is or may become bound to issue additional equity shares of the Company or options, securities or rights convertible into equity shares of the Company. Except for customary transfer restrictions contained in agreements entered into by the Company in order to sell restricted securities or as set forth on Schedule 3.01(c) attached hereto, the Company is not a party to, and it has no Knowledge of, any agreement restricting the voting or transfer of any equity shares of the Company. The offer and sale of all equity shares, convertible securities, rights, warrants, or options of the Company complied in all material respects with all applicable federal and state securities laws. No shareholder of the Company has a right of rescission or damages with respect to the offer and sale of equity shares, convertible securities, rights, warrants or options of the Company. Except as is or will be set forth in the Commission Documents, there are no securities or instruments containing anti-dilution or similar provisions that will be triggered by this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents or the consummation of the transactions described herein or therein. The Company has furnished or made available to the Purchaser true and correct copies of the Company’s Articles of Association as in effect on the Effective Date (the “Articles”) and Memorandum of Association as in effect on the Effective Date (the “Memorandum”).
(d) Issuance of Shares. The Purchased Shares and the Shares to be issued under this Agreement, in each case, have been or will be (prior to issuance to the Purchaser or GYBL hereunder) duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and, when paid for or issued in accordance with the terms hereof, the Purchased Shares and the Shares, in each case, shall be validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable, and the Purchaser shall be entitled to all rights accorded to a holder of Common Shares.
(e) No Conflicts. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and each other Transaction Document by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated herein do not (i) violate any provision of the Company’s Articles or Memorandum, (ii) conflict with, result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, any material agreement, mortgage, deed of trust, indenture, note, bond, license, lease agreement, instrument or obligation to which the Company is a party or is bound, (iii) create or impose a lien, charge or encumbrance on any property or assets of the Company under any agreement or any commitment to which the Company is a party or by which the Company is bound or by which any of its respective properties or assets are bound, or (iv) result in a violation of any federal, state, local or foreign statute, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree (including federal and state securities laws and regulations) applicable to the Company or by which any property or asset of the Company are bound or affected. The Company is not required under federal, state or local law, rule or regulation to obtain any consent, authorization or order of, or make any filing or registration with, any court or governmental agency in order for it to execute, deliver or perform any of its obligations under this Agreement and each other Transaction Document, or issue and sell the Purchased Shares or the Shares to the Purchaser in accordance with the terms hereof (other than any filings which may be required to be made by the Company with the Commission or the Principal Market subsequent to the Effective Date, including the Registration Statement and any registration statement, amendment, prospectus or prospectus supplement which may be filed pursuant hereto); provided, however, that, for purposes of the representation made in this sentence, the Company is assuming and relying upon the accuracy of the representations, warranties and agreements of the Purchaser herein.
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(f) Commission Documents, Financial Statements. If and during the period that the Company is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company has timely filed all Commission Documents (giving effect to permissible extensions in accordance with Rule 12b-25 under the Exchange Act). The Company has delivered or made available, or will make available, to the Purchaser true and complete copies of the Commission Documents filed with the Commission prior to the Effective Date. The Company has not provided to the Purchaser any information which, according to applicable law, rule or regulation, should have been disclosed publicly by the Company but which has not been so disclosed, other than with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents. As of their respective filing dates, the Commission Documents complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act and other federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations applicable to them, and, as of their respective dates, the Commission Documents did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The financial statements of the Company included in the Commission Documents comply as to form in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and the published rules and regulations of the Commission or other applicable rules and regulations with respect thereto. Such financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except (i) as may be otherwise indicated in such financial statements or the notes thereto or (ii) in the case of unaudited interim statements, to the extent they may not include footnotes or may be condensed or summary statements), and fairly present in all material respects the financial position of the Company as of the dates thereof and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods then ended (subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments).
(g) No Material Adverse Effect. No Material Adverse Effect has occurred or exists with respect to the Company.
(h) No Undisclosed Liabilities. The Company has no liabilities, obligations, claims or losses (whether liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise) that would be required to be disclosed on a balance sheet of the Company or any Subsidiary (including the notes thereto) in conformity with GAAP and are not disclosed in the Commission Documents other than liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business since the date of such Commission Documents which, individually and in the aggregate, are not material to the Company’s business.
(i) No Undisclosed Events or Circumstances. No event or circumstance has occurred or exists with respect to the Company or its businesses, properties, prospects, operations or financial condition, which, under applicable law, rule or regulation, requires public disclosure or announcement by the Company but which has not been so publicly announced or disclosed as of the date on which such disclosure or announcement is required to be made under applicable law, rule or regulation.
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(j) Indebtedness. Schedule 3.01(j) attached hereto sets forth as of the Effective Date all outstanding secured and unsecured Indebtedness of the Company, or for which the Company has commitments through such date. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Indebtedness” shall mean (a) any liabilities for borrowed money or amounts owed in excess of $1,000,000 (other than trade accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business), (b) all guaranties, endorsements, indemnities and other contingent obligations in respect of Indebtedness of others in excess of $1,000,000, whether or not the same are or should be reflected in the Company’s balance sheet (or the notes thereto), except guaranties by endorsement of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection or similar transactions in the ordinary course of business; and (c) the present value of any lease payments in excess of $1,000,000 due under leases required to be capitalized in accordance with GAAP. The Company is not in default with respect to any Indebtedness, except as set forth on Schedule 3.01(c) attached hereto. The Company has not taken any steps, and does not currently expect to take any steps, to seek protection pursuant to Title 11 of the United States Code, or other similar federal or state or other applicable bankruptcy law or law for the relief of debtors, nor does the Company have any Knowledge that its creditors intend to initiate involuntary bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or liquidation proceedings or other proceedings for relief under any such bankruptcy law or law for the relief of debtors. The Company is financially solvent and is generally able to pay its debts as they become due.
(k) Title to Assets. Except as set forth in Section 3.01(k) hereto or in the Commission Documents, the Company has good, valid and marketable title to all of its real and personal property reflected in the Commission Documents, in each case, free of any mortgages, pledges, charges, Liens, security interests or other encumbrances. All said real property leases of the Company are valid and subsisting and in full force and effect in all material respects.
(l) Actions Pending. There is no action, suit, claim, investigation or proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or any Subsidiary which questions the validity of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or any action taken or to be taken pursuant hereto or thereto. There is no action, suit, claim, investigation or proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened, against or involving the Company, any Subsidiary or any of their respective properties or assets, or involving any officers or directors of the Company or any Subsidiary, including, without limitation, any securities class action lawsuit or shareholder derivative lawsuit related to the Company. No judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree or award has been issued by or, to the Knowledge of the Company, requested of any court, arbitrator or governmental agency.
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(m) Compliance with Law. The business of the Company has been and is presently being conducted in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local governmental laws, rules, regulations and ordinances in all material respects. The Company has all franchises, permits, licenses, consents and other governmental or regulatory authorizations and approvals necessary for the conduct of its business as now being conducted by it. The Company is not in violation of any judgment, decree or order or any statute, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to the Company, and the Company will not conduct its business in violation of any of the foregoing.
(n) Certain Fees. No brokers, finders or financial advisory fees or commissions will be payable by the Company or any Subsidiary with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.
(o) Disclosure. Neither this Agreement (including the Schedules hereto) nor any other Transaction Document nor the Commission Documents or any other documents, certificates or instruments furnished to the Purchaser by or on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made herein or therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made herein or therein, not misleading. The Company confirms that neither it, nor any other Person acting on its behalf, has provided the Purchaser or any of its agents, advisors or counsel with any information that constitutes or could reasonably be expected to constitute material, nonpublic information concerning the Company, other than the existence of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, except pursuant to a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement.
(p) Operation of Business. The Company owns or controls all patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, licenses and authorizations of the Company as set forth in the Commission Documents or on Schedule 3.01(p) attached hereto, and all rights with respect to the foregoing, which are reasonably necessary for the conduct of its business as now conducted without, to the Company’s Knowledge, any conflict with the rights of others. The Company possesses such permits, licenses, approvals, consents and other authorizations (including licenses, accreditation and other similar documentation or approvals of any local health departments) issued by the appropriate federal, state, local or foreign regulatory agencies or bodies as are necessary to conduct the business now operated by it (collectively, “Governmental Licenses”). The Company is in compliance with the terms and conditions of all such Governmental Licenses, except as otherwise disclosed in the Commission Documents. All of the Governmental Licenses are valid and in full force and effect, except as otherwise disclosed in the Commission Documents. Except as set forth in the Commission Documents, the Company has not received any written notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such Governmental Licenses.
(q) Environmental Compliance. Except as disclosed in the Commission Documents or on Schedule 3.01(q) attached hereto, the Company has obtained all material approvals, authorization, certificates, consents, licenses, orders and permits or other similar authorizations of all governmental authorities, or from any other Person, that are required under any Environmental Laws. “Environmental Laws” shall mean all applicable laws relating to the protection of the environment including, without limitation, all requirements pertaining to reporting, licensing, permitting, controlling, investigating or remediating emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances, chemical substances, pollutants, contaminants or toxic substances, materials or wastes, whether solid, liquid or gaseous in nature, into the air, surface water, groundwater or land, or relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of hazardous substances, chemical substances, pollutants, contaminants or toxic substances, material or wastes, whether solid, liquid or gaseous in nature. To the best of the Company’s Knowledge, there are no past or present events, conditions, circumstances, incidents, actions or omissions relating to or in any way affecting the Company that violate or could reasonably be expected to violate any Environmental Law after the date of the Original Agreement or that could reasonably be expected to give rise to any environmental liability, or otherwise form the basis of any claim, action, demand, suit, proceeding, hearing, study or investigation (i) under any Environmental Law, or (ii) based on or related to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage (including, without limitation, underground storage tanks), disposal, transport or handling, or the emission, discharge, release or threatened release of any hazardous substance.
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(r) Material Agreements. The Company is not a party to any written or oral contract, instrument, agreement, commitment, obligation, plan or arrangement, a copy of which would be required to be filed with the Commission as an exhibit to an annual report on Form 10-K (collectively, “Material Agreements”) which has not been furnished or disclosed to the Purchaser or filed in the Commission Documents. The Company has in all material respects performed all the obligations required to be performed by it to date under the Material Agreements, has received no notice of default by the Company thereunder and, to the best of the Company’s Knowledge, is not in default under any Material Agreement now in effect.
(s) Transactions with Affiliates. Except as set forth in the Commission Documents or on Schedule 3.01(s) attached hereto, there are no loans, leases, agreements, contracts, royalty agreements, management contracts or arrangements or other continuing transactions exceeding $120,000 between (a) the Company, on the one hand, and (b) any Person who would be covered by Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K, on the other hand. Except as disclosed in the Commission Documents, there are no outstanding amounts payable to or receivable from, or advances by the Company to, and the Company is not otherwise a creditor of or debtor to, any beneficial owner of more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding Common Shares, or any director, employee or Affiliate of the Company, other than (i) reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred on behalf of the Company or (ii) as part of the normal and customary terms of such person’s employment or service as a director with the Company.
(t) Securities Act. The Company will comply in all material respects with all applicable federal and state securities laws in connection with the offer, issuance and sale of the Shares and the Purchased Shares hereunder. The Registration Statement, on the date it is filed with the Commission, on the date it is declared effective by the Commission (or becomes effective pursuant to Section 8 of the Securities Act), on each Draw Down Exercise Date and on each Settlement Date, shall comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act (including, without limitation, Rule 415 under the Securities Act) and shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, except that this representation and warranty shall not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration Statement made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to the Purchaser furnished to the Company in writing by or on behalf of the Purchaser expressly for use therein. The Prospectus and each Prospectus Supplement required to be filed pursuant to this Agreement or the Registration Rights Agreement after the Closing Date, when taken together, on its date, on each Draw Down Exercise Date and on each Settlement Date, shall comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act (including, without limitation, Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act) and shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except that this representation and warranty shall not apply to statements in or omissions from the Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to the Purchaser furnished to the Company in writing by or on behalf of the Purchaser expressly for use therein. Each Commission Document (other than the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement) to be filed with or furnished to the Commission after the Closing Date and incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement required to be filed pursuant to this Agreement or the Registration Rights Agreement (including, without limitation, the Current Report), when such document is filed with or furnished to the Commission and, if applicable, when such document becomes effective, as the case may be, shall comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable, and other federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations applicable to it, and shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The Company has delivered or made available to the Purchaser via EDGAR or otherwise true and complete copies of all comment letters and substantive correspondence received by the Company from the Commission relating to the Commission Documents filed with or furnished to the Commission as of the Closing Date, together with all written responses of the Company thereto in the form such responses were filed via EDGAR. There are no outstanding or unresolved comments or undertakings in such comment letters received by the Company from the Commission. The Commission has not issued any stop order or other order suspending the effectiveness of any registration statement filed by the Company under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act. The Company has not distributed and, prior to the completion of the distribution of the Shares, will not distribute any offering material in connection with the offering and sale of the Shares other than the Registration Statement, the related prospectus or other materials, if any, permitted by the Securities Act.
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(u) Employees. The Company does not have any collective bargaining arrangements or other agreements covering substantially all of its employees, except as set forth in the Commission Documents or on Schedule 3.01(u) attached hereto. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Commission Documents or Schedule 3.01(u), no officer, consultant or key employee of the Company has terminated or, to the Knowledge of the Company, has any present intention of terminating his or her employment or engagement with the Company.
(v) Use of Proceeds. The proceeds from the sale of the Shares will be used by the Company for general corporate purposes and other working capital needs of the Company, which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall include the repayment of indebtedness of the Company.
(w) Investment Company Act Status. The Company is not, and as a result of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents and the application of the proceeds from the sale of the Shares as set forth in the Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement shall not be required to be registered as, an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company,” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(x) ERISA. No liability has been incurred with respect to any Plan by the Company. No “prohibited transaction” (as defined in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) or “accumulated funding deficiency” (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA) or any of the events set forth in Section 4043(b) of ERISA has occurred with respect to any Plan, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the issuance and sale of the securities hereunder shall not result in any of the foregoing events. Each Plan is in compliance in all material respects with applicable law, including ERISA and the Code; the Company has not incurred and does not expect to incur liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of, or withdrawal from, any Plan; and each Plan for which the Company would have any liability that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code is so qualified in all material respects and nothing has occurred, whether by action or failure to act, which would cause the loss of such qualifications. As used in this Section 3.01(x), the term “Plan” shall mean an “employee pension benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3 of ERISA) which is or has been established or maintained, or to which contributions are or have been made, by the Company or any Subsidiary or by any trade or business, whether or not incorporated, which, together with the Company or any Subsidiary, is under common control, as described in Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code.
(y) Taxes. The Company (i) has filed all necessary federal, state and foreign income and franchise tax returns or has duly requested extensions thereof, (ii) has paid all federal, state, local and foreign taxes due and payable for which it is liable, except to the extent that any such taxes are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, and (iii) does not have any tax deficiency or claims outstanding or assessed or, to the Company’s Knowledge, proposed against it. There are no unpaid taxes in any material amount claimed to be due by the taxing authority of any jurisdiction, and the officers of the Company know of no basis for any such claim. The Company is not operated in such a manner as to qualify as a “passive foreign investment company” as defined in Section 1297 of the Code.
(z) Insurance. The Company is insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as management of the Company believes to be prudent and customary in the businesses in which the Company is engaged. The Company has not been refused any insurance coverage sought or applied for, and the Company has no reason to believe that it will be unable to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business.
(aa) U.S. Real Property Holding Corporation. The Company is not, nor has it ever been, and so long as any of the securities are held by the Purchaser, shall not become a U.S. real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897 of the Code.
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(bb) Exemption from Registration; Valid Issuances. Subject to, and in reliance on, the representations, warranties and covenants made herein by the Purchaser, the offer and sale of the Purchased Shares and the Shares in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506 of Regulation D; provided, however, that at the request of and with the express agreement of the Purchaser, the Shares will be delivered to the Purchaser via book entry through the Depository Trust Company and will not bear legends noting restrictions as to resale of such securities under federal or state securities laws, nor will any such securities be subject to stop transfer instructions. Neither the offer and sale of the Purchased Shares nor the Shares pursuant to, nor the Company’s performance of its obligations under, the Transaction Documents to which it is a party shall (i) result in the creation or imposition of any Liens, charges, claims or other encumbrances upon the Shares, or (ii) entitle the holders of any outstanding equity shares of the Company to preemptive or other rights to subscribe to or acquire Common Shares or other securities of the Company.
(cc) No General Solicitation or Advertising. Neither the Company, nor any of its Affiliates, nor any Person acting on its or their behalf, has engaged in any form of general solicitation or general advertising (within the meaning of Regulation D) in connection with the offer or sale of the Shares.
(dd) No Integrated Offering. None of the Company or any of its Affiliates, nor any Person acting on their behalf has, directly or indirectly, made any offers or sales of any security or solicited any offers to buy any security, under circumstances that would require registration of the issuance of any of the Shares under the Securities Act, whether through integration with prior offerings or otherwise, or cause this offering of the Shares to require approval of shareholders of the Company under any applicable shareholder approval provisions, including, without limitation, under the rules and regulations of the Principal Market. None of the Company, nor its Affiliates, nor any Person acting on their behalf will take any action or steps referred to in the preceding sentence that would require registration of the issuance of any of the securities under the Securities Act or cause the offering of any of the Shares to be integrated with other offerings.
(ee) Manipulation of Price. Neither the Company nor any of its officers, directors or Affiliates has, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no Person acting on their behalf has, (i) taken, directly or indirectly, any action designed or intended to cause or to result in the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company, or which caused or (ii) resulted in, or which would in the future reasonably be expected to cause or result in, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company, in each case to facilitate the sale or resale of any of the Shares, or (iii) sold, bid for, purchased, or paid any compensation for soliciting purchases of, any of the Shares. Neither the Company nor any of its officers, directors or Affiliates will, during the term of this Agreement, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no Person acting on their behalf will, during the term of this Agreement, take any of the actions referred to in the immediately preceding sentence.
(ff) Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. None of the Company, any Subsidiary or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, agent, employee, Affiliate or other Person acting on behalf of the Company, is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result in a violation by such Persons of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the “FCPA”), including, without limitation, making use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce corruptly in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay or authorization of the payment of any money, or other property, gift, promise to give, or authorization of the giving of anything of value to any “foreign official” (as such term is defined in the FCPA) or any foreign political party or official thereof or any candidate for foreign political office, in contravention of the FCPA. The Company has conducted its business in compliance with the FCPA.
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(gg) Money Laundering Laws. The operations of the Company is and has been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”) and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or threatened.
(hh) OFAC. None of the Company or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, agent, employee, Affiliate or Person acting on behalf of the Company is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“OFAC”); and the Company will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the offering, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person, for the purpose of financing the activities of any Person currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC.
(ii) Acknowledgment Regarding Purchaser’s Purchase of Shares. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Purchaser is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length purchaser with respect to this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated hereunder and thereunder. The Company further acknowledges that the Purchaser is not acting as a financial advisor or fiduciary of the Company (or in any similar capacity) with respect to this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated hereunder and thereunder, and any advice given by the Purchaser or any of its representatives or agents in connection with this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated hereunder and thereunder is merely incidental to the Purchaser’s purchase of the Shares.
Section 3.02 Representatives and Warranties of the Purchaser. The Purchaser and GYBL hereby make the following representations and warranties to the Company as of the date of the Original Agreement, the Effective Date and as of the date of each Draw Down Notice and as of each Settlement Date:
(a) Organization and Standing of the Purchaser. The Purchaser is a “société en commandite simple” duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Luxembourg. GYBL is a limited company duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
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(b) Authorization and Power. Each of the Purchaser and GYBL has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and to purchase the Purchased Shares and the Shares in accordance with the terms hereof. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party by Purchaser and by GYBL and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and no further consent or authorization of the Purchaser and GYBL, and the Board of Directors or shareholders of either of them is required. This Agreement and each other Transaction Document to which the Purchaser or GYBL is a party has been duly executed and delivered by each of the Purchaser and GYBL. This Agreement and each other Transaction Document to which the Purchaser or GYBL is a party constitutes, or shall constitute when executed and delivered, a valid and binding obligation of the Purchaser or GYBL, enforceable against the Purchaser or GYBL, respectively, in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, liquidation, conservatorship, receivership, or similar laws relating to, or affecting generally the enforcement of, creditor’s rights and remedies or by other equitable principles of general application.
(c) No Conflicts. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and each other Transaction Document to which the Purchaser or GYBL is a party, and the consummation by the Purchaser and GYBL of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby or relating hereto or thereto, do not and will not (i) result in a violation of such Purchaser’s or GYBL’s charter documents or bylaws or (ii) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, any material agreement, mortgage, deed of trust, indenture, note, bond, license, lease agreement, instrument or obligation to which the Purchaser or GYBL is a party, (iii) create or impose a lien, charge or encumbrance on any property of the Purchaser or GYBL under any agreement or any commitment to which the Purchaser or GYBL is party or by which the Purchaser or GYBL is bound or by which any of their respective properties or assets are bound, or (iv) result in a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, or any order, judgment or decree of any court or governmental agency applicable to the Purchaser or GYBL or any of their respective properties, except for such conflicts, defaults and violations as would not, individually or in the aggregate, prohibit or otherwise interfere with the ability of the Purchaser or GYBL to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which the Purchaser or GYBL is a party in any material respect. Neither the Purchaser nor GYBL is required to obtain any consent, authorization or order of, or make any filing or registration with, any court or governmental agency in order for it to execute, deliver or perform any of its obligations under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which the Purchaser is a party or to purchase the Purchased Shares or the Shares in accordance with the terms hereof; provided, however, that for purposes of the representation made in this sentence, each of the Purchaser and GYBL is assuming and relying upon the accuracy of the representations, warranties and agreements of the Company herein.
(d) Accredited Investor. Each of the Purchaser and GYBL is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.
(e) Financial Risks. Each of the Purchaser and GYBL acknowledges that it is able to bear the financial risks associated with an investment in the Purchased Shares and the Shares. Each of the Purchaser and GYBL is capable of evaluating the risks and merits of an investment in the Purchased Shares and the Shares by virtue of its experience as an investor and its knowledge, experience, and sophistication in financial and business matters, and each of the Purchaser and GYBL is capable of bearing the entire loss of its investment in the Purchased Shares and the Shares.
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(f) Information. The Purchaser and GYBL and their respective advisors, if any, have been furnished with all materials relating to the business, finances and operations of the Company and materials relating to the offer and sale of the Shares which have been requested by the Purchaser or GYBL. The Purchaser and GYBL and their respective advisors, if any, have been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the Company. The Purchaser and GYBL have sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as it has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to its acquisition of the Shares. The Purchaser and GYBL understand that they (and not the Company) shall be responsible for their own respective tax liabilities that may arise as a result of this investment or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which the Purchaser or GYBL is a party.
(g) No-Broker Dealer. Purchaser represents, warrants and agrees that it is buying the Purchased Shares and the Shares for investment purposes and not for distribution. It is not registered as a broker-dealer with the Commission and is not required to be registered as a broker-dealer by virtue of the trader exception to the definition of dealer under the Exchange Act.
Article
IV
COVENANTS
The Company covenants with the Purchaser and GYBL, and the Purchaser and GYBL together covenant with the Company, as follows, which covenants of one Party are for the benefit of the other Party, during the Investment Period.
Section 4.01 Securities Compliance. The Company shall notify the Commission and the Principal Market, if applicable, in accordance with their rules and regulations, of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and each other Transaction Document, and shall take all other necessary action and proceedings as may be required and permitted by applicable law, rule and regulation, for the legal and valid issuance of the Purchased Shares and the Shares to the Purchaser and GYBL. The Company shall take such action, if any, as is reasonably necessary in order to obtain an exemption for or to qualify any subsequent resale of the Purchased Shares and the Shares by the Purchaser and GYBL, in each case, under applicable securities or “Blue Sky” laws of the states of the United States of America in such states as is reasonably requested by the Purchaser or GYBL from time to time, and shall provide evidence of any such action so taken to the Purchaser.
Section 4.02 Registration and Listing. The Company will take all action necessary to cause the Shares to be registered under Sections 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act, will comply in all material respects with its reporting and filing obligations under the Exchange Act and take all action necessary to maintain compliance with such reporting and filing obligations, and will not take any action or file any document (whether or not permitted by the Securities Act) to terminate or suspend such registration or to terminate or suspend its reporting and filing obligations under the Exchange Act or Securities Act, except as permitted herein. The Company will take all action necessary to effect the listing or trading of its Common Shares and the listing of the Purchased Shares and the Shares purchased by Purchaser hereunder on the Principal Market or any relevant market or system, if applicable, and will comply in all respects with the Company’s reporting, filing and other obligations under the bylaws or rules of the Principal Market or any relevant market or system.
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Section 4.03 Registration Rights Agreement. The Company, the Purchaser and GYBL have entered into the Registration Rights Agreement with respect to the Purchased Shares and the Shares, dated the date of the Original Agreement, in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto.
Section 4.04 Compliance with Laws.
(a) The Company shall comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders applicable to the business and operations of the Company and with all applicable provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the Principal Market (including, without limitation, Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act).
(b) The Purchaser and GYBL shall comply in all material respects with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders in connection with this Agreement and each other Transaction Document and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. Without limiting the foregoing, the Purchaser and GYBL shall comply with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act including, without limitation, Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act and Rule 10b-5 and Regulation M under the Exchange Act, where applicable.
Section 4.05 Keeping of Records and Books of Account. The Company shall keep and cause each Subsidiary to keep adequate records and books of account, in which complete entries will be made in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, reflecting all financial transactions of the Company, and in which, for each fiscal year, all proper reserves for depreciation, depletion, obsolescence, amortization, taxes, bad debts and other purposes in connection with its business shall be made.
Section 4.06 Limitations on Holdings and Issuances. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement, at no time while the Company is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act may the Company issue, and at no time shall the Purchaser be obligated to purchase, any Shares which would result in the Purchaser beneficially owning, directly or indirectly, at the time of such proposed issuance, more than 9.99% of the number of Common Shares issued and outstanding as of the date of such proposed issuance; provided, however, that upon the Purchaser providing the Company with sixty-one (61) days’ notice (pursuant to Section 9.04 hereof) (the “Waiver Notice”) that the Purchaser would like to waive this Section 4.06 with regard to any or all Shares issuable pursuant to this Agreement, this Section 4.06 will be of no force or effect with regard to all or a portion of the Shares referenced in the Waiver Notice until the date that the Purchaser notifies the Company (pursuant to Section 9.04 hereof) that the Purchaser revokes the Waiver Notice; provided, further, that during the sixty-one (61) day period prior to the expiration of the Investment Period, the Purchaser may waive this Section 4.06 by providing a Waiver Notice at any time during such sixty-one (61) day period.
Section 4.07 Registration Statement. The Company shall cause the Registration Statement to be filed and seek that it be declared effective pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement. Such Registration Statement shall register with the Commission the Purchased Shares and the Shares to be issued under the Draw Downs. The Purchaser shall not be obligated to accept a Draw Down request from the Company unless the Registration Statement is then effective and the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement is then current and in compliance with all applicable rules.
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Section 4.08 Other Agreements and Other Financings. The Company shall not enter into any agreement in which the terms of such agreement would restrict or impair the right to perform of the Company or any Subsidiary under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document.
(a) The Company shall not enter into any agreement, the principal purpose of which is to secure an Other Financing (as defined below). “Other Financing” shall mean an “equity line” similar to the financing provided for under this Agreement.
(b) The Company shall provide prompt notice to the Purchaser of any Alternate Transaction. For all purposes of this Agreement, an “Alternate Transaction” shall mean (w) the issuance of Common Shares for a purchase price less than, or the issuance of securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common Shares at an exercise or conversion price (as the case may be) less than, the then-current market price of the Common Shares, respectively (including, without limitation, pursuant to any “equity line” or other financing that is substantially similar to the financing provided for under this Agreement, or pursuant to any other transaction in which the purchase, conversion or exchange price for such Common Shares is determined using a floating discount or other post-issuance adjustable discount to the then-current market price), in each case, after all fees, discounts, warrant value and commissions associated with the transaction; (x) an “at-the-market” offering of Shares or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Shares pursuant to Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act; (y) the implementation by the Company of any mechanism in respect of any securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common Shares for the rest of the purchase price of the Common Shares to below the then-current market price of the Common Shares, respectively (including, without limitation, any anti-dilution or similar adjustment provisions in respect of any Company securities, but specifically excluding customary anti-dilution adjustments for share splits, dividends, combinations, recapitalizations, reclassifications and similar events); or (z) the issuance of options, warrants or similar rights of subscription or the issuance of convertible equity or debt securities.
Section 4.09 Stop Orders. During the Investment Period, the Company shall use its best efforts to maintain the continuous effectiveness of the Registration Statement under the Securities Act. The Company will advise the Purchaser and GYBL promptly and, if requested by the Purchaser or GYBL, will confirm such advice in writing: (i) of the Company’s receipt of notice of any request by the Commission for amendment of or a supplement to the Registration Statement, any related prospectus or for additional information; (ii) of the Company’s receipt of notice of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or of the suspension of qualification of the Purchased Shares or the Shares for offering or sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation of any proceeding for such purpose; and (iii) of the Company becoming aware of the happening of any event, which makes any statement of a material fact made in the Registration Statement (as then amended or supplemented) untrue or which requires the making of any additions to or changes in the Registration Statement (as then amended or supplemented) in order to state a material fact required by the Securities Act to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading. If at any time the Commission shall issue any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the Company will make commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal of such order at the earliest possible time.
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Section 4.10 Selling Restrictions; Volume Limitations.
(a) The Purchaser covenants that during the Investment Period neither the Purchaser nor any of its Affiliates nor any entity managed by the Purchaser will, directly or indirectly, sell any securities of the Company except the Common Shares that it owns or has the right to purchase pursuant to the provisions of a Draw Down Notice. During the Investment Period, neither the Purchaser nor any of its Affiliates nor any entity managed by the Purchaser will enter into a short position with respect to Common Shares of the Company, including in any account of the Purchaser or in any account directly or indirectly managed by the Purchaser or any Affiliate of the Purchaser or any entity managed by the Purchaser. During the Investment Period, the Purchaser shall not grant any option to purchase or acquire any right to dispose or otherwise dispose for value of any Common Shares, or any securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, or warrants to purchase, any Common Shares, respectively, or enter into any swap, hedge or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic risk of ownership of the Common Shares, except for such sales permitted by the preceding two sentences. In addition, during the Investment Period and on a daily Trading Day basis, the Purchaser agrees to restrict the volume of sales of Shares by the Purchaser, its Affiliates and any entity managed by the Purchaser to no more than 1/20th of the Shares purchased pursuant to such Draw Down Notice.
(b) In addition to the foregoing, in connection with any sale of the Company’s securities, the Purchaser and GYBL shall comply in all material respects with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders, including, without limitation, the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act and Regulation M and Rule 10b-5 under the Exchange Act, where applicable.
Section 4.11 Non-Public Information. Neither the Company, nor any of its directors, officers or agents shall disclose any material non-public information about the Company to the Purchaser or GYBL.
Section 4.12 Commitment Fee. The Company shall tender to GYBL, as a commitment fee, an amount equal to 2% of the Aggregate Limit (the “Commitment Fee”), deliverable in installments as set forth below. The Commitment Fee due upon each Draw Down may be paid in cash from the proceeds of such Draw Down or in the Company’s freely tradeable Common Shares (exclusive of any Purchased Shares) of the Company valued at the Volume Weighted Average Price at the time of such Draw Down, at the option of the Company. The amount of the Commitment Fee due in each such installment shall be the product obtained by multiplying (i) the total amount of the Commitment Fee by (ii) the quotient derived by dividing (y) the number of Shares purchased pursuant to the applicable Draw Down by (z) the Aggregate Limit. To the extent that any amount of the Commitment Fee remains owing and undelivered to GYBL following the date that is the one-year anniversary of the First Trading Day, the remaining amount shall become immediately due.
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Section 4.13 Private Transaction Fee. In the event that the Company does not complete an initial public offering, direct listing or Reverse Merger Transaction, for any reason, but instead completes a transaction, including but not limited to a merger, acquisition, sale, share exchange, or any other private business combination which results or would result in a Change of Control of the Company (a “Private Transaction”), then the Company shall pay GYBL at or prior to the closing of such Private Transaction 0.75% of the total consideration received by the Company, its shareholders and management in such Private Transaction, in lieu of the Purchased Shares.
Section 4.14 DWAC Eligibility. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Shares and its transfer agent to be, at the time of each Draw Down, eligible to participate in the DWAC system and the other Transaction Documents (“DWAC Eligible”).
Section 4.15 Reservation of Shares. The Company will have available, and shall reserve and keep available at all times, free of preemptive and other similar rights of shareholders, the requisite aggregate number of authorized but unissued Common Shares to enable the Company to timely effect the issuance, sale and delivery in full to the Purchaser of all the Purchased Shares and Shares to be issued and delivered under this Agreement, in any case prior to the issuance to the Purchaser of such Common Shares. The number of Common Shares so reserved from time to time, as theretofore increased or reduced as hereinafter provided, may be reduced by the number of Purchased Shares and Shares actually delivered pursuant to this Agreement.
Section 4.16 Amendments to the Registration Statement; Prospectus Supplements. Except as provided in this Agreement and other than periodic reports required to be filed pursuant to the Exchange Act, the Company shall not file with the Commission any amendment to the Registration Statement that relates to the Purchaser, the Transaction Documents or the transactions contemplated thereby, or file with the Commission any Prospectus Supplement that relates to the Purchaser, the Transaction Documents or the transactions contemplated thereby with respect to which (a) the Purchaser shall not previously have been advised, (b) the Company shall not have given due consideration to any comments thereon received from the Purchaser or its counsel, or (c) the Purchaser shall reasonably object after being so advised, unless it is necessary to amend the Registration Statement or make any supplement to the Prospectus to comply with the Securities Act or any other applicable law or regulation, in which case the Company shall promptly so inform the Purchaser, the Purchaser shall be provided with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment upon any disclosure relating to the Purchaser and the Company shall expeditiously furnish to the Purchaser an electronic copy thereof. In addition, for so long as, in the reasonable opinion of counsel for the Purchaser, the Prospectus (or in lieu thereof, the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) under the Securities Act) is required to be delivered in connection with any sales of registrable securities by the Purchaser, the Company shall not file any Prospectus Supplement without delivering or making available a copy of such Prospectus Supplement to the Purchaser promptly. Upon receipt of an amendment to the Registration Statement or Prospectus Supplement from the Company or its counsel, the Purchaser shall promptly review such document and provide comments to the Company or its counsel regarding such document, if any, within a reasonable period of time.
Section 4.17 Escrow Agreement. No later than the First Trading Day, the Parties shall use their good-faith best efforts to enter an escrow agreement, by and among Purchaser, the Company and the Escrow Agent (the “Escrow Agreement”), in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the parties, pursuant to which, among other things, (i) the Company will deposit Shares to be held in Escrow for the purposes of Section 6.03(b) below, and (ii) the Purchaser will be entitled to draw any such Shares from escrow in its sole reasonable discretion during the applicable Committed Draw Down Pricing Period once a Committed Draw Down Notice is submitted by the Company or during the applicable Subsequent Committed Draw Down Price Period if there is a Subsequent Committed Draw Down, as applicable; provided, however, that the Purchaser shall be entitled to draw on the Escrow only in satisfaction of Draw Downs effected in connection with a Committed Draw Down or any Subsequent Committed Draw Down.
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Article
V
CLOSING CERTIFICATE; CONDITIONS TO THE SALE AND PURCHASE
OF THE SHARES; OPINION AND COMFORT LETTERS
Section 5.01 Closing Certificate. In connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Purchaser shall receive a certificate from the Company, dated the date of the Original Agreement, in the form of Exhibit B hereto.
Section 5.02 Conditions Precedent to the Obligation of the Company to Sell the Shares. The obligation hereunder of the Company to issue and sell the Shares to the Purchaser under any Draw Down Notice is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of each of the conditions set forth below. These conditions are for the Company’s sole benefit and may be waived by the Company at any time in its sole discretion.
(a) Accuracy of the Purchaser’s Representations and Warranties. Except for representations and warranties that are expressly made as of a particular date, the representations and warranties of the Purchaser in this Agreement and each other Transaction Document shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date when made and as of each Draw Down Exercise Date and each Settlement Date as though made at that time.
(b) Registration Statement. The Company shall have the necessary amount of Common Shares available to be registered pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement. The Company shall take all reasonable steps to have the Registration Statement declared effective by the Commission. The Registration Statement for the Purchased Shares and the Shares covered in the Draw Down shall have been declared effective by the Commission. There shall be no stop order suspending effectiveness of the Registration Statement.
(c) Performance by the Purchaser. The Purchaser shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements and conditions required by this Agreement and each other Transaction Document to be performed, satisfied or complied with by the Purchaser at or prior to each Draw Down Exercise Date and each Settlement Date, as applicable.
(d) No Injunction. No statute, regulation, executive order, decree, ruling or injunction shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated or endorsed by any court or governmental authority of competent jurisdiction which prohibits the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.
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(e) No Suspension, Etc. Trading in the Shares shall not have been suspended by the Commission or Principal Market, and, at any time prior to each Draw Down Exercise Date and applicable Settlement Date, none of the events described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of Section 4.09 hereof shall have occurred, trading in securities generally as reported on the Principal Market shall not have been suspended or limited, nor shall a banking moratorium have been declared either by U.S. federal or state authorities, nor shall there have occurred any material outbreak or escalation of hostilities or other national or international calamity or crisis of such magnitude in its effect on, or any material adverse change in, any financial market which, in each case, in the reasonable judgment of the Company, makes it impracticable or inadvisable to issue the Shares.
(f) No Proceedings or Litigation. No action, suit or proceeding before any arbitrator or any governmental authority shall have been commenced, and no investigation by any governmental authority shall have been threatened, against the Company or any of the officers, directors or Affiliates of the Company seeking to restrain, prevent or change the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, or seeking damages in connection with such transactions.
(g) Escrow Agreement. The Parties shall have entered into the Escrow Agreement.
Section 5.03 Conditions Precedent to the Obligation of the Purchaser to Accept a Draw Down and Purchase the Shares. The obligation hereunder of the Purchaser to accept a Draw Down and to acquire and pay for the Shares is subject to the satisfaction or waiver, at or before each Draw Down Exercise Date and each Settlement Date of each of the conditions set forth below. The conditions are for the Purchaser’s sole benefit and may be waived by the Purchaser at any time in its sole discretion.
(a) Accuracy of the Company’s Representations and Warranties. (i) The Fundamental Representations will be true and correct in all but de minimis respects as of the Effective Date and as of the date of the applicable Draw Down Exercise Date; and (ii) other than with respect to the Fundamental Representations, the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in ARTICLE III (without giving effect to any “material,” “materiality,” “Material Adverse Effect” or similar qualification contained in such representations or warranties) will be true and correct as of the date of the Effective Date and as of each Draw Down Exercise Date and as of each Settlement Date, except for such failures to be true and correct as would not have, in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect; provided, however, that, with respect to clauses (i) and (ii) above, representations and warranties that are made as of a particular date or period will be true and correct (in the manner set forth in clauses (i) or (ii) above, as applicable) only as of such date or period.
(b) Registration Statement. The listing or trading of the Common Shares on a Principal Market shall be effected and the Company or Successor Company shall have the necessary amount of Purchased Shares and Shares registered pursuant to a Registration Statement. A Registration Statement with respect to the Purchased Shares and/or the Shares, as applicable, shall be effective, and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto shall have been issued under the Securities Act, no order preventing or suspending the use of the Prospectus contained in such Registration Statement shall have been issued, and no proceedings for any of those purposes shall have been instituted or be pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, contemplated. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that, with respect to the Shares underlying any Committed Draw Down Notice, this condition set forth in this Section 5.03(b) shall be deemed satisfied if such Shares for such Committed Draw Down Notice and the Purchased Shares are registered on a Registration Statement on or prior to the First Trading Day, such Registration Statement has been declared effective, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement shall have been issued under the Securities Act, no order preventing or suspending the use of the Prospectus contained in such Registration Statement shall have been issued, and no proceedings for any of those purposes shall have been instituted or be pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, contemplated.
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(c) No Suspension. Trading in the Shares shall not have been suspended by the Commission or Principal Market, and, at any time prior to such Draw Down Exercise Date, trading in securities generally as reported on the Principal Market shall not have been suspended or limited, nor shall a banking moratorium have been declared either by U.S. federal or state authorities, nor shall there have occurred any material outbreak or escalation of hostilities or other national or international calamity or crisis of such magnitude in its effect on, or any material adverse change in, any financial market which, in each case, in the reasonable judgment of the Purchaser, makes it impracticable or inadvisable to purchase the Shares.
(d) Performance by the Company. The Company shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements and conditions required by this Agreement and each other Transaction Document to be performed, satisfied or complied with by the Company at or prior to each Draw Down Exercise Date and each Settlement Date and shall have delivered the Compliance Certificate substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C.
(e) No Injunction. No statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, ruling or injunction shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated or endorsed by any court or governmental authority of competent jurisdiction which prohibits the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.
(f) No Proceedings or Litigation. No action, suit or proceeding before any arbitrator or any governmental authority shall have been commenced, and no investigation by any governmental authority shall have been threatened, against the Company or any subsidiary, or any of the officers, directors or Affiliates of the Company or any subsidiary seeking to restrain, prevent or change the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, or seeking damages in connection with such transactions.
(g) Aggregate Limit. The issuance and sale of the Shares issuable pursuant to such Draw Down Notice will not violate Section 6.02 hereof.
(h) Shares Authorized. The Purchased Shares and the Shares issuable pursuant to such Draw Down Notice will have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company.
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(i) Information. Prior to each Settlement Date and from time to time as reasonably requested by the Purchaser upon reasonable notice, the Company shall make available for inspection and review by the Purchaser, its advisors and representatives, and any underwriter participating in any disposition of the Shares on behalf of the Purchaser pursuant to the Registration Statement, during normal business hours of the Company, any amendment, prospectus or prospectus supplement thereto, or any “Blue Sky,” Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) or other filing, all financial and other records, all documents and filings with the Commission, and all other corporate documents and properties of the Company as may be reasonably necessary for the purpose of such review. In addition, the Company shall cause its officers, directors and employees to supply all such information reasonably requested by the Purchaser or any such representative, advisor or underwriter and to respond to all questions and other inquiries reasonably made or submitted by any such individuals or entities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be required to provide any trade secret or similar information, any information covered by attorney-client privilege or classified as attorney work product, or, while it is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, any material, non-public information.
(j) Opinion of Counsel and 10b-5 Statement. Subsequent to the effective date of the Registration Statement and prior to the first Draw Down under this Agreement, the Purchaser shall have received an opinion of counsel and 10b-5 statement to the Company in a form reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser’s counsel.
(k) Comfort Letters. Subsequent to the effective date of the Registration Statement and prior to the first Draw Down under this Agreement, the Purchaser shall have received letters from the Company’s independent auditors, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof and addressed to the Purchaser and any underwriter, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser, containing statements and information of the type customarily included in accountants’ “comfort letters” to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained or incorporated by reference in each of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, and any Prospectus Supplement.
(l) Escrow Agreement. The Parties shall have entered into the Escrow Agreement.
Section 5.04 Conditions Precedent to the Obligation of the Purchaser to Accept Committed Draw Down Notice and Pay the Committed Draw Down.
(a) Conditions. The obligation hereunder of the Purchaser to accept any Committed Draw Down Notice and pay the applicable Committed Draw Down is subject to the satisfaction or waiver, on the date on which the Purchaser delivers the applicable Committed Draw Down Notice, of each of the conditions set forth in Section 5.03 (other than Section 5.03(g)), as well as the conditions set forth below, and subject, in all cases, to the penultimate sentence of Section 6.03(a). The conditions are for the Purchaser’s sole benefit and may be waived by the Purchaser at any time in its sole discretion.
(b) Material Adverse Effect. Since the date of the Original Agreement, there shall not have occurred a Material Adverse Effect.
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Article
VI
DRAW DOWN TERMS
Section 6.01 Draw Down Terms. Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in this Agreement, and subject to Section 6.02 and Section 6.03 below, the Parties agree (unless otherwise mutually agreed upon by the Parties in writing) as follows:
(a) The Company may, in its sole discretion (except to the extent otherwise required by Section 6.03 below), issue a Draw Down Notice (as defined in Section 6.01(h) hereof) for a specified Draw Down Amount Requested. Subject to Section 6.01(g) below, the Purchaser shall pay a per-Share amount equal to 90% the average Volume Weighted Average Price during the Draw Down Pricing Period (the “Purchase Price”). Subject to Section 4.06 hereof, the Draw Down Amount Requested shall not exceed four hundred percent (400%) (the “Draw Down Limit”) of the average daily trading volume for the 30 Trading Days immediately preceding the Draw Down Exercise Date.
(b) Prior to commencement of the Draw Down Pricing Period, the Company shall deliver the Shares to be purchased in such Draw Down to the Purchaser. If Shares delivered to the Purchaser prior to commencement of the Draw Down Pricing Period are delivered in certificated form and not DWAC Eligible, then the Draw Down Pricing Period shall not begin until the Shares are cleared by an appointed clearing agent.
(c) Only one Draw Down shall be allowed in each Draw Down Pricing Period.
(d) Each Draw Down shall be settled on the first Trading Day after the end of each Draw Down Pricing Period (the “Settlement Date”).
(e) At the end of each Draw Down Pricing Period, the Purchaser’s total Draw Down commitment under this Agreement shall be reduced by the total Draw Down Amount for such Draw Down Pricing Period.
(f) Each Draw Down will automatically expire immediately after the last Trading Day of each Draw Down Pricing Period.
(g) Each Draw Down Notice shall set forth the Threshold Price set by the Company for such Draw Down. If the Volume Weighted Average Price on a given Trading Day in the Draw Down Pricing Period, multiplied by 9/10, is less than the Threshold Price, then the total Draw Down Amount Requested will be reduced by 1/20th, and no Shares will be purchased or sold with respect to such Trading Day, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties.
(h) As a condition to the exercise of any Draw Down, the Company must (i) provide a notice to the Purchaser of the Company’s exercise of any Draw Down via email before commencement of trading on the first Trading Day of the Draw Down Pricing Period covered by such notice (the “Draw Down Notice”), substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D, and (ii) deliver the Shares to the Purchaser or its designees via DWAC, if the Company is approved for DWAC in an amount equal to the Draw Down Amount Requested (which amount shall be adjusted in the event that the amount accepted by the Purchaser pursuant to Section 6.01(a) hereof is different than the Draw Down Amount Requested). The date the Company delivers the Draw Down Notice and the Shares in accordance with this Section 6.01(h) shall be a “Draw Down Exercise Date.” The Draw Down Notice shall specify the Draw Down Amount Requested, set the Threshold Price for such Draw Down and designate the first Trading Day of the Draw Down Pricing Period that the Company wishes to grant to the Purchaser during the Draw Down Pricing Period.
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(i) On each Settlement Date, the Purchaser shall (i) provide the Company a closing notice in the form of Exhibit E attached hereto; (ii) make payment for the Shares acquired pursuant to this Agreement to the Company’s designated account by wire transfer of immediately available funds, provided that the Shares were received by the Purchaser in accordance with Section 6.01(b) hereof; and (iii) return to the Company any Shares delivered to the Purchaser in connection with the applicable Draw Down Notice pursuant to Section 6.01(b) above but not purchased by the Purchaser pursuant to the terms of Section 6.01(g) above; provided, further, that if a Committed Draw Down is made, no Shares shall be returned to the Company until the entire amount of such Committed Draw Down has been repaid to the Purchaser, and Shares not purchased in a Draw Down shall be applied for the next Draw Down.
Section 6.02 Aggregate Limit. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in no event may the Company issue a Draw Down Notice to the extent that the sale of Shares pursuant thereto and pursuant to all prior Draw Down Notices issued pursuant to Section 6.01 and Section 6.03 would cause the Company to sell or the Purchaser to purchase an aggregate number of Shares exceeding the Aggregate Limit. If the Company issues a Draw Down Notice that otherwise would permit the Purchaser to purchase a number of Shares which would cause the aggregate purchases by Purchaser hereunder to exceed the Aggregate Limit, such Draw Down Notice shall be void ab initio to the extent by which number of Shares issuable pursuant to such Draw Down Notice, together with the number of Shares purchased by the Purchaser pursuant hereto, would exceed the Aggregate Limit.
Section 6.03 Advances and Mandatory Draw Downs upon Public Listing. Notwithstanding provisions to the contrary set forth in Section 6.01 above:
(a) Committed Draw Down. Subject to the provisions of this Section 6.03 and the conditions set forth in Section 5.04, on each Committed Draw Down Date, the Company may make a written request to the Purchaser (each, a “Committed Draw Down Notice”), for a Draw Down for an amount up to the Committed Draw Down Amount, it being understood that Purchaser shall have no obligation to fund any Committed Draw Down of the Company prior to the date the conditions set forth in Section 5.04 are satisfied. Any Draw Down pursuant to this Section 6.03 shall be a “Committed Draw Down,” and the Company shall not be under any obligation to make any Committed Draw Down Notices (and if Company does not make a Committed Draw Down Notice on any Committed Draw Down Date it shall not limit or preclude Company’s ability to make a Committed Draw Down Notice on any future Committed Draw Down Date (or Purchaser’s obligations with respect thereto).”
(b) Escrow Shares. In connection with each Committed Draw Down Notice, the Company shall have deposited with the Escrow Agent, in accordance with the terms of the Escrow Agreement, and the Escrow Agent shall hold in escrow, a number of Shares equal to at least three times the value of the amount set forth in the applicable Committed Draw Down Notice (the “Transferred Shares”) based on a per-Share price equal to the closing price of the Company’s Common Shares as of the close of trading on the Trading Day immediately preceding the Committed Draw Down Date. For example, if the amount set forth in a Committed Draw Down Notice is $25,000,000 and the public listing price of the Shares on the Public Listing Date was $10 per Share, then the Company shall transfer at least 7,500,000 Common Shares to the Escrow Agent concurrently with its delivery of such Committed Draw Down Notice in respect of such Committed Draw Down. In addition, during the applicable Committed Draw Down Pricing Period (defined below), the Company may deliver additional Shares to the Purchaser (which additional Shares shall be deemed to be “Transferred Shares” for the applicable Committed Draw Down). On the business day following receipt of a Committed Draw Down Notice, Purchaser shall make payment in the amount set forth in the applicable Committed Draw Down Notice to the Company’s designated account by wire transfer of immediately available funds, provided that the Shares were deposited with the Escrow Agent in accordance with this Section 6.03(b).
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(c) Committed Draw Down Notice. Each Committed Draw Down Notice shall be in the form and substance required by Section 6.01(h). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in the applicable Committed Draw Down Notice or in Section 6.01 above, (i) the Draw Down Pricing Period shall be 15 consecutive Trading Days commencing with the first Trading Day designated in the applicable Committed Draw Down Notice, provided that Purchaser shall be entitled, prior to the end of such 15 Trading Day period, in its sole discretion, to notify the Company that the Draw Down Pricing Period shall be extended to up to an additional 15 consecutive Trading Days (the actual Draw Down Pricing Period applicable to the Committed Draw Down, as it may be extended pursuant to this Section 6.03(c) and Section 6.03(e) shall be referred to as the “Committed Draw Down Pricing Period”) and (ii) neither a Threshold Price nor the Draw Down Limit shall apply to any Committed Draw Down. The “Settlement Date” for any Committed Draw Down shall be the first Trading Day after the end of the applicable Committed Draw Down Pricing Period. On each Settlement Date for the applicable Committed Draw Down, (i) the parties shall cause the Escrow Agent to transfer to Purchaser from the Transferred Shares in escrow that number of Transferred Shares equal to the applicable Committed Draw Down divided by the applicable Committed Draw Down Purchase Price, and (ii) in the event that the Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price (as defined below) is greater than the amount of the applicable Committed Draw Down, then on the Settlement Date, the parties shall cause the Escrow Agent to transfer to the Company any Transferred Shares that remain in escrow.
(d) Subsequent Committed Draw Down. In the event that the applicable Committed Draw Down Purchase Price multiplied by the number of Transferred Shares (the “Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price”) is less than the amount of the applicable Committed Draw Down (such difference, the “Subsequent Committed Draw Down”), then on the Settlement Date of such Committed Draw Down, the Company shall deposit with the Escrow Agent, in accordance with the terms of the Escrow Agreement, and the Escrow Agent shall hold in escrow, a number of Shares equal to at least three times the amount by which the Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price was less than the amount of the applicable Committed Draw Down (the “Committed Draw Down Shortfall”), based on a per-Share price equal to the closing price of the Company’s Common Shares as of the close of trading on the Trading Day immediately preceding the applicable Settlement Date (which shall be “Additional Transferred Shares”) and the Committed Draw Down Pricing Period for such Additional Transferred Shares shall be 15 consecutive Trading Days commencing with the first Trading Day following the initial Settlement Date of such Committed Draw Down, provided that Purchaser shall be entitled, prior to the end of such 15 Trading Day period, in its sole discretion, to notify the Company that such Draw Down Pricing Period shall be extended to up to an additional 15 consecutive Trading Days (the actual Draw Down Pricing Period applicable to such Subsequent Committed Draw Down, as it may be extended pursuant to this Section 6.03(d) and Section 6.03(e) shall be referred to as a “Subsequent Committed Draw Down Pricing Period”). The “Settlement Date” for a Subsequent Committed Draw Down shall be the first Trading Day after the end of such Subsequent Committed Draw Down Price Period. On the Settlement Date for a Subsequent Committed Draw Down, (i) the parties shall cause the Escrow Agent to transfer to Purchaser from the Additional Transferred Shares in escrow that number of Additional Transferred Shares equal to the applicable Committed Draw Down Shortfall divided by the applicable Subsequent Committed Draw Down Purchase Price, and (ii) in the event that the amount equal to such Subsequent Committed Draw Down Purchase Price multiplied by such Additional Transferred Shares (such amount, the “Subsequent Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price”) is greater than the amount of such Subsequent Committed Draw Down, then on the applicable Settlement Date, the parties shall cause the Escrow Agent to transfer to the Company the Additional Transferred Shares that remain in escrow.
(e) Extension of Committed Draw Down Pricing Period. If, as of 12:01am on the applicable Settlement Date for a Committed Draw Down or a Subsequent Committed Draw Down, the Purchaser shall be deemed to beneficially own ten percent (10%) or more of the Company’s outstanding Common Shares, after giving effect to the settlement procedures set forth in this Section 6.03, then the Purchaser shall have the option to extend the applicable Committed Draw Down Pricing Period in respect of the applicable Committed Draw Down or the applicable Subsequent Committed Draw Down Price Period in respect of the applicable Subsequent Committed Draw Down, as applicable, by up to 30 trading days, and such Committed Draw Down Purchase Price or Subsequent Committed Draw Down Purchase Price, as applicable, shall be determined based on such extended Committed Draw Down Pricing Period or such extended Subsequent Committed Draw Down Pricing Period, as applicable.
(f) If the Company issues a Committed Draw Down Notice on the Second Draw Down Date, the Third Draw Down Date, or the Fourth Draw Down Date, and the Purchaser would otherwise be obligated to accept such Committed Draw Down Notice but any of the conditions in Section 5.03(b) (captioned “Registration Statement”), Section 5.03(c) (captioned “No Suspension”) and/or Section 5.03(h) (captioned “Shares Authorized”) (collectively, all of the aforementioned conditions are the “Specified Conditions”) with respect to such Committed Draw Down have not been satisfied and the Purchaser does not waive such Specified Conditions, then the Company shall have the option to (i) re-issue such Committed Draw Down Notice within 2 Trading Days of the Specified Conditions having been satisfied with respect to the Shares subject to such Committed Draw Notice, provided that the Company must re-issue the Committed Draw Down Notice no later than 90 calendar days from the date of the issuance of the initial Committed Draw Down Notice and (ii) defer the first day of the applicable Committed Draw Down Pricing Period to the first Trading Day following the date of the re-issuance of such Committed Draw Down Notice. For the avoidance of doubt, Purchaser shall be required to fund any such Committed Draw Down upon satisfaction of the Specified Conditions with respect to such Committed Draw Down.
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Article
VII
TERMINATION
Section 7.01 Term, Termination by Mutual Consent. Unless earlier terminated as provided hereunder, this Agreement shall terminate automatically on the earlier of (i) thirty-six (36) consecutive months from the Public Listing Date (the “Investment Period”); (ii) five (5) years from the Effective Date; and (iii) the date the Purchaser shall have purchased the Aggregate Limit. This Agreement may be terminated at any time by mutual written consent of the Parties, effective as of the date of such mutual written consent unless otherwise provided in such written consent; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not terminate until the Company has delivered to the Purchaser the number of shares equal to the entire amount of the Committed Draw Down if the Company has made the Committed Draw Down Notice in accordance with the terms hereof.
Section 7.02 Effect of Termination. In the event of termination by the Company or the Purchaser, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be terminated without further action by either Party, it being understood that the Registration Rights Agreement shall not terminate and shall continue to survive in accordance with its terms. If this Agreement is terminated as provided in Section 7.01 herein, this Agreement shall become void and of no further force and effect, except as provided in Section 9.09 hereof.
Article
VIII
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 8.01 General Indemnity.
(a) Indemnification by the Company. The Company will indemnify and hold harmless the Purchaser and each Person who controls the Purchaser within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act from and against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable costs of defense and investigation and all attorneys’ fees) to which the Purchaser and each such controlling Person may become subject, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (or actions in respect thereof) (collectively, “Losses,” and each, a “Loss”) arise out of or are based upon (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained, or incorporated by reference, in the Registration Statement relating to the Purchased Shares or the Shares being sold to the Purchaser (including any prospectus relating thereto), or any amendment or supplement to it, (ii) the omission or alleged omission to state in the Registration Statement or any document incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or (iii) breach of representation, warranty or covenant of the Company contained in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, including a failure to deliver the Purchased Shares or the Shares to the Purchaser by the deadline set forth in herein, whether or not such Losses are a result of a claim by a third party. Pursuant to Section 8.02 hereof, the Company will reimburse the Purchaser and each such controlling Person promptly upon demand for any legal or other costs or expenses reasonably incurred by the Purchaser or such controlling Person in investigating, defending against, or preparing to defend against any such Loss.
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(b) Indemnification by the Purchaser. The Purchaser will indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its directors and officers, and each Person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act from and against any Losses that arise out of or are based upon (i) an untrue statement, alleged untrue statement, omission or alleged omission, included in the Registration Statement in reliance upon, and in conformity with, written information furnished by the Purchaser to the Company for inclusion in the Registration Statement, or (ii) the omission or alleged omission to state in the Registration Statement a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, to the extent, but only to the extent, the untrue statement, alleged untrue statement, omission or alleged omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, written information furnished by the Purchaser to the Company for inclusion in the Registration Statement, whether or not such Losses are as a result of a claim by a third party. Pursuant to Section 8.02 hereof, the Purchaser will reimburse the Company and each such director, officer or controlling Person promptly upon demand for any legal or other costs or expenses reasonably incurred by the Company or the other Person in investigating, defending against, or preparing to defend against any such Loss.
Section 8.02 Indemnification Procedures. Promptly after a Person receives notice of a claim or the commencement of an action for which the Person intends to seek indemnification under Section 8.01, the Person will notify the indemnifying party in writing of the claim or commencement of the action, suit or proceeding; provided, however, that failure to notify the indemnifying party will not relieve the indemnifying party from liability under Section 8.01, except to the extent it has been materially prejudiced by the failure to give notice. The indemnifying party will be entitled to participate in the defense of any claim, action, suit or proceeding as to which indemnification is being sought, and if the indemnifying party acknowledges in writing the obligation to indemnify the party against whom the claim or action is brought, the indemnifying party may (but will not be required to) assume the defense against the claim, action, suit or proceeding with counsel satisfactory to it. After an indemnifying party notifies an indemnified party that the indemnifying party wishes to assume the defense of a claim, action, suit or proceeding, the indemnifying party will not be liable for any legal or other expenses incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the defense against the claim, action, suit or proceeding except that if, in the opinion of counsel to the indemnifying party, one or more of the indemnified parties should be separately represented in connection with a claim, action, suit or proceeding, the indemnifying party will pay the reasonable fees and expenses of one separate counsel for the indemnified parties. Each indemnified party, as a condition to receiving indemnification as provided in Section 8.01, will cooperate in all reasonable respects with the indemnifying party in the defense of any action or claim as to which indemnification is sought. No indemnifying party will be liable for any settlement of any action effected without its prior written consent. No indemnifying party will, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of a pending or threatened action with respect to which an indemnified party is, or is informed that it may be, made a party, and for which it would be entitled to indemnification, unless the settlement includes an unconditional release of the indemnified party from all liability and claims which are the subject matter of the pending or threatened action. If for any reason the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is not available to, or is not sufficient to hold harmless, an indemnified party in respect of any loss or liability referred to in Section 8.01 as to which it is entitled to indemnification thereunder, each indemnifying party will, in lieu of indemnifying the indemnified party, contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such loss or liability, (i) in the proportion which is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the indemnifying party on the one hand and by the indemnified party on the other from the sale of Purchased Shares or the Shares which is the subject of the claim, action, suit or proceeding which resulted in the loss or liability or (ii) if that allocation is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits of the sale of such Purchased Shares or Shares, but also the relative fault of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party with respect to the statements or omissions which are the subject of the claim, action, suit or proceeding that resulted in the loss or liability, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.
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Article
IX
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 9.01 Fees and Expenses. Each Party shall bear its own fees and expenses related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents. The Company shall pay all reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by the Purchaser in connection with any amendments, modifications or waivers of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document. The Company shall pay all stamp or other similar taxes and duties levied in connection with issuance of the Purchased Shares and the Shares pursuant hereto.
Section 9.02 Specific Enforcement, Consent to Jurisdiction.
(a) The Company and the Purchaser acknowledge and agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that either Party shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions from any court of competent jurisdiction or arbitral authority to prevent or cure breaches of the provisions of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document by the other Party and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof; such right is in addition to any other remedy to which either Party may be entitled by law or equity, without the necessity of posting a bond or other security or the burden of proving actual damages.
(b) Each of the Parties (i) hereby irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court and other courts of the United States sitting in the State of New York for the purposes of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, and (ii) hereby waives, and agrees not to assert in any such suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of such court, that the suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of the suit, action or proceeding is improper. Each of the Company and the Purchaser consents to process being served in any such suit, action or proceeding by sending by electronic mail a copy thereof to such Party at the address in effect for notices to it under this Agreement and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof. Nothing in this Section 9.02(b) shall affect or limit any right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
Section 9.03 Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents represent the entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof, and there are no promises, undertakings, representations or warranties by either Party relative to subject matter hereof not expressly set forth herein. No provision of this Agreement may be amended other than by a written instrument signed by both Parties.
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Section 9.04 Notices. Any notice, demand, request, waiver or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing, delivered by electronic mail to the address designated below, and shall be effective on the date that the email is received. However, if the time of deemed receipt of any notice is not before 5:30 p.m. local time on a business day at the address of the recipient it is deemed to have been received at the commencement of business on the next business day. The address for such communications shall be:
If to the Company: | Surf Air Global Ltd. |
Attn: Sudhin Shahani, Executive Chairman | |
Email: sudhin@surfair.com | |
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: | Surf Air Global Ltd. |
Attn: General Counsel | |
Email: legalnotices@surfair.com | |
If to GYBL: | GEM Yield Bahamas Ltd. |
Attn: Cristopher F. Brown, Manager | |
Email: cbrown@gemny.com | |
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: | Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP |
Attn: Boris Dolgonos | |
Email: bdolgonos@gibsondunn.com | |
If to the Purchaser: | GEM Global Yield LLC SCS |
Attn: Christopher F. Brown, Manager | |
Email: cbrown@gemny.com | |
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: | Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP |
Attn: Boris Dolgonos | |
Email: bdolgonos@gibsondunn.com |
Either Party hereto may from time to time change its address for notices by giving at least 10 days’ advance written notice of such changed address to the other Party hereto.
Section 9.05 Waivers. No waiver by either Party of any default with respect to any provision, condition or requirement of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document shall be deemed to be a continuing waiver in the future or a waiver of any other provisions, condition or requirement hereof, nor shall any delay or omission of either Party to exercise any right hereunder in any manner impair the exercise of any such right accruing to it thereafter. No provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document may be waived other than in a written instrument signed by the Party against whom enforcement of such waiver is sought.
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Section 9.06 Headings. The article, section and subsection headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement for any other purpose and shall not be deemed to limit or affect any of the provisions hereof.
Section 9.07 Successors and Assigns; Third-Party Beneficiary. Neither party may assign this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to any Person without the prior consent of the other party; provided that without the consent of the other, (i) the Company may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement and other Transaction Documents to the Successor Company; (ii) the Purchaser may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to an Affiliate of the Purchaser. In the event of (a) a Reverse Merger Transaction or (b) any other transaction (including by way of merger, consolidation, combination or otherwise), including the formation of any successor or other similar entity by the Company or an Affiliate thereof to facilitate, or in connection with, a Public Listing, this Agreement and each other Transaction Document shall be automatically assigned to the Successor Company, and the Parties agree that the terms of this Agreement and such other Transaction Document shall be construed to give effect to such assignment, including, without limitation, that: (x) the term “Company” shall be construed as “Successor Company”; and (y) the term “Shares” shall be construed as the common shares of the Successor Company. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their successors and assigns. For the avoidance of doubt, it is expressly agreed that the Successor Company shall be a third-party beneficiary of Section 4.10(a).
Section 9.08 Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the choice of law provisions except Section 5-1401 of the New York General Obligations Law.
(b) EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE, AND AGREES NOT TO REQUEST, A JURY TRIAL FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
Section 9.09 Survival. The representations and warranties of the Company and the Purchaser contained in ARTICLE III and the covenants contained in ARTICLE IV shall survive the execution and delivery hereof until the termination of this Agreement, and the agreements and covenants set forth in ARTICLE VIII of this Agreement shall survive the execution and delivery hereof. The provisions of ARTICLE VIII (Indemnification) shall remain in full force and effect indefinitely notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement or other Transaction Document.
Section 9.10 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each Party and delivered to the other Parties hereto, it being understood that all Parties need not sign the same counterpart.
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Section 9.11 Publicity. Without the prior written consent of the Purchaser, which shall not unreasonably be withheld, delayed or conditioned, the Company may not issue a press release or otherwise make a public statement or announcement with respect to this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or the existence of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (including, without limitation, by filing a copy thereof with the Commission). In the event that the Company is required by applicable law, rules or regulations (including Principal Market rules or regulations) to issue a press release or otherwise make a public statement or announcement with respect to any of such matters, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to consult with the Purchaser on the form and substance of such press release or other disclosure.
Section 9.12 Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable and, in the event that any court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that any one or more of the provisions or part of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall, for any reason, be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or part of a provision of this Agreement, and this Agreement shall be reformed and construed as if such invalid or illegal or unenforceable provision, or part of such provision, had never been contained herein, so that such provisions would be valid, legal and enforceable to the maximum extent possible.
Section 9.13 Further Assurances. From and after the date of this Agreement, upon the request of the Purchaser or the Company, each of the Company and the Purchaser shall execute and deliver such instrument, documents and other writings as may be reasonably necessary or desirable to confirm and carry out and to effectuate fully the intent and purposes of this Agreement and each other Transaction Document. Each Party hereby expressly agrees that, in the event that any action or determination of the Commission or other regulatory or governmental authority, or the refusal or failure of any other governmental approval, would or does prohibit or otherwise materially interfere with the ability of the Parties to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in the manner contemplated by and described in it, each such Party shall use its good-faith best efforts to resolve and cure such condition, including, without limitation, by amending this Agreement to the extent necessary therefor. In addition, each Party acknowledges that this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents have been prepared on the assumption that the Principal Market will be a U.S. stock exchange, and that the Common Shares will be registered with the Commission pursuant to Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Securities Act. In the event that the Principal Market is not a U.S. stock exchange, then the Parties will negotiate in good faith to amend the Transaction Documents to effect the economic consequences thereof while preserving each of their rights and obligations.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officer as of the date first above written.
SURF AIR GLOBAL LTD. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
GEM GLOBAL YIELD LLC SCS | ||
By: | /s/ Christopher F. Brown | |
Name: | Christopher F. Brown | |
Title: | Manager | |
GEM YIELD BAHAMAS LTD. | ||
By: | /s/ Christopher F. Brown | |
Name: | Christopher F. Brown | |
Title: | Director |
Exhibit A
FORM OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
[See attached.]
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Execution Version
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
August 26, 2020
This REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), is made and entered into as of the date first above written, by and among SURF AIR GLOBAL LTD., a company limited by shares formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands and having BVI Co. No. 1915770 and a principal place of business at 12111 Crenshaw Boulevard, Hawthorne, California, 90250 (the “Company”), GEM GLOBAL YIELD LLC SCS, a “société en commandite simple” formed under the laws of Luxembourg having LEI No. 213800CXBEHFXVLBZO92 having an address at 412F, Route d’Esch, L-2086 Luxembourg (“Purchaser”); and GEM YIELD BAHAMAS LIMITED, a limited company formed under the laws of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and having an address at 3 Bayside Executive Park, West Bay Street & Blake Road, P.O. Box N-4875, Nassau, The Bahamas (“GYBL,” and together with Purchaser, the “Parties”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Purchase Agreement.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company has offered GYBL the right to place with Purchaser up to U.S. $400,000,000 worth of Shares; and
WHEREAS, The Parties have agreed, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of that certain Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “Purchase Agreement”) to the purchase and sale of such Shares and, to induce the Purchaser to enter into the Purchase Agreement, the Company has agreed to provide certain registration rights under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, or any similar successor statute (collectively, the “Securities Act”), and applicable state securities laws.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Company and the Purchaser hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions.
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(a) “Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or any other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York are authorized or required by law to remain closed.
(b) “Effective Date” means the date that the Registration Statement has been declared effective by the SEC or that it went effective pursuant to Section 8 of the Securities Act.
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(c) “Effectiveness Deadline” means with respect to the Registration Statement, the earlier of (A) the 60th calendar day after the earlier of (1) the Filing Deadline and (2) the date on which such initial Registration Statement is filed with the SEC and (B) the fifth Business Day after the date the Company is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the SEC that such Registration Statement will not be reviewed or will not be subject to further review, unless the Company is advised by the SEC that it will not accept an acceleration request for such Registration Statement but that it would not prevent such Registration Statement from becoming effective pursuant to Section 8 of the Securities Act, in which case the 25th Calendar Day after the Company is advised by the SEC that it will not accept an acceleration request for such Registration Statement but that it would not prevent such Registration Statement from becoming effective pursuant to Section 8 of the Securities Act.
(d) “Filing Deadline” means with respect to the Registration Statement, the 360th calendar day after the date of this Agreement.
(e) “Investor” means the Purchaser, GYBL, and any transferee or assignee thereof to which either of Purchaser or GYBL assigns its rights under this Agreement and who agrees to become bound by the provisions of this Agreement in accordance with Section 9 and any transferee or assignee thereof to whom a transferee or assignee assigns its rights under this Agreement and who agrees to become bound by the provisions of this Agreement in accordance with Section 9.
(f) “Legal Counsel” means legal counsel designated by Investor to review and oversee the Registration Statement and all New Registration Statements on Investors’ behalf.
(g) “Person” means any person or entity including but not limited to any corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a partnership, an organization, a business, an individual, a governmental or political subdivision thereof or a governmental agency.
(h) “Register,” “registered,” and “registration” refer to a registration effected by preparing and filing one or more registration statements of the Company in compliance with the Securities Act and pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act or any successor rule providing for offering securities on a continuous basis (“Rule 415”), and the declaration or ordering of effectiveness of such registration statement(s) by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”).
(i) “Registrable Securities” mean all of (i) the Purchased Shares and the Shares which have been, or which may from time to time be, issued or issuable to the Investor pursuant to the Purchase Agreement; or (ii) any securities issued or issuable upon any share split, dividend or other distribution, recapitalization or similar event with respect to the foregoing; provided that the Purchased Shares and the Shares, as applicable, shall cease to be Registrable Securities upon the earliest to occur of the following: (A) sale pursuant to a Registration Statement or Rule 144 under the Securities Act (in which case, only such security sold shall cease to be a Registrable Security); or (B) becoming eligible for sale without restriction under Rule 144.
(j) “Registration Statement” means a registration statement or registration statements of the Company filed under the Securities Act covering the resale by the Investor of Registrable Securities, as such registration statement or registration statements may be amended and supplemented from time to time (including pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act), including all documents filed as part thereof or incorporated by reference therein.
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(k) “Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Act, as such rule may be amended from time to time, or any other similar or successor rule or regulation of the SEC that may at any time permit the Investor to sell securities of the Company to the public without registration.
(l) “Rule 415” means Rule 415 promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act, as such rule may be amended from time to time, or any other similar or successor rule or regulation of the Commission providing for offering securities on a delayed or continuous basis.
2. Registration.
(a) Mandatory Registration. The Company shall prepare and, as soon as practicable, but in no event later than the Filing Deadline, file with the SEC an initial Registration Statement on Form S-1 or S-3, or such other form or forms as may be reasonably acceptable to the Investor and Legal Counsel, covering the resale by the Investor of Registrable Securities. The Registration Statement shall register with the Commission for resale all of the Registrable Securities. The Investor and Legal Counsel shall have a reasonable opportunity to review and comment upon such Registration Statement or amendment to such Registration Statement and any related prospectus prior to its filing with the Commission. Investor shall furnish all information reasonably requested by the Company for inclusion therein. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to have the Registration Statement or amendment declared effective by the Commission prior to the Effectiveness Deadline. Subject to Allowable Grace Periods (as defined herein below), the Company shall use reasonable best efforts to keep the Registration Statement effective pursuant to Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act and available for sales of all of the Registrable Securities at all times until the date as of which the Investor may sell all of the Registrable Securities without restriction pursuant to Rule 144(b)(1)(i) promulgated under the Securities Act (or successor thereto) (the “Registration Period”). The Registration Statement (including any amendments or supplements thereto and prospectuses contained therein) shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein, or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.
(b) Rule 424 Prospectus. The Company shall, as required by applicable securities regulations, from time to time file with the Commission, pursuant to Rule 424 promulgated under the Securities Act, the prospectus, amendments and prospectus supplements, if any, to be used in connection with sales of the Registrable Securities under the Registration Statement. The Investor and its counsel shall have a reasonable opportunity to review and comment upon such prospectus prior to its filing with the Commission. The Investor shall use its reasonable best efforts to comment upon such prospectus within two Trading Days from the date the Investor receives the proposed final version of such prospectus.
(c) Sufficient Number of Shares Registered. In the event the number of shares available under the Registration Statement is insufficient to cover all of the Registrable Securities, the Company shall file one or more additional Registration Statements (each a “New Registration Statement”), so as to cover all of such Registrable Securities as soon as practicable, but in any case not later than twenty (20) Trading Days after the necessity therefor arises. The Company shall use it reasonable best efforts to cause each such New Registration Statement to become effective as soon as practicable following the filing thereof.
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(d) Piggyback Registrations. Without limiting any of the Company’s obligations hereunder or under the Purchase Agreement, if there is not an effective Registration Statement covering all of the Registrable Securities and the Company shall determine to prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement relating to an offering for its own account or the account of others under the Securities Act of any of its equity securities (other than on Form S-4 or Form S-8 (each as promulgated under the Securities Act) or their then equivalents relating to equity securities to be issued solely in connection with any acquisition of any entity or business or equity securities issuable in connection with the Company’s option or other employee benefit plans), then the Company shall deliver to the Investor a written notice of such determination and, if within five days after the date of the delivery of such notice, the Investor shall so request in writing, the Company shall include in such registration statement all or any part of such Registrable Securities the offer and sale of which the Investor requests to be registered; provided, however, the Company shall not be required to register the offer and sale of any Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 2(d) that are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144 without restriction (including, without limitation, volume restrictions) and without the need for current public information required by Rule 144(c)(1) (or Rule 144(i)(2), if applicable) or that are the subject of a then-effective Registration Statement.
(e) No Inclusion of Other Securities. In no event shall the Company include any securities other than Registrable Securities on any Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(a) or 2(c) without the prior written consent of the Investor. Subject to the proviso in Section 2(d), in connection with any offering contemplated by Section 2(d) involving an underwriting of shares, the Company shall not be required under this Section 2 or otherwise to include the Registrable Securities of any Investor therein unless such Investor accepts and agrees to the terms of the underwriting, which shall be reasonable and customary, as agreed upon between the Company and the underwriters selected by the Company. If, in connection with any offering contemplated by Section 2(d) involving an underwriting of shares, the managing underwriters advise the Company and the Investors that, in their opinion, the number of securities requested to be included in such registration exceeds the number which can be sold in such offering without adversely affecting the marketability, proposed offering price, timing, distribution method or probability of success of such offering, then the Company will include in such registration (i) first, the securities that the Company proposes to sell; (ii) second, the Registrable Securities requested to be included in such registration, which in the opinion of such underwriters can be sold without adverse effect; and (iii) third, other securities requested to be included in such registration which in the opinion of such underwriters can be sold without adverse effect, pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of such securities owned by each such holder.
(f) Offering. If the staff of the Commission (the “Staff”) or the Commission seeks to characterize any offering pursuant to a Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Agreement as constituting an offering of securities that does not permit such Registration Statement to become effective and be used for resales by the Investor on a delayed or continuous basis under Rule 415 at then-prevailing market prices (and not fixed prices) (or as otherwise may be acceptable to the Investor), or if after the filing of the initial Registration Statement with the Commission pursuant to Section 2(a), the Company is otherwise required by the Staff or the Commission to reduce the number of Registrable Securities included in such initial Registration Statement, then the Company shall reduce the number of Registrable Securities to be included in such initial Registration Statement (with the prior consent of the Investor and Legal Counsel as to the specific Registrable Securities to be removed therefrom, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed, denied, or conditioned) until such time as the Staff and the Commission shall so permit such Registration Statement to become effective and be used as aforesaid. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if after giving effect to the actions referred to in the immediately preceding sentence, the Staff or the Commission does not permit such Registration Statement to become effective and be used for resales by the Investor on a delayed or continuous basis under Rule 415 at then-prevailing market prices (and not fixed prices) (or as otherwise may be acceptable to the Investor), the Company shall not request acceleration of the Effective Date of such Registration Statement and, in its sole and absolute discretion, may take such steps as may be required for such Registration Statement to become effective pursuant to Section 8 of the Securities Act. If not, the Company shall promptly (but in no event later than 48 hours) request the withdrawal of such Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 477 under the Securities Act, and the Effectiveness Deadline shall automatically be deemed to have elapsed with respect to such Registration Statement at such time as the Staff or the Commission has made a final and non-appealable determination that the Commission will not permit such Registration Statement to be so utilized (unless prior to such time the Company and the Investor have received assurances from the Staff or the Commission reasonably acceptable to Legal Counsel that a new Registration Statement filed by the Company with the Commission promptly thereafter may be so utilized). In the event of any reduction in Registrable Securities pursuant to this paragraph, the Company shall file additional Registration Statements in accordance with Section 2(d) until such time as all Registrable Securities have been included in Registration Statements that have been declared effective and the prospectus contained therein is available for use by the Investor.
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3. Related Obligations. With respect to the Registration Statement and whenever any Registrable Securities are to be registered pursuant to Section 2 including on any New Registration Statement, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to effect the registration of the Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method of disposition thereof and, pursuant thereto, the Company shall have the following obligations:
(a) The Company shall prepare and file with the Commission such amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to any registration statement and the prospectus used in connection with such registration statement, which prospectus is to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 promulgated under the Securities Act, as may be necessary to keep the Registration Statement or any New Registration Statement effective at all times during the Registration Period, and, during such period, comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Securities of the Company covered by the Registration Statement or any New Registration Statement until such time as all of such Registrable Securities shall have been disposed of in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the seller or sellers thereof as set forth in such registration statement.
(b) The Company shall permit the Investor to review and comment upon the Registration Statement or any New Registration Statement and all amendments and supplements thereto at least two Trading Days prior to their filing with the Commission, and not file any document in a form to which Investor reasonably objects. The Investor shall use its reasonable best efforts to comment upon the Registration Statement or any New Registration Statement and any amendments or supplements thereto within two (2) Trading Days from the date the Investor receives the final version thereof. The Company shall furnish to the Investor, without charge any correspondence from the Commission or the staff of the Commission to the Company or its representatives relating to the Registration Statement or any New Registration Statement.
(c) Upon request of the Investor, the Company shall furnish to the Investor, (i) promptly after the same is prepared and filed with the Commission, at least one copy of such registration statement and any amendment(s) thereto, including financial statements and schedules, all documents incorporated therein by reference and all exhibits; (ii) upon the effectiveness of any registration statement, a copy of the prospectus included in such registration statement and all amendments and supplements thereto (or such other number of copies as the Investor may reasonably request); and (iii) such other documents, including copies of any preliminary or final prospectus, as the Investor may reasonably request from time to time in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by the Investor. For the avoidance of doubt, any filing available to the Investor via the Commission’s live EDGAR system shall be deemed “furnished to the Investor” hereunder.
(d) The Company shall use reasonable best efforts to (i) register and qualify the Registrable Securities covered by a registration statement under such other securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions in the United States as the Investor reasonably requests; (ii) prepare and file in those jurisdictions, such amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to such registrations and qualifications as may be necessary to maintain the effectiveness thereof during the Registration Period; (iii) take such other actions as may be necessary to maintain such registrations and qualifications in effect at all times during the Registration Period; and (iv) take all other actions reasonably necessary or advisable to qualify the Registrable Securities for sale in such jurisdictions; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to (x) qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this Section 3(d), (y) subject itself to general taxation in any such jurisdiction, or (z) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction. The Company shall promptly notify the Investor who holds Registrable Securities of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the registration or qualification of any of the Registrable Securities for sale under the securities or “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction in the United States or its receipt of actual notice of the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose.
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(e) As promptly as practicable after becoming aware of such event or facts, the Company shall notify the Investor in writing of the happening of any event or existence of such facts as a result of which the prospectus included in any registration statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and promptly prepare a supplement or amendment to such registration statement to correct such untrue statement or omission, and deliver a copy of such supplement or amendment to the Investor (or such other number of copies as the Investor may reasonably request). The Company shall also promptly notify the Investor in writing (i) when a prospectus or any prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and when a registration statement or any post-effective amendment has become effective (notification of such effectiveness shall be delivered to the Investor by email on the same day of such effectiveness); (ii) of any request by the Commission for amendments or supplements to any registration statement or related prospectus or related information; and (iii) of the Company’s reasonable determination that a post-effective amendment to a registration statement would be appropriate.
(f) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or other suspension of effectiveness of any registration statement, or the suspension of the qualification of any Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction and, if such an order or suspension is issued, to obtain the withdrawal of such order or suspension at the earliest possible moment and to notify the Investor of the issuance of such order and the resolution thereof or its receipt of actual notice of the initiation or threat of any proceeding for such purpose.
(g) The Company shall (i) cause all the Registrable Securities to be listed on each securities exchange on which securities of the same class or series issued by the Company are then listed, if any, if the listing of such Registrable Securities is then permitted under the rules of such exchange; or (ii) secure designation and quotation of all the Registrable Securities on the Principal Market. The Company shall pay all fees and expenses in connection with satisfying its obligation under this Section.
(h) Upon the Investor’s written request, the Company shall cooperate with the Investor to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates (not bearing any restrictive legend) representing the Registrable Securities to be offered pursuant to any registration statement and enable such certificates to be in such denominations or amounts as the Investor may reasonably request and registered in such names as the Investor may request.
(i) The Company shall at all times provide a transfer agent and registrar with respect to its Common Shares.
(j) If reasonably requested by the Investor, the Company shall (i) immediately incorporate in a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information as the Investor reasonably believes should be included therein relating to the sale and distribution of Registrable Securities, including, without limitation, information with respect to the number of Registrable Securities being sold, the purchase price being paid therefor and any other terms of the offering of the Registrable Securities; (ii) make all required filings of such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment as soon as notified of the matters to be incorporated in such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment; and (iii) supplement or make amendments to any registration statement.
(k) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registrable Securities covered by any registration statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities.
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(l) Within three Trading Days after any registration statement which includes the Registrable Securities is ordered effective by the Commission, the Company shall deliver, and shall cause legal counsel for the Company to deliver, to the transfer agent for such Registrable Securities (with copies to the Investor) confirmation that such registration statement has been declared effective by the Commission in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. Thereafter, if requested by the Purchaser at any time, the Company shall require its counsel to deliver to the Purchaser a written confirmation whether or not the effectiveness of such registration statement has lapsed at any time for any reason (including, without limitation, the issuance of a stop order) and whether or not the registration statement is current and available to the Purchaser for sale of all of the Registrable Securities.
(m) The Company shall take all other reasonable actions necessary to expedite and facilitate disposition by the Investor of Registrable Securities pursuant to any registration statement.
(n) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein (but subject to the last sentence of this Section 3(n)), at any time after the Effective Date of a particular Registration Statement, the Company may delay the disclosure of material, non-public information concerning the Company or any of its Subsidiaries the disclosure of which at the time is not, in the good-faith opinion of the board of directors of the Company, in the best interest of the Company, nor, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, otherwise required (a “Grace Period”); provided, however, that the Company shall promptly, but in no event later than 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) on the second Trading Day immediately prior to the commencement of any Grace Period (except for such case where it is impossible to provide such two-Trading Day advance notice, in which case the Company shall provide such notice as soon as possible), notify the Investor in writing of the (i) existence of material, non-public information giving rise to a Grace Period (provided that in each such notice the Company shall not disclose the content of such material, non-public information to the Investor) and the date on which such Grace Period will begin and (ii) date on which such Grace Period ends; provided, further, that (I) no Grace Period shall exceed 20 consecutive Trading Days, and during any 365-day period, all such Grace Periods shall not exceed an aggregate of 60 Trading Days; provided, further, that the Company shall not register any securities for the account of itself or any other shareholder during any such Grace Period (other than pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-4 or S-8), (II) the first day of any Grace Period must be at least three Trading Days (or such shorter period as may be agreed by the Parties) after the last day of any prior Grace Period and (III) no Grace Period may exist during (A) the first 10 consecutive Trading Days after the Effective Date of the particular Registration Statement or (B) the five-Trading Day period following each Settlement Date (each, an “Allowable Grace Period”). For purposes of determining the length of a Grace Period above, such Grace Period shall begin on and include the date set forth in the notice referred to in clause (i) above, provided that such notice is received by the Investor not later than 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) on the second Trading Day immediately prior to such commencement date (except for such case where it is impossible to provide such two-Trading Day advance notice, in which case the Company shall provide such notice as soon as possible) and shall end on and include the later of the date the Investor receives the notice referred to in clause (ii) above and the date referred to in such notice. The provisions of Section 3(j) hereof shall not be applicable during the period of any Allowable Grace Period. Upon expiration of each Grace Period, the Company shall again be bound by the first sentence of Section 3(e) with respect to the information giving rise thereto unless such material, non-public information is no longer applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 3(n), the Company shall cause its transfer agent to deliver unlegended Common Shares to a transferee of the Investor in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement in connection with any sale of Registrable Securities with respect to which the Investor has entered into a contract for sale, and delivered a copy of the prospectus included as part of the particular Registration Statement to the extent applicable, prior to the Investor’s receipt of the notice of a Grace Period and for which the Investor has not yet settled.
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4. Obligations of the Investor.
(a) At least five Business Days prior to the first anticipated filing date of each Registration Statement, the Company shall notify the Investor in writing of the information the Company reasonably requires from the Investor in connection with any registration statement hereunder. The Investor shall furnish to the Company such information regarding itself, the Registrable Securities held by it and the intended method of disposition of the Registrable Securities held by it as shall be reasonably required to effect the registration of such Registrable Securities and shall execute such documents in connection with such registration as the Company may reasonably request.
(b) The Investor, by its acceptance of the Registrable Securities, agrees to cooperate with the Company as reasonably requested by the Company in connection with the preparation and filing of each Registration Statement hereunder, unless the Investor has notified the Company in writing of the Investor’s election to exclude all of the Investor’s Registrable Securities from such Registration Statement.
(c) The Investor agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event or existence of facts of the kind described in Section 3(f) or the first sentence of Section 3(e), the Investor will immediately discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to any registration statement(s) covering such Registrable Securities until the Investor’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 3(f) or the first sentence of Section 3(e). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Company shall cause its transfer agent to promptly deliver Common Shares without any restrictive legend in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement in connection with any sale of Registrable Securities with respect to which an Investor has entered into a contract for sale prior to the Investor’s receipt of a notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 3(f) or the first sentence of Section 3(e) and for which the Investor has not yet settled.
5. Expenses and Fees.
(a) All reasonable expenses, other than sales or brokerage commissions, incurred in connection with registrations, filings or qualifications pursuant to Sections 2 and 3, including, without limitation, all registration, listing and qualifications fees, printers and accounting fees, FINRA filing fees (if any) and fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company, if any, shall be paid by the Company.
(b) The Company shall pay the fees and expenses of the Legal Counsel in connection with the review and overseeing the Registration Statement and all New Registration Statements on Investors’ behalf.
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6. Indemnification.
(a) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company will, and hereby does, indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Investor, each Person, if any, who controls the Investor, the members, the directors, officers, shareholders, partners, employees, agents, advisors, representatives of the Investor and each Person, if any, who controls the Investor within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) (each, an “Indemnified Person”), against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgments, fines, penalties, charges, contingencies, costs (including, without limitation, court costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs of defense and investigation), attorneys’ fees, amounts paid in settlement or expenses, joint or several (collectively, “Claims”), incurred in investigating, preparing or defending any action, claim, suit, inquiry, proceeding, investigation or appeal taken from the foregoing by or before any court or governmental, administrative or other regulatory agency, body or the Commission, whether pending or threatened, whether or not an indemnified party is or may be a party thereto, whether or not arising from a claim by a third party (“Indemnified Damages”), to which any of them may become subject insofar as such Claims (or actions or proceedings, whether commenced or threatened, in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon: (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact in the Registration Statement, any New Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto or in any filing made in connection with the qualification of the offering under the securities or other “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction in which Registrable Securities are offered, or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, (ii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the any prospectus (as amended or supplemented, if the Company files any amendment thereof or supplement thereto with the SEC) or in any prospectus supplement or the omission or alleged omission to state therein any material fact necessary to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which the statements therein were made, not misleading, (iii) any violation or alleged violation by the Company of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any other law, including, without limitation, any state securities law, or any rule or regulation thereunder relating to the offer or sale of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement or any New Registration Statement or (iv) any material violation by the Company of this Agreement (the matters in the foregoing clauses (i) through (iv) being, collectively, “Violations”). The Company shall reimburse each Indemnified Person promptly as such expenses are incurred and are due and payable, for any reasonable legal fees or other reasonable expenses incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such Claim. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the indemnification agreement contained in this Section (a): (i) shall not apply to a Claim by an Indemnified Person arising out of or based upon a Violation which occurs in reliance upon and in conformity with information about the Investor furnished in writing to the Company by such Indemnified Person expressly for use in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement, any New Registration Statement or any such amendment thereof or supplement thereto, if such prospectus was timely made available by the Company pursuant to Section 3(c) or Section 3(e); (ii) with respect to any superseded prospectus, shall not inure to the benefit of any such person from whom the person asserting any such Claim purchased the Registrable Securities that are the subject thereof (or to the benefit of any person controlling such person) if the untrue statement or omission of material fact contained in the superseded prospectus was corrected in the revised prospectus, as then amended or supplemented, if such revised prospectus was timely made available by the Company pursuant to Section 3(c) or Section 3(e), and the Indemnified Person was promptly advised in writing not to use the incorrect prospectus prior to the use giving rise to a violation and such Indemnified Person, notwithstanding such advice, used it; (iii) shall not be available to the extent such Claim is based on a failure of the Investor to deliver or to cause to be delivered the prospectus made available by the Company, if such prospectus was timely made available by the Company pursuant to Section 3(c) or Section 3(e); and (iv) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any Claim if such settlement is effected without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Indemnified Person and shall survive the transfer of the Registrable Securities by the Investor pursuant to Section 9.
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(b) In connection with the Registration Statement or any New Registration Statement, the Investor agrees to severally and not jointly indemnify, hold harmless and defend, to the same extent and in the same manner as is set forth in Section 6(a), the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who signs the Registration Statement or any New Registration Statement, each Person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (collectively and together with an Indemnified Person, an “Indemnified Party”), against any Claim or Indemnified Damages to which any of them may become subject, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such Claim or Indemnified Damages arise out of or are based upon any Violation, in each case to the extent, and only to the extent, that such Violation occurs in reliance upon and in conformity with written information about the Investor furnished to the Company by the Investor expressly for use in connection with such registration statement; and, subject to Section 6(d), the Investor will reimburse any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such Claim; provided, however, that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 6(b) and the agreement with respect to contribution contained in Section 7 shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any Claim if such settlement is effected without the prior written consent of the Investor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; provided, further, however, that the Investor shall be liable under this Section 6(b) for only that amount of a Claim or Indemnified Damages as does not exceed the net proceeds to the Investor as a result of the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such registration statement. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of such Indemnified Party and shall survive the transfer of the Registrable Securities by the Investor pursuant to Section 9.
(c) Promptly after receipt by an Indemnified Person or Indemnified Party under this Section 6 of notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding (including any governmental action or proceeding) involving a Claim, such Indemnified Person or Indemnified Party shall, if a Claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under this Section 6 deliver to the indemnifying party a written notice of the commencement thereof, and the indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in, and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly noticed, to assume control of the defense thereof with counsel mutually satisfactory to the indemnifying party and the Indemnified Person or the Indemnified Party, as the case may be; provided, however, that an Indemnified Person or Indemnified Party shall have the right to retain its own counsel with the fees and expenses to be paid by the indemnifying party, if, in the reasonable opinion of counsel retained by the indemnifying party, the representation by such counsel of the Indemnified Person or Indemnified Party and the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such Indemnified Person or Indemnified Party and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person shall cooperate fully with the indemnifying party in connection with any negotiation or defense of any such action or claim by the indemnifying party and shall furnish to the indemnifying party all information reasonably available to the Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person which relates to such action or claim. The indemnifying party shall keep the Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person fully apprised at all times as to the status of the defense or any settlement negotiations with respect thereto. No indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement of any action, claim or proceeding effected without its written consent, provided, however, that the indemnifying party shall not unreasonably withhold, delay or condition its consent. No indemnifying party shall, without the consent of the Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement or other compromise which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation. Following indemnification as provided for hereunder, the indemnifying party shall be subrogated to all rights of the Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person with respect to all third parties, firms or corporations relating to the matter for which indemnification has been made. The failure to deliver written notice to the indemnifying party within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such action shall not relieve such indemnifying party of any liability to the Indemnified Person or Indemnified Party under this Section 6, except to the extent that the indemnifying party is prejudiced in its ability to defend such action.
(d) The indemnification required by this Section 6 shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or Indemnified Damages are incurred.
(e) The indemnity agreements contained herein shall be in addition to (i) any cause of action or similar right of the Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person against the indemnifying party or others, and (ii) any liabilities the indemnifying party may be subject to pursuant to the law.
7. Contribution. To the extent any indemnification by an indemnifying party is prohibited or limited by law, the indemnifying party agrees to make the maximum contribution with respect to any amounts for which it would otherwise be liable under Section 6 to the fullest extent permitted by law; provided, however, that: (i) no seller of Registrable Securities guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any seller of Registrable Securities who was not guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation; and (ii) contribution by any seller of Registrable Securities shall be limited in amount to the net amount of proceeds received by such seller from the sale of such Registrable Securities.
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8. Reports and Disclosures under the Securities Acts.
With a view to making available to the Investor the benefits of Rule 144, the Company agrees, at the Company’s sole expense, to:
(a) make and keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144;
(b) file with the Commission in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act so long as the Company remains subject to such requirements and the filing of such reports and other documents is required for the applicable provisions of Rule 144;
(c) furnish to the Investor so long as the Investor owns Registrable Securities, promptly upon request and subject to the delivery by the Investor of a bona fide fair market offer for a licensing or funding opportunity pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, (i) a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting and/ or disclosure provisions of Rule 144, the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company and such other reports and documents so filed by the Company, and (iii) such other information as may be reasonably requested to permit the Investor to sell such securities pursuant to Rule 144 without registration (for the avoidance of doubt, any filing available to the Investor via the Commission’s live EDGAR system shall be deemed “furnished to the Investor” hereunder); and
(d) take such additional action as is requested by the Investor to enable the Investor to sell the Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 144, including, without limitation, delivering all such legal opinions, consents, certificates, resolutions and instructions to the Company’s transfer agent as may be requested from time to time by the Investor and otherwise reasonably cooperate with Investor and Investor’s broker to effect such sale of securities pursuant to Rule 144.
The Company agrees that damages may be an inadequate remedy for any breach of the terms and provisions of this Section 8 and that Investor shall, whether or not it is pursuing any remedies at law, be entitled to equitable relief in the form of a preliminary or permanent injunction, without having to post any bond or other security, upon any breach or threatened breach of any such terms or provisions. Investor agrees that the Rule 144 rights under this Agreement are subject to the delivery by the Investor of a bona fide fair market offer for a licensing or funding opportunity pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.
9. Assignment of Registration Rights. None of the Parties may assign this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to any Person without the prior consent of the others; provided that without the consent of the other, (i) the Company may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement and other Transaction Documents to the Successor Company; (ii) the Purchaser may assign its rights and obligations under this agreement to an Affiliate of the Purchaser. In the event of a Reverse Merger Transaction, this Agreement shall be automatically assigned to the Successor Company, and the Parties agree that the terms of this Agreement shall be construed to give effect to such assignment.
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10. Amendment of Registration Rights. Provisions of this Agreement may be amended and the observance thereof may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively), only with the mutual written consent of the Company and the Investor. Failure of any Party to exercise any right or remedy under this Agreement or otherwise, or delay by a Party in exercising such right or remedy, shall not operate as a waiver thereof.
11. Miscellaneous.
(a) A Person is deemed to be a holder of Registrable Securities whenever such Person owns or is deemed to own of record such Registrable Securities. If the Company receives conflicting instructions, notices or elections from two or more Persons with respect to the same Registrable Securities, the Company shall act upon the basis of instructions, notice or election received from the registered owner of such Registrable Securities.
(b) Any notices, consents, waivers or other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms of this Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to have been delivered upon receipt, when delivered by electronic mail, return receipt requested, properly addressed to the Party to receive the same. The addresses for such communications shall be:
If to the Company: | Surf Air Global Ltd. |
Attn: Sudhin Shahani, Executive Chairman | |
Email: sudhin@surfair.com | |
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: | Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC Attn: Rajiv Khanna |
Email: rajiv.khanna@bipc.com | |
If to GYBL: | GEM Yield Bahamas Ltd. |
Attn: Cristopher F. Brown, Director | |
Email: cbrown@gemny.com | |
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: | Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP Attn: Robert Rizzo |
Email: RRizzo@willkie.com | |
If to the Purchaser: | GEM Global Yield LLC SCS |
Attn: Christopher F. Brown, Manager | |
Email: cbrown@gemny.com | |
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to |
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP |
Email: RRizzo@willkie.com |
or at such other address and/or email address and/or to the attention of such other person as the recipient Party has specified by written notice given to each other Party three (3) Trading Days prior to the effectiveness of such change. Written confirmation of receipt (A) given by the recipient of such notice, consent, waiver or other communication, or (B) mechanically or electronically generated by the sender’s computer or email service containing the time, date, recipient email address and text of such transmission shall be rebuttable evidence of personal service or receipt.
A-13
(c) Failure of any Party to exercise any right or remedy under this Agreement or otherwise, or delay by a Party in exercising such right or remedy, shall not operate as a waiver thereof.
(d) This Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the choice of law provisions except Section 5-1401 of the New York General Obligations Law. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE, AND AGREES NOT TO REQUEST, A JURY TRIAL FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
(e) All disputes, controversies or claims between the Parties arising out of or in connection with this Agreement (including its existence, validity or termination) which cannot be amicably resolved shall be finally resolved and settled under the Rules of Arbitration of the American Arbitration Association and its affiliate the International Center for Dispute Resolution in New York City. The arbitration tribunal shall be composed of one arbitrator. The arbitration will take place in New York City, New York, and shall be conducted in the English language. The arbitration award shall be final and binding on the Parties.
(f) This Agreement and the Purchase Agreement constitute the entire agreement among the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein and therein. This Agreement and the Purchase Agreement supersede all prior agreements and understandings among the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof.
(g) Subject to the requirements of Section 9, this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the permitted successors and assigns of each of the Parties hereto.
(h) The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.
(i) This Agreement may be executed in identical counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement. This Agreement, once executed by a Party, may be delivered to the other Party hereto by email in a “pdf” format data file of a copy of this Agreement bearing the signature of the Party so delivering this Agreement.
(j) Each Party shall do and perform, or cause to be done and performed, all such further acts and things, and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents, as the other Party may reasonably request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
(k) The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be the language chosen by the Parties to express their mutual intent, and no rules of strict construction will be applied against any Party.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank; Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Registration Rights Agreement to be duly executed as of day and year first above written.
THE COMPANY: | ||
SURF AIR GLOBAL LTD. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | Executive Chairman | |
PURCHASER: | ||
GEM GLOBAL YIELD LLC SCS | ||
By: | ||
Name: | Christopher F. Brown | |
Title: | Manager | |
GEM YIELD BAHAMAS LIMITED | ||
By: | ||
Name: | Christopher F. Brown | |
Title: | Director |
[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]
Exhibit A
FORM OF NOTICE OF EFFECTIVENESS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
[TRANSFER AGENT]
Attn:
Re: Surf Air Global Ltd.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are counsel to SURF AIR GLOBAL LTD., a limited company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (the “Company”), and have represented the Company in connection with that certain private placement of shares (the “Offering”), pursuant to which the Company issued to GEM GLOBAL YIELD LLC SCS, a “société en commandite simple” formed under the laws of Luxembourg (the “Investor”) ____________ common shares (the “Shares”).
Pursuant to the Offering, the Company also has entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the Investor (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company agreed, among other things, to register the Registrable Securities (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). In connection with the Company’s obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, on ____________________, the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form _______ (File No. 333-_______) (the “Registration Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) relating to the Registrable Securities which names the Investor as a selling shareholder thereunder.
In connection with the foregoing, we advise you that a member of the SEC’s staff has advised us by _____________________ that the SEC has entered an order declaring the Registration Statement effective under the Securities Act at [ENTER TIME OF EFFECTIVENESS] on [ENTER DATE OF EFFECTIVENESS], and we have no knowledge that any stop order suspending its effectiveness has been issued or that any proceedings for that purpose are pending before, or threatened by, the SEC and the Registrable Securities are available for resale under the Securities Act pursuant to the Registration Statement.
Very truly yours, | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
cc: Investor
Exhibit B
FORM OF COMPANY CLOSING CERTIFICATE
[See attached.]
B-1
CLOSING CERTIFICATE
OF
SURF AIR GLOBAL LIMITED
August 26, 2020
Reference is made to the Share Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), of even date herewith, by and among SURF AIR GLOBAL LTD., a company limited by shares formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands and having BVI Co. No. 1915770 and a principal place of business at 12111 Crenshaw Boulevard, Hawthorne, California, 90250 (the “Company”); GEM GLOBAL YIELD LLC SCS, a “société en commandite simple” formed under the laws of Luxembourg having LEI No. 213800CXBEHFXVLBZO92 having an address at 412F, Route d’Esch, L-2086 Luxembourg (”Purchaser”); and GEM YIELD BAHAMAS LIMITED, a limited company formed under the laws of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and having an address at 3 Bayside Executive Park, West Bay Street & Blake Road, P.O. Box N-4875, Nassau, The Bahamas (“GYBL”). Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meanings given them in the Purchase Agreement.
Pursuant to Section 5.01 of the Purchase Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that he is the Executive Chairman of the Company, and that, as such, he is authorized to execute and deliver this certificate in the name and on behalf of the Company in connection with the execution and delivery of the Purchase Agreement and that certain Registration Rights Agreement by and among the Parties, in each case, as of even date herewith (collectively, the “Transaction Documents”), as well as the transactions contemplated thereby (the “Transactions”), to which this certificate relates, and further certifies in his official capacity, in the name and on behalf of the Company, the items set forth below.
1. | Attached hereto as Exhibit A is a true, correct and complete copy of action of the Board of Directors of the company taken by written consent, dated August 26, 2020 authorizing and ordering the Transactions and the Company’s performance thereof, as well as the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents, this certificate, and other instruments ancillary thereto. The resolutions contained in Exhibit A have not in any way been amended, modified, revoked or rescinded, have been in full force and effect since their adoption to and including the date hereof and are now in full force and effect. |
2. | Attached hereto as Exhibit B is a true, correct and complete copy of the Articles of Association of the Company, together with any and all amendments thereto, and no action has been taken to further amend, modify or repeal such Articles of Association, the same being in full force and effect in the attached form as of the date hereof. |
3. | Attached hereto as Exhibit C is a true, correct and complete copy of the Memorandum of Association of the Company, together with any and all amendments thereto, and no action has been taken to further amend, modify or repeal such Memorandum of Association, the same being in full force and effect in the attached form as of the date hereof. |
B-2
4. | The Company is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, and there are no pending winding up, liquidation or dissolution actions or proceedings by or against the Company. |
5. | Each person listed below has been duly elected or appointed to the position(s) indicated opposite his name and is duly authorized to sign the Purchase Agreement and each of the Transaction Documents on behalf of the Company. |
Name | Position | |
Sudhin Shahani | Executive Chairman | |
John D’Agostino | Independent Director | |
James Bailey | Class A Group 1 Director |
6. | The Company has all requisite corporate and legal power and authority to own and operate its assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and to enter into and perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents. |
7. | All corporate proceedings of the Company necessary to be taken in connection with the authorization, execution and delivery by the Company of, and the performance by the Company of its obligations under, the Transaction Documents have been duly taken, and all such authorizations are presently in effect. |
8. | Each of the Transaction Documents has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes the valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms. |
9. | The undersigned has made due inquiry of all persons deemed necessary or appropriate to verify or confirm the statements contained herein. |
10. | The undersigned is duly authorized and empowered by all corporate action to make this certification on behalf and in the name of the Company. |
11. | The registered office of the Company is located at 12111 Crenshaw Boulevard, Hawthorne, California 90250. |
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being a duly elected and acting Executive Chairman of the Company, has executed this certificate as of the date first set forth above.
SURF AIR GLOBAL LIMITED | ||
By: | ||
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Its: | Executive Chairman |
[Signature Page to Company Closing Certificate]
B-4
EXHIBIT A
RESOLUTIONS
[See attached.]
B-5
EXHIBIT B
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
[See attached.]
B-6
EXHIBIT C
MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION
[See attached.]
B-7
Exhibit C
FORM OF COMPANY COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
[See attached.]
C-1
COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
OF
SURF AIR GLOBAL LIMITED
Reference is made to that certain Share Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”), dated as of August 26, 2020, by and among SURF AIR GLOBAL LTD., a company limited by shares formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands and having BVI Co. No. 1915770 and a principal place of business at 12111 Crenshaw Boulevard, Hawthorne, California, 90250 (the “Company”); GEM GLOBAL YIELD LLC SCS, a “société en commandite simple” formed under the laws of Luxembourg having LEI No. 213800CXBEHFXVLBZO92 having an address at 412F, Route d’Esch, L-2086 Luxembourg (“Purchaser”); and GEM YIELD BAHAMAS LIMITED, a limited company formed under the laws of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and having an address at 3 Bayside Executive Park, West Bay Street & Blake Road, P.O. Box N-4875, Nassau, The Bahamas (“GYBL”). Terms capitalized but not defined herein have the meanings given them in the Agreement.
Pursuant to Section 5.03(d) of the Agreement, the undersigned director of the Company, for and on behalf of the Company, in his capacity as officer of the Company and not in any individual capacity, hereby certifies as follows:
This certificate is delivered together with a Draw Down Notice in connection with a Draw Down exercise. The Company has performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements and conditions required by the Agreement and each other Transaction Document to be performed, satisfied or complied with by the Company at or prior to the Draw Down Exercise Date, and shall have performed, satisfied or complied with all of the same as of the Settlement Date in respect of the Draw Down for which this certificate and the related Draw Down Notice are delivered.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being a duly elected and acting officer of the Company, has executed this Compliance Certificate as of the date set forth below.
SURF AIR GLOBAL LTD. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Its: | Executive Chairman |
Date:
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Exhibit D
SHARE
PURCHASE AGREEMENT
FORM OF DRAW DOWN NOTICE
Reference is made to the Second Amended and Restated Share Purchase Agreement dated as of February 8, 2023 (as amended from time to time) (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among SURF AIR GLOBAL LTD., a limited company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands and having a principal place of business at 12111 Crenshaw Boulevard, Hawthorne, California, 90250; GEM GLOBAL YIELD LLC SCS, a “société en commandite simple” formed under the laws of Luxembourg having LEI No. 213800CXBEHFXVLBZO92 having an address at 412F, Route d’Esch, L-2086 Luxembourg; and GEM YIELD BAHAMAS LIMITED, a limited company formed under the laws of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and having an address at 3 Bayside Executive Park, West Bay Street & Blake Road, P.O. Box N-4875, Nassau, The Bahamas. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given such terms in the Purchase Agreement.
In accordance with and pursuant to Section 6.01 of the Purchase Agreement, the Company hereby issues this Draw Down Notice to exercise a Draw Down request for the Draw Down Amount indicated below.
Draw Down Amount Requested: |
|
Draw Down Pricing Period start date: |
|
Draw Down Pricing Period end date: |
|
Settlement Date: |
|
Draw Down Threshold Price: |
|
Dollar Amount and Number of Shares Currently Unissued under the Registration Statement: |
|
Dollar Amount and Number of Shares Currently Available under the Aggregate Limit: |
|
Dated: By: | SURF AIR GLOBAL LTD. | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | Executive Chairman | |
Address: | 12111 Crenshaw Boulevard, | |
Hawthorne, California, 90250 |
D-1
Exhibit E
FORM OF CLOSING NOTICE
To:
Surf Air Global Ltd.
Sudhin Shahani, Executive Chairman
12111 Crenshaw Boulevard
Hawthorne, California, 90250
Attention:
We refer to the second amended and restated share purchase agreement dated February 8, 2023 (as amended from time to time) (the “Agreement”), by and among us, GEM Global Yield LLC SCS and GEM Yield Bahamas Ltd., and yourselves and to the Draw Down Notice delivered to us on _______________ 20__. Terms defined in the Agreement have the same meaning herein.
We hereby give you notice pursuant to Section 6.01(i) of the Agreement that we accept the Draw Down Notice, being ______ percent of the Draw Down Amount stated therein. [The reason that such number of Shares represents a smaller/greater number than the number of Shares set forth in the Draw Down Notice is as follows: ___________________________.]
The average of the closing bid prices in the Draw Down Pricing Period (excluding any closing bid prices pursuant to Section 6.01(g)) is _________ and the resulting Purchase Price is _________ (_______ percent of such average closing bid price). The aggregate Purchase Price pursuant to this Closing Notice is therefore _________. Copy extracts from Bloomberg showing each of the closing bid prices during the Draw Down Pricing Period are attached.
Please deliver such Shares in accordance with the following instructions:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Electronic book entry transfer requested (check one): YES ______ NO ______
[CREST] Participant ID:
[CREST] Account ID:
Signed by:
Name:
Date:
For and on behalf of
GEM GLOBAL YIELD LLC SCS
E-1
Exhibit 10.2
Execution Version
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
August 26, 2020
This REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), is made and entered into as of the date first above written, by and among SURF AIR GLOBAL LTD., a company limited by shares formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands and having BVI Co. No. 1915770 and a principal place of business at 12111 Crenshaw Boulevard, Hawthorne, California, 90250 (the “Company”), GEM GLOBAL YIELD LLC SCS, a “société en commandite simple” formed under the laws of Luxembourg having LEI No. 213800CXBEHFXVLBZO92 having an address at 412F, Route d’Esch, L-2086 Luxembourg (“Purchaser”); and GEM YIELD BAHAMAS LIMITED, a limited company formed under the laws of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and having an address at 3 Bayside Executive Park, West Bay Street & Blake Road, P.O. Box N-4875, Nassau, The Bahamas (“GYBL,” and together with Purchaser, the “Parties”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Purchase Agreement.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company has offered GYBL the right to place with Purchaser up to U.S. $200,000,000 worth of Shares; and
WHEREAS, The Parties have agreed, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of that certain Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “Purchase Agreement”) to the purchase and sale of such Shares and, to induce the Purchaser to enter into the Purchase Agreement, the Company has agreed to provide certain registration rights under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, or any similar successor statute (collectively, the “Securities Act”), and applicable state securities laws.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Company and the Purchaser hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions.
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(a) “Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or any other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York are authorized or required by law to remain closed.
(b) “Effective Date” means the date that the Registration Statement has been declared effective by the SEC or that it went effective pursuant to Section 8 of the Securities Act.
(c) “Effectiveness Deadline” means with respect to the Registration Statement, the earlier of (A) the 60th calendar day after the earlier of (1) the Filing Deadline and (2) the date on which such initial Registration Statement is filed with the SEC and (B) the fifth Business Day after the date the Company is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the SEC that such Registration Statement will not be reviewed or will not be subject to further review, unless the Company is advised by the SEC that it will not accept an acceleration request for such Registration Statement but that it would not prevent such Registration Statement from becoming effective pursuant to Section 8 of the Securities Act, in which case the 25th Calendar Day after the Company is advised by the SEC that it will not accept an acceleration request for such Registration Statement but that it would not prevent such Registration Statement from becoming effective pursuant to Section 8 of the Securities Act.
(d) “Filing Deadline” means with respect to the Registration Statement, 360th calendar day after the date of this Agreement.
(e) “Investor” means the Purchaser, GYBL, and any transferee or assignee thereof to which either of Purchaser or GYBL assigns its rights under this Agreement and who agrees to become bound by the provisions of this Agreement in accordance with Section 9 and any transferee or assignee thereof to whom a transferee or assignee assigns its rights under this Agreement and who agrees to become bound by the provisions of this Agreement in accordance with Section 9.
(f) “Legal Counsel” means legal counsel designated by Investor to review and oversee the Registration Statement and all New Registration Statements on Investors’ behalf.
(g) “Person” means any person or entity including but not limited to any corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a partnership, an organization, a business, an individual, a governmental or political subdivision thereof or a governmental agency.
(h) “Register,” “registered,” and “registration” refer to a registration effected by preparing and filing one or more registration statements of the Company in compliance with the Securities Act and pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act or any successor rule providing for offering securities on a continuous basis (“Rule 415”), and the declaration or ordering of effectiveness of such registration statement(s) by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”).
(i) “Registrable Securities” mean all of (i) the Purchased Shares and the Shares which have been, or which may from time to time be, issued or issuable to the Investor pursuant to the Purchase Agreement; or (ii) any securities issued or issuable upon any share split, dividend or other distribution, recapitalization or similar event with respect to the foregoing; provided that the Purchased Shares and the Shares, as applicable, shall cease to be Registrable Securities upon the earliest to occur of the following: (A) sale pursuant to a Registration Statement or Rule 144 under the Securities Act (in which case, only such security sold shall cease to be a Registrable Security); or (B) becoming eligible for sale without restriction under Rule 144.
(j) “Registration Statement” means a registration statement or registration statements of the Company filed under the Securities Act covering the resale by the Investor of Registrable Securities, as such registration statement or registration statements may be amended and supplemented from time to time (including pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act), including all documents filed as part thereof or incorporated by reference therein.
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(k) “Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Act, as such rule may be amended from time to time, or any other similar or successor rule or regulation of the SEC that may at any time permit the Investor to sell securities of the Company to the public without registration.
(l) “Rule 415” means Rule 415 promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act, as such rule may be amended from time to time, or any other similar or successor rule or regulation of the Commission providing for offering securities on a delayed or continuous basis.
2. Registration.
(a) Mandatory Registration. The Company shall prepare and, as soon as practicable, but in no event later than the Filing Deadline, file with the SEC an initial Registration Statement on Form S-1 or S-3, or such other form or forms as may be reasonably acceptable to the Investor and Legal Counsel, covering the resale by the Investor of Registrable Securities. The Registration Statement shall register with the Commission for resale all of the Registrable Securities. The Investor and Legal Counsel shall have a reasonable opportunity to review and comment upon such Registration Statement or amendment to such Registration Statement and any related prospectus prior to its filing with the Commission. Investor shall furnish all information reasonably requested by the Company for inclusion therein. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to have the Registration Statement or amendment declared effective by the Commission prior to the Effectiveness Deadline. Subject to Allowable Grace Periods (as defined herein below), the Company shall use reasonable best efforts to keep the Registration Statement effective pursuant to Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act and available for sales of all of the Registrable Securities at all times until the date as of which the Investor may sell all of the Registrable Securities without restriction pursuant to Rule 144(b)(1)(i) promulgated under the Securities Act (or successor thereto) (the “Registration Period”). The Registration Statement (including any amendments or supplements thereto and prospectuses contained therein) shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein, or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.
(b) Rule 424 Prospectus. The Company shall, as required by applicable securities regulations, from time to time file with the Commission, pursuant to Rule 424 promulgated under the Securities Act, the prospectus, amendments and prospectus supplements, if any, to be used in connection with sales of the Registrable Securities under the Registration Statement. The Investor and its counsel shall have a reasonable opportunity to review and comment upon such prospectus prior to its filing with the Commission. The Investor shall use its reasonable best efforts to comment upon such prospectus within two Trading Days from the date the Investor receives the proposed final version of such prospectus.
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(c) Sufficient Number of Shares Registered. In the event the number of shares available under the Registration Statement is insufficient to cover all of the Registrable Securities, the Company shall file one or more additional Registration Statements (each a “New Registration Statement”), so as to cover all of such Registrable Securities as soon as practicable, but in any case not later than twenty (20) Trading Days after the necessity therefor arises. The Company shall use it reasonable best efforts to cause each such New Registration Statement to become effective as soon as practicable following the filing thereof.
(d) Piggyback Registrations. Without limiting any of the Company’s obligations hereunder or under the Purchase Agreement, if there is not an effective Registration Statement covering all of the Registrable Securities and the Company shall determine to prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement relating to an offering for its own account or the account of others under the Securities Act of any of its equity securities (other than on Form S-4 or Form S-8 (each as promulgated under the Securities Act) or their then equivalents relating to equity securities to be issued solely in connection with any acquisition of any entity or business or equity securities issuable in connection with the Company’s option or other employee benefit plans), then the Company shall deliver to the Investor a written notice of such determination and, if within five days after the date of the delivery of such notice, the Investor shall so request in writing, the Company shall include in such registration statement all or any part of such Registrable Securities the offer and sale of which the Investor requests to be registered; provided, however, the Company shall not be required to register the offer and sale of any Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 2(d) that are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144 without restriction (including, without limitation, volume restrictions) and without the need for current public information required by Rule 144(c)(1) (or Rule 144(i)(2), if applicable) or that are the subject of a then-effective Registration Statement.
(e) No Inclusion of Other Securities. In no event shall the Company include any securities other than Registrable Securities on any Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(a) or 2(c) without the prior written consent of the Investor. Subject to the proviso in Section 2(d), in connection with any offering contemplated by Section 2(d) involving an underwriting of shares, the Company shall not be required under this Section 2 or otherwise to include the Registrable Securities of any Investor therein unless such Investor accepts and agrees to the terms of the underwriting, which shall be reasonable and customary, as agreed upon between the Company and the underwriters selected by the Company. If, in connection with any offering contemplated by Section 2(d) involving an underwriting of shares, the managing underwriters advise the Company and the Investors that, in their opinion, the number of securities requested to be included in such registration exceeds the number which can be sold in such offering without adversely affecting the marketability, proposed offering price, timing, distribution method or probability of success of such offering, then the Company will include in such registration (i) first, the securities that the Company proposes to sell; (ii) second, the Registrable Securities requested to be included in such registration, which in the opinion of such underwriters can be sold without adverse effect; and (iii) third, other securities requested to be included in such registration which in the opinion of such underwriters can be sold without adverse effect, pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the number of such securities owned by each such holder.
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(f) Offering. If the staff of the Commission (the “Staff”) or the Commission seeks to characterize any offering pursuant to a Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Agreement as constituting an offering of securities that does not permit such Registration Statement to become effective and be used for resales by the Investor on a delayed or continuous basis under Rule 415 at then-prevailing market prices (and not fixed prices) (or as otherwise may be acceptable to the Investor), or if after the filing of the initial Registration Statement with the Commission pursuant to Section 2(a), the Company is otherwise required by the Staff or the Commission to reduce the number of Registrable Securities included in such initial Registration Statement, then the Company shall reduce the number of Registrable Securities to be included in such initial Registration Statement (with the prior consent of the Investor and Legal Counsel as to the specific Registrable Securities to be removed therefrom, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed, denied, or conditioned) until such time as the Staff and the Commission shall so permit such Registration Statement to become effective and be used as aforesaid. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if after giving effect to the actions referred to in the immediately preceding sentence, the Staff or the Commission does not permit such Registration Statement to become effective and be used for resales by the Investor on a delayed or continuous basis under Rule 415 at then-prevailing market prices (and not fixed prices) (or as otherwise may be acceptable to the Investor), the Company shall not request acceleration of the Effective Date of such Registration Statement and, in its sole and absolute discretion, may take such steps as may be required for such Registration Statement to become effective pursuant to Section 8 of the Securities Act. If not, the Company shall promptly (but in no event later than 48 hours) request the withdrawal of such Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 477 under the Securities Act, and the Effectiveness Deadline shall automatically be deemed to have elapsed with respect to such Registration Statement at such time as the Staff or the Commission has made a final and non-appealable determination that the Commission will not permit such Registration Statement to be so utilized (unless prior to such time the Company and the Investor have received assurances from the Staff or the Commission reasonably acceptable to Legal Counsel that a new Registration Statement filed by the Company with the Commission promptly thereafter may be so utilized). In the event of any reduction in Registrable Securities pursuant to this paragraph, the Company shall file additional Registration Statements in accordance with Section 2(d) until such time as all Registrable Securities have been included in Registration Statements that have been declared effective and the prospectus contained therein is available for use by the Investor.
3. Related Obligations. With respect to the Registration Statement and whenever any Registrable Securities are to be registered pursuant to Section 2 including on any New Registration Statement, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to effect the registration of the Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method of disposition thereof and, pursuant thereto, the Company shall have the following obligations:
(a) The Company shall prepare and file with the Commission such amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to any registration statement and the prospectus used in connection with such registration statement, which prospectus is to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 promulgated under the Securities Act, as may be necessary to keep the Registration Statement or any New Registration Statement effective at all times during the Registration Period, and, during such period, comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Securities of the Company covered by the Registration Statement or any New Registration Statement until such time as all of such Registrable Securities shall have been disposed of in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the seller or sellers thereof as set forth in such registration statement.
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(b) The Company shall permit the Investor to review and comment upon the Registration Statement or any New Registration Statement and all amendments and supplements thereto at least two Trading Days prior to their filing with the Commission, and not file any document in a form to which Investor reasonably objects. The Investor shall use its reasonable best efforts to comment upon the Registration Statement or any New Registration Statement and any amendments or supplements thereto within two (2) Trading Days from the date the Investor receives the final version thereof. The Company shall furnish to the Investor, without charge any correspondence from the Commission or the staff of the Commission to the Company or its representatives relating to the Registration Statement or any New Registration Statement.
(c) Upon request of the Investor, the Company shall furnish to the Investor,
(i) promptly after the same is prepared and filed with the Commission, at least one copy of such registration statement and any amendment(s) thereto, including financial statements and schedules, all documents incorporated therein by reference and all exhibits; (ii) upon the effectiveness of any registration statement, a copy of the prospectus included in such registration statement and all amendments and supplements thereto (or such other number of copies as the Investor may reasonably request); and (iii) such other documents, including copies of any preliminary or final prospectus, as the Investor may reasonably request from time to time in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by the Investor. For the avoidance of doubt, any filing available to the Investor via the Commission’s live EDGAR system shall be deemed “furnished to the Investor” hereunder.
(d) The Company shall use reasonable best efforts to (i) register and qualify the Registrable Securities covered by a registration statement under such other securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions in the United States as the Investor reasonably requests; (ii) prepare and file in those jurisdictions, such amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to such registrations and qualifications as may be necessary to maintain the effectiveness thereof during the Registration Period; (iii) take such other actions as may be necessary to maintain such registrations and qualifications in effect at all times during the Registration Period; and (iv) take all other actions reasonably necessary or advisable to qualify the Registrable Securities for sale in such jurisdictions; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to (x) qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this Section 3(d), (y) subject itself to general taxation in any such jurisdiction, or (z) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction. The Company shall promptly notify the Investor who holds Registrable Securities of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the registration or qualification of any of the Registrable Securities for sale under the securities or “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction in the United States or its receipt of actual notice of the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose.
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(e) As promptly as practicable after becoming aware of such event or facts, the Company shall notify the Investor in writing of the happening of any event or existence of such facts as a result of which the prospectus included in any registration statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and promptly prepare a supplement or amendment to such registration statement to correct such untrue statement or omission, and deliver a copy of such supplement or amendment to the Investor (or such other number of copies as the Investor may reasonably request). The Company shall also promptly notify the Investor in writing (i) when a prospectus or any prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and when a registration statement or any post-effective amendment has become effective (notification of such effectiveness shall be delivered to the Investor by email on the same day of such effectiveness); (ii) of any request by the Commission for amendments or supplements to any registration statement or related prospectus or related information; and (iii) of the Company’s reasonable determination that a post-effective amendment to a registration statement would be appropriate.
(f) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or other suspension of effectiveness of any registration statement, or the suspension of the qualification of any Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction and, if such an order or suspension is issued, to obtain the withdrawal of such order or suspension at the earliest possible moment and to notify the Investor of the issuance of such order and the resolution thereof or its receipt of actual notice of the initiation or threat of any proceeding for such purpose.
(g) The Company shall (i) cause all the Registrable Securities to be listed on each securities exchange on which securities of the same class or series issued by the Company are then listed, if any, if the listing of such Registrable Securities is then permitted under the rules of such exchange; or (ii) secure designation and quotation of all the Registrable Securities on the Principal Market. The Company shall pay all fees and expenses in connection with satisfying its obligation under this Section.
(h) Upon the Investor’s written request, the Company shall cooperate with the Investor to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates (not bearing any restrictive legend) representing the Registrable Securities to be offered pursuant to any registration statement and enable such certificates to be in such denominations or amounts as the Investor may reasonably request and registered in such names as the Investor may request.
(i) The Company shall at all times provide a transfer agent and registrar with respect to its Common Shares.
(j) If reasonably requested by the Investor, the Company shall (i) immediately incorporate in a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information as the Investor reasonably believes should be included therein relating to the sale and distribution of Registrable Securities, including, without limitation, information with respect to the number of Registrable Securities being sold, the purchase price being paid therefor and any other terms of the offering of the Registrable Securities; (ii) make all required filings of such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment as soon as notified of the matters to be incorporated in such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment; and (iii) supplement or make amendments to any registration statement.
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(k) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registrable Securities covered by any registration statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities.
(l) Within three Trading Days after any registration statement which includes the Registrable Securities is ordered effective by the Commission, the Company shall deliver, and shall cause legal counsel for the Company to deliver, to the transfer agent for such Registrable Securities (with copies to the Investor) confirmation that such registration statement has been declared effective by the Commission in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. Thereafter, if requested by the Purchaser at any time, the Company shall require its counsel to deliver to the Purchaser a written confirmation whether or not the effectiveness of such registration statement has lapsed at any time for any reason (including, without limitation, the issuance of a stop order) and whether or not the registration statement is current and available to the Purchaser for sale of all of the Registrable Securities.
(m) The Company shall take all other reasonable actions necessary to expedite and facilitate disposition by the Investor of Registrable Securities pursuant to any registration statement.
(n) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein (but subject to the last sentence of this Section 3(n)), at any time after the Effective Date of a particular Registration Statement, the Company may delay the disclosure of material, non-public information concerning the Company or any of its Subsidiaries the disclosure of which at the time is not, in the good-faith opinion of the board of directors of the Company, in the best interest of the Company, nor, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, otherwise required (a “Grace Period”); provided, however, that the Company shall promptly, but in no event later than 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) on the second Trading Day immediately prior to the commencement of any Grace Period (except for such case where it is impossible to provide such two-Trading Day advance notice, in which case the Company shall provide such notice as soon as possible), notify the Investor in writing of the (i) existence of material, non-public information giving rise to a Grace Period (provided that in each such notice the Company shall not disclose the content of such material, non-public information to the Investor) and the date on which such Grace Period will begin and (ii) date on which such Grace Period ends; provided, further, that (I) no Grace Period shall exceed 20 consecutive Trading Days, and during any 365-day period, all such Grace Periods shall not exceed an aggregate of 60 Trading Days; provided, further, that the Company shall not register any securities for the account of itself or any other shareholder during any such Grace Period (other than pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-4 or S-8), (II) the first day of any Grace Period must be at least three Trading Days (or such shorter period as may be agreed by the Parties) after the last day of any prior Grace Period and (III) no Grace Period may exist during (A) the first 10 consecutive Trading Days after the Effective Date of the particular Registration Statement or (B) the five-Trading Day period following each Settlement Date (each, an “Allowable Grace Period”). For purposes of determining the length of a Grace Period above, such Grace Period shall begin on and include the date set forth in the notice referred to in clause (i) above, provided that such notice is received by the Investor not later than 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) on the second Trading Day immediately prior to such commencement date (except for such case where it is impossible to provide such two-Trading Day advance notice, in which case the Company shall provide such notice as soon as possible) and shall end on and include the later of the date the Investor receives the notice referred to in clause (ii) above and the date referred to in such notice. The provisions of Section 3(j) hereof shall not be applicable during the period of any Allowable Grace Period. Upon expiration of each Grace Period, the Company shall again be bound by the first sentence of Section 3(e) with respect to the information giving rise thereto unless such material, non-public information is no longer applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 3(n), the Company shall cause its transfer agent to deliver unlegended Common Shares to a transferee of the Investor in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement in connection with any sale of Registrable Securities with respect to which the Investor has entered into a contract for sale, and delivered a copy of the prospectus included as part of the particular Registration Statement to the extent applicable, prior to the Investor’s receipt of the notice of a Grace Period and for which the Investor has not yet settled.
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4. Obligations of the Investor.
(a) At least five Business Days prior to the first anticipated filing date of each Registration Statement, the Company shall notify the Investor in writing of the information the Company reasonably requires from the Investor in connection with any registration statement hereunder. The Investor shall furnish to the Company such information regarding itself, the Registrable Securities held by it and the intended method of disposition of the Registrable Securities held by it as shall be reasonably required to effect the registration of such Registrable Securities and shall execute such documents in connection with such registration as the Company may reasonably request.
(b) The Investor, by its acceptance of the Registrable Securities, agrees to cooperate with the Company as reasonably requested by the Company in connection with the preparation and filing of each Registration Statement hereunder, unless the Investor has notified the Company in writing of the Investor’s election to exclude all of the Investor’s Registrable Securities from such Registration Statement.
(c) The Investor agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event or existence of facts of the kind described in Section 3(f) or the first sentence of Section 3(e), the Investor will immediately discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to any registration statement(s) covering such Registrable Securities until the Investor’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 3(f) or the first sentence of Section 3(e). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Company shall cause its transfer agent to promptly deliver Common Shares without any restrictive legend in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement in connection with any sale of Registrable Securities with respect to which an Investor has entered into a contract for sale prior to the Investor’s receipt of a notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 3(f) or the first sentence of Section 3(e) and for which the Investor has not yet settled.
5. Expenses and Fees.
(a) All reasonable expenses, other than sales or brokerage commissions, incurred in connection with registrations, filings or qualifications pursuant to Sections 2 and 3, including, without limitation, all registration, listing and qualifications fees, printers and accounting fees, FINRA filing fees (if any) and fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company, if any, shall be paid by the Company.
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(b) The Company shall pay the fees and expenses of the Legal Counsel in connection with the review and overseeing the Registration Statement and all New Registration Statements on Investors’ behalf.
6. Indemnification.
(a) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company will, and hereby does, indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Investor, each Person, if any, who controls the Investor, the members, the directors, officers, shareholders, partners, employees, agents, advisors, representatives of the Investor and each Person, if any, who controls the Investor within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) (each, an “Indemnified Person”), against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgments, fines, penalties, charges, contingencies, costs (including, without limitation, court costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs of defense and investigation), attorneys’ fees, amounts paid in settlement or expenses, joint or several (collectively, “Claims”), incurred in investigating, preparing or defending any action, claim, suit, inquiry, proceeding, investigation or appeal taken from the foregoing by or before any court or governmental, administrative or other regulatory agency, body or the Commission, whether pending or threatened, whether or not an indemnified party is or may be a party thereto, whether or not arising from a claim by a third party (“Indemnified Damages”), to which any of them may become subject insofar as such Claims (or actions or proceedings, whether commenced or threatened, in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon: (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact in the Registration Statement, any New Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto or in any filing made in connection with the qualification of the offering under the securities or other “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction in which Registrable Securities are offered, or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, (ii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the any prospectus (as amended or supplemented, if the Company files any amendment thereof or supplement thereto with the SEC) or in any prospectus supplement or the omission or alleged omission to state therein any material fact necessary to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which the statements therein were made, not misleading, (iii) any violation or alleged violation by the Company of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any other law, including, without limitation, any state securities law, or any rule or regulation thereunder relating to the offer or sale of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement or any New Registration Statement or (iv) any material violation by the Company of this Agreement (the matters in the foregoing clauses (i) through (iv) being, collectively, “Violations”). The Company shall reimburse each Indemnified Person promptly as such expenses are incurred and are due and payable, for any reasonable legal fees or other reasonable expenses incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such Claim. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the indemnification agreement contained in this Section (a): (i) shall not apply to a Claim by an Indemnified Person arising out of or based upon a Violation which occurs in reliance upon and in conformity with information about the Investor furnished in writing to the Company by such Indemnified Person expressly for use in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement, any New Registration Statement or any such amendment thereof or supplement thereto, if such prospectus was timely made available by the Company pursuant to Section 3(c) or Section 3(e); (ii) with respect to any superseded prospectus, shall not inure to the benefit of any such person from whom the person asserting any such Claim purchased the Registrable Securities that are the subject thereof (or to the benefit of any person controlling such person) if the untrue statement or omission of material fact contained in the superseded prospectus was corrected in the revised prospectus, as then amended or supplemented, if such revised prospectus was timely made available by the Company pursuant to Section 3(c) or Section 3(e), and the Indemnified Person was promptly advised in writing not to use the incorrect prospectus prior to the use giving rise to a violation and such Indemnified Person, notwithstanding such advice, used it; (iii) shall not be available to the extent such Claim is based on a failure of the Investor to deliver or to cause to be delivered the prospectus made available by the Company, if such prospectus was timely made available by the Company pursuant to Section 3(c) or Section 3(e); and (iv) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any Claim if such settlement is effected without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Indemnified Person and shall survive the transfer of the Registrable Securities by the Investor pursuant to Section 9.
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(b) In connection with the Registration Statement or any New Registration Statement, the Investor agrees to severally and not jointly indemnify, hold harmless and defend, to the same extent and in the same manner as is set forth in Section 6(a), the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who signs the Registration Statement or any New Registration Statement, each Person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (collectively and together with an Indemnified Person, an “Indemnified Party”), against any Claim or Indemnified Damages to which any of them may become subject, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such Claim or Indemnified Damages arise out of or are based upon any Violation, in each case to the extent, and only to the extent, that such Violation occurs in reliance upon and in conformity with written information about the Investor furnished to the Company by the Investor expressly for use in connection with such registration statement; and, subject to Section 6(d), the Investor will reimburse any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such Claim; provided, however, that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 6(b) and the agreement with respect to contribution contained in Section 7 shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any Claim if such settlement is effected without the prior written consent of the Investor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; provided, further, however, that the Investor shall be liable under this Section 6(b) for only that amount of a Claim or Indemnified Damages as does not exceed the net proceeds to the Investor as a result of the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such registration statement. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of such Indemnified Party and shall survive the transfer of the Registrable Securities by the Investor pursuant to Section 9.
(c) Promptly after receipt by an Indemnified Person or Indemnified Party under this Section 6 of notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding (including any governmental action or proceeding) involving a Claim, such Indemnified Person or Indemnified Party shall, if a Claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under this Section 6 deliver to the indemnifying party a written notice of the commencement thereof, and the indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in, and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly noticed, to assume control of the defense thereof with counsel mutually satisfactory to the indemnifying party and the Indemnified Person or the Indemnified Party, as the case may be; provided, however, that an Indemnified Person or Indemnified Party shall have the right to retain its own counsel with the fees and expenses to be paid by the indemnifying party, if, in the reasonable opinion of counsel retained by the indemnifying party, the representation by such counsel of the Indemnified Person or Indemnified Party and the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such Indemnified Person or Indemnified Party and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person shall cooperate fully with the indemnifying party in connection with any negotiation or defense of any such action or claim by the indemnifying party and shall furnish to the indemnifying party all information reasonably available to the Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person which relates to such action or claim. The indemnifying party shall keep the Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person fully apprised at all times as to the status of the defense or any settlement negotiations with respect thereto. No indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement of any action, claim or proceeding effected without its written consent, provided, however, that the indemnifying party shall not unreasonably withhold, delay or condition its consent. No indemnifying party shall, without the consent of the Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement or other compromise which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation. Following indemnification as provided for hereunder, the indemnifying party shall be subrogated to all rights of the Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person with respect to all third parties, firms or corporations relating to the matter for which indemnification has been made. The failure to deliver written notice to the indemnifying party within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such action shall not relieve such indemnifying party of any liability to the Indemnified Person or Indemnified Party under this Section 6, except to the extent that the indemnifying party is prejudiced in its ability to defend such action.
(d) The indemnification required by this Section 6 shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or Indemnified Damages are incurred.
(e) The indemnity agreements contained herein shall be in addition to (i) any cause of action or similar right of the Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person against the indemnifying party or others, and (ii) any liabilities the indemnifying party may be subject to pursuant to the law.
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7. Contribution. To the extent any indemnification by an indemnifying party is prohibited or limited by law, the indemnifying party agrees to make the maximum contribution with respect to any amounts for which it would otherwise be liable under Section 6 to the fullest extent permitted by law; provided, however, that: (i) no seller of Registrable Securities guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any seller of Registrable Securities who was not guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation; and (ii) contribution by any seller of Registrable Securities shall be limited in amount to the net amount of proceeds received by such seller from the sale of such Registrable Securities.
8. Reports and Disclosures under the Securities Acts.
With a view to making available to the Investor the benefits of Rule 144, the Company agrees, at the Company’s sole expense, to:
(a) make and keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144;
(b) file with the Commission in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act so long as the Company remains subject to such requirements and the filing of such reports and other documents is required for the applicable provisions of Rule 144;
(c) furnish to the Investor so long as the Investor owns Registrable Securities, promptly upon request and subject to the delivery by the Investor of a bona fide fair market offer for a licensing or funding opportunity pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, (i) a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting and/ or disclosure provisions of Rule 144, the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company and such other reports and documents so filed by the Company, and (iii) such other information as may be reasonably requested to permit the Investor to sell such securities pursuant to Rule 144 without registration (for the avoidance of doubt, any filing available to the Investor via the Commission’s live EDGAR system shall be deemed “furnished to the Investor” hereunder); and
(d) take such additional action as is requested by the Investor to enable the Investor to sell the Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 144, including, without limitation, delivering all such legal opinions, consents, certificates, resolutions and instructions to the Company’s transfer agent as may be requested from time to time by the Investor and otherwise reasonably cooperate with Investor and Investor’s broker to effect such sale of securities pursuant to Rule 144.
The Company agrees that damages may be an inadequate remedy for any breach of the terms and provisions of this Section 8 and that Investor shall, whether or not it is pursuing any remedies at law, be entitled to equitable relief in the form of a preliminary or permanent injunction, without having to post any bond or other security, upon any breach or threatened breach of any such terms or provisions. Investor agrees that the Rule 144 rights under this Agreement are subject to the delivery by the Investor of a bona fide fair market offer for a licensing or funding opportunity pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.
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9. Assignment of Registration Rights. None of the Parties may assign this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to any Person without the prior consent of the others; provided that without the consent of the other, (i) the Company may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement and other Transaction Documents to the Successor Company; (ii) the Purchaser may assign its rights and obligations under this agreement to an Affiliate of the Purchaser. In the event of a Reverse Merger Transaction, this Agreement shall be automatically assigned to the Successor Company, and the Parties agree that the terms of this Agreement shall be construed to give effect to such assignment.
10. Amendment of Registration Rights. Provisions of this Agreement may be amended and the observance thereof may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively), only with the mutual written consent of the Company and the Investor. Failure of any Party to exercise any right or remedy under this Agreement or otherwise, or delay by a Party in exercising such right or remedy, shall not operate as a waiver thereof.
11. Miscellaneous.
(a) A Person is deemed to be a holder of Registrable Securities whenever such Person owns or is deemed to own of record such Registrable Securities. If the Company receives conflicting instructions, notices or elections from two or more Persons with respect to the same Registrable Securities, the Company shall act upon the basis of instructions, notice or election received from the registered owner of such Registrable Securities.
(b) Any notices, consents, waivers or other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms of this Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to have been delivered upon receipt, when delivered by electronic mail, return receipt requested, properly addressed to the Party to receive the same. The addresses for such communications shall be:
If to the Company: | Surf Air Global Ltd. | |
Attn: Sudhin Shahani, Executive Chairman | ||
Email: sudhin@surfair.com |
With a copy (which shall not | Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC | |
constitute notice) to: | Attn: Rajiv Khanna | |
Email: rajiv.khanna@bipc.com |
If to GYBL: | GEM Yield Bahamas Ltd. | |
Attn: Cristopher F. Brown, Director | ||
Email: cbrown@gemny.com |
With a copy (which shall not | Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP | |
constitute notice) to: | Attn: Robert Rizzo | |
Email: RRizzo@willkie.com |
If to the Purchaser: | GEM Global Yield LLC SCS | |
Attn: Christopher F. Brown, Manager | ||
Email: cbrown@gemny.com |
With a copy (which shall not | Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP | |
constitute notice) to: | Attn: Robert Rizzo | |
Email: RRizzo@willkie.com |
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or at such other address and/or email address and/or to the attention of such other person as the recipient Party has specified by written notice given to each other Party three (3) Trading Days prior to the effectiveness of such change. Written confirmation of receipt (A) given by the recipient of such notice, consent, waiver or other communication, or (B) mechanically or electronically generated by the sender’s computer or email service containing the time, date, recipient email address and text of such transmission shall be rebuttable evidence of personal service or receipt.
(c) Failure of any Party to exercise any right or remedy under this Agreement or otherwise, or delay by a Party in exercising such right or remedy, shall not operate as a waiver thereof.
(d) This Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the choice of law provisions except Section 5-1401 of the New York General Obligations Law. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE, AND AGREES NOT TO REQUEST, A JURY TRIAL FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
(e) All disputes, controversies or claims between the Parties arising out of or in connection with this Agreement (including its existence, validity or termination) which cannot be amicably resolved shall be finally resolved and settled under the Rules of Arbitration of the American Arbitration Association and its affiliate the International Center for Dispute Resolution in New York City. The arbitration tribunal shall be composed of one arbitrator. The arbitration will take place in New York City, New York, and shall be conducted in the English language. The arbitration award shall be final and binding on the Parties.
(f) This Agreement and the Purchase Agreement constitute the entire agreement among the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein and therein. This Agreement and the Purchase Agreement supersede all prior agreements and understandings among the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof.
(g) Subject to the requirements of Section 9, this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the permitted successors and assigns of each of the Parties hereto.
(h) The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.
(i) This Agreement may be executed in identical counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement. This Agreement, once executed by a Party, may be delivered to the other Party hereto by email in a “pdf” format data file of a copy of this Agreement bearing the signature of the Party so delivering this Agreement.
(j) Each Party shall do and perform, or cause to be done and performed, all such further acts and things, and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents, as the other Party may reasonably request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
(k) The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be the language chosen by the Parties to express their mutual intent, and no rules of strict construction will be applied against any Party.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank; Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Registration Rights Agreement to be duly executed as of day and year first above written.
THE COMPANY: | ||
SURF AIR GLOBAL LTD. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | Executive Chairman | |
PURCHASER: | ||
GEM GLOBAL YIELD LLC SCS | ||
By: | /s/ Christopher F. Brown | |
Name: | Christopher F. Brown | |
Title: | Manager | |
GEM YIELD BAHAMAS LIMITED | ||
By: | /s/ Christopher F. Brown | |
Name: | Christopher F. Brown | |
Title: | Director |
[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF NOTICE OF EFFECTIVENESS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
[TRANSFER AGENT]
Attn:
Re: Surf Air Global Ltd.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are counsel to SURF AIR GLOBAL LTD., a limited company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (the “Company”), and have represented the Company in connection with that certain private placement of shares (the “Offering”), pursuant to which the Company issued to GEM GLOBAL YIELD LLC SCS, a “société en commandite simple” formed under the laws of Luxembourg (the “Investor”) ______________ common shares (the “Shares”).
Pursuant to the Offering, the Company also has entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the Investor (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company agreed, among other things, to register the Registrable Securities (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). In connection with the Company’s obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, on ____________ ____, the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form ________ (File No. 333- _____________) (the “Registration Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) relating to the Registrable Securities which names the Investor as a selling shareholder thereunder.
In connection with the foregoing, we advise you that a member of the SEC’s staff has advised us by ____________ that the SEC has entered an order declaring the Registration Statement effective under the Securities Act at [ENTER TIME OF EFFECTIVENESS] on [ENTER DATE OF EFFECTIVENESS], and we have no knowledge that any stop order suspending its effectiveness has been issued or that any proceedings for that purpose are pending before, or threatened by, the SEC and the Registrable Securities are available for resale under the Securities Act pursuant to the Registration Statement.
Very truly yours, | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
cc: Investor
Exhibit 10.3
THIS INSTRUMENT AND THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON THE CONVERSION HEREOF HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”). THEY MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT OR UPON RECEIPT BY THE COMPANY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE ACT.
SURF AIR GLOBAL LIMITED
SIMPLE AGREEMENT FOR FUTURE EQUITY (SAFE)
Issue Price | Investment Date |
US$[____] | [____] |
THIS SIMPLE AGREEMENT FOR FUTURE EQUITY (this “SAFE”) is issued by Surf Air Global Limited, a BVI business company organized under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (the “Company”), to [____] (“Investor”) in exchange for Investor’s payment of the issue price set forth above (the “Issue Price”).
1. Definitions. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this SAFE will have the meanings set forth in this Section 1.
1.1 “Articles and Memorandum of Association” means the Articles and Memorandum of Association of the Company, as the same may be amended and restated from time to time.
1.2 “Capital Shares” means the shares of capital stock of the Company, including, without limitation, the Ordinary Shares and Preferred Shares.
1.3 “Change of Control” means (a) a transaction or series of related transactions in which any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Company having the right to vote for the election of members of the Company’s board of directors; (b) any reorganization, merger, amalgamation or consolidation of the Company, other than a transaction or series of related transactions in which the holders of the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such transaction or series of related transactions retain, immediately after such transaction or series of related transactions, at least a majority of the total voting power represented by the outstanding voting securities of the Company or such other surviving or resulting entity; or (c) a sale, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.
1.4 “Common Shares” means shares of common stock of the Successor Company, which shares are listed on a national stock exchange following the Effective Time.
1.5 “Effective Time” means the closing of the Exchange Event or Qualified Financing, as applicable; provided that, in the case of a Change of Control, the Effective Time shall be deemed to occur immediately prior to the consummation of the Change of Control.
1.6 “Exchange Event” means any of the following events: (i) the closing of the Company’s first firm commitment underwritten initial public offering of Ordinary Shares pursuant to a registration statement filed under the Securities Act (an “IPO”), (ii) the Company’s initial listing of its Ordinary Shares on a national stock exchange by means of a registration statement on Form S-1 (or any applicable successor form) filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission that registers Ordinary Shares for resale (a “Direct Listing”); provided that for the avoidance of doubt, a Direct Listing shall not include an IPO, (iii) a business combination transaction or series of such related transactions (including transactions with affiliates of the Company) with a special purpose acquisition company (a “SPAC Transaction”) which result in the Ordinary Shares (or any equity securities issuable upon exchange of such Ordinary Shares) being listed on a national stock exchange, (iv) a Change of Control, or (v) the Outside Date, if neither a Qualified Financing nor any of the events described in subclauses (i)-(iv) above has closed on or prior to such date.
1.7 “Exchange Shares” means (a) in the case of a SPAC Transaction, Common Shares, (b) in the case of an IPO, Direct Listing or Change of Control, Ordinary Shares, (c) in the case of a Qualified Financing, the same type and series of equity securities of the Company issued to other investors in such Qualified Financing or, at the Company’s election, shares of SAFE Preferred, and (d) in the case of subclause (v) of the definition of “Exchange Event”, the same type and series of equity security issued to other investors in the Last Equity Financing.
1.8 “Exchange Value” means (a) in the case of a SPAC Transaction, $6.50 per Common Share, (b) in the case of an IPO or Direct Listing, 65% multiplied by the offering price per Ordinary Share or the opening trading price per Ordinary Share on the first trading day of Common Stock on a national securities exchange, respectively, or (b) 80% multiplied by (i) in the case of a Change of Control, the value of consideration per share payable to holders of Ordinary Shares in connection therewith, (ii) in the case of a Qualified Financing, the price per equity security issued in such Qualified Financing, or (iii) in the case of subclause (v) of the definition of “Exchange Event”, the price per equity security issued in the Last Equity Financing.
1.9 “Last Equity Financing” means, in the case of subclause (v) of the definition of “Exchange Event”, the latest priced equity financing round of the Company which closed prior to the Outside Date.
1.10 “Outside Date” means the earlier of (a) [____], 2024 (the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Investment Date), and (b) the date on which insolvency, receivership, reorganization or bankruptcy proceedings are commenced by or against the Company, and such proceedings are not dismissed within sixty (60) days.
1.11 “Ordinary Shares” means the ordinary shares of the Company authorized for issuance pursuant to the Articles and Memorandum of Association.
1.12 “Preferred Shares” means the preferred shares of the Company authorized for issuance pursuant to the Articles and Memorandum of Association.
1.13 “Qualified Financing” means the closing of the Company’s first transaction or series of related transactions following the Investment Date in which the Company sells shares of equity securities to one or more third party investors for primarily capital raising purposes and raises aggregate gross proceeds of at least $50 million, but excluding an Exchange Event.
1.14 “SAFEs” mean any simple agreements for future equity (or other similar agreements) which are issued by the Company for bona fide financing purposes and which may convert into Capital Shares in accordance with its terms.
1.15 “SAFE Preferred” means a class of Preferred Shares with substantially the same rights, preferences and privileges as the class of Preferred Shares issued in the Qualified Financing or Last Equity Financing, as applicable, except that the per share liquidation preference of the SAFE Preferred will equal the Exchange Value, with corresponding adjustments to any price-based antidilution and/or dividend rights provisions.
1.16 “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
1.17 “Standard Preferred” means the class of Preferred Shares issued to the purchasers investing new money in the Company in connection with the initial closing of the Qualified Financing or the Last Equity Financing, as applicable.
1.18 “Successor Company” means a company whose securities are publicly listed on a national stock exchange following the Effective Time, with which the Company merges, consolidates, amalgamates or combines in a SPAC Transaction.
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2. Exchange.
2.1 Exchange Shares. At the Effective Time, Investor shall be entitled to receive a number of Exchange Shares from the Company equal to (a) the Issue Price divided by (b) the Exchange Value. The issuance of Exchange Shares in a Qualified Financing or pursuant to subclause (v) of the definition of “Exchange Event” will be on, and subject to, the same terms and conditions applicable to the Preferred Shares issued in such Qualified Financing or the Last Equity Financing, as applicable (except that, in the event such Preferred Shares have a liquidation preference, the Company may, at its election, issue shares of SAFE Preferred to Investor in lieu of Standard Preferred).
2.2 Mechanics of Exchange.
(a) Exchange Documents. Investor acknowledges that the exchange of this SAFE into Exchange Shares pursuant to Section 2.1 may require Investor’s execution of certain agreements and other documents relating to the purchase and sale of the Exchange Shares (collectively, the “Exchange Documents”), and Investor agrees to execute all of the Exchange Documents in connection with an Exchange Event. In the event of an exchange in a Qualified Financing or pursuant to subclause (v) of the definition of “Exchange Event”, such Exchange Documents shall be the same documents to be entered into with the purchasers of Standard Preferred, with appropriate variations for the SAFE Preferred, if applicable. At least five (5) days prior to the closing of a Qualified Financing, the Company will notify Investor in writing of the terms of the Preferred Shares that are expected to be issued in such financing.
(b) Certificates. As promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, the Company (at its expense) will issue and deliver a certificate or certificates evidencing the Exchange Shares (if certificated) to Investor, or if the Exchange Shares are not certificated, will deliver a true and correct copy of the Company’s share register reflecting the Exchange Shares held by Investor. The Company will not be required to issue or deliver the Exchange Shares until Investor has surrendered this SAFE to the Company (or provided an instrument of cancellation or affidavit of loss). The exchange of this SAFE pursuant to Section 2.1 may be made contingent upon the closing of the applicable Exchange Event.
3. No Rights as a Stockholder. Investor is not entitled by virtue of holding this SAFE to be deemed a holder of Capital Shares for any purpose, nor will anything contained in this SAFE be construed to confer on Investor, as such, any of the rights of a member of the Company or any right to vote for the election of directors or upon any matter submitted to members at any meeting thereof, or to give or withhold consent to any company action or to receive notice of meetings, or to receive subscription rights or otherwise until Exchange Shares have been issued upon the terms described in this SAFE.
4. Representations and Warranties of the Company. In connection with the transactions contemplated by this SAFE, the Company hereby represents and warrants to Investor as follows:
4.1 Due Organization; Qualification and Good Standing. The Company is a business company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the British Virgin Islands and has all requisite company power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted. The Company is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify or to be in good standing would have a material adverse effect on the Company.
4.2 Authorization and Enforceability. Except for the authorization and issuance of the Exchange Shares, all company action has been taken on the part of the Company and its officers, directors and members necessary for the authorization, execution and delivery of this SAFE. Except as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights, the Company has taken all company action required to make all of the obligations of the Company reflected in the provisions of this SAFE valid and enforceable in accordance with its terms.
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5. Representations and Warranties of Investor. In connection with the transactions contemplated by this SAFE, Investor hereby represents and warrants to the Company as follows:
5.1 Authorization. Investor has full power and authority (and, if an individual, the capacity) to enter into this SAFE and to perform all obligations required to be performed by it hereunder. This SAFE, when executed and delivered by Investor, will constitute Investor’s valid and legally binding obligation, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except (a) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and any other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and (b) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies.
5.2 Purchase Entirely for Own Account. Investor acknowledges that this SAFE is made with Investor in reliance upon Investor’s representation to the Company, which Investor hereby confirms by executing this SAFE, that this SAFE, the Exchange Shares, and any Ordinary Shares issuable upon exchange of the Exchange Shares (collectively, the “Securities”) will be acquired for investment for Investor’s own account, not as a nominee or agent (unless otherwise specified on Investor’s signature page hereto), and not with a view to the resale or distribution of any part thereof, and that Investor has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in, or otherwise distributing the same. By executing this SAFE, Investor further represents that Investor does not have any contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any person to sell, transfer or grant participations to such person or to any third person, with respect to the Securities. If other than an individual, Investor also represents it has not been organized solely for the purpose of acquiring the Securities.
5.3 Disclosure of Information; Non-Reliance. Investor acknowledges that it has received all the information it considers necessary or appropriate to enable it to make an informed decision concerning an investment in the Securities. Investor further represents that it has had an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the Company regarding the terms and conditions of the offering of the Securities. Investor confirms that the Company has not given any guarantee or representation as to the potential success, return, effect or benefit (either legal, regulatory, tax, financial, accounting or otherwise) of an investment in the Securities. In deciding to purchase the Securities, Investor is not relying on the advice or recommendations of the Company and has made its own independent decision that the investment in the Securities is suitable and appropriate for Investor. Investor understands that no federal or state agency has passed upon the merits or risks of an investment in the Securities or made any finding or determination concerning the fairness or advisability of this investment.
5.4 Investment Experience. Investor is an experienced investor in securities of companies of comparable development stage as the Company and acknowledges that it is able to fend for itself, can bear the economic risk of its investment and has such knowledge and experience in financial or business matters that it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the investment in the Securities.
5.5 Accredited Investor. Investor is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act. Investor agrees to furnish any additional information requested by the Company or any of its affiliates to assure compliance with applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws in connection with the purchase and sale of the Securities.
5.6 Restricted Securities. Investor understands that the Securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act or state securities laws, by reason of specific exemptions from the registration provisions thereof which depend upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of the investment intent and the accuracy of Investor’s representations as expressed herein. Investor understands that the Securities are “restricted securities” under U.S. federal and applicable state securities laws and that, pursuant to these laws, Investor must hold the Securities indefinitely unless they are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and registered or qualified by state authorities, or an exemption from such registration and qualification requirements is available. Investor acknowledges that the Company has no obligation to register or qualify the Securities for resale and further acknowledges that, if an exemption from registration or qualification is available, it may be conditioned on various requirements including, but not limited to, the time and manner of sale, the holding period for the Securities, and on requirements relating to the Company which are outside of Investor’s control, and which the Company is under no obligation, and may not be able, to satisfy.
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5.7 No Public Market. Investor understands that no public market now exists for the Securities and that the Company has made no assurances that a public market will ever exist for the Securities.
5.8 Residence. If Investor is an individual, then Investor resides in the state or province identified in the address shown on Investor’s signature page hereto. If Investor is a partnership, corporation, limited liability company or other entity, then Investor’s principal place of business is located in the state or province identified in the address shown on Investor’s signature page hereto.
5.9 Foreign Investors. If Investor is not a United States person (as defined by Section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), Investor hereby represents that it has satisfied itself as to the full observance of the laws of its jurisdiction in connection with any invitation to subscribe for the Securities, including (a) the legal requirements within its jurisdiction for the purchase of the Securities; (b) any foreign exchange restrictions applicable to such purchase; (c) any governmental or other consents that may need to be obtained; and (d) the income tax and other tax consequences, if any, that may be relevant to the purchase, holding, conversion, exchange, redemption, sale, or transfer of the Securities. Investor’s subscription and payment for and continued beneficial ownership of the Securities will not violate any applicable securities or other laws of Investor’s jurisdiction. Investor acknowledges that the Company has taken no action in foreign jurisdictions with respect to the Securities.
6. Miscellaneous.
6.1 Successors and Assigns. Neither party may assign this SAFE to any person without the prior consent of the other party; provided that, in the event of a SPAC Transaction, this SAFE shall be automatically assigned to the Successor Company without any further action by the parties, and the parties agree that the terms of this Agreement shall be construed to give effect to such assignment, including, without limitation, that the term “Company” shall be construed as “Successor Company”. This SAFE shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or will confer upon any other person or entity any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this SAFE; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, it is expressly agreed that the Successor Company shall be a third-party beneficiary of Section 5 hereof.
6.2 Governing Law. This SAFE will be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware (without regard to its conflict of laws principles) and the courts of the State of Delaware shall have exclusive jurisdiction.
6.3 Counterparts. This SAFE may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will be deemed to be one and the same agreement. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including PDF) or other electronic signature, and any counterpart so delivered will be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
6.4 Titles and Subtitles. The titles and subtitles used in this SAFE are included for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this SAFE.
6.5 Notices. All notices and other communications given or made pursuant hereto will be in writing and will be deemed effectively given: (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified; (b) when sent by email or confirmed facsimile; (c) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid; or (d) one (1) day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications will be sent to the respective parties at the addresses shown on the signature pages hereto (or to such email address, facsimile number or other address as subsequently modified by written notice given in accordance with this Section 6.5).
6.6 No Finder’s Fee. Each party represents that it neither is nor will be obligated to pay any finder’s fee, broker’s fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this SAFE. Investor agrees to indemnify and to hold the Company harmless from any liability for any commission or compensation in the nature of a finder’s or broker’s fee arising out of the transactions contemplated by this SAFE (and the costs and expenses of defending against such liability or asserted liability) for which Investor or any of its officers, employees or representatives is responsible. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold Investor harmless from any liability for any commission or compensation in the nature of a finder’s or broker’s fee arising out of the transactions contemplated by this SAFE (and the costs and expenses of defending against such liability or asserted liability) for which the Company or any of its officers, employees or representatives is responsible.
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6.7 Expenses. Each party will pay all costs and expenses that it incurs with respect to the negotiation, execution, delivery and performance of this SAFE.
6.8 Attorneys’ Fees. If any action at law or in equity is necessary to enforce or interpret the terms of this SAFE, the prevailing party will be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and necessary disbursements in addition to any other relief to which such party may be entitled.
6.9 Entire Agreement; Amendments and Waivers. This SAFE constitutes the full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties with regard to the subject hereof. Any term of this SAFE may be amended and the observance of any term may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) with the written consent of the Company and Investor. Any waiver or amendment effected in accordance with this Section 6.9 will be binding upon each future holder of this SAFE and the Company.
6.10 Severability. If one or more provisions of this SAFE are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, such provisions will be excluded from this SAFE and the balance of the SAFE will be interpreted as if such provisions were so excluded and this SAFE will be enforceable in accordance with its terms.
6.11 Transfer Restrictions.
(a) Limitations on Disposition. Without in any way limiting the representations and warranties set forth in this SAFE, Investor further agrees not to make any disposition of all or any portion of the Securities unless and until the transferee has agreed in writing for the benefit of the Company to make the representations and warranties set out in Section 5 and:
(i) there is then in effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering such proposed disposition, and such disposition is made in connection with such registration statement; or
(ii) Investor has (A) notified the Company of the proposed disposition; (B) furnished the Company with a detailed statement of the circumstances surrounding the proposed disposition; and (C) if requested by the Company, furnished the Company with an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company that such disposition will not require registration under the Securities Act.
Investor agrees not to make any disposition of any of the Securities to the Company’s competitors, as determined in good faith by the Company.
(b) Legends. Investor understands and acknowledges that the Securities may bear the following legend:
THIS INSTRUMENT AND THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON THE CONVERSION HEREOF HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”). THEY MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT OR UPON RECEIPT BY THE COMPANY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE ACT OR UNLESS SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144 UNDER THE ACT.
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6.12 Each of the Company and the Investor agree to treat this SAFE as a forward contract for U.S. federal, state and local income tax purposes, and will not take any position on any tax return, report, statement or other tax document that is inconsistent with such treatment, unless otherwise required by a change in law occurring after the Investment Date, a closing agreement with an applicable tax authority or a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.
6.13 Acknowledgment. For the avoidance of doubt, it is acknowledged that Investor will be entitled to the benefit of all adjustments in the number of Capital Shares as a result of any splits, recapitalizations, combinations or other similar transactions affecting the Capital Shares underlying the Exchange Shares that occur prior to the exchange of this SAFE.
6.14 Further Assurances. From time to time, the parties will execute and deliver such additional documents and will provide such additional information as may reasonably be required to carry out the terms of this SAFE and any agreements executed in connection herewith.
6.15 Officers and Directors not Liable. In no event will any officer or director of the Company be liable for any amounts due and payable pursuant to this SAFE.
6.16 Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES ITS RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS SAFE, THE SECURITIES OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF OR THEREOF. THE SCOPE OF THIS WAIVER IS INTENDED TO BE ALL-ENCOMPASSING OF ANY AND ALL DISPUTES THAT MAY BE FILED IN ANY COURT AND THAT RELATE TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS TRANSACTION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW AND STATUTORY CLAIMS. THIS SECTION HAS BEEN FULLY DISCUSSED BY EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AND THESE PROVISIONS WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY EXCEPTIONS. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY FURTHER REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT SUCH PARTY HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL, AND THAT SUCH PARTY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.
[signature pageS follow]
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SURF AIR GLOBAL LIMITED | ||
By: | ||
Sudhin Shahani | ||
Executive Chairman & CEO |
Address: | 12111 S. Crenshaw Blvd. | |
Hawthorne, CA 90250 | ||
Email: | sudhin@surfair.com |
with a copy to: | legalnotices@surfair.com |
Signature Page to [9] (Surf Air) SAFE
Agreed to and accepted:
If an individual: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Address: | ||
Email Address: |
If an entity: | ||
[___] | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Address: | ||
Email Address: |
Signature Page to [10] (Surf Air) SAFE
Exhibit 10.4
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
This Indemnification Agreement (“Agreement”) is effective as of [_____], 2023 by and between Surf Air Mobility Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and [______] (“Indemnitee”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, 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 against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;
WHEREAS, Indemnitee may be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (the “DGCL”), and the DGCL expressly provides 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 Company’s board of directors (the “Board”), officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;
WHEREAS, the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (the “Bylaws”) and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (the “Certificate of Incorporation” and, together with the Bylaws, the “Organizational Documents”) require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL;
WHEREAS, in order to attract and retain qualified individuals, the Company maintains on an ongoing basis, at its sole expense, liability insurance to protect persons serving the Company and its subsidiaries from certain liabilities; WHEREAS, 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 not be available to it on terms that the Company considers to be commercially reasonable, or, if available to it on commercially reasonable terms during some period of time, may be available to it in the future only at higher premiums and with more exclusions, while 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;
WHEREAS, the uncertainties relating to such insurance and to indemnification may increase the difficulty of attracting and retaining such person;
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, the Organizational Documents 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;
WHEREAS, the Board has determined it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company to contractually obligate itself to indemnify, and to advance expenses on behalf of, Indemnitee 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; and
WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Organizational Documents and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, as well as any rights of Indemnitee under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy, and this Agreement shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor shall this Agreement be deemed to limit, diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.
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 to serve as an [officer/director] of the Company, at the request 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), in which event the Company shall have no obligation under this Agreement to continue Indemnitee in such position. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that Indemnitee’s employment with the Company (or any of its subsidiaries), if any, is at will, and the Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, except as may be otherwise provided in any existing or future written employment contract between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries), other applicable formal severance policies duly adopted by the Board, or, with respect to service as an [officer/director] of the Company, by the Organizational Documents and the DGCL. The foregoing notwithstanding, this Agreement shall continue in force after Indemnitee has ceased to serve as an [officer/director] of the Company, as provided in Section 16 hereof.
Section 2. Definitions. As used in this Agreement:
(a) References to “agent” shall mean any person who is or was a director, officer, or employee of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company or other person authorized by the Company to act for the Company, to include such person serving in such capacity as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or other official of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise at the request of, for the convenience of, or to represent the interests of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company.
(b) A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to occur upon the earliest to occur after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:
i. Acquisition of Stock by Third Party. Any Person (as defined below) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner (as defined below), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing thirty percent (30%) [Note to Company: Some companies use as low as 15% to trigger the Change of Control provisions, which requires Independent Counsel to determine whether indemnification is available (rather than the new board after a Change of Control). Please confirm that no indemnification agreements currently exist.] or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities unless the change in relative Beneficial Ownership of the Company’s securities by any Person results solely from (a) a reduction in the aggregate number of outstanding shares of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, or (b) a transaction or series of related transactions the primary purpose of which is to obtain financing for the Company through the issuance of equity securities that is approved by at least a majority of the independent members of the Board;
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(b)(i), 2(b)(iii) or 2(b)(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 (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board;
iii. Corporate Transactions. The effective date of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other entity, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the Surviving Entity (as defined below)) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Surviving Entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation and with the power to elect at least a majority of the board of directors or other governing body of such Surviving Entity;
iv. Liquidation. The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; and
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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.
For purposes of this Section 2(b), the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(A) “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.
(B) “Person” shall have the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act; provided, however, that Person shall exclude (i) the Company, (ii) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, and (iii) any entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.
(C) “Beneficial Owner” shall have the meaning given to such term in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that Beneficial Owner shall exclude any Person otherwise becoming a Beneficial Owner by reason of the stockholders of the Company approving a merger of the Company with another entity.
(D) “Surviving Entity” shall mean the surviving entity in a merger or consolidation or any entity that controls directly or indirectly, such surviving entity.
(c) “Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, trustee, partner, managing member, officer, employee or, agent or fiduciary of the Company or of any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership or joint venture, trust or other enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.
(d) “Disinterested Director” shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.
(e) “Enterprise” shall mean the Company and any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, employee, agent or fiduciary.
(f) “Expenses” shall include all reasonable attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees and other costs 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, ERISA excise taxes and penalties, and all other disbursements, obligations or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with, or as a result of, prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a deponent or witness in, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding. Expenses also shall include (i) Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding, including without limitation the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent, and (ii) expenses incurred in connection with recovery under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee is ultimately determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement or Expenses or insurance recovery, as the case may be, and (iii) 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, the Organizational Documents or under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, by litigation or otherwise. The parties agree that for the purposes of any advancement of Expenses for which Indemnitee has made written demand to the Company in accordance with this Agreement, all Expenses included in such demand that are certified by affidavit of Indemnitee’s counsel as being reasonable in the good faith judgment of such counsel shall be presumed conclusively to be reasonable. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.
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(g) “Independent Counsel” shall mean a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning the Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Expenses, claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.
(h) The term “Proceeding” shall include 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, regulatory 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. If the Indemnitee believes in good faith that a given situation may lead to or culminate in the institution of a Proceeding, this shall be considered a Proceeding under this paragraph.
(i) Reference to “other enterprise” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to “serving at the request of the Company” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Company” as referred to in this Agreement.
Section 3. Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status. Pursuant to this Section 3, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses, judgments, fines and, subject to Section 11(c), 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 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, in the case of a criminal Proceeding had no reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful. The parties hereto intend that this Agreement shall provide to the fullest extent permitted by law for indemnification in excess of that expressly permitted by statute, including, without limitation, any indemnification provided by the Organizational Documents, vote of the Company’s stockholders or disinterested directors or applicable law.
Section 4. Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company. The Company shall 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 by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status. Pursuant to this Section 4, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. No indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this Section 4 in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court (as hereinafter defined) or any court in which the Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.
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Section 5. Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is a party to (or a participant in) and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection therewith. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall 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, shall 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, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, a witness, is or was made (or asked) to respond to discovery requests or otherwise asked to participate in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection therewith.
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 losses or Expenses, but not, however, for the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled. [If the Company disputes a portion of the amounts for which indemnification is requested, the undisputed portion shall be paid and only the disputed portion withheld pending resolution of any such dispute.]
Section 8. Additional Indemnification.
(a) Notwithstanding any limitation in Sections 3, 4, or 5, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law if Indemnitee is a party to, or is threatened to be made a party to, or a participant in any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status.
(b) For purposes of Section 8(a), the meaning of the phrase “to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law” shall include, but not be limited to:
i. to the fullest extent permitted by the provision of the DGCL that authorizes or contemplates additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL, and
ii. to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers and directors.
Section 9. Exclusions. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnification payment in connection with any claim involving Indemnitee:
(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision, 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(b) 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 that may be adopted by the Board or a committee of the Board; or
(c) except as provided in Section 14(d) of this Agreement, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) 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 Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation, or (ii) such payment arises in connection with any mandatory counterclaim or cross-claim brought or raised by Indemnitee in any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) or (iii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law.
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Section 10. Advances of Expenses. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary (other than Section 14(d)), the Company shall advance, to the extent not prohibited by law, the Expenses incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) not initiated by Indemnitee or any Proceeding initiated by Indemnitee with the prior approval of the Board as provided in Section 9(c), and such advancement shall be made as soon as possible but in any event no later than thirty (30) 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. Advances shall be unsecured and interest free. The Company shall, in accordance with such request for advancement (but without duplication), either (i) pay such Expenses on behalf of Indemnitee, or (ii) reimburse Indemnitee for such Expenses. Advances shall be made 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. In accordance with Section 14(d), advances shall include any and all reasonable Expenses incurred pursuing an action to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. The Indemnitee shall qualify for advances upon the execution and delivery to the Company of this Agreement, which shall constitute an undertaking providing that the Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amounts advanced (without interest) by the Company pursuant to this Section 10, if and only to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. No other form of undertaking shall be required other than the execution of this Agreement. This Section 10 shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to Section 9.
Section 11. Procedure for Notification and Defense of Claim.
(a) Indemnitee shall notify the Company in writing of any matter with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or advancement of Expenses hereunder as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt by Indemnitee of written notice thereof. The written notification to the Company shall include, in reasonable detail, a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the Proceeding. To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith 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. The omission by Indemnitee to notify the Company hereunder will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to Indemnitee hereunder or otherwise than under this Agreement, and any delay in so notifying the Company shall not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights under this Agreement. The Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification. In addition, Indemnitee shall give the Company such information and cooperation as it may reasonably require and as shall be within Indemnitee’s power, to the extent that doing so is consistent with the exercise of the Indemnitee’s rights under the federal and state Constitutions. The Company shall provide Indemnitee with such information and cooperation as Indemnitee may reasonably require, to the extent that doing so is consistent with the Company’s obligation to cooperate with regulatory or law enforcement agencies.
(b) The Company shall be entitled to participate in the defense of any Proceeding entitled to indemnification under this Agreement or to assume the defense thereof, with counsel chosen by the Company and reasonably satisfactory to Indemnitee (not to be unreasonably withheld) upon delivery to Indemnitee of written notice of the Company’s election to do so; provided, however, that if Indemnitee believes, after consultation with counsel selected by Indemnitee, that (i) the use of counsel chosen by the Company to represent Indemnitee would present such counsel with an actual or potential conflict of interest, (ii) the named parties in such Proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the Company and Indemnitee and the Indemnitee concludes that there may be one or more legal defense available to him that are different from or in addition to those available to the Company, or (iii) any such representation by such counsel would be precluded under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, then Indemnitee shall be entitled to retain separate counsel that is selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably delayed, conditioned or withheld) (but not more than one law firm plus, if applicable, local counsel in respect of any particular Proceeding), and all Expenses related to such separate counsel shall be borne by the Company.
(c) The Company shall not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of any threatened or pending Proceeding pursuant to which the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification and that is effected without the Company’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided, however, that if a Change in Control has occurred, the Company shall be liable for indemnification of the Indemnitee for amounts paid in settlement if an Independent Counsel has approved the settlement. The Company shall not settle any Proceeding pursuant to which the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification in any manner that would impose any Expenses, claims, liabilities and/or damages on the Indemnitee without the Indemnitee’s prior written consent [which shall not be unreasonably withheld, unless such settlement includes a complete and unconditional release of Indemnitee from all liability on all claims that are the subject matter of such Proceeding].
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Section 12. Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification.
(a) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(a), a determination, if required by applicable law, with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement thereto shall be made in the specific case: (i) if a Change in Control shall have occurred, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee; or (ii) if a Change in Control shall not have occurred, (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee or (D) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company; and, if it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such 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. Any costs or Expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall be borne by the Company (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 with respect to any determination that Indemnitee is or is not entitled to indemnification, including a description of any reason or basis for which indemnification has been denied.
(b) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 12(a) hereof, the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 12(b). If a Change in Control shall not have occurred, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board, and the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising Indemnitee of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. If a Change in Control shall have occurred, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by Indemnitee (unless Indemnitee shall request that such selection be made by the Board, in which event the preceding sentence shall apply), and Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Company advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. In either event, Indemnitee or the Company, as the case may be, may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company or to Indemnitee, as the case may be, a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is so made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or the Delaware Court has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within twenty (20) days after the later of submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(a) hereof and the final disposition of the Proceeding, no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Delaware Court for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by the Company or Indemnitee to the other’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by such court or by such other person as such court shall designate, and the person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 12(a) hereof. Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to Section 14(a) of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).
(c) If the Company disputes a portion of the amounts for which indemnification is requested, the undisputed portion shall be paid and only the disputed portion withheld pending resolution of any such dispute.
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Section 13. Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings.
(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person or persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with Section 11(a) of this Agreement, and the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. 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, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.
(b) Subject to Section 14(e), if the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under Section 12 of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefor, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall 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; provided, however, that such 60-day 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, that the foregoing provisions of this Section 13(b) shall not apply (i) if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement and if (A) within fifteen (15) days after receipt by the Company of the request for such determination the Board has resolved to submit such determination to the stockholders for their consideration at an annual meeting thereof to be held within seventy-five (75) days after such receipt and such determination is made thereat, or (B) a special meeting of stockholders is called within fifteen (15) days after such receipt for the purpose of making such determination, such meeting is held for such purpose within sixty (60) days after having been so called and such determination is made thereat, or (ii) if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 12(a) 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, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which 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 shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee’s action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors or officers of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the 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 Enterprise. The provisions of this Section 13(d) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to 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.
(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 shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.
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Section 14. Remedies of Indemnitee.
(a) Subject to Section 14(e), 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) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement within ninety (90) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Section 5, 6 or 7 or the penultimate sentence of Section 12(a) of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) payment of indemnification pursuant to Section 3, 4 or 8 of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vi) 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, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of Indemnitee’s entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of Expenses. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitee’s option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Indemnitee shall commence such proceeding seeking an adjudication or an award in arbitration within 180 days following the date on which Indemnitee first has the right to commence such proceeding pursuant to this Section 14(a). The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.
(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement of Expenses, as the case may be.
(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 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 shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, be 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 shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement. It is the intent of the Company that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Indemnitee not be required to incur legal fees or other Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to the Indemnitee hereunder. The Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify Indemnitee against any and all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor) advance, to the extent not prohibited by law, such Expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement of Expenses from the Company under this Agreement or under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company if, in the case of indemnification, Indemnitee is successful on the underlying claims; if Indemnitee is not wholly successful on the underlying claims, then such indemnification shall be only to the extent Indemnitee is successful on such underlying claims or otherwise as permitted by law, whichever is greater.
(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement of Indemnitee to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding.
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Section 15. Non-exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation.
(a) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement of Expenses as provided by this Agreement (i) shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Organizational Documents, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise and (ii) shall be interpreted independently of, and without reference to, any other such rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled. No amendment or alteration of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by Indemnitee in Indemnitee’s Corporate Status prior to such amendment or alteration. To the extent that a change in Delaware law (or other applicable law), whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement of Expenses than would be afforded currently under the Organizational Documents and this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.
(b) [The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts (taking into account the scope and amount of coverage available related to the cost thereof) to maintain on an ongoing basis, at its sole expense, liability insurance to protect persons serving the Company from certain liabilities.] [Note to Company: Consider whether you want to include an express covenant in the indemnification agreements that the company maintain D&O insurance coverage. Most companies do not include this covenant, because it would require the consent of each director and officer who signs this form of agreement to remove the covenant. Instead, most rely on the judgment and oversight of the board to ensure proper D&O insurance is maintained. We recommend not including it.]To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, officers, employees, or agents of the Enterprise, Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, employee or agent under such policy or policies. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall 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 shall 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.
(c) In the event of any payment made by the Company under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights. No such payment by the Company shall be deemed to relieve any insurer of its obligations.
(d) The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder (or for which advancement is provided hereunder) if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received such payment under any insurance policy, contract, agreement or otherwise.
(e) The Company’s obligation to indemnify or advance Expenses hereunder to Indemnitee who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise shall be reduced by any amount Indemnitee has actually received as indemnification or advancement of Expenses from such other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.
Section 16. Duration of Agreement. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the later of: (a) ten (10) years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as an officer and director of the Company and of any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership or joint venture, trust or other enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company, or (b) one (1) year after the final termination of any Proceeding then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement of Expenses hereunder and of any proceeding (including any appeal thereof) 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 shall be binding upon and 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), shall 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 shall 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) to 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.
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Section 17. Severability. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to require or shall be construed as requiring the Company to do or fail to do any act in violation of applicable law. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (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) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.
Section 18. 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 as a director or officer of the Company or of any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership or joint venture, trust or other enterprise which such person is serving at the request 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 Organizational Documents, any directors’ and officers’ insurance maintained by the company and applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.
Section 19. Section 409A. If Indemnitee’s right to payment or reimbursement of indemnification or expenses pursuant to this Agreement would not be exempt from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.0409A-1(b)(10), then (a) the payment or reimbursement of indemnification and expenses provided or advanced to or for Indemnitee pursuant to this Agreement in one taxable year shall not affect the amount of indemnification and expenses provided or advanced to or for Indemnitee in any other taxable year, (b) any reimbursement to Indemnitee of expenses under this Agreement shall be paid to Indemnitee on or before the last day of Indemnitee’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred and (c) the right to advancement, reimbursement or payment of indemnification and expenses under this Agreement may not be liquidated or exchanged for any other benefit. In addition, to the extent that this Agreement is subject to Section 409A of the Code, this Agreement shall be interpreted and enforced so as to avoid any tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A of the Code. For purposes of this Section 19, expenses shall be deemed to include in addition to those items included in the definition thereof in Section 2, any liability, loss, judgment, fine and amounts paid in settlement.
Section 20. Modification and Waiver. No supplement, modification, termination or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.
Section 21. 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. Any failure by Indemnitee to notify the Company will relieve the Company of its advancement or indemnification obligations under this Agreement only to the extent the Company can establish that such omission to notify resulted in actual and material prejudice to it which cannot be reversed or otherwise eliminated without any material negative effect on the Company, and the omission to notify the Company will, in any event, not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to the Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise.
Section 22. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (a) delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, (b) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed, (c) mailed by reputable overnight courier and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, or (d) sent by email or facsimile transmission:
(a) If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as Indemnitee shall provide to the Company.
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(b) If to the Company to
Surf Air Mobility Inc.
12111 S. Crenshaw Blvd.
Hawthorne, California 90250
Attention: General Counsel
Email: legalnotices@surfair.com [Note to Company: Please confirm.]
or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company.
Section 23. Contribution. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses, in connection with any claim relating to an indemnifiable event under this Agreement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and/or transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and/or (ii) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transaction(s).
Section 24. Applicable Law and Consent to Jurisdiction. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 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 shall be brought only in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (the “Delaware Court”), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (ii) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (iii) appoint, to the extent such party is not otherwise subject to service of process in the State of Delaware, irrevocably [●] [Note to Company: To discuss appointment of agent for service of process.] as its agent in the State of Delaware as such party’s agent for acceptance of legal process in connection with any such action or proceeding against such party with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (iv) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (v) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.
Section 25. Identical Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. 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 26. Miscellaneous. Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.
***
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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.
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC. | INDEMNITEE | |||
By: | By: | |||
Name: | Stan Little | Name: | ||
Office: | Chief Executive Officer | Address: | ||
Exhibit 10.5
Confidential
[*****] = Pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K, portions of this exhibit have been omitted as the registrant has determined that certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted because it is both (i) not material and (ii) the type of information that the company treats as private and confidential.
COLLABORATION& ENGINEERING
SERVICES AGREEMENT
Between
TEXTRON AVIATION INC.
And
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC.
For
CESSNA MODEL 208B GRAND CARAVAN EX
THIS COLLABORATION & ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT (this “Agreement” or the “CESA”), dated as of September 15, 2022, but effective as of the Effective Date (as defined below), is by and between Textron Aviation Inc., a Kansas corporation, with offices located at One Cessna Boulevard, Wichita, Kansas, U.S.A. 67215 (“TAI”) and Surf Air Mobility Inc., a Delaware corporation, with offices located at 12111 Crenshaw Boulevard, Hawthorne, CA 90250 (“SAM” and together with TAI, the “Parties”, and each a “Party”). “Effective Date” means the first trading date of shares of common stock of SAM or its affiliate on a United States national securities exchange (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may occur following a business combination with a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC).
RECITALS:
WHEREAS TAI has the capability and capacity to provide certain aviation engineering services;
WHEREAS, TAI is engaged in the business of designing, developing, manufacturing, and supporting the Cessna Model 208B Grand Caravan EX specified on Type Certificate A37CE (individually and collectively as the context permits, the “Caravan”), and has, over the years, acquired and developed substantial and valuable technical expertise, know-how, data, drawings, and specifications related to the Caravan;
WHEREAS, SAM desires to develop and obtain Supplemental Type Certificates from the FAA including any foreign validation by any other aviation authority (“STC”) for electrified propulsion upfits/retrofits of electric or hybrid-electric Caravans and may require the services of TAI, as defined further below;
WHEREAS, SAM has entered into an agreement with TAI for the purchase of 100 Caravan with an option to purchase an additional 50 Caravan to potentially be modified by one or more of the STCs (the “Aircraft Purchase Agreement” or “APA”);
WHEREAS, SAM has entered into an agreement with TAI and Textron Innovations Inc. (“TII”) for the licensing of certain data from TAI and TII (the “Data License Agreement” or “DLA”);
WHEREAS, SAM has entered into an agreement with TAI for sales and marketing (the “Sales and Marketing Agreement” or “SMA”);
WHEREAS, SAM and TAI desire that this Agreement govern the collaboration between the Parties pursuant to the various agreements, namely the CESA, the APA, the SMA, and the DLA (together the “Transaction Documents”);
WHEREAS, SAM, TAI and others have entered into that certain Nondisclosure Agreement effective as of March 1, 2021 (the “NDA”); and
WHEREAS SAM desires to retain TAI to provide the said services, and TAI is willing to perform such services under the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, TAI and SAM agree as follows:
1. Services. TAI shall provide to SAM the services (the “Services”) set out in one or more statements of work issued by SAM if and when accepted by TAI pursuant to this Section 1 (each, a “Statement of Work” or “SOW”). The initial accepted Statement of Work is attached hereto as Exhibit B. Additional Statements of Work shall be deemed issued and accepted only if signed by the TAI Contract Manager and the SAM Contract Manager, appointed pursuant to Section 2.1(a) and Section 3.1, respectively.
2. TAI Obligations. TAI shall:
2.1 Designate employees or contractors that it determines, in its sole discretion, to be capable of filling the following positions:
(a) A primary contact to act as its authorized representative with respect to all matters pertaining to this Agreement (the “TAI Contract Manager”).
(b) A number of employees or contractors that it deems sufficient to perform the Services set out in each Statement of Work, (collectively, with the TAI Contract Manager, “TAI Representatives”).
2.2 Require that the TAI Contract Manager respond promptly to any reasonable requests from SAM for assistance in connection with the Services.
2.3 Cooperate with SAM in its performance of the Services and provide reasonable access to TAI’s premises, employees, contractors, and equipment as required in connection with the Services.
2.4 Maintain records relating to the provision of the Services under this Agreement, including records of the time spent and materials used by TAI in providing the Services.
3. SAM Obligations. SAM shall:
3.1 Designate one of its employees to serve as its primary contact with respect to this Agreement and to act as its authorized representative with respect to matters pertaining to this Agreement (the “SAM Contract Manager”), with such designation to remain in force unless and until a successor SAM Contract Manager is appointed.
3.2 Require that the SAM Contract Manager respond promptly to any reasonable requests from TAI for instructions, information, or approvals required by TAI to provide the Services.
3.3 Cooperate with TAI in its performance of the Services and provide reasonable access to SAM’s premises, employees, contractors, and equipment as required to enable TAI to provide the Services.
3.4 Take all steps necessary, including obtaining any required licenses or consents, to prevent SAM-caused delays in TAI’s provision of the Services.
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4. Fees and Expenses.
4.1 In consideration of the provision of the Services by TAI and the rights granted to SAM under this Agreement, SAM shall pay the fees set out in TAI’s then current fee schedule as it may be updated from time to time, with initial rates attached as Exhibit C, unless otherwise set forth as a firm fixed price in the applicable Statement of Work. In the event of any joint development activity occurring on a Statement of Work, the Parties shall enter into a joint development agreement prior to engaging in any such activity. Payment to TAI of such fees and the reimbursement of expenses pursuant to this Section 4 shall constitute payment in full for the performance of the Services. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Statement of Work, said fee will be payable within 30 days of receipt by the SAM of an invoice from TAI following completion of the Services performed pursuant to the applicable Statement of Work. The Agreement is considered to be a commercial time and material contract, or firm fixed price as defined in the applicable SOW. Place of performance, origin and FOB point shall be the applicable TAI facility in Wichita, Kansas, USA.
4.2 SAM shall reimburse TAI for all reasonable expenses incurred in accordance with the applicable Statement of Work, within 30 days of receipt by the SAM of an invoice from TAI accompanied by receipts and reasonable supporting documentation.
4.3 SAM shall be responsible for all sales, use and excise taxes, and any other similar taxes, duties and charges of any kind imposed by any federal, state or local governmental entity on any amounts payable by SAM hereunder; provided, that, in no event shall SAM pay or be responsible for any taxes imposed on, or regarding, TAI’s income, revenues, gross receipts, personnel, or real or personal property or other assets.
4.4 All late payments shall bear interest at the lesser of (a) the rate of 1.5% per month and (b) the highest rate permissible under applicable law, calculated daily and compounded monthly. SAM shall also reimburse TAI for all costs incurred in collecting any late payments, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees. In addition to all other remedies available under this Agreement or at law (which TAI does not waive by the exercise of any rights hereunder), TAI shall be entitled to suspend the provision of any Services if the SAM fails to pay any amounts/fees when due hereunder and such failure continues for 15 days following written notice thereof.
4.5 All payments are Net 30 and shall be made from SAM’s account, including SAM’s name as the originator or “By order of” SAM and issued to TAI by electronic wire transfer to the following address:
[*****]
TAI reserves the right to reject any other form of payment. TAI shall have the right to reject or accept payment-related transfers or requests without prejudice that do not comply with its then-existing finance and anti-money laundering policies.
5. Limited Warranty and Limitation of Liability.
5.1 TAI warrants that it shall perform the Services:
(a) In accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set out in the respective Statement of Work and this Agreement.
(b) Using personnel of commercially reasonable skill, experience, and qualifications.
(c) In a workmanlike manner in accordance with generally recognized industry standards for similar services.
5.2 TAI’s sole and exclusive liability and SAM’s sole and exclusive remedy for breach of this warranty shall be as follows:
(a) TAI shall use reasonable commercial efforts to promptly cure any such breach; provided, that if TAI cannot cure such breach within a reasonable time (but no more than 60 days) after SAM’s written notice of such breach, SAM may, at its option, terminate the Agreement by serving written notice of termination in accordance with Section 9.2.
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(b) In the event the Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 5.2(a) above, TAI shall within 90 days after the effective date of termination, refund to SAM any fees paid by the SAM as of the date of termination for the Service or Deliverables (as defined in Section 6 below), less a deduction equal to the fees for receipt or use of such Deliverables or Service up to and including the date of termination on a pro-rated basis.
(c) The foregoing remedy shall not be available unless SAM provides written notice of such breach within 60 days after delivery of such Service or Deliverable to SAM.
5.3 TAI MAKES NO WARRANTIES EXCEPT FOR THAT PROVIDED IN SECTION 5.1, ABOVE. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED.
6. Intellectual Property.
6.1 All intellectual property rights, including copyrights, patents, patent disclosures and inventions (whether patentable or not), trademarks, service marks, trade secrets, know-how and other confidential information, trade dress, trade names, logos, corporate names and domain names, together with all of the goodwill associated therewith, derivative works and all other rights (collectively, “Intellectual Property Rights”) in and to all documents, work product and other materials that are delivered to SAM under this Agreement or prepared by or on behalf of TAI in the course of performing the Services, including any items identified as such in the Statement of Work (collectively, the “Deliverables”), except for any Confidential Information of TAI, shall be owned by SAM. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, SAM owns all of the Intellectual Property Rights related to or in connection with the STCs being developed by, developed by and/or obtained by SAM. The Deliverables and the Services shall be deemed a “work made for hire,” as such term is defined in the United States Copyright Act, for SAM as copyright owner; and to the extent any of the Deliverables do not qualify as a “work made for hire” as defined by the United States Copyright Act, TAI hereby irrevocably assigns and transfers to SAM and its successors and assigns all rights in and to the Deliverables and the Services, including, but not limited to, all Intellectual Property Rights with respect thereto. If all or any part of the Deliverables or the Services or any Intellectual Property Rights therein are not legally assignable by TAI, then TAI hereby grants the Corporation an unlimited, perpetual, fully sub-licensable, royalty-free, fully paid-up license to use such Deliverables, Services or Intellectual Property Rights for any purpose worldwide. TAI will cooperate with SAM by, among other things, signing any documentation reasonably required by SAM to vest title to the Deliverables and the Services in SAM, and to prepare and file any applications with any governmental authority to protect the Deliverables and the Services as “work made for hire” for SAM. The Parties recognize that pursuant to other Transaction Documents, the foregoing license provided for above in this Section only applies to the Deliverables, the Services and the Intellectual Property Rights with respect thereto under this Agreement.
6.2 SAM hereby grants to TAI and its Affiliates an irrevocable license to use all Intellectual Property Rights in the Deliverables and Services free of additional charge and on a non-exclusive, worldwide, nontransferable (other than to Affiliates), nonsublicensable (other than to Affiliates), fully paid-up, royalty-free and perpetual basis.
6.3 SAM hereby irrevocably covenants that at no time will it, its Affiliates, successors, or its assigns, directly or indirectly, alone or by, with, or through others, cause, induce, or authorize, or voluntarily assist, participate, or cooperate in the commencement, maintenance, or prosecution of/commence, maintain, or prosecute any action or proceeding of any kind or nature whatsoever (including, but not limited to, any suit, complaint, grievance, demand, claim, or cause of action in, of, or before any government authority) against TAI, or any of its Affiliates or any of their past or present directors, officers, employees, successors, assigns, customers, manufacturers, distributors, licensees, or other transferees based upon assertion of misappropriation, direct or indirect infringement of any claim of any Intellectual Property Right in the Deliverables or Services by any product manufactured, used, offered for sale, sold, imported, or otherwise transferred by TAI or any of its Affiliates at any time.
6.4 The parties agree that any joint development shall be governed by a separate agreement as provided for in Section 4.1 and that in the absence of any such agreement, the foregoing Section 6.1 shall govern the subject matter of each Statement of Work under this Agreement.
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7. Confidentiality; Disclosure. From time to time during the Term of this Agreement, either Party (as the “Disclosing Party”) may disclose or make available to the other Party (as the “Receiving Party”), non-public, proprietary, and confidential information of Disclosing Party that, if disclosed in writing or other tangible form is clearly labeled as “confidential,” or if disclosed orally, is identified as confidential when disclosed and within 10 days thereafter, is summarized in writing and confirmed as confidential (“Confidential Information”); provided, however, that Confidential Information does not include any information that: (a) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of Receiving Party’s breach of this Section 7; (b) is or becomes available to the Receiving Party on a non-confidential basis from a third-party source, provided that such third party is not and was not prohibited from disclosing such Confidential Information; (c) was in Receiving Party’s possession prior to Disclosing Party’s disclosure hereunder; or (d) was or is independently developed by Receiving Party without using any Confidential Information. The Receiving Party shall: (x) protect and safeguard the confidentiality of the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information with at least the same degree of care as the Receiving Party would protect its own Confidential Information, but in no event with less than a commercially reasonable degree of care; (y) not use the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information, or permit it to be accessed or used, for any purpose other than to exercise its rights or perform its obligations under this Agreement; and (z) not disclose any such Confidential Information to any person or entity, except to the Receiving Party’s Group who need to know the Confidential Information to assist the Receiving Party, or act on its behalf, to exercise its rights or perform its obligations under this Agreement.
If the Receiving Party is required by applicable law or legal process to disclose any Confidential Information, it shall, prior to making such disclosure, use commercially reasonable efforts to notify Disclosing Party of such requirements to afford Disclosing Party the opportunity to seek, at Disclosing Party’s sole cost and expense, a protective order or other remedy. For purposes of this Section only, Receiving Party’s Group shall mean the Receiving Party’s Affiliates and its or their employees, officers, directors, shareholders, partners, members, managers, agents, independent contractors, representatives, sublicensees, subcontractors, attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors (together “Representatives”).
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Receiving Party shall have the right, at any time during or after the term of this Agreement, to disclose, publish, disseminate, and use Residual Information for any purpose in its business, provided that the Receiving Party does not, and does not permit its Representatives to, breach its confidentiality obligations under this Agreement in using such Residual Information. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Residual Information” means any confidential information in intangible form (including, without limitation, ideas, concepts, know-how, or techniques) that is retained in the memory of the Receiving Party’s Representatives who use or have access to such Confidential Information. The Receiving Party shall not have any obligation to limit or restrict the work assignments of any of its Representatives or to pay the Disclosing Party any royalties for any work product developed in reliance on or through the use of, in whole or in part, any Residual Information, provided, however, that this Section shall not be deemed to grant to the Recipient any right, title or interest (including, without limitation, any Intellectual Property Rights) in or to any Confidential Information.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, SAM shall not publicly disclose any of the Transaction Documents or information relating thereto except in the circumstances described in this paragraph. In the event that SAM determines upon the advice of counsel that it is required by law or applicable regulations to disclose (each instance, a “Disclosure”) through filings with the SEC or disclosure to investors of any of the Transaction Documents or any information related thereto, SAM shall (i) consult with TAI to mutually agree upon the scope and substance of the required Disclosure; provided, however, that if SAM and TAI are unable to mutually agree on such scope and substance, SAM’s reasonable determination (based upon the written advice of counsel) shall control, and (ii) deliver to TAI a copy of the applicable Disclosure and notice of the date for making such Disclosure (the “Disclosure Date”) and use reasonable best efforts to deliver such copy of the Disclosure at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the Disclosure Date. SAM shall modify such Disclosure based upon the commercially reasonable comments of TAI and address any comments provided by TAI to TAI’s reasonable satisfaction (provided such comments are delivered to SAM no later than two (2) Business Days prior to the Disclosure Date), , including by making any commercially reasonable requests for confidential treatment or redactions to copies of the Transactions Documents required to be included as an exhibit to an SEC filing, provided that, in the reasonable opinion of SAM (upon the written advice of counsel), any such requests would not violate applicable laws or regulations with respect to the Disclosure. In addition, SAM shall promptly provide to TAI copies of any correspondence from a governmental authority in respect of a Disclosure and shall cooperate in good faith with TAI in responding to such correspondence and amending the Disclosure, to the extent necessary.
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In the event that there is deemed to be any conflict between the provisions of the NDA and this Agreement as to the subject matter hereof and the parties hereto, the provisions of this Agreement shall control.
8. Restrictive Markings and Export Compliance
8.1 Markings. Services and Deliverables subject to this Agreement may contain markings identifying such as proprietary to either Party or as being subject to U.S. export control laws. Each Party shall not alter or remove any such restrictive markings. Any copies of the Services and Deliverables authorized by this Agreement to be reproduced by either Party shall contain identical restrictive markings. Any compilations or incorporation of the Services or Deliverables in part or in whole into documents created by a Party shall likewise carry identical restrictive markings. Additionally, any Export-controlled Services or Deliverables furnished under this Agreement will be marked with the following wording as applicable:
(a) For items subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”): “These commodities, technology, or software are controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Export or diversion contrary to U.S. law is strictly prohibited.”
(b) For items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”): “These commodities, technology, or software are controlled under the Export Administration Regulations. Export or diversion contrary to U.S. law is strictly prohibited.”
8.2 Export Compliance. The Parties shall not disclose any Technical Data furnished hereunder and neither Party shall make sales of products using the Technical Data in any manner contrary to the laws and regulations of the USA or any applicable foreign export laws and regulations. The information that the Parties may wish to disclose pursuant to this Agreement and any export of the Technical Data may be subject to the provisions of the U.S. Export Administration Act of 1979 (50 USC 2401-2410), the U.S. Export Administration Regulations promulgated thereunder (15 CFR 768-799), the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (22 CFR 120-130), the regulations of the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The Parties acknowledge that these statutes and regulations may impose restrictions on export, import, and transfer to third countries and persons and entities of certain categories of data and articles, and that licenses and/or registrations from the US Department of State and/or the US Department of Commerce and/or the US Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control may be required before such data and articles can be disclosed or sold or exported hereunder or pursuant hereto, and that such licenses may impose further restrictions on use and further disclosure or export or use of such data and articles. For these reasons, each Party agrees to share, upon request, information related to and including the export classifications of technical data, commodities, or software transferred under this Agreement. Disclosure or export of such data and articles to foreign persons is subject to the above regulations regardless if the export occurs in the USA or abroad. Each Party agrees to comply with all applicable USA governmental regulations as they relate to the export, import and re-export of data, articles and the subject matter hereof. Prior to any transfer of Technical Data, each Party shall ensure that all necessary authorizations are obtained and that all the goods and documentation to be exported or delivered that are controlled under USA export laws and regulations are accompanied by the required USA government authorizations. SAM shall immediately notify TAI if it or any of its subcontractors or suppliers becomes listed on any Excluded or Denied Party List of an agency of the U.S. Government or its export or import privileges are denied, suspended, or revoked.
9. Term, Termination, and Survival.
9.1 This Agreement shall commence as of the Effective Date and shall continue thereafter until the completion of the Services under all Statements of Work unless sooner terminated pursuant to Section 9.2 or Section 9.3.
9.2 Either Party may terminate this Agreement, effective upon written notice to the other Party (the “Defaulting Party”) if the Defaulting Party:
(a) Materially breaches this Agreement, and such breach is incapable of cure, or with respect to a material breach capable of cure, the Defaulting Party does not cure such breach within 30 days after receipt of written notice of such breach.
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(b) Becomes insolvent or admits its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due.
(c) Becomes subject, voluntarily or involuntarily, to any proceeding under any domestic or foreign bankruptcy or insolvency law, which is not fully stayed within seven business days or is not dismissed or vacated within 45 business days after filing.
(d) Is dissolved or liquidated or takes any corporate action for such purpose.
(e) Makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors.
(f) Has a receiver, trustee, custodian, or similar agent appointed by order of any court of competent jurisdiction to take charge of or sell any material portion of its property or business.
9.3 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 9.2(a), TAI may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to SAM upon the occurrence of any of the following events (each of the following, a “Specified Event of Default”):
(a) SAM fails to pay any undisputed amount when due hereunder and such failure continues for 30 days after SAM’s receipt of written notice of nonpayment;
(b) SAM fails to timely achieve, complete, or pass any of the SAM Caravan STC Milestone Requirements by the applicable SAM Completion Date (subject to the applicable cure period) as set forth in Exhibit A as determined in the good faith discretion of TAI; provided that, the applicable SAM Completion Dates shall be equitably adjusted to the extent SAM is not able to achieve, complete or pass any SAM Caravan STC Milestone Requirement or such SAM Caravan STC Milestone Requirement is not otherwise met, in each case as a result of (a) the material breach of TAI of its obligations hereunder or (b) the occurrence of a Force Majeure Event, with an extension to the corresponding SAM Completion Date commensurate with the delay caused by such TAI breach or Force Majeure Event, provided, however, that no extension related to a Force Majeure Event shall be longer than 45 days;
(c) the occurrence of a “Change of Control”, which means (i) the acquisition by any Person of ownership or power to vote more than 49% of the voting stock of SAM by means of any transaction or series of related transactions (including any reorganization, merger or consolidation, but excluding any business combination with a SPAC by SAM or its Affiliate completed prior to the one (1) year anniversary of the date hereof), (ii) the acquisition of ownership or power to vote more than 10% of the voting stock of SAM by a TAI competitor, (iii) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of SAM, (iv) a material change of SAM’s senior leadership occurring prior to the five (5) year anniversary of the date hereof, in each case of the foregoing clauses (i) – (iv), directly or indirectly, including as to any successor of SAM;
(d) TAI determines, in its reasonable discretion, that the market for SAM aircraft outside of the Caravan purchased pursuant to the APA is not economically viable;
(e) TAI determines, in its reasonable discretion, that the FAA is unlikely to approve an STC as contemplated by this Agreement;
(f) TAI determines in its reasonable discretion, that SAM has failed to adequately develop its products offerings as compared to third-parties pursuing similar or the same objectives, including the commercial availability of an alternative system prior to SAM obtaining the STC contemplated by the initial Statement of Work;
(g) TAI ceases to manufacture the Caravan;
(h) if any of the Transaction Documents are terminated for any reason; or
(i) if the Effective Date does not occur on or prior to March 31, 2023.
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With respect to Clauses 9.3(d), (e) and (f) above, TAI may exercise its termination right only upon ninety (90) days’ written notice to SAM delivered during the month of December in any year during the term of this Agreement.
9.4 The rights and obligations of the Parties set forth in this Section 9.4 and any right or obligation of the Parties in this Agreement which, by its nature, should survive termination or expiration of this Agreement, will survive any such termination or expiration of this Agreement.
10. Limitation of Liability.
10.1 IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY FOR ANY LOSS OF USE, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR LOSS OF DATA OR DIMINUTION IN VALUE, OR FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES WHETHER ARISING OUT OF BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), OR OTHERWISE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGE WAS FORESEEABLE AND WHETHER OR NOT SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF ANY AGREED OR OTHER REMEDY OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.
10.2 IN NO EVENT SHALL TAI’s AGGREGATE LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), OR OTHERWISE, EXCEED TWO (2) TIMES THE AGGREGATE AMOUNTS PAID OR PAYABLE TO TAI IN THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM.
11. Insurance.
11.1 SAM shall acquire and maintain at its sole cost and expense, including any deductibles or self-insured retentions, throughout the Term of this Agreement and for a period of five (5) years following the termination or expiration of this Agreement, the following insurance coverages:
Comprehensive General Liability insurance in the amount of [*****] per occurrence and [*****] in aggregate;
Aviation Products Liability insurance for a Combined Single Limit (Bodily and Property Damage) in the amount of [*****], whichever is greater (as to this particular coverage only, it is not required until the activities provided in any given Statement of Work include any high speed taxi or flight test activities, in which case such coverage shall be bound no later than sixty (60) days prior to such activities occurring);
Property Insurance against loss of or damage to any materials or tools in an amount equivalent to replacement cost value of the material and/or tools in the event the aforesaid materials and tools are owned by or furnished by TAI and supplied to SAM; and
Workers Compensation Insurance with statutory limits as required in the state(s) of operation and providing coverage for any employee entering onto TAI premises, even if not required by statute. Employer’s Liability or “Stop Gap” insurance with limits of not less than [*****] each accident, each person and each disease.
For sake of clarity of expectations, should at some point in the future the Parties enter into a long- term supply agreement the insurance limits set forth above shall be increased and/or adjusted to be comparable to TAI’s then current insurance requirements for suppliers of similar type systems.
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Insurance policies shall (i) include TAI and its respective directors, officers, employees and agents as additional insured parties; (ii) contain an endorsement which requires that thirty (30) days written notice be given to TAI prior to any material change, cancellation, nonrenewal, or material change of the policy; and (iii) provide adequate protection for SAM, TAI, and their respective officers, employees, and agents against the Claims, demands, causes of action or damages, including attorney’s fees, for liability hereunder, regardless of when such Claims are made or when underlying injuries occur or manifest themselves. Insurance policies shall not contain crossclaim, cross-suit, or other such exclusion clauses which would preclude additional insured parties from instituting causes of action against other insureds under the policy or which would otherwise limit coverage of additional insureds. In the event SAM’s insurance is canceled or not renewed and replacement insurance is not obtained prior to the effective date of such cancellation or nonrenewal, TAI shall have the right to procure such coverage and charge the expenses incurred to SAM. Upon request, SAM shall furnish a copy of the insurance policy to TAI. Failure to maintain this coverage shall be considered a material breach of this Agreement.
11.2 Certificate of Insurance. Prior to the provision of any services under this Agreement, original signed certificates issued by SAM’s insurance company or insurance broker evidencing the insurance required above shall be provided to TAI at the following address:
[*****]
Such certificates shall set forth, minimally, the amount of insurance, the additional insured endorsement, the policy number, the date of expiration, and an endorsement that TAI shall receive thirty (30) days written notice prior to termination, reduction or material modification of the coverage. Certificates shall be furnished to TAI upon renewal of insurance. In the event SAM has not provided its certificate of insurance as required herein, TAI shall have the right to procure such coverage and charge the expense incurred, plus any applicable deductibles or self-insured retentions applied to a claim, to SAM. Failure to maintain the required insurance or to provide a certificate of insurance that complies with this provision shall be considered a material breach of this Agreement.
12. Notices. All notices, requests, consents, claims, demands, waivers and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (a) when delivered by hand (with written confirmation of receipt); (b) when received by the addressee if sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier (receipt requested); (c) on the date sent by facsimile or e-mail of a PDF document (with confirmation of transmission) if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and on the next Business Day if sent after normal business hours of the recipient; or (d) on the third business day after the date mailed, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid. Such communications must be sent to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section).
If to TAI: | Textron Aviation Inc. |
[*****] | |
with a copy to: | Textron Aviation Inc. |
[*****]
| |
If to SAM: | Surf Air Mobility Inc. |
[*****] | |
with a copy to: | Surf Air Mobility Inc. |
[*****] |
13. Assignment. Any purported assignment or delegation in violation of this Section 13 shall be null and void. No assignment or delegation shall relieve SAM of any of its obligations under this Agreement. TAI may assign any of its rights or delegate any of its obligations to any Affiliate or to any person acquiring all or substantially all of TAI’s assets without SAM’s consent. As used in this Agreement, “Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person, where control may be by either management authority, contract or equity interest. As used in this definition, “control” and correlative terms mean the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
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14. Relationship of the Parties. The relationship between the Parties is that of independent contractors. The details of the method and manner for performance of the Services by TAI shall be under its own control, SAM being interested only in the results thereof. TAI shall be solely responsible for supervising, controlling and directing the details and manner of the completion of the Services. Nothing in this Agreement shall give the SAM the right to instruct, supervise, control, or direct the details and manner of the completion of the Services. The Services must meet the SAM’s final approval and shall be subject to the SAM’s general right of inspection throughout the performance of the Services and to secure satisfactory final completion. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as creating any agency, partnership, joint venture or other form of joint enterprise, employment or fiduciary relationship between the parties, and neither party shall have authority to contract for or bind the other party in any manner whatsoever.
15. Interpretation and Rules of Construction. In this Agreement, except to the extent otherwise provided or that the context otherwise requires: (a) the headings or captions for this Agreement are for reference purposes only and do not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement; (b) whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they are deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (c) the definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms; (d) references to a Person are also to the Person’s successors and permitted assigns; and (e) references to agreements and laws are also to the same as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time. “Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, governmental authority, unincorporated organization, trust, association, or other entity.
16. Governing Law/Forum. The Parties agree this Agreement will be deemed made and entered into and will be performed wholly within the State of Kansas and any dispute arising under, out of or related in any way to this Agreement, the legal relationship between TAI and SAM or the transaction that is the subject matter of this Agreement (collectively “Dispute”) will be governed and construed under the laws of the State of Kansas, USA, exclusive of conflicts of laws. Any Dispute will be adjudicated solely and exclusively in the United States District Court for the State of Kansas, in Wichita, Kansas or, if that court lacks jurisdiction, Kansas state courts of the 18th Judicial District. Each of the Parties (i) consent to the exclusive, personal jurisdiction of these courts and, by signing this Agreement, waive any objection to venue of these Kansas courts and (ii) agree that final judgment brought in these courts will be conclusive and binding upon the parties and may be enforced in any other courts with jurisdiction over the parties.
17. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY THAT MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT INCLUDING EXHIBITS, SCHEDULES, ATTACHMENTS, AND APPENDICES ATTACHED TO THIS AGREEMENT, IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES AND, THEREFORE, EACH SUCH PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LEGAL ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING ANY EXHIBITS, SCHEDULES, ATTACHMENTS OR APPENDICES ATTACHED TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS, OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
18. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and any attached statements of work, schedules and exhibits constitute the entire agreement between the Parties pertaining to the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, representations, communications and understandings of the Parties. Each of the Parties acknowledges that no other party, nor any agent or attorney of any other party, has made any promise, representation, or warranty whatsoever, express or implied, and not contained herein, concerning the subject matter hereof to induce the Party to execute or authorize the execution of this Agreement, and acknowledges that the Party has not executed or authorized the execution of this instrument in reliance upon any such promise, representation, or warranty not contained herein. For the avoidance of doubt, each of the Transaction Documents govern as to their respective subject matter independently, and without integration.
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19. Force Majeure. Neither Party shall be deemed in default or otherwise liable hereunder due to its inability to perform (except for any obligations of SAM to pay TAI hereunder) by reason of any act of God, fire, earthquake, flood, epidemic, pandemic, quarantine, accident, explosion, casualty, strike, lockout, slowdown, labor controversy or other industrial disturbances, riot, civil disturbance, act of public enemy, embargo, war, any municipal, county, state, national or international ordinance or law, any executive, administrative, judicial or similar order (which order is not the result of any act or omission to act which would constitute a default under this Agreement), government action or inaction (other than any action or inaction by the FAA related to the STC), delay in supplier deliveries, any failure or delay of any transportation, power, or other essential thing required, or similar causes beyond the Party’s control (each a “Force Majeure Event”). In such case, the Party affected by the Force Majeure Event shall notify the other Party of its inability to perform. Any delay in performance shall be no greater than the Force Majeure Event causing the delay.
20. Joint Drafting. This Agreement is to be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties and no presumption will arise favoring or disfavoring either Party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement.
21. Amendments. No modification to this Agreement will be effective unless in writing as an amendment to this Agreement, which specifically references this Agreement, and is signed by both Parties.
22. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is binding on and inures to the benefit of the Parties to this Agreement and their respective permitted successors and permitted assigns.
23. No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement benefits solely the Parties to this Agreement and their respective permitted successors and assigns and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, confers on any other Person any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
24. Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable, and if any provision of this Agreement shall be held or declared to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision hereof or the interpretation and effect of the Agreement as to any other jurisdiction, and the remainder of the Agreement, disregarding such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision, shall continue in full force and effect as though such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision had not been contained herein.
25. Waiver. No waiver by any Party of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and signed by the Party so waiving. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, no failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege arising from this Agreement shall operate or be construed as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. No waiver shall constitute a continuing waiver.
26. Counterparts/Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and both together shall be deemed to be one and the same agreement. Counterpart signature pages to this Agreement transmitted by facsimile transmission, by electronic mail in “portable document format” (.pdf) form, or by any other electronic means intended to preserve the original graphic and pictorial appearance of a document will have the same effect as physical delivery of the paper document bearing an original signature. By signing below, the signatories to this Agreement verify they have full authority to bind and do hereby bind their respective Parties.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the Effective Date by their respective duly authorized officers.
Surf Air Mobility Inc. | ||
By | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | CEO | |
Textron Aviation Inc. | ||
By | [*****] | |
Name: | [*****] | |
Title: | [*****] |
Signature Page to Collaboration and Engineering Services Agreement
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EXHIBIT A
SAM CARAVAN STC MILESTONE REQUIREMENTS
No. | SAM Caravan STC Milestone Requirement |
SAM Completion Date |
Cure Period |
SAM Completion Standard1 |
1 | Source selection of [*****] | [*****] | 90 Days | [*****] |
2 | Certification plan submittal. | [*****] | 90 Days | [*****] |
3 | [*****] | [*****] | 90 Days | [*****] |
4 | [*****] | [*****] | 90 Days | [*****] |
5 | [*****] | [*****] | 90 Days | [*****] |
6 | [*****] | [*****] | 90 Days | [*****] |
7 | Type Inspection Authorization. | [*****] | 90 Days | Per FAA Issued ACO Authorization Letter |
8 | [*****] | [*****] | 90 Days | [*****] |
9 | Issuance of Supplemental Type Certificate. | [*****] | 90 Days | Per FAA Issued Supplemental Type Certificate |
1 | In each case followed by Notice of verification by TAI to SAM. TAI’s verification of each STC Milestone Requirement shall not be construed as an endorsement, engineering validation, or shift in responsibility from SAM to TAI of any obligations or duties of SAM under this Agreement or to any aviation authority, including, without limitation, the FAA unless otherwise agreed to in writing signed by a TAI senior vice president of engineering. |
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EXHIBIT B
INITIAL STATEMENT OF WORK
This Initial Statement of Work shall be titled: OEM Review and Comment Concerning Aircraft Series Hybrid Propulsion System Development Process
Statement of Work Scope: This SOW shall be limited to a Series Hybrid-Electric Propulsion System for the Caravan.
The TAI Contract Manager for this SOW shall be identified by TAI to SAM.
The SAM Contract Manager for this SOW shall be identified by SAM to TAI.
No. | TAI Activity/Service | SAM Activity | Fees |
1 | Review and comment regarding SAM Activity. | Source selection of [*****] | time and materials |
2 | Review and comment regarding SAM Activity. | Certification plan submittal. | time and materials |
2(a) | Drawings and Data Support pursuant to Data License Agreement Begins | No. 1 & 2 | time and materials |
3 | Review and comment regarding SAM Activity. | [*****] | time and materials |
4 | Review and comment regarding SAM Activity. | [*****] | time and materials |
5 | Review and comment regarding SAM Activity. | [*****] | time and materials |
6 | Review and comment regarding SAM Activity. | [*****] | time and materials |
7 | Review and comment regarding SAM Activity. | Type Inspection Authorization. | time and materials |
8 | Review and comment regarding SAM Activity. | [*****] | time and materials |
9 | Review and comment regarding SAM Activity. | Issuance of Supplemental Type Certificate. | time and materials |
The bailment of 2 Caravan airframes selected by TAI pursuant to a bailment agreement negotiated in good faith.
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EXHIBIT C
● | [*****] 2022-2023 RATES FOR ENGINEERING SUPPORT. |
● | [*****] FOR ON REQUEST ENGINEERING DIRECTOR SUPPORT FOR ENGINEERING ACTIVITIES, PROGRAM REVIEWS AND MILESTONE GATES. |
● | [*****] FOR ON REQUEST ENGINEERING VP SUPPORT FOR PROGRAM REVIEWS AND MILESTONE GATES. |
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Exhibit 10.6
[*****] = Pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K, portions of this exhibit have been omitted as the registrant has determined that certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted because it is both (i) not material and (ii) the type of information that the company treats as private and confidential.
FIRST AMENDMENT TO
COLLABORATION & ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT
This FIRST Amendment to COLLABORATION & ENGINEERING SERVICES agreement (this “Amendment”) is made and entered into as of May 24, 2023 (the “Amendment Date”), by and between Textron Aviation Inc. (“TAI”) and Surf Air Mobility Inc. (“SAM” and, together with TAI, each a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”) with reference to the following facts:
A. TAI and SAM are parties to that certain Collaboration & Engineering Services Agreement dated as of September 15, 2022 (the “Original Agreement”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Original Agreement.
B. The Parties now wish to amend the Original Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Section 9.3(i) of the Original Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
“(i) if the Effective Date does not occur on or prior to July 31, 2023.”
2. Except as expressly amended herein, the terms of the Original Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and the Original Agreement is hereby ratified and confirmed. In the event of a conflict between a provision of the Original Agreement and this Amendment, the provisions of this Amendment shall control.
3. This Amendment may be executed and delivered by facsimile, PDF or other electronic signature and in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[Signature page follows.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have duly executed this Amendment effective as of the Amendment Date.
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Sudhin Shahani | ||
Executive Chairman |
TEXTRON AVIATION INC. | ||
By: | ||
[*****] | ||
[*****] |
[Signature Page to First Amendment to Textron Aviation Surf Air Mobility Collaboration & Engineering Services Agreement]
Exhibit 10.7
Confidential
[*****] = Pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K, portions of this exhibit have been omitted as the registrant has determined that certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted because it is both (i) not material and (ii) the type of information that the company treats as private and confidential.
AMENDED & RESTATED SALES AND MARKETING AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED & RESTATED SALES AND MARKETING AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of September 27, 2022 (but effective as of the Effective Date (as defined below), by and between TEXTRON AVIATION INC., a Kansas corporation (“TAI”), and SURF AIR MOBILITY INC., a Delaware corporation (“SAM”) (each a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”).
RECITALS
A. TAI is the world’s leading manufacturer of general aviation aircraft, including the Cessna Model 208B Grand Caravan EX specified on Type Certificate A37CE (individually and collectively as the context permits, “Caravan”).
B. Following the date hereof, SAM intends to consummate one or more business combination and capital markets transactions pursuant to which, among other things, shares of SAM (or its Affiliate) will be publicly listed on a United States national securities exchange (the first trading date of shares of common stock of SAM or its affiliate on a United States national securities exchange (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may occur following a business combination with a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC), the “Effective Date”).
C. SAM, together with its Affiliates, is in the process of engineering, developing and obtaining STCs for electric or hybrid-electric propulsion systems (the “SAM STCs”) that are designed to be upfits/retrofits for the Caravan (collectively, the “SAM System”).
D. The Parties are concurrently entering into (i) that certain Collaboration and Engineering Services Agreement, dated of even date herewith (the “CESA”), pursuant to which TAI agrees to provide certain engineering services as may be agreed to in furtherance of SAM’s efforts to develop the SAM System and obtain FAA certification of the SAM STCs, (ii) that certain Data License Agreement dated of even date herewith (the “DLA”), pursuant to which Textron Innovations Inc. provides a limited data license to certain data, and (iii) that certain Aircraft Purchase Agreement, dated of even date herewith (the “Aircraft Purchase Agreement”, and together with this Agreement, the CESA and the DLA, the “Transaction Documents”), pursuant to which, following the Effective Date, SAM will purchase one hundred (100) firm Caravan, with an option to purchase an additional fifty (50) Caravan, which Caravan SAM intends to convert to SAM Aircraft using the SAM System and the SAM STCs.
E. Following issuance of the SAM STCs, TAI may purchase or license from SAM, and SAM may sell or license to TAI, the SAM System and the SAM STCs, respectively, for the manufacture and sale of factory new Caravan (“New Aircraft”) and conversions of pre-owned Caravan (“Conversions”) incorporating the SAM System (collectively, the “SAM Aircraft”).
F. TAI and SAM desire to cooperate and work together in good faith to develop marketing, promotional and sales strategies and materials for the SAM Aircraft, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
G. TAI and SAM entered into the Sales and Marketing Agreement as of September 15, 2022 (the “Original Agreement”), and have agreed to amend and restate the Original Agreement in its entirety as set forth herein.
AGREEMENT
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
1.1 Definitions.
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person, where control may be by either management authority, contract or equity interest. As used in this definition, “control” and correlative terms mean the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
“Exclusivity Period” means the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the date that either Party terminates the Exclusivity Rights pursuant to Section 2.6 of this Agreement.
“FAA” means the United States Federal Aviation Administration, or any successor.
“Intellectual Property Rights” means all patents, trade secrets, know-how, trademarks, service marks, trade names, industrial design rights, copyrights, permits, licenses and other rights (including industry certificates and approvals – e.g., type certificates and STCs) and all registrations, applications, renewals, extensions, combinations, divisions, continuations or reissues of any of the foregoing.
“Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, governmental authority, unincorporated organization, trust, association, or other entity.
“STC” means a Supplemental Type Certificate issued by the FAA or corresponding international regulatory agencies (e.g., the European Aviation Safety Administration) for major modifications to existing type-certified aircraft, engines or propellers.
“SAM System” means the proprietary electric or hybrid-electric propulsion systems developed by SAM for the SAM Aircraft, including SAM’s proprietary system controls, software and algorithms integrating the electric power generator (EPU), turbo generator, energy storage systems and other components to optimize thermal regulation and power utilization, and all SAM IP related thereto.
“SAM IP” means all Intellectual Property Rights owned by SAM and its Affiliates.
1.2 Interpretation and Rules of Construction. In this Agreement, except to the extent otherwise provided or that the context otherwise requires: (a) the headings or captions for this Agreement are for reference purposes only and do not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement; (b) whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they are deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (c) the definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms; (d) references to a Person are also to the Person’s successors and permitted assigns; and (e) references to agreements and laws are also to the same as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
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ARTICLE 2
MARKETING AND SALES OF SAM AIRCRAFT
2.1 Joint Marketing and Sales Efforts. During the Term, TAI and SAM agree to use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to promote the sales of the SAM Aircraft, including the following:
2.1.1 Each of TAI and SAM shall appoint one (1) representative to serve as a primary point of contact for all marketing and sales related efforts by the Parties with respect to the SAM Aircraft.
2.1.2 At least sixty (60) days prior to the end of each calendar year during the Term, TAI and SAM shall mutually agree upon marketing and promotion plans for the upcoming calendar year (such terms shall be contained in the “Annual Plan”). The Parties shall mutually agree upon an initial set of marketing concepts within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date (the “Initial Marketing Plan”). Each of TAI’s and SAM’s agreement on the Initial Marketing Plan and each Annual Plan shall be in their good faith discretion. The Initial Marketing Plan and each Annual Plan [*****]. Any claims or representations contained in the Initial Marketing Plan and each Annual Plan must be approved by each of TAI and SAM in their sole discretion. The Initial Marketing Plan and each Annual Plan will include SAM’s payment to TAI of TAI’s costs and fees in connection with such plan. In accordance with the Initial Marketing Plan and subsequent Annual Plans, TAI and SAM shall each promote the sale of the SAM Aircraft and use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to engage in activities designed to increase the volume of such sales and promote the goodwill of the SAM Aircraft.
2.1.3 SAM and TAI shall each (a) include the SAM Aircraft in sales and marketing materials (print and digital) distributed to SAM’s and TAI’s networks of authorized dealers, (b) prominently display the SAM Aircraft on pages of the SAM and TAI websites and other SAM and TAI digital channels (e.g., Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc.) featuring the Caravan, (c) include representatives of SAM and TAI at certain SAM and TAI trade show booths as may be attended by TAI, in its sole discretion, including the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, EAA AirVenture, European Business Aviation Convention (EBACE), and Paris / Farnborough / Dubai / Singapore Air Shows, (d) market New Aircraft and Conversions of pre-owned Caravan to SAM Aircraft across each of the global service networks of SAM and TAI to all owners of pre-owned Caravan, and (e) not advertise or offer any third-party Exclusive System variants of the Caravan with respect to any of the activities described in subclauses (a) – (d) above or otherwise.
2.1.4 Each SAM Aircraft may be labeled as to the propulsion system – e.g., “SAM EP1”, or such other designation as agreed in writing by the Parties in their sole discretion – in promotional and sales materials, print and digital, as well as on the outer hull of New Aircraft that is a SAM Aircraft (it being understood that such identification shall in in addition and subordinated to, and not in lieu of, TAI’s branding of the Caravan – e.g., Cessna Caravan).
2.1.5 To promote sales of New Aircraft by TAI, SAM will share with TAI all inquiries and sales leads developed by SAM for SAM Aircraft. In addition, at the election of SAM, SAM may direct to TAI leads and sales possibilities for Conversions.
2.1.6 TAI may elect to utilize third-party service providers in performing its obligations pursuant to this Agreement.
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2.2 Use of Marks.
2.2.1 Neither Party shall use any trademarked or copyrighted material of the other Party without either (i) first entering into a license agreement governing such use or
(ii) obtaining explicit written permission from such other Party.
2.2.2 Any trademark or copyright license pursuant to Section 2.2.1 shall be a limited, terminable (subject to the express terms of the license agreement), non-transferable license, without the right to sublicense, within a defined licensed use. The licensee under such license (“Licensee”) shall ensure that the use of licensed marks or material shall meet the licensor’s (“Licensor”) brand standards and quality standards and requirements, as they may be modified or updated by Licensor from time to time and communicated to Licensee in writing, and be of a quality equal to or higher than the samples provided to Licensor for review and approval. Licensee shall use any licensed marks or material in an ethical manner, and shall not engage in unfair or anti-competitive business practices. Moreover, Licensee’s use of licensed marks or material shall meet all applicable international, national, federal, state and local laws, treaties and governmental orders and regulations. Except as otherwise agreed, Licensee shall submit samples of all materials using the licensed marks or material for Licensor’s review and approval prior to any use.
2.3 Official Leasing Partner. SAM intends to incentivize purchases of SAM Aircraft by TAI customers and third-party operators in the Surf Air Mobility platform and participate in these acquisitions with lease or purchase financing through its “Aircraft as a Service” program. SAM will be designated by TAI as its “Official Leasing Partner” for the SAM Aircraft.
2.4 Exclusive Electrification Relationship for Aircraft. In consideration of SAM’s investment in the SAM Technology and the SAM STCs, to be designed, engineered and developed by SAM at the sole expense of SAM, and the Marketing and Sales efforts of SAM in support of the SAM Aircraft pursuant to Article 2, TAI hereby appoints SAM as its exclusive supplier of battery electric and turbine-battery hybrid-electric propulsion systems for the Caravan (the “Exclusive System”) during the Exclusivity Period (as defined below), and SAM hereby accepts such appointment. Further, TAI agrees:
2.4.1 not to license, seek authorization to use, use, [*****] any STCs owned by third parties for an Exclusive System (each, a “Third-Party STC”);
2.4.2 not to market, advertise or otherwise offer for sale any third-party Exclusive System variants of the Caravan, whether new or conversions of pre-owned Caravan, in sales discussions with any potential customers of the Caravan;
2.4.3 not to include any third-party Exclusive System variants of the Caravan in any sales materials distributed to TAI’s network of authorized dealers; and
2.4.4 not to market, sell, endorse or install at TAI company owned service centers conversions of Caravan to an Exclusive System developed by third parties.
The exclusivity rights granted to SAM under this Section 2.4 are hereafter referred to as the “Exclusivity Rights”. The Exclusivity Rights shall be valid only during the Exclusivity Period.
For the avoidance of doubt, nothing herein shall (i) prohibit TAI from engaging in joint development or providing data licenses, engineering services or related services to any Person, including in each case in connection with electric or hybrid-electric propulsion or (ii) bind, affect or limit in any way, directly or indirectly, any TAI Affiliate that is not a wholly owned subsidiary of TAI. Further, the Exclusive System excludes [*****].
2.5 Evaluation by SAM of Electrification Technologies. If, during the Exclusivity Period, TAI becomes aware of any new or upgraded electrification component or technology capable of being incorporated within the SAM Aircraft or any other aircraft produced or in development by TAI (each, an “Electrification Opportunity” and collectively, the “Electrification Opportunities”), TAI has the right, but not the obligation, in its sole discretion, to request SAM to evaluate such Electrification Opportunity and SAM agrees and commits to evaluate and assess the technology, market potential and commercial feasibility of such Electrification Opportunity at the expense of SAM. If TAI and SAM mutually agree that an Electrification Opportunity is technically and commercially viable, SAM agrees and commits to work to incorporate such Electrification Opportunity within an existing electrification project, or, at the expense of SAM to design, develop, engineer and pursue an STC for such Electrification Opportunity, as applicable.
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2.6 Termination of Exclusivity Period.
2.6.1 TAI may terminate the Exclusivity Period in its sole discretion (a) upon the occurrence of a Specified Event of Default, as defined in the CESA, or (b) following the eighth (8th) anniversary of the Effective Date, by providing notice of its election to terminate during the month of December in any year during the Term of this Agreement.
2.6.2 SAM may terminate the Exclusivity Period in its sole discretion upon written notice to TAI and payment in full of all Exclusivity Fees otherwise payable within nine (9) months following the date of such notice; provided that if the SAM STC Issuance Date as defined in the DLA has not occurred at the time of such notice, for purposes of this Section 2.6.2 it shall be deemed to have occurred during the third contract year following the Effective Date.
2.6.3 Following any termination of the Exclusivity Period by TAI, SAM shall have the option, in its sole discretion, to terminate (a) the Aircraft Purchase Agreement and SAM’s obligations to purchase any remaining Caravans thereunder or (b) the DLA and SAM’s obligations to pay license fees thereunder; provided that any obligations of the Parties under the Aircraft Purchase Agreement or the DLA that are intended to survive (e.g., warranty rights) shall remain in effect and survive any such termination.
2.7 Exclusivity Fee.
2.7.1 SAM shall pay TAI the exclusivity fees set forth in Schedule A (collectively, the “Exclusivity Fee”). Each installment of the exclusivity fee set forth in Schedule A shall be deemed non-refundable and fully earned as set forth in Schedule A.
2.7.2 Payment of the Exclusivity Fee made hereunder shall be in United States currency and shall be remitted by wire transfer from SAM’s account, including SAM’s name as the originator or “By order of” TAI and issued to TAI by wire transfer into the account identified below or other account as designated in writing by TAI. TAI reserves the right to reject any other form of payment. SAM shall have no right to set off any money owed to TAI by SAM against any money owed by SAM to TAI hereunder. TAI shall have the right to reject or accept payment- related transfers or requests without prejudice that do not comply with its then-existing finance and anti-money laundering policies.
Please wire payment to: | ||
[*****] |
ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
3.1 Representations and Warranties. Each Party represents and warrants to the other Party that:
3.1.1 the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the performance of its obligations hereunder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action on the part of the Party;
3.1.2 this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered, and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other Party) constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Party, enforceable against such Party in accordance with its terms, subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency (including all Laws relating to fraudulent transfers), reorganization, moratorium or similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to the effect of general principles of equity (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding at Law or in equity);
3.1.3 the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated thereby, do not and will not conflict with, or result in a breach or violation of or default under, the organizational documents of such Party, any applicable Law or any note, indenture, contract, agreement or instrument to which it is a party or is otherwise subject; and
3.1.4 it is and shall be in compliance with applicable Laws in connection with its performance under this Agreement.
3.2 Disclaimer of Warranties. EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN THIS ARTICLE 3, NONE OF THE PARTIES, THEIR AFFILIATES OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES OR REPRESENTATIVES MAKE OR HAVE MADE ANY OTHER REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, IN RESPECT OF SUCH PARTY, SUCH PARTY’S ASSETS OR LIABILITIES OR SUCH PARTY’S PERFORMANCE, IN EACH CASE RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF, INCLUDING WITH RESPECT TO MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND THE PARTIES EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY OTHER REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES.
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ARTICLE 4
TERMINATION
4.1 Term. This Agreement shall become effective as of the Effective Date and shall continue to be effective unless and until terminated in accordance with the terms hereof (the “Term”).
4.2 Termination by Either Party. This Agreement shall terminate:
4.2.1 upon the mutual agreement of the Parties;
4.2.2 at the election of SAM, in the event TAI terminates the Exclusivity Period pursuant to Section 2.6 hereof;
4.2.3 at the election of TAI, in the event SAM terminates the Exclusivity Period pursuant to Section 2.6 hereof;
4.2.4 at the election of TAI, if SAM undergoes a Change of Control as defined in the CESA;
4.2.5 by either Party, if any of the Transaction Documents are terminated for any reason;
4.2.6 upon the commencement of a voluntary or involuntary case or other proceeding by or against SAM seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, which in the case of an involuntary proceeding is not stayed or lifted within thirty (30) days; the application for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, liquidator or custodian by SAM for itself or of all or a substantial part of its property; the making by SAM of a general assignment for the benefit of any of its creditors; or the taking by SAM of any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing; or
4.2.7 upon the commencement of a voluntary or involuntary case or other proceeding by or against TAI seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, which in the case of an involuntary proceeding is not stayed or lifted within thirty (30) days; the application for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, liquidator or custodian by TAI for itself or of all or a substantial part of its property; the making by TAI of a general assignment for the benefit of any of its creditors; or the taking by TAI of any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing.
4.2.8 at the election of TAI, if the Effective Date does not occur on or prior to March 31, 2023.
4.3 Effect of Termination.
4.3.1 Upon termination or expiration of this Agreement: (i) each Party shall return to other Party all Confidential Information of such other Party; (ii) each Party shall remain liable for all of its respective obligations hereunder that accrued prior to the date of termination and (iii) if either Party has a claim against the other Party there shall (in the absence of express written agreement between the Parties in respect thereof) be no right of set-off against any monies due from the other party.
4.3.2 All rights and remedies conferred herein shall be cumulative and in addition to all of the rights and remedies available to each Party at law, equity or otherwise.
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ARTICLE 5
GENERAL PROVISIONS
5.1 Confidentiality; Disclosure.
5.1.1 From time to time during the Term of this Agreement, either Party (as the “Disclosing Party”) may disclose or make available to the other Party (as the “Receiving Party”), non-public, proprietary, and confidential information of Disclosing Party that, if disclosed in writing or other tangible form is clearly labeled as “confidential,” or if disclosed orally, is identified as confidential when disclosed and within 10 days thereafter, is summarized in writing and confirmed as confidential (“Confidential Information”); provided, however, that Confidential Information does not include any information that: (a) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of Receiving Party’s breach of this Section; (b) is or becomes available to the Receiving Party on a non-confidential basis from a third-party source, provided that such third party is not and was not prohibited from disclosing such Confidential Information; (c) was in Receiving Party’s possession prior to Disclosing Party’s disclosure hereunder; or (d) was or is independently developed by Receiving Party without using any Confidential Information. The Receiving Party shall: (x) protect and safeguard the confidentiality of the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information with at least the same degree of care as the Receiving Party would protect its own Confidential Information, but in no event with less than a commercially reasonable degree of care; (y) not use the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information, or permit it to be accessed or used, for any purpose other than to exercise its rights or perform its obligations under this Agreement; and (z) not disclose any such Confidential Information to any Person, except to the Receiving Party’s Group who need to know the Confidential Information to assist the Receiving Party, or act on its behalf, to exercise its rights or perform its obligations under this Agreement.
5.1.2 If the Receiving Party is required by applicable law or legal process to disclose any Confidential Information, it shall, prior to making such disclosure, use commercially reasonable efforts to notify Disclosing Party of such requirements to afford Disclosing Party the opportunity to seek, at Disclosing Party’s sole cost and expense, a protective order or other remedy. For purposes of this Section only, Receiving Party’s Group shall mean the Receiving Party’s affiliates and its or their employees, officers, directors, shareholders, partners, members, managers, agents, independent contractors, representatives, sublicensees, subcontractors, attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors (together “Representatives”).
5.1.3 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Receiving Party shall have the right, at any time during or after the term of this Agreement, to disclose, publish, disseminate, and use Residual Information for any purpose in its business, provided that the Receiving Party does not, and does not permit its Representatives to, breach its confidentiality obligations under this Agreement in using such Residual Information. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Residual Information” means any confidential information in intangible form (including, without limitation, ideas, concepts, know-how, or techniques) that is retained in the memory of the Receiving Party’s Representatives who use or have access to such Confidential Information. The Receiving Party shall not have any obligation to limit or restrict the work assignments of any of its Representatives or to pay the Disclosing Party any royalties for any work product developed in reliance on or through the use of, in whole or in part, any Residual Information, provided, however, that this Section shall not be deemed to grant to the Recipient any right, title or interest (including, without limitation, any Intellectual Property Rights) in or to any Confidential Information.
5.1.4 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, SAM shall not publicly disclose any of the Transaction Documents or information relating thereto except in the circumstances described in this paragraph. In the event that SAM determines upon the advice of counsel that it is required by law or applicable regulations to disclose (each instance, a “Disclosure”) through filings with the SEC or disclosure to investors of any of the Transaction Documents or any information related thereto, SAM shall (i) consult with TAI to mutually agree upon the scope and substance of the required Disclosure; provided, however, that if SAM and TAI are unable to mutually agree on such scope and substance, SAM’s reasonable determination (based upon the written advice of counsel) shall control, and (ii) deliver to TAI a copy of the applicable Disclosure and notice of the date for making such Disclosure (the “Disclosure Date”) and use reasonable best efforts to deliver such copy of the Disclosure at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the Disclosure Date. SAM shall modify such Disclosure based upon the commercially reasonable comments of TAI and address any comments provided by TAI to TAI’s reasonable satisfaction (provided such comments are delivered to SAM no later than two (2) Business Days prior to the Disclosure Date), , including by making any commercially reasonable requests for confidential treatment or redactions to copies of the Transactions Documents required to be included as an exhibit to an SEC filing, provided that, in the reasonable opinion of SAM (upon the written advice of counsel), any such requests would not violate applicable laws or regulations with respect to the Disclosure. In addition, SAM shall promptly provide to TAI copies of any correspondence from a governmental authority in respect of a Disclosure and shall cooperate in good faith with TAI in responding to such correspondence and amending the Disclosure, to the extent necessary.
5.1.5 In the event that there is deemed to be any conflict between the provisions of that certain Confidentiality Agreement dated as of [*****] (the “NDA”), between TAI, on the one hand, and SAM, [*****] and Southern Airways Corporation, on the other hand and this Agreement as to the subject matter hereof and the Parties hereto, the provisions of this Agreement shall control.
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5.2 Relationship of the Parties. The Parties intend to create an independent contractor relationship and nothing contained in this Agreement will be construed as creating a joint venture, association, partnership, franchise, or other form of business or relationship except to the extent a partnership is considered to exist for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and nothing contained in this Agreement will be construed as making a Party liable for the debts or obligations of the other Party, unless expressly provided in this Agreement.
5.3 No Authority. Nothing in this Agreement shall grant to either TAI or SAM the right to negotiate or make commitments of any kind for or on behalf of the other Party without prior written approval of the other Party.
5.4 Amendments. No modification to this Agreement will be effective unless in writing as an amendment to this Agreement, which specifically references this Agreement, and is signed by both Parties.
5.5 Waivers. No waiver by any Party of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and signed by the Party so waiving. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, no failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege arising from this Agreement shall operate or be construed as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. No waiver shall constitute a continuing waiver.
5.6 Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable, and if any provision of this Agreement shall be held or declared to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision hereof or the interpretation and effect of the Agreement as to any other jurisdiction, and the remainder of the Agreement, disregarding such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision, shall continue in full force and effect as though such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision had not been contained herein.
5.7 Assignment. Any purported assignment or delegation in violation of this Section shall be null and void. No assignment or delegation shall relieve SAM of any of its obligations under this Agreement. TAI may assign any of its rights or delegate any of its obligations to any Affiliate or to any person acquiring all or substantially all of TAI’s assets without SAM’s consent.
5.8 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is binding on and inures to the benefit of the Parties to this Agreement and their respective permitted successors and permitted assigns.
5.9 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement benefits solely the Parties to this Agreement and their respective permitted successors and assigns and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, confers on any other Person any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
5.10 Governing Law/Forum. The Parties agree this Agreement will be deemed made and entered into and will be performed wholly within the State of Kansas and any dispute arising under, out of or related in any way to this Agreement, the legal relationship between TAI and SAM or the transaction that is the subject matter of this Agreement (collectively “Dispute”) will be governed and construed under the laws of the State of Kansas, USA, exclusive of conflicts of laws. Any Dispute will be adjudicated solely and exclusively in the United States District Court for the State of Kansas, in Wichita, Kansas or, if that court lacks jurisdiction, Kansas state courts of the 18th Judicial District. Each of the Parties (i) consent to the exclusive, personal jurisdiction of these courts and, by signing this Agreement, waive any objection to venue of these Kansas courts and (ii) agree that final judgment brought in these courts will be conclusive and binding upon the parties and may be enforced in any other courts with jurisdiction over the parties.
5.11 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY THAT MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT INCLUDING EXHIBITS, SCHEDULES, ATTACHMENTS, AND APPENDICES ATTACHED TO THIS AGREEMENT, IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES AND, THEREFORE, EACH SUCH PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LEGAL ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING ANY EXHIBITS, SCHEDULES, ATTACHMENTS OR APPENDICES ATTACHED TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS, OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
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5.12 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and any attached statements of work, schedules and exhibits constitute the entire agreement between the Parties pertaining to the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, representations, communications and understandings of the Parties. Each of the Parties acknowledges that no other party, nor any agent or attorney of any other party, has made any promise, representation, or warranty whatsoever, express or implied, and not contained herein, concerning the subject matter hereof to induce the Party to execute or authorize the execution of this Agreement, and acknowledges that the Party has not executed or authorized the execution of this instrument in reliance upon any such promise, representation, or warranty not contained herein. For the avoidance of doubt, each of the Transaction Documents govern as to their respective subject matter independently, and without integration.
5.13 Force Majeure. Neither Party shall be deemed in default or otherwise liable hereunder due to its inability to perform (except for any obligations of SAM to pay TAI hereunder) by reason of any act of God, fire, earthquake, flood, epidemic, pandemic, quarantine, accident, explosion, casualty, strike, lockout, slowdown, labor controversy or other industrial disturbances, riot, civil disturbance, act of public enemy, embargo, war, any municipal, county, state, national or international ordinance or law, any executive, administrative, judicial or similar order (which order is not the result of any act or omission to act which would constitute a default under this Agreement), government action or inaction (other than any action or inaction by the FAA related to the STC), delay in supplier deliveries, any failure or delay of any transportation, power, or other essential thing required, or similar causes beyond the Party’s control (each a “Force Majeure Event”). In such case, the Party affected by the Force Majeure Event shall notify the other Party of its inability to perform. Any delay in performance shall be no greater than the Force Majeure Event causing the delay.
5.14 Joint Drafting. This Agreement is to be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties and no presumption will arise favoring or disfavoring either Party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement.
5.15 Notices. All notices, requests, consents, claims, demands, waivers and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (a) when delivered by hand (with written confirmation of receipt); (b) when received by the addressee if sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier (receipt requested); (c) on the date sent by facsimile or e-mail of a PDF document (with confirmation of transmission) if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and on the next Business Day if sent after normal business hours of the recipient; or (d) on the third business day after the date mailed, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid. Such communications must be sent to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section).
If to TAI: | Textron Aviation Inc. |
[*****] |
with a copy to: | Textron Aviation Inc. |
[*****] |
If to SAM: | Surf Air Mobility Inc. |
[*****] |
with a copy to: | Surf Air Mobility Inc. |
[*****] |
5.16 Further Assurances. Each Party covenants and agrees that, subsequent to execution and delivery of this Agreement and without any additional consideration, each Party shall execute and deliver any further legal instruments and perform any acts that are or may become reasonably necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Agreement.
5.17 Limitation of Liability. IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY FOR ANY LOSS OF USE, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR LOSS OF DATA OR DIMINUTION IN VALUE, OR FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES WHETHER ARISING OUT OF BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), OR OTHERWISE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGE WAS FORESEEABLE AND WHETHER OR NOT SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF ANY AGREED OR OTHER REMEDY OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.
5.18 Counterparts; Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and both together shall be deemed to be one and the same agreement. Counterpart signature pages to this Agreement transmitted by facsimile transmission, by electronic mail in “portable document format” (.pdf) form, or by any other electronic means intended to preserve the original graphic and pictorial appearance of a document will have the same effect as physical delivery of the paper document bearing an original signature. By signing below, the signatories to this Agreement verify they have full authority to bind and do hereby bind their respective Parties.
[Signatures on Next Page]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officers of the Parties hereto as of the date first written above.
TEXTRON AVIATION INC. | SURF AIR MOBILITY INC. | |||
By: | [*****] | By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | [*****] | Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | [*****] | Title: | CEO |
Signature Page to Amended & Restated Sales and Marketing Agreement
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Amended& Restated Sales and Marketing Agreement
Schedule A
Exclusivity Fees:
SAM shall pay to TAI Exclusivity Fees in an aggregate amount of $40,000,000 United States dollars, payable as follows:
i. | Deferred fees of $[*****] in respect of the first contract year following the Effective Date, and $[*****] in respect of each of the second and third contract years following the Effective Date, with deemed due dates of the first, second and third anniversary of the Effective Date, respectively. Each of these three fees is deferred as described in this Schedule A. |
The deferred fees shall be paid in four equal payments of $[*****], each due one day prior to the Effective Date anniversary of each of the first four (4) contract years beginning the earlier of (a) the contract year following the contract year in which the SAM STC Issuance Date (as defined in the DLA) occurs and (b) the fifth contract year.
ii. | Annual fees of $[*****] per year, each due one day prior to the Effective Date anniversary of each of the first four (4) contract years beginning the earlier of (a) the contract year following the contract year in which the SAM STC Issuance Date (as defined in the DLA) occurs and (b) the fifth contract year. |
SAM shall receive an aggregate credit toward either the License Fee (as defined in the DLA) or the Exclusivity Fee of $[*****] for each Qualifying Event, as defined below. Each credit may only be applied against one fee.
Such credit shall be applied (i) first, as an offset against SAM’s obligation to pay unpaid License Fees in such contract year, (ii) second, as an offset against SAM’s obligation to pay unpaid Exclusivity Fees in such contract year, and (iii) thereafter as an offset against the unpaid License Fees and then unpaid Exclusivity Fees in successive future contract years. No credit may be applied to License Fees or Exclusivity Fees that have previously been paid to TAI. For the avoidance of doubt, if all fees have been paid, no credit shall be applied or payable in cash.
“Qualifying Event” means (i) SAM’s firm order, accompanied by a deposit of at least $[*****] as specified in the applicable aircraft purchase agreement, for a new Caravan delivered with the SAM System (in excess of the 100 total Caravans contemplated by the APA), (ii) [*****] and (iii) [*****].
All Exclusivity Fees are non-refundable and fully earned when paid.
Except as provided in Section 2.6.2, no Exclusivity Fee, including deferred fees, shall be payable if the Exclusivity Period has been terminated prior to the applicable payment due date.
For example purposes only, assuming [*****] the Exclusivity Fee would be paid as follows:
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Exhibit 10.8
[*****] = Pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K, portions of this exhibit have been omitted as the registrant has determined that certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted because it is both (i) not material and (ii) the type of information that the company treats as private and confidential.
FIRST AMENDMENT TO
SALES AND MARKETING AGREEMENT
This FIRST Amendment to Amended and Restated SALES AND MARKETING agreement (this “Amendment”) is made and entered into as of May 24, 2023 (the “Amendment Date”), by and between Textron Aviation Inc. (“TAI”) and Surf Air Mobility Inc. (“SAM” and, together with TAI, each a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”) with reference to the following facts:
A. TAI and SAM are parties to that certain Amended and Restated Sales and Marketing Agreement dated as of September 27, 2022 (the “Original Agreement”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Original Agreement.
B. The Parties now wish to amend the Original Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Section 4.2.8 of the Original Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
“4.2.8 at the election of TAI, if the Effective Date does not occur on or prior to July 31, 2023.”
2. Except as expressly amended herein, the terms of the Original Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and the Original Agreement is hereby ratified and confirmed. In the event of a conflict between a provision of the Original Agreement and this Amendment, the provisions of this Amendment shall control.
3. This Amendment may be executed and delivered by facsimile, PDF or other electronic signature and in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[Signature page follows.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have duly executed this Amendment effective as of the Amendment Date.
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Sudhin Shahani | ||
Executive Chairman |
TEXTRON AVIATION INC. | ||
By: | ||
[*****] | ||
[*****] |
[Signature Page to First Amendment to Textron Aviation Surf Air Mobility Sales and Marketing Agreement]
Exhibit 10.9
Confidential
[*****] = Pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K, portions of this exhibit have been omitted as the registrant has determined that certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted because it is both (i) not material and (ii) the type of information that the company treats as private and confidential.
DATA LICENSE AGREEMENT
Between
TEXTRON AVIATION INC.
TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
And
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC.
For
CARAVAN 208B EX TECHNICAL DATA
THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made and entered into as of September 15, 2022, but effective as of the Effective Date (as defined below), by and between (i) Textron Aviation Inc. (“TAI”), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Kansas, U.S.A., whose registered address is at One Cessna Boulevard, Wichita, Kansas 67215 and Textron Innovations Inc. (“TII”), a Delaware corporation having its principal place of business at 40 Westminster Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903 (collectively “Licensor”), on the one hand, and (ii) Surf Air Mobility Inc. (“Licensee”), a Delaware corporation having its principal place of business at 12111 Crenshaw Boulevard, Hawthorne, CA 90250, on the other hand (each of whom may be referred to hereafter as a “Party” or collectively as the “Parties”). “Effective Date” means the first trading date of shares of common stock of Licensee or its affiliate on a United States national securities exchange (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may occur following a business combination with a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC).
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, Licensor is engaged in the business of designing, developing, manufacturing, and supporting the Cessna Model 20B Grand Caravan EX specified on Type Certificate A37CE (individually and collectively as the context permits, the “Caravan”), and has, over the years, acquired and developed substantial and valuable technical data, drawings, and specifications related to the Caravan described in Schedule A (the “Technical Information”);
WHEREAS, Licensee desires to develop and obtain Supplemental Type Certificates from the FAA, including any foreign validation by any other aviation authority, for electrified propulsion upfits/retrofits of an electric or hybrid-electric Caravan using the Technical Information (the “Licensed Use”) (such Supplemental Type Certificates, each a “SAM STC”) and desires a license to the Technical Information for such use;
WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, Licensee has entered into various agreements with TAI including but not limited to (i) an agreement for the purchase of 100 Caravan with an option to purchase an additional 50 Caravan (the “Aircraft Purchase Agreement” or “APA”); (ii) an agreement with TAI for collaboration and engineering services (the “Collaboration & Engineering Services Agreement” or “CESA”); and (iii) an agreement with TAI for sales and marketing (the “Sales and Marketing Agreement” and together with this Agreement, the CESA and the APA, the “Transaction Documents”); and
WHEREAS, Licensor is agreeable to providing Licensee a license to the Technical Information and allowing Licensee to utilize such Technical Information for the sole purpose of the Licensed Use subject to the terms and conditions contained herein.
NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual promises contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is acknowledged by the Parties, the Parties agree as follows:
1.0 | Definitions; Interpretation. |
1.1 | “Background Intellectual Property” shall mean only the specific Technical Information and all other Intellectual Property owned by or licensed to Licensor and licensed by Licensor to Licensee under this Agreement. |
1.2 | “Foreground Intellectual Property” shall mean any and all adaptations, modifications, derivative works, improvements, enhancements and revisions to the Background Intellectual Property. |
1.3 | “Intellectual Property” means all inventions, trade secrets, discoveries, improvements, patents and copyrights; all technical data, including, but not limited to drawings, specifications, process information, technical reports and all other documented information and the like as well as all computer software and related documentation. |
1.4 | “Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, governmental authority, unincorporated organization, trust, association, or other entity. |
1.5 | In this Agreement, except to the extent otherwise provided or that the context otherwise requires: (a) the headings or captions for this Agreement are for reference purposes only and do not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement; (b) whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they are deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (c) the definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms; (d) references to a Person are also to the Person’s successors and permitted assigns; and (e) references to agreements and laws are also to the same as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time. |
2.0 | Technical Information – License Granted. |
2.1 | License. Subject to such other qualifications, limitations, and restrictions as are contained in this Agreement, and subject to Licensee’s timely payment to Licensor of the License Fee (as defined below) when due, Licensor hereby grants to Licensee a limited, revocable (solely on the terms set forth herein), non-exclusive, non-transferable, worldwide, license to use the Technical Information, Background Intellectual Property and the Foreground Intellectual Property (collectively, “Licensed Information”) solely for the Licensed Use (the “License”). |
2.2 | Other Use. Licensee covenants and agrees that the Licensed Information will not be used for any purpose other than the Licensed Use, unless specifically agreed to by Licensor in a separate writing. |
2.3 | Aircraft Parts Manufacturing. This License does not grant the right to Licensee to reverse engineer parts or components. The License does not extend to, and the Licensed Information shall not be used for, the reverse engineering or manufacturing of parts or components. |
2.4 | Third Parties. Licensee shall have no right to authorize third parties to use the Licensed Information without prior approval by Licensor. |
2.5 | No Other Right to Technical Information, Licensor’s Know-how and Other Intellectual Property or Third-Party Intellectual Property. This Agreement conveys to Licensee no rights with respect to the Technical Information other than specifically set forth herein. Licensee acknowledges that Licensor is the owner of certain trademarks, trade dress, copyrights, patents, drawings, data, and other Intellectual Property rights that are not included in the Technical Information (“Other Property”). Licensee understands and agrees that it does not have authorization to use the Other Property in any manner whatsoever. Nor does this Agreement grant rights to Intellectual Property of any other party. Licensee must independently obtain any authorization, license or permission for use of third-party Intellectual Property used in conjunction with the Technical Information. Licensee’s indemnification, as provided herein, shall also cover any claims related to use of the third-party Intellectual Property. |
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2.6 | Licensor’s Use of Intellectual Property. This Agreement shall not be deemed to restrict or prohibit Licensor’s right to use, or to license others to use, the Technical Information for any purpose. |
2.7 | Disclosure by Licensee. To the extent that Licensee plans any disclosure, documentation, or transfer of any of the Licensed Information to a third party in performance of its work under the License, Licensee shall identify to Licensor such planned disclosure, documentation, or transfer for Licensor’s prior written approval, in its sole discretion, prior to Licensee undertaking such disclosure or committing to undertake such disclosure. Licensor may require such third party to enter into a separate license agreement with terms substantially consistent with this Agreement prior to such disclosure. |
2.8 | Ownership and Reverse Engineering. All Background Intellectual Property shall remain the sole and exclusive property of Licensor. Licensee shall not reverse engineer any Licensor Technical Information, part, or product. Licensee shall not reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble any Licensor software. |
3.0 | License Fees and STC License |
3.1 | License Fee. Licensee shall pay Licensor the license fees set forth in Schedule A (collectively, the “License Fee”). The License Initiation Fee set forth in Schedule A shall be deemed non- refundable and fully earned upon the Effective Date of this Agreement. Other License Fee components shall be deemed non-refundable and fully earned on the payment dates set forth in Schedule A. |
3.2 | Payment. Payment of the License Fee made hereunder shall be in United States currency and shall be remitted by wire transfer from Licensee’s account, including the Licensee’s name as the originator or “By order of” Licensor and issued to Licensor by wire transfer into the account identified below or other account as designated in writing by Licensor. Licensor reserves the right to reject any other form of payment. Licensee shall have no right to set off any money owed to Licensee by Licensor against any money owed by Licensee to Licensor hereunder. Licensor shall have the right to reject or accept payment-related transfers or requests without prejudice that do not comply with its then-existing finance and anti-money laundering policies. |
Please wire payment to:
[*****]
4.0 | SAM STCs. |
4.1 | SAM STCs License. Licensee hereby grants to Licensor a non-exclusive, irrevocable, perpetual, sub-licensable, non-transferable, fully paid-up license (the “SAM STC License”) to “in-draw” (as that term is used by the applicable domestic or foreign aviation authority) one or more SAM STCs into Licensor’s Type Certificate for the Caravan or otherwise install a SAM STC on a Caravan prior to the certificate of airworthiness being issued by an approved FAA process for the modification of new or used Caravans, and to market, produce, and sell such modified Caravans worldwide pursuant to such SAM STCs. The forgoing license grant includes the license of any necessary underlying Intellectual Property owned or later developed by SAM related to such SAM STCs (“SAM IP”). |
4.2 | Other Use. Licensor covenants and agrees that the SAM STCs and SAM IP will not be used for any purpose under the SAM STC License other than that set forth in Article 4.1, unless specifically agreed to by Licensee in a separate writing. |
4.3 | SAM Kit; No Reverse Engineering. Licensor acknowledges and agrees that any use of the SAM STCs and SAM IP to produce modified new or used Caravans pursuant to the SAM STC License will require the purchase of certain parts, components, materials, software, subassemblies, spares and services (collectively, the “SAM Kit”). The SAM STC License does not extend to, and the SAM STC License shall not be used for, the reverse engineering or manufacturing of parts or components of the SAM Kit. Furthermore, Licensor shall not reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble any Licensee software. |
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4.4 | Third Parties. Licensor shall have no right to authorize third parties to use the SAM STCs or the SAM IP pursuant to the SAM STC License without prior approval by Licensee. |
4.5 | Ownership and Protection of SAM STCs and SAM IP. Licensor acknowledges Licensee’s exclusive right, title and interest in and to the SAM STCs and the SAM IP, and shall not at any time during the Term (as defined below) or thereafter do or permit to be done any act or thing which impairs the rights of Licensee with respect to such SAM STCs and SAM IP. This Agreement conveys to Licensor no rights with respect to the SAM STCs and the SAM IP other than specifically set forth in this Article 4. In furtherance of the foregoing, Licensor agrees to implement reasonable precautions to protect the SAM STCs and SAM IP consistent with the undertakings of Licensee with respect to the Technical Information pursuant to Article 6.2 below. |
5.0 | Delivery of Technical Information, Additional Information, and Engineering Services. |
5.1 | No Additional Undertaking. Nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted or construed as requiring Licensor to: (a) provide Licensee with any technical information, engineering services, or engineering support beyond the Technical Information; or (b) authorize Licensee to utilize the Licensed Information for any purpose other than for the Licensed Use and consistent with the terms of this Agreement. In the event Licensee determines that additional technical information, engineering services or engineering support beyond the Technical Information is required for the Licensed Use, it may request such additional technical information, engineering services or engineering support from Licensor in accordance with Article 5.2 or 5.3. |
5.2 | Additional Technical Information. In the event Licensee shall require additional technical information beyond that which comprises the Technical Information (“Additional Technical Information”), Licensee shall request such Additional Technical Information from Licensor in writing using the form in Exhibit I. Licensor will review any Licensee requests for Additional Technical Information within a reasonable time. Licensor will advise Licensee if it is agreeable to providing the requested Additional Technical Information. Licensor reserves the right to charge Licensee for its time and expense to provide such Additional Technical Information, in addition to the license fees specified in Article 3, for any Additional Technical Information it agrees to provide to Licensee. All Additional Technical Information provided or delivered by Licensor under this Agreement shall be subject to all restrictions, limitations, and permitted uses as for the Technical Information originally provided under this Agreement. |
5.3 | Engineering Technical Assistance. If Licensee requires further engineering services or engineering support, the Parties may agree to provide for such services under a “SOW” as provided for by the CESA. |
6.0 | Ownership and Protection of Rights |
6.1 | Acknowledgment. Licensee acknowledges Licensor’s exclusive right, title, and interest in and to the Technical Information, and shall not at any time during the Term or thereafter do or permit to be done any act or thing which impairs the rights of Licensor with respect to such Technical Information. Licensee will never represent that it has any ownership in the Technical Information. |
6.2 | Reasonable Precautions by Licensee. Licensee recognizes that the Technical Information is the proprietary and confidential property of Licensor. Accordingly, Licensee shall not, without the prior express written consent of Licensor, during the Term or after expiration of this Agreement, disclose or reveal to any third party, except to authorized sublicensees, or utilize for its own benefit other than pursuant to this Agreement, any Technical Information provided by Licensor. Licensee further agrees to take all reasonable and specific precautions to preserve the confidentiality of the Technical Information, including but not limited to prohibiting access to Licensor’s Technical Information against both unauthorized employees and outside visitors, signing confidentiality and non-compete agreements with authorized employees, limiting access to documents, computers, and other information media which carry Licensor’s Technical Information. Licensee shall assume responsibility that its employees, and/or assignees will similarly preserve this information against third parties. Licensee shall, prior to or concurrent with employees receiving access to Technical Information, advise such employees of their strict obligations under this Agreement and shall take necessary steps to make sure the Technical Information is securely maintained. Technical Information shall not be copied, reproduced, distributed, summarized or incorporated into compilations, derivatives, or other documents by Licensee except as may be reasonably required by Licensee for the Licensed Use and as otherwise provided herein including access by sublicensees and wherein in all cases such information shall be similarly secured as required in this Article. The provisions of this clause shall survive termination of this Agreement. |
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6.3 | Confidentiality. It is anticipated that each Party (“Receiving Party”) will obtain or has obtained information about the other Party’s business and technology beyond the Technical Information that the other Party (“Disclosing Party”) considers to be confidential. Each Party agrees to maintain the information that it receives from the other Party in confidence and not disclose it to any third party. This obligation of confidentiality, however, shall not apply to information which: |
(a) | is known to the public at the time of its disclosure, or becomes known to the public after the disclosure through no fault of the Receiving Party; |
(b) | the Receiving Party can show was in its possession after the time of the disclosure, from a third party not under an obligation of confidentiality to the Disclosing Party; |
(c) | the Receiving Party can show was developed by, or for, the Receiving Party independent of the disclosure by the Disclosing Party; or |
(d) | is required to be disclosed by law; provided that the Receiving Party must (i) promptly notify the Disclosing Party in writing; (ii) cooperate with the Disclosing Party in seeking a protective order or other appropriate remedy; (iii) furnish only the legally required portion of the information; and (iv) use its best efforts to obtain confidential treatment of the information. |
6.4 | Confidentiality of Agreement Terms and Conditions; Disclosure. Each party agrees to maintain in strict confidence the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement. Such terms and conditions may only be disclosed to those persons within Licensor’s and Licensee’s organizations who “need to know” such information in the performance of their work responsibilities on behalf of their employer. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing Sections 6.3 or 6.4, Licensee shall not publicly disclose any of the Transaction Documents or information relating thereto except in the circumstances described in this paragraph. In the event that Licensee determines upon the advice of counsel that it is required by law or applicable regulations to disclose (each instance, a “Disclosure”) through filings with the SEC or disclosure to investors of any of the Transaction Documents or any information related thereto, Licensee shall (i) consult with TAI to mutually agree upon the scope and substance of the required Disclosure; provided, however, that if Licensee and TAI are unable to mutually agree on such scope and substance, Licensee’s reasonable determination (based upon the written advice of counsel) shall control, and (ii) deliver to TAI a copy of the applicable Disclosure and notice of the date for making such Disclosure (the “Disclosure Date”) and use reasonable best efforts to deliver such copy of the Disclosure at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the Disclosure Date. Licensee shall modify such Disclosure based upon the commercially reasonable comments of TAI and address any comments provided by TAI to TAI’s reasonable satisfaction (provided such comments are delivered to Licensee no later than two (2) Business Days prior to the Disclosure Date), , including by making any commercially reasonable requests for confidential treatment or redactions to copies of the Transactions Documents required to be included as an exhibit to an SEC filing, provided that, in the reasonable opinion of Licensee (upon the written advice of counsel), any such requests would not violate applicable laws or regulations with respect to the Disclosure. In addition, Licensee shall promptly provide to TAI copies of any correspondence from a governmental authority in respect of a Disclosure and shall cooperate in good faith with TAI in responding to such correspondence and amending the Disclosure, to the extent necessary.
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7.0 | Technical Information – Availability. |
7.1 | Technical Information made available to Licensee by Licensor pursuant to this Agreement shall be provided on an “as is” basis. Nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted or construed as requiring Licensor to develop, at Licensee’s request, additional Technical Information or to revise, modify, translate, or interpret the existing Technical Information. |
7.2 | Licensee shall address each request for Technical Information to the Licensor technical point of contact, at the address specified in Section 14.1 or as otherwise directed by Licensor in writing. |
8.0 | Restrictive Markings. |
8.1 | Technical Information subject to this Agreement may contain markings identifying such as proprietary to Licensor or as being subject to U.S. export control laws. Licensee shall not alter or remove any such restrictive markings. Any copies of the Technical Information authorized by this Agreement to be reproduced by Licensee shall contain identical restrictive markings. Any compilations or incorporation of the Technical Information in part or in whole into documents created by Licensee shall likewise carry identical restrictive markings. The Technical Information furnished by this Agreement will be marked with and also becomes subject to the following wording: “These commodities, technology, or software are controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”). Export or diversion contrary to U.S. law is prohibited.” |
8.2 | The Parties shall not disclose any Technical Information furnished hereunder and Licensee shall make no sales of products using the Technical Information in any manner contrary to the laws and regulations of the USA or any applicable foreign export laws and regulations. The information that the Parties may wish to disclose pursuant to this Agreement and any export of the Technical Information may be subject to the provisions of the U.S. Export Administration Act of 1979 (50 USC 2401-2410), the U.S. Export Administration Regulations promulgated thereunder (15 CFR 768-799), the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (22 CFR 120-130), the regulations of the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The Parties acknowledge that these statutes and regulations impose restrictions on export, import, and transfer to third countries and persons and entities of certain categories of data and articles, and that licenses and/or registrations from the US Department of State and/or the US Department of Commerce and/or the US Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control may be required before such data and articles can be disclosed or sold or exported hereunder or pursuant hereto, and that such licenses may impose further restrictions on use and further disclosure or export or use of such data and articles. Disclosure or export of such data and articles to foreign persons is subject to the above regulations regardless if the export occurs in the USA or abroad. Licensee agrees to comply with all applicable USA governmental regulations as they relate to the export, import and re-export of data, articles and the subject matter hereof. Prior to any transfer of Licensor data, Licensee shall ensure that all necessary authorizations are obtained and that all the goods and documentation to be exported or delivered that are controlled under USA export laws and regulations are accompanied by the required USA government authorizations. Licensee shall indemnify Licensor for all liabilities, penalties, losses, damages, costs, or expenses that may be imposed on or incurred by Licensor in connection with any violations of export control laws and regulations by Licensee. |
9.0 | Indemnification |
9.1 | Licensor agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Licensee and its Affiliates (as defined below), and its and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents, from and against any costs, expenses, damages, or liability, including without limitation costs of defense and attorneys fees (collectively, “Losses”) that Licensee may incur as a result of any suit, claim, or proceeding (each a “Claim” and collectively, “Claims”) (a) alleging that the Technical Information provided or used under this Agreement violates or infringes any third-party patent, copyright, trademark or (b) resulting from Licensor’s failure to perform this Agreement or breach of this Agreement. |
9.2 | Licensee agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Licensor and its Affiliates (as defined below), and its and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and successors from and against any Losses that Licensor may incur resulting from (a) Licensee’s use of the Technical Information or (b) Licensee’s failure to perform this Agreement or any breach of this Agreement. |
9.3 | The Parties agree to give each other prompt notice of any such Claim as soon as they receive information thereof; to tender to the indemnifying Party the defense and handling of any such Claim, including the right at the indemnifying Party’s sole discretion to settle or compromise such Claim at the indemnifying Party’s sole expense provided that in no such case shall any settlement or compromise require entry of judgement against and/or admission of liability by the indemnified Party without consent; and to cooperate with the indemnifying Party in the defense of every such Claim. The Parties agree to keep each other informed of significant developments in such actions. |
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10.0 | Injunctive Relief/Damages |
10.1 | Injunctive Relief. It is expressly agreed that each Party may suffer irreparable harm from a breach by the other Party of any of its covenants contained in this Agreement, and that remedies other than injunctive relief cannot fully compensate or adequately protect such Party for such a violation. Therefore, without limiting the right of each Party to pursue all other legal and equitable remedies available for violation of this Agreement, in the event of actual or threatened breach by the other Party of any of the provisions of this Agreement, each Party consents that the other Party shall be entitled to seek injunctive or other relief in order to enforce or prevent any such violation or continuing violation thereof. Each Party acknowledges and agrees that the provisions of this paragraph are reasonably necessary and commensurate with the need to protect the other Party against irreparable harm and to protect its legitimate and proprietary business interests and property. |
10.2 | Damages. Neither Party shall be liable for special, indirect, incidental, punitive, consequential or any similar damages (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption or any other loss), whether or not caused by or resulting from the negligence of such Party, even if such Party has been advised of the possibility of such damages. |
11.0 | Insurance |
11.1 | Insurance. Licensee shall acquire and maintain at its sole cost and expense, including any deductibles or self-insured retentions, throughout the Term and for a period of five (5) years following the termination or expiration of this Agreement, the following insurance coverages: |
(a) Comprehensive General Liability insurance in the amount of [*****] per occurrence and [*****] in aggregate;
(b) Aviation Products Liability insurance for a Combined Single Limit (Bodily and Property Damage) in the amount of [*****], whichever is greater (as to this particular coverage only, it is not required until the activities utilizing the Technical Information include any high speed taxi or flight test activities, in which case such coverage shall be bound no later than sixty (60) days prior to such activities occurring);
(c) Property Insurance against loss of or damage to any materials or tools in an amount equivalent to replacement cost value of the material and/or tools in the event the aforesaid materials and tools are owned by or furnished by Licensor and supplied to Licensee; and
(d) Workers Compensation Insurance with statutory limits as required in the state(s) of operation and providing coverage for any employee entering onto Licensor premises, even if not required by statute. Employer’s Liability or “Stop Gap” insurance with limits of not less than [*****] each accident, each person and each disease.
For sake of clarity of expectations, should at some point in the future the Parties enter into a long- term supply agreement the insurance limits set forth above shall be increased and/or adjusted to be comparable to TAI’s then current insurance requirements for suppliers of similar type systems.
Insurance policies shall (i) include Licensor and its respective directors, officers, employees and agents as additional insured parties; (ii) contain an endorsement which requires that thirty (30) days written notice be given to Licensor prior to any material change, cancellation, nonrenewal, or material change of the policy; and (iii) provide adequate protection for Licensee, Licensor, and their respective officers, employees, and agents against the Claims, demands, causes of action or damages, including attorney’s fees, for liability hereunder, regardless of when such Claims are made or when underlying injuries occur or manifest themselves. Insurance policies shall not contain crossclaim, cross-suit, or other such exclusion clauses which would preclude additional insured parties from instituting causes of action against other insureds under the policy or which would otherwise limit coverage of additional insureds. In the event Licensee’s insurance is canceled or not renewed and replacement insurance is not obtained prior to the effective date of such cancellation or nonrenewal, Licensor shall have the right to procure such coverage and charge the expenses incurred to Licensee. Upon request, Licensee shall furnish a copy of the insurance policy to Licensor. Failure to maintain this coverage shall be considered a material breach of this Agreement.
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11.2 | Certificate of Insurance. Prior to the delivery of any Technical Information under this Agreement, original signed certificates issued by Licensee’s insurance company or insurance broker evidencing the insurance required above shall be provided to TAI at the following address: |
[*****]
Such certificates shall set forth, minimally, the amount of insurance, the additional insured endorsement, the policy number, the date of expiration, and an endorsement that the TAI shall receive thirty (30) days written notice prior to termination, reduction or material modification of the coverage. Certificates shall be furnished to TAI upon renewal of insurance. In the event Licensee has not provided its certificate of insurance as required herein, TAI shall have the right to procure such coverage and charge the expense incurred, plus any applicable deductibles or self-insured retentions applied to a claim, to Licensee. Failure to maintain the required insurance or to provide a certificate of insurance that complies with this provision shall be considered a material breach of this Agreement.
12.0 | Termination and Expiration |
12.1 | The term of this Agreement (the “Term”), and the license granted under Section 2.1, shall commence as of the Effective Date and continue for the useful life of the SAM STCs (which shall in no event extend beyond any surrender of the SAM STC) unless sooner terminated under operation of law or in accordance with the terms and conditions herein. |
12.2 | Licensor’s Immediate Right of Termination. Unless otherwise provided herein, Licensor shall have the right to terminate this Agreement and the license hereby granted upon written notice to Licensee upon the occurrence of any of the following events: |
(a) upon the commencement of a voluntary or involuntary case or other proceeding by or against Licensee seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, which in the case of an involuntary proceeding is not stayed or lifted within thirty (30) days; the application for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, liquidator or custodian by Licensee for itself or of all or a substantial part of its property; the making by Licensee of a general assignment for the benefit of any of its creditors; or the taking by Licensee of any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;
(b) Licensee breaches the Confidentiality obligations as provided in Article 6 and does not cure the breach, or take diligent actions to commence curing the breach, within thirty (30) days of written notice by Licensor;
(c) Licensee fails to indemnify Licensor and its Affiliates, and its and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents, as required by Article 9 of this Agreement;
(d) Licensee undergoes a Change of Control, as defined in the CESA;
(e) The APA is terminated prior to the delivery of the one-hundredth (100th) Caravan thereunder, except in the event that TAI announces its intention to discontinue production of new Caravans or ceases production of new Caravans prior to delivery of the one-hundredth (100th) Caravan pursuant to the APA;
(f) Licensee fails to pay any part of the License Fee when due, and such failure to pay is not cured by Licensee within fifteen (15) days of written notice from Licensor to Licensee; or
(g) if the Effective Date does not occur on or prior to March 31, 2023.
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12.3 | Licensee’s Immediate Right of Termination. Unless otherwise provided herein, Licensee shall have the right to terminate this Agreement and the license hereby granted upon written notice to Licensor upon the occurrence of any of the following events: |
(a) upon the commencement of a voluntary or involuntary case or other proceeding by or against Licensor seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, which in the case of an involuntary proceeding is not stayed or lifted within thirty (30) days; the application for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, liquidator or custodian by Licensee for itself or of all or a substantial part of its property; the making by Licensor of a general assignment for the benefit of any of its creditors; or the taking by Licensor of any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;
(b) Licensor breaches any of the conditions or provisions of this Agreement and fails to cure within sixty (60) days after receiving written notice from Licensee or fails to take reasonable steps to cure the violation within sixty (60) days after receiving written notice from Licensee;
(c) Licensor fails to indemnify Licensee and its Affiliates, and its and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents, as required by Article 9 of this Agreement; or
(d) if Licensor terminates the Exclusivity Period, as defined in the Sales and Marketing Agreement.
12.4 | Licensee’s Right of Discretionary Termination. Licensee shall have the right to terminate this Agreement and the license hereby granted in its sole discretion upon written notice to Licensor and payment in full of all License Fees otherwise payable within nine (9) months following the date of such notice. |
12.5 | Duties Upon Expiration/Termination. Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, Licensee shall immediately discontinue use of the Licensed Information. Upon Licensor’s written request, Licensee shall return the Technical Information, documents and any other tangible or electronically recorded manifestations containing Licensed Information and other documents and any other tangible or electronically recorded manifestations that include or are derivative works of the Technical Information to Licensor and Licensee shall make no further use of the Licensed Information whatsoever; provided that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Licensee shall retain all ownership rights in, including the right to license third parties to use, the SAM STCs and SAM IP. As an alternative Licensor may require Licensee to destroy all copies of the Licensed Information in the possession of Licensee and provide Licensor with a certificate evidencing such destruction signed by an appropriate corporate officer. The limitations and restrictions on the use and disclosure of Licensed Information created by this Agreement shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement. |
12.6 | The following shall survive the termination of this Agreement: |
(a) any obligation accruing prior to such expiration or termination including the payment of license fees or other fees due;
(b) any cause of action or claim of Licensor or Licensee, accrued or to accrue, because of any breach or default by the other party; and
(c) provisions of Articles 2.2, 2.3, 2.8, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.5 and 14.9.
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13.0 | Representations, Warranties and Disclaimer. |
13.1 | Each Party represents and warrants that it has all the rights, power and authority to enter into this Agreement. Each Party represents and warrants that it owns, controls, or has previously been granted the necessary rights in and to any Intellectual Property which enables it to grant to the other the rights granted herein. |
13.2 | EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES CONTAINED HEREIN AND SUBJECT TO ARTICLE 13.1, NO WARRANTY, GUARANTEE, OR REPRESENTATION WITH RESPECT TO THE TECHNICAL INFORMATION OR ITS SUITABILITY FOR THE PURPOSES CONTEMPLATED BY LICENSEE IS MADE BY LICENSOR. LICENSEE SHALL RELY SOLELY ON ITS OWN EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE IN DETERMINING WHETHER THE TECHNICAL INFORMATION IS SUITABLE AND SUFFICIENT FOR LICENSEE’S INTENDED PURPOSES. EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES CONTAINED HEREIN AND TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, LICENSOR DISCLAIMS, AND LICENSEE WAIVES, ALL WARRANTIES PERTAINING TO THE TECHNICAL INFORMATION WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND WHETHER OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR OTHERWISE. |
13.3 | Brokers. Each Party hereby represents and warrants to the other that it has not employed or dealt with any broker or finder in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. |
14.0 | Miscellaneous |
14.1 | Notices, Statements, and Payments. All notices, requests, consents, claims, demands, waivers and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (a) when delivered by hand (with written confirmation of receipt); (b) when received by the addressee if sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier (receipt requested); (c) on the date sent by facsimile or e-mail of a PDF document (with confirmation of transmission) if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and on the next Business Day if sent after normal business hours of the recipient; or (d) on the third business day after the date mailed, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid. Such communications must be sent to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section). |
If to the Licensor: | Textron Aviation Inc. | |
[*****] | ||
with copies to: | Textron Aviation Inc. | |
[*****] | ||
If to SAM: | Surf Air Mobility Inc. | |
[*****] | ||
with a copy to: | Surf Air Mobility Inc. | |
[*****] |
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14.2 | Independent Contractors. Licensee shall not state or imply, directly or indirectly, that Licensee or its activities, other than those provided herein, are supported, endorsed or sponsored by Licensor. It is understood that the relationship between the Parties shall be that of independent contractors; that this agreement shall not be construed to create a partnership or joint venture; and that neither Party shall have any right or power to obligate, bind, or commit the other to any expense, liability, or matter other than as expressly provided and authorized in this Agreement, and that the officers, employees, and agents or other representatives of one Party shall not be deemed expressly or impliedly the employees, partners, joint ventures or agents of the other. |
14.3 | Assignment. Neither Party shall assign, transfer, delegate or subcontract any of its rights or delegate any of its obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Party, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided that (i) either Party may, without the prior written consent of the other Party, assign this Agreement and its rights hereunder to one or more of its Affiliates, or a successor in interest to such Party by name change or otherwise, and (ii) each of TAI and TII may assign any of its rights or delegate any of its obligations to any person acquiring all or substantially all of TAI’s or TII’s assets without Licensee’s consent. Any purported assignment or delegation in violation of this Section 14.3 shall be null and void. No assignment or delegation shall relieve either Party of any of its obligations under this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, “Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person, where control may be by either management authority, contract or equity interest. As used in this definition, “control” and correlative terms mean the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. |
14.4 | Election of Remedies. The remedies provided herein are not exclusive of any other lawful remedies that may be available, and a Party’s election of a remedy shall not constitute an exclusive election of remedies. |
14.5 | Further Assurances and Cooperation. Each Party agrees to execute and deliver to the other Party such other instruments, documents, and statements, including without limitation, instruments and documents of recordation, assignment, transfer, conveyance, and clarification and take such other action as may be reasonably necessary or convenient in the discretion of the requesting Party to carry out more effectively the purposes of this Agreement. Unless otherwise provided, no consent or approval provided for in this Agreement may be unreasonably withheld or delayed. |
14.6 | Force Majeure. Neither Party shall be deemed in default or otherwise liable hereunder due to its inability to perform (except for any obligations of Licensee to pay Licensor hereunder) by reason of any act of God, fire, earthquake, flood, epidemic, pandemic, quarantine, accident, explosion, casualty, strike, lockout, slowdown, labor controversy or other industrial disturbances, riot, civil disturbance, act of public enemy, embargo, war, any municipal, county, state, national or international ordinance or law, any executive, administrative, judicial or similar order (which order is not the result of any act or omission to act which would constitute a default under this Agreement), government action or inaction, delay in supplier deliveries, any failure or delay of any transportation, power, or other essential thing required, or similar causes beyond the Party’s control. In such case, the Party affected by the force majeure shall notify the other Party of its inability to perform. Any delay in performance shall be no greater than the event of force majeure causing the delay. |
14.7 | Governing Law/Forum. The Parties agree this Agreement will be deemed made and entered into and will be performed wholly within the State of Kansas and any dispute arising under, out of or related in any way to this Agreement, the legal relationship between Licensor and Licensee or the transaction that is the subject matter of this Agreement (collectively “Dispute”) will be governed and construed under the laws of the State of Kansas, USA, exclusive of conflicts of laws. Any Dispute will be adjudicated solely and exclusively in the United States District Court for the State of Kansas, in Wichita, Kansas or, if that court lacks jurisdiction, Kansas state courts of the 18th Judicial District. Each of the Parties (i) consent to the exclusive, personal jurisdiction of these courts and, by signing this Agreement, waive any objection to venue of these Kansas courts and (ii) agree that final judgment brought in these courts will be conclusive and binding upon the parties and may be enforced in any other courts with jurisdiction over the parties. |
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14.8 | Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY THAT MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT INCLUDING EXHIBITS, SCHEDULES, ATTACHMENTS, AND APPENDICES ATTACHED TO THIS AGREEMENT, IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES AND, THEREFORE, EACH SUCH PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LEGAL ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING ANY EXHIBITS, SCHEDULES, ATTACHMENTS OR APPENDICES ATTACHED TO THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. |
14.9 | Entire Agreement. This Agreement and any attached schedules and exhibits constitute the entire agreement between the Parties pertaining to the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, representations, communications and understandings of the Parties. Each of the Parties acknowledges that no other party, nor any agent or attorney of any other party, has made any promise, representation, or warranty whatsoever, express or implied, and not contained herein, concerning the subject matter hereof to induce the Party to execute or authorize the execution of this Agreement, and acknowledges that the Party has not executed or authorized the execution of this instrument in reliance upon any such promise, representation, or warranty not contained herein. For the avoidance of doubt, each of the Transaction Documents govern as to their respective subject matter independently, and without integration. |
14.10 | Survival of Rights and Obligations. Termination or expiration of this Agreement shall not impair any rights or obligations of Licensor and Licensee, including but not limited to payments, statements of account, compliance review, disposition of inventory, maintenance of insurance, warranties, and indemnification. |
14.11 | Joint Drafting. This Agreement is to be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties and no presumption will arise favoring or disfavoring either Party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement. |
14.12 | Amendment. No modification to this Agreement will be effective unless in writing as an amendment to this Agreement, which specifically references this Agreement, and is signed by both Parties. |
14.13 | Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is binding on and inures to the benefit of the Parties to this Agreement and their respective permitted successors and permitted assigns. |
14.14 | No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement benefits solely the Parties to this Agreement and their respective permitted successors and assigns and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, confers on any other Person any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement. |
14.15 | Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable, and if any provision of this Agreement shall be held or declared to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision hereof or the interpretation and effect of the Agreement as to any other jurisdiction, and the remainder of the Agreement, disregarding such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision, shall continue in full force and effect as though such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision had not been contained herein. |
14.16 | Waiver. No waiver by any Party of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and signed by the Party so waiving. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, no failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege arising from this Agreement shall operate or be construed as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. No waiver shall constitute a continuing waiver. |
14.17 | Counterparts; Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and both together shall be deemed to be one and the same agreement. Counterpart signature pages to this Agreement transmitted by facsimile transmission, by electronic mail in “portable document format” (.pdf) form, or by any other electronic means intended to preserve the original graphic and pictorial appearance of a document will have the same effect as physical delivery of the paper document bearing an original signature. By signing below, the signatories to this Agreement verify they have full authority to bind and do hereby bind their respective Parties. |
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the following signatures represent that the Parties have read this Agreement in its entirety, including the incorporated and attached Schedules, and by their execution below have agreed to all of its terms and conditions.
Textron Aviation Inc. | Surf Air Mobility Inc. | |||
By: | [*****] | By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | [*****] | Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | [*****] | Title: | CEO |
Textron Innovations Inc. | ||
By: | [*****] | |
Name: | [*****] | |
Title: | [*****] |
Signature Page to Data License Agreement
Data License Agreement
Schedule A
Aircraft: The following Caravan is covered under this Agreement: Cessna Model 208B Grand Caravan EX, Type Certificate A37CE
Technical Information: Technical Information shall consist of the following:
1. | Documents including propulsion and fuel system interface parameters. |
2. | Wiring diagrams and electrical system documents as it pertains the generator interfaces with aircraft electrical buses. |
3. | Propulsion fault analysis related documents. |
4. | Structural substantiation documentation for fuselage, engine mount, and landing gear. External loads documents for the aircraft. |
5. | Weight and balance data. Documents outlining component mass properties. |
6. | Aeroelastic stability and ground vibration test documentation. |
7. | Environmental control system interface documents |
8. | [*****] |
9. | Cockpit, fuselage, and landing gear drawings. Fuselage systems routing drawings. |
10. | [*****] |
Requests for specific additional Technical Information shall use the form attached in Exhibit I.
License Fees:
License Initiation Fee:
Licensee shall pay to Licensor a License Initiation Fee of $[*****] United States dollars. The License Initiation Fee shall be due within 10 days of the Effective Date and the terms of the license grant are contingent upon payment in full.
License Sustaining Fees:
Licensee shall pay to Licensor a Sustaining License Fee of [*****] United States dollars in respect of the License, which shall be payable by Licensee during from the period commencing upon issuance of a SAM STC (the “SAM STC Issuance Date”) and continuing through the eighth anniversary thereof (the “License Payment Period”), as follows:
(a) | Subject to subclause (b) below, Licensee shall pay to Licensor the following License Fees during the License Payment Period. |
Fee Amount | Payment Date | |
[*****] | [*****] | |
[*****] | [*****] | |
[*****] | [*****] | |
[*****] | [*****] | |
[*****] | [*****] | |
[*****] | [*****] | |
[*****] | [*****] | |
[*****] | [*****] |
(b) | Licensee shall receive an aggregate credit toward either the License Fee or the Exclusivity Fee (as defined in the Sales and Marketing Agreement) of [*****] for each Qualifying Event, as defined below. Each credit may only be applied against one fee. |
Such credit shall be applied (i) first, as an offset against Licensee’s obligation to pay unpaid License Fees in such contract year, (ii) second, as an offset against Licensee’s obligation to pay unpaid Exclusivity Fees in such contract year, and (iii) thereafter as an offset against the unpaid License Fees and then unpaid Exclusivity Fees in successive future contract years. No credit may be applied to License Fees or Exclusivity Fees that have previously been paid to Licensor. For the avoidance of doubt, if all fees have been paid, no credit shall be applied or payable in cash.
“Qualifying Event” means (i) Licensee’s firm order, accompanied by a deposit of at least [*****] as specified in the applicable aircraft purchase agreement, for a new Caravan delivered with Licensee’s electrified propulsion system (in excess of the 100 total Caravans contemplated by the APA), (ii) any firm order by a third party, accompanied by a deposit of at least [*****] and which is reflected in TAI’s order backlog in accordance with its standard accounting practices, for a new Caravan delivered with Licensee’s electrified propulsion system, and (iii) TAI’s sale of a new Caravan to Licensee or a third party, which is inducted into service at a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility for conversion to Licensee’s electrified propulsion system pursuant to a SAM STC within 90 days of the later of (x) its delivery and (y) if such intended conversion is identified by Licensee at the time of the underlying aircraft sale, the SAM STC Issuance Date (in each case, measured at the time it is inducted for such conversion).
Exhibit I
Engineering Data Request Form
Request Number:
Requestor:
Prime Contract:
Purchase Order:
Aircraft Model:
Aircraft Serial Number(s):
Requested Drawing Number:
Brief Description of the Need and Intended Use:
Notes:
Date:
Exhibit 10.10
[*****] = Pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K, portions of this exhibit have been omitted as the registrant has determined that certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted because it is both (i) not material and (ii) the type of information that the company treats as private and confidential.
FIRST AMENDMENT TO
DATA LICENSE AGREEMENT
This FIRST Amendment to DATA LICENSE agreement (this “Amendment”) is made and entered into as of May 24, 2023 (the “Amendment Date”), by and between Textron Aviation Inc. (“TAI”) and Textron Innovations Inc. (“TII” and, together with TAI, “Licensor”), on the one hand, and Surf Air Mobility Inc. (“Licensee” and, together with Licensor, each a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”), on the other hand, with reference to the following facts:
A. Licensor and Licensee are parties to that certain Data License Agreement dated as of September 15, 2022 (the “Original Agreement”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Original Agreement.
B. The Parties now wish to amend the Original Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Section 12.2(g) of the Original Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
“(g) if the Effective Date does not occur on or prior to July 31, 2023.”
2. Except as expressly amended herein, the terms of the Original Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and the Original Agreement is hereby ratified and confirmed. In the event of a conflict between a provision of the Original Agreement and this Amendment, the provisions of this Amendment shall control.
3. This Amendment may be executed and delivered by facsimile, PDF or other electronic signature and in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[Signature page follows.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have duly executed this Amendment effective as of the Amendment Date.
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Sudhin Shahani | ||
Executive Chairman |
TEXTRON AVIATION INC. | ||
By: | ||
[*****] | ||
[*****] |
TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC. | ||
By: | ||
[*****] | ||
[*****] |
[Signature Page to First Amendment to Textron Surf Air Mobility Data License Agreement]
Exhibit 10.11
Exhibit 10.12
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
PILOT PATHWAY AGREEMENT
This Amendment No. 1 to Pilot Pathway Agreement (this “Amendment”) is dated as of October 1, 2020 (the “Amendment Effective Date”), between Southern Airways Corporation, a Delaware corporation (together with its successors and permitted assigns, “SAC”) and SkyWest Airlines, Inc., a Utah corporation (together with its successors and permitted assigns, “SkyWest”). Collectively, SAC and SkyWest shall be referred to as “Parties” or individually as a “Party” where the context so requires.
WHEREAS, the Parties entered into that certain Pilot Pathway Agreement dated as of July 17, 2019 to facilitate the recruitment of pilots of Southern Airways Express, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of SAC (“SAE”), for employment at SkyWest (such agreement, as amended, supplement or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Program Agreement”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Program Agreement.
WHEREAS, one aspect of the Program Agreement related to certain payment and reimbursement obligations for each of SAC and SkyWest.
WHEREAS, due to the current COVID pandemic, the Parties desire to amend the Program Agreement with respect to certain payment and reimbursement obligations.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the Parties hereto agree to amend the Program Agreement, effective as of the Amendment Effective Date, as follows:
SECTION 1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning set forth in the Program Agreement.
SECTION 2. Amendments.
2.01 Southern Airway Express, LLC. Any references in the Reimbursement Agreement (SAE) or the Reimbursement Agreement (SkyWest) to “Southern Airways Pacific, LLC” and “SAP” is incorrect and was intended to reference SAE. Accordingly, all references to “Southern Airways Pacific, LLC” and “SAP” shall be amended to reference Southern Airways Express, LLC and SAE.
2.02 Reimbursement Agreements. From and after the Amendment Effective Date, and until the Parties otherwise mutually agree, (i) SkyWest will not be obligated as part of the Program Agreement to enter into one or more Reimbursement Agreement (SkyWest) with any pilot of SAE and (ii) SAC will not be obligated as part of the Program Agreement to enter into one or more Reimbursement Agreement (SAE) with any pilot of SAE.
2.03 Reimbursement of SAC. With respect to all periods from and after September 1, 2020, and until the Parties otherwise mutually agree, SkyWest will have no obligation to make payment to Southern pursuant to Section 3 of the Program Agreement. The Parties agree that the only obligations to make payments as of the date hereof are as set forth on Schedule 1 attached hereto; provided that the Parties will work together in good faith to update Schedule 1 to include any additional payment obligations for which SAE can provide a written agreement between the student and SAE evidencing the existence of such obligation prior to the date hereof. The Parties further agree that other than the Program Agreement, there are no other agreements pursuant to which SkyWest has a payment obligation with respect to any pilot pathway programs.
SECTION 3. Effect. Except as amended and modified hereby, any and all of the terms and provisions of the Program Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and are hereby in all respects ratified and confirmed by the Parties.
SECTION 4. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, none of which need contain the signatures of all Parties, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which taken together constitute one and the same instrument. It shall not be necessary in making proof of this Amendment to produce or account for more than the number of counterparts containing the respective signatures of, or on behalf of, all of the Parties hereto.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank; Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, SAC and SkyWest have executed this Amendment as of the date first set forth above.
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION | |||
By: | /s/ R. Stan Little, Jr. | ||
Name: | R. Stan Little, Jr. | ||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer | ||
SKYWEST AIRLINES, INC. | |||
By: | /s/ Wade Steel | ||
Name: | Wade Steel | ||
Title: | Chief Commercial Officer |
Exhibit 10.13
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO
PILOT PATHWAY AGREEMENT
This Amendment No. 2 to Pilot Pathway Agreement (this “Amendment”) is dated as of March 1, 2022 (the “Amendment Effective Date”), between Southern Airways Corporation, a Delaware corporation (together with its successors and permitted assigns, “SAC”) and SkyWest Airlines, Inc., a Utah corporation (together with its successors and permitted assigns, “SkyWest”). Collectively, SAC and SkyWest shall be referred to as “Parties” or individually as a “Party” where the context so requires.
WHEREAS, the Parties entered into that certain Pilot Pathway Agreement dated as of July 17, 2019 to facilitate the recruitment of pilots of Southern Airways Express, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of SAC (“SAE”), for employment at SkyWest (such agreement, as amended, supplement or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Program Agreement”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Program Agreement.
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to amend the form of the Reimbursement Agreement (SAE) to take into account the additional hours of pilot in command with respect to the PC-12 aircraft.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the Parties hereto agree to amend the Program Agreement, effective as of the Amendment Effective Date, as follows:
SECTION 1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning set forth in the Program Agreement.
SECTION 2. Reimbursement Agreement (SAE). From and after the Amendment Effective Date, the Reimbursement Agreement (SAE) will be as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto.
SECTION 3. Effect. Except as amended and modified hereby, any and all of the terms and provisions of the Program Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and are hereby in all respects ratified and confirmed by the Parties.
SECTION 4. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, none of which need contain the signatures of all Parties, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which taken together constitute one and the same instrument. It shall not be necessary in making proof of this Amendment to produce or account for more than the number of counterparts containing the respective signatures of, or on behalf of, all of the Parties hereto.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank; Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, SAC and SkyWest have executed this Amendment as of the date first set forth above.
SOUTHERN AIRWAYS CORPORATION | |||
By: | /s/ R. Stan Little, Jr. | ||
Name: | R. Stan Little, Jr. | ||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
SKYWEST AIRLINES, INC. | |||
By: | /s/ Wade Steel | ||
Name: | Wade Steel | ||
Title: | Chief Commercial Officer |
Exhibit 10.14
Exhibit 10.15
[*****] = Pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K, portions of this exhibit have been omitted as the registrant has determined that certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by brackets, has been omitted because it is both (i) not material and (ii) the type of information that the company treats as private and confidential.
October 10, 2022
Surf Air Mobility, Inc.
12111 Crenshaw Boulevard
Hawthorne, CA 90250 USA
Re: Master Agreement
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This Master Agreement (this “Agreement”) is intended to summarize the principal terms of the agreements between Jetstream Aviation Capital, LLC (“Lessor”) and the lessee as articulated herein (the “Lessee”) regarding the sale of certain aircraft specified herein and/or the assignment of purchase rights by the Lessee (or an affiliated entity controlled by Lessee) to the Lessor and lease by the Lessor to the Lessee of such aircraft specified below (each a “Transaction,” and collectively, the “Transactions”) each pursuant to a separate binding sale and purchase agreement for each individual aircraft (a “Sale Agreement”) and, in connection therewith, a separate binding lease agreement for each individual aircraft (a “Lease Agreement”) (collectively, the “Transaction Documents”). The Effective Date of this Agreement refers to the first trading date of shares of common stock of Lessee or its affiliate on a United States national securities exchange (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may occur following a business combination with a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC) and provided that Lessee has consummated its merger with Southern Airways Express, LLC (“Operator”). It is the intention of the Parties that the aircraft will be leased to, and operated by, the Operator and/or its affiliates.
The terms and conditions herein are not intended to be exhaustive and are intended only to summarize the principal terms of the Transactions. Lessor and Lessee individually are referred to herein individually as a “Party” and, collectively as the “Parties”.
The Transaction Documents will reflect the following terms:
Lessor: | Jetstream Aviation Capital, LLC and/or its affiliates and/or successors and/or assigns (“Lessor”). |
Lessee: | Surf Air Mobility Inc. and/or its affiliates and/or its permitted assigns (“Lessee”). |
Purchase Price: | As articulated in Schedule B herein and subject to the terms herein (the “Purchase Price”). |
Closing Period: | The Lessor shall acquire the Aircraft contemplated hereto on an individual basis during the period April 1, 2023 through and including March 31, 2029, subject to certain minimum and maximum funding levels during each 12-month anniversary of the Closing Period. The purchase and lease delivery date of each individual Aircraft by Lessor contemplated under this Agreement is a “Closing Date”. |
Lease Type: | Non-cancelable “net” dry operating lease with Lessee’s purchase option with Lessee responsible for all costs associated with the possession, use, operation, maintenance, repair, management, insurance and return of the Aircraft. |
Aircraft: | The Cessna 208B-EX and Pilatus PC-12 aircraft (each an “Airframe”), each equipped with an engine (the “Engine”) as articulated in Schedule A herein (collectively and individually, “Aircraft”). Additional Aircraft may be added from time to time by updating Schedule A upon mutual agreement between the Parties. |
Jetstream Aviation Capital, LLC
2601 South Bayshore Drive Suite 1130
Miami Florida 33133 USA
www.jetstreamavcap.com
Collectively, all Aircraft (once under a Lease Agreement as contemplated under this Agreement) consist of the “Related Aircraft”. | |
Lease Rental: |
As articulated in Schedule C herein (the “Lease Rental”).
The monthly fixed lease rental for the Aircraft during the Lease Term (as hereinafter defined) shall be payable monthly in advance on the first day of each calendar month of the Lease Term. The first payment will include the lease rental due for the current monthly stub period if the Closing Date does not occur on the first day of a month and the full lease rental for the next calendar month of the Lease Term. |
Lease Term: | As articulated in Schedule C herein (the “Lease Term”). The Lease Term of each individual Aircraft shall commence contemporaneously with the Closing Date of the purchase of such Aircraft by Lessor. |
Lease Extension Option: | Throughout the Lease Term and providing there have been no events of default during the Lease Term among the Related Aircraft, Lessee shall have the option, but not the obligation, to extend the Lease Term of any Aircraft individually by providing at least one hundred and eighty (180) days’ prior written notice to Lessor. Any such extension shall consist of a minimum of an additional twelve (12) months (an “Extension Term”). The terms and conditions of the Lease Agreements shall remain the same throughout the duration of the Extension Term. |
Purchase Option: | For each individual Aircraft, effective upon the conclusion of the forty-eighth (48th) month of the Lease Term for each Aircraft and provided there have been no events of default during the Lease Term among the Related Aircraft, Lessee shall have the option (but not the obligation) to purchase the Aircraft (the “Purchase Option”) for the Purchase Option price and terms as articulated in Schedule E herein. |
Security Deposit: |
As articulated in Schedule C herein (the “Security Deposit”).
The Security Deposit will be held by Lessor during the Term and shall be returned to the Lessee at the end of the Term upon Lessee’s fulfillment of all its obligations under the Lease Agreement for the Aircraft. |
Delivery Location: | A location or locations within Lessee’s existing route system or such other location(s), including international airspace, as may be mutually acceptable to the Parties in order to lawfully mitigate sales and use and other taxes. |
Aircraft Equipment & Condition upon Delivery: | The Aircraft will be selected and inspected by Lessee and delivered by Lessor “as is, where is and with all faults,” provided, however, that the Aircraft shall be registered in the United States, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness from the US Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) and fully compliant with Lessee’s FAA-approved (FAR Part 135) operations specifications (the “Delivery Condition”). |
Waiver of Maintenance Reserves: | In lieu of maintenance reserves payments, Lessee shall, at its own sole cost and expense, ensure that each Engine subject to a Lease Agreement as contemplated herein be enrolled in an engine maintenance services program with a provider that is acceptable to both Parties (the “Engine Maintenance Program”). Such program shall, at minimum, provide for the overhaul and major restoration of each covered Engine in accordance with the Engine manufacturer’s procedures, including scheduled and unscheduled Engine shop visit events and shall be fully transferable with no additional cost or “buy in” to Lessor upon the completion of each Lease term, whether by default or organic expiration. |
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Utilization Reporting: | Lessee shall report monthly Aircraft utilization to Lessor on or before the tenth (10th) calendar day of each calendar month during the Lease Term for each Aircraft. |
Unwind of Existing Structures: | Prior to any Aircraft being made subject to the Transaction Documents, Lessee will deliver the Aircraft to Lessor in a condition acceptable to Lessor (in Lessor’s sole and unfettered discretion) on the Closing Date free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and claims of any kind at Lessee’s sole expense. |
Documentation: | The Transaction Documents shall be first prepared by Lessor. In addition to the principal terms set forth in this Agreement, the Transaction Documents shall contain representations, warranties, covenants, conditions, indemnities and other terms and conditions standard in the commercial aircraft leasing industry and mutually satisfactory to The Parties. |
Transaction Domicile: | The Parties agree that the tax residency of the entity or entities purchasing the Aircraft under the Sale Agreement will be in a jurisdiction satisfactory to both Parties. The Parties agree that they intend to structure the Transactions in such a way that the minimum amount of tax as legitimately possible is payable on the sale and purchase of the Aircraft under the Sale Agreement and the lease of the Aircraft under the Lease Agreement and the Parties agree to cooperate, where possible, to minimize or avoid the imposition of taxes, including without limitation by transferring title to the Aircraft at a time when such Aircraft is physically located in international airspace or a jurisdiction which will not impose any taxes on the Transactions. |
Conditions Precedent: | The Parties agree that the consummation of each of the Transactions and the obligations of the Parties hereunder are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent (the “Conditions Precedent”): |
(a) | Satisfactory completion of Lessor’s pre-purchase inspections of the Aircraft for such Transaction and its respective records in Lessor’s sole and unfettered discretion. |
(b) | There being no event, occurrence, fact, condition, effect, change or development that may be expected to have a material adverse effect on either Party. |
(c) | Finalization and execution of the Sale Agreement(s) and Lease Agreement(s) in form and terms acceptable to the Parties. |
(d) | The Parties having provided the other with complete and satisfactory information necessary for compliance with the US Patriot Act and “Know Your Customer” requirements. |
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Confidentiality: | Each Party agrees that it will not use, or permit the use of, any of the information relating to the other, respectively, furnished or to be furnished to each other in connection with this potential Transaction (the “Information”) in a manner or for a purpose detrimental to either of the Parties, other than in connection with the potential Transaction contemplated hereby. The terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Transaction Documents and all operative documents (including any appendices) are intended to be available only to the Parties and, by receipt and execution of this Agreement, the Parties acknowledge that this Agreement contains commercially sensitive and proprietary information. The Parties agree to maintain this information as strictly confidential and agree, except to the extent required by applicable law, to disclose it to no person other than (as the case may be) the Parties’ respective boards of directors, employees, professional advisers, and financiers, if any, advising the Parties in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement. Neither of the Parties shall disclose or reveal the Information to their advisors, accountants or attorneys, unless and until those persons or entities have been informed of the confidential nature of the Information and of the existence of the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement. |
The term “Information” as used herein shall not include any information relating to the Lessee or Lessor which (i) the party receiving such information can show to have been in its possession prior to its receipt from the disclosing party, (ii) is now or later becomes generally available to the public through no fault of the receiving party, (iii) is available to the public at the time of its receipt, (iv) is received separately by the receiving party in an unrestricted manner from a third party through no fault of the receiving party, or (v) which is developed independently by the receiving party.
In the event that Lessee determines upon the advice of counsel that it is required by law or applicable regulations to disclose (in each instance, a “Disclosure”) through filings with the SEC or disclosure to investors of any of the Transaction Documents or any information related thereto, Lessee shall (i) consult with Lessor to mutually agree upon the scope and substance of the required Disclosure; provided, however, that if Lessee and Lessor are unable to mutually agree on such scope and substance, Lessee’s reasonable determination (based upon the written advice of counsel) shall control, and (ii) deliver to Lessor a copy of the applicable Disclosure and notice of the date for making such Disclosure (the “Disclosure Date”) and use reasonable best efforts to deliver such copy of the Disclosure at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the Disclosure Date. Lessee shall modify such Disclosure based upon the commercially reasonable comments of Lessor and address any comments provided by Lessor to Lessor’s reasonable satisfaction (provided such comments are delivered to Lessee no later than two (2) Business Days prior to the Disclosure Date), , including by making any commercially reasonable requests for confidential treatment or redactions to copies of the Transactions Documents required to be included as an exhibit to an SEC filing, provided that, in the reasonable opinion of Lessee (upon the written advice of counsel), any such requests would not violate applicable laws or regulations with respect to the Disclosure. In addition, Lessee shall promptly provide to Lessor copies of any correspondence from a governmental authority in respect of a Disclosure and shall cooperate in good faith with Lessor in responding to such correspondence and amending the Disclosure, to the extent necessary. | |
Net Payments: | Subject to customary terms and conditions, all payments to Lessor under the Lease Agreement shall be made free and clear of all taxes and duties, including withholding tax, use, and excise taxes, VAT and income taxes (other than income taxes specified below). Subject to customary terms and conditions, all such taxes, other than the taxes on the income of Lessor, shall be the responsibility of Lessee, and Lessee shall indemnify Lessor with respect to the same. The Parties agree to design the Transaction so as to minimize to the fullest extent permissible tax or duty liability for either Party. |
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee will not indemnify Lessor for any sales or use tax resulting as a result of change of ownership or remittance location required by Lessor and shall not be liable for any taxes imposed on the income, profits or gains of Lessor, the purchasing entities or any financier or in connection with a sale, transfer or disposition of the Aircraft and shall have no greater overall monetary liability, obligation or cost under the Lease Agreement resulting from a change in the tax residency or place of management of Lessor or the purchasing entities or successor lessors or owners of the Aircraft or any other change resulting in any similar effect. | |
Insurance Requirement: |
Lessee shall obtain and maintain at its sole expense throughout the course of the Lease Term aircraft hull loss insurance and, if available, war risk insurance for the Aircraft for no less than mutually agreed amounts set forth in the Transaction Documents (the “Stipulated Loss Values”). Such insurance policies shall name Lessor as an additional loss payee with Lessee.
Lessee shall obtain and maintain throughout the Lease Term at its own expense aviation liability insurance for a combined single limit of not less than USD $[*****] per Aircraft per occurrence on industry standard terms reasonably acceptable to Lessor. Such insurance shall include Lessor as an additional endorsed party.
All insurance policies shall include a breach of warranty endorsement in favor of Lessor, thirty (30) days’ notice of cancellation (excepting war risk insurance), and such other terms and conditions as customary in the airline industry as Lessor and Lessee may reasonably agree. All costs of insurance and applicable deductibles to be the sole responsibility of Lessee. Additional insurance provisions may be set forth in the Transaction Documents. |
Indemnity: | Subject to customary terms and conditions and to Lessee’s rights under the Lease Agreement of quiet enjoyment and certain exceptions to be detailed in the Lease Agreement and not with respect to taxes, which will be solely covered by the tax section of the Lease Agreement, during the Lease Term, Lessee will indemnify and hold harmless Lessor against all liabilities associated with the Aircraft and any third party claims arising in connection with the use, possession, operation and maintenance of the Aircraft by Lessee after the respective delivery date, throughout the Lease Term and up to and including the return date. |
Operation: | The Aircraft will be used only in accordance with the terms and limitations of the Lessee’s governmental authority and certification which includes commercial scheduled and charter passenger and cargo operations. |
Maintenance & Inspection: | Lessee will be fully responsible for and pay all costs associated with the maintenance and repair of the Aircraft and Engines at FAA-approved FAR Part 145 maintenance facilities acceptable to Lessor or within the scope of Lessee’s internal approved capabilities throughout the Lease Term in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and/or Lessee’s own approved maintenance program for the Aircraft which must meet the requirements of the latest revision of the Cessna 208B MRB or Pilatus PC-12 MRB (as applicable). |
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a. | Airframe. Lessee will be responsible for ensuring that all airworthiness limitations checks shall be current and in compliance with the latest standard of the Cessna 208B MRB or Pilatus PC-12 MRB, as applicable. Upon return to Lessor each Airframe and its components shall individually have the same or greater time remaining to the next-due overhaul or limiter as the Aircraft at the Closing Date; |
b. | Landing Gear. All Landing Gear installed on the Aircraft will be serviceable and in compliance with the Manufacturer’s maintenance program. Upon return to Lessor all landing gear components shall individually have the same or greater time remaining to the next-due overhaul or limiter as the Aircraft at the Closing Date; |
c. | Engine and Propeller. The Engine and propeller installed on the Aircraft will be serviceable and in compliance with the manufacturer’s maintenance program; however, subject to Lessor’s prior approval, Lessee shall be permitted to return the Engine with zero time remaining until its manufacturer-approved overhaul. For the avoidance of doubt, Lessee may be permitted to return the Engine to Lessor in an unserviceable condition only when such unserviceability is caused by the Engine having zero time remaining until overhaul. Lessee will be responsible for ensuring that all applicable Engine, and propeller overhauls and inspections shall be current; |
d. | Rotables. All rotable parts installed on the Aircraft will be serviceable and in compliance with the manufacturer’s maintenance program. |
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e. | Hard Time Components. All hard time components installed on the Aircraft shall be serviceable, in compliance with the manufacturer’s maintenance program and accompanied by appropriate documentation supporting the last accomplished shop visit, inspection, or overhaul as applicable. Upon return to Lessor all Hard Time Components shall have the same or greater time remaining to the next-due overhaul or limiter as the Aircraft at the Closing Date; |
f. | Service Bulletins & Airworthiness Directives. All mandatory service bulletins and airworthiness directives will be completed on a terminating action basis, and the Aircraft shall have all such bulletins or directives due for a minimum of six (6) months after the return of the Aircraft to Lessor completed to the extent such Service Bulletins & Airworthiness Directives are issued and become effective during the Lease Term; |
g. | Deferred Maintenance. At the time of the Aircraft’s return, each Aircraft shall be current and in compliance with the Cessna 208B MRB or Pilatus PC-12 MRB, as applicable, without temporary extensions for convenience. Notwithstanding any mutual agreement between Lessor and Lessee to the contrary, there will be no open, outstanding, or deferred maintenance items, scheduled or unscheduled, against the Aircraft, including those identified in pre-return inspections or test flights; |
h. | Repairs. The Aircraft shall have a current dent and repair map, with all repairs completed as permanent and accompanied by full supporting data for compliance; |
i. | Corrosion. Lessee shall have maintained corrosion control through its approved maintenance program as required; |
j. | Livery. The Lessee’s livery and markings shall be completely removed from the Aircraft; |
k. | Interior. The interior of the Aircraft will have completed a recent deep cleaning and shall be in good repair and fit for immediate entry into service; all damage on floor, ceiling, seats and side panels shall be repaired; |
l. | Documentation. The Aircraft shall have a valid Certificate of Airworthiness from the FAA. Upon request by Lessor, Lessee, at Lessor’s costs, shall arrange for the issuance of an Export Certificate of Airworthiness to a jurisdiction designated by Lessor. |
m. | Lessor shall be permitted to witness a demonstration flight of up to 60 minutes to confirm the airworthiness of the Aircraft and the proper functioning of all systems and components within limits. And defects or deficiencies noted shall be rectified at Lessee’s expense prior to redelivery to Lessor. Lessor shall have the right to participate as a direct observer on such demonstration flights which shall be performed at Lessee’s sole cost. |
Lessor shall be permitted to perform a minimum of two physical inspections of the Aircraft, exclusive of demonstration flights. One inspection will be performed immediately following the completion of the maintenance check which precedes return, and one inspection shall be performed immediately prior to return. | |
With Lessor’s prior written approval (at Lessor’s sole and unfettered discretion), the Aircraft may be returned in a condition less than that specified herein, in which case, Lessee shall provide compensation to Lessor for such deviation from the contracted return conditions. Such compensation will be netted into an aggregate dollar amount in favor of Lessor, and the appropriate remittance will be made to Lessor by Lessee (the “Equivalency Settlement”). |
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Upon return of the Aircraft at the expiration of the Lease Term and there having been (i) no uncured events of default and (ii) a complete and final Equivalency Settlement (if applicable), any Security Deposits shall be promptly returned to Lessee. | |
Security: | Lessor shall receive (at Lessee’s cost) the benefit of: |
a. | Ownership of the Aircraft with its interest noted on the aircraft registry in the jurisdiction of Lessee in accordance with the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment as modified by the Protocol on Matters specific to Aircraft Equipment adopted at Cape Town on November 16, 2001; and |
b. | In the event of material loss of the Aircraft, assignment of any applicable insurance proceeds up to the Stipulated Loss Value provided that as a condition thereto it releases Lessee from any and all further liability with respect to the Lease Agreement pertaining to such Aircraft; and |
c. | The corporate guarantees of Lessee and each of its corporate parent(s), if any, for the full performance of the Lessee under the Lease Agreements. |
Aircraft Registration and Certification: |
Lessee will procure and maintain the registration, airworthiness certification and operating conformity of the Aircraft at its sole cost and expense including all relevant registration, certification, and conformity fees or expenses.
Permitted domiciles of registration are: United States (and its overseas territories), Australia, Canada, CARICOM members (excluding Haiti), European Union countries (and their respective overseas territories), Ireland, United Kingdom (and its overseas territories).
Any change to the country of registration to be with Lessor’s consent in Lessor’s sole and unfettered discretion. |
Covenants: | The Lease Agreement will contain the usual mutually agreed upon covenants contained within a commercial aircraft operating lease between a lessee and lessor, including cross-default and cross-collateralization clauses with respect to the Lease Agreements for the Aircraft contemplated herein and other aircraft and commercial agreements between the Lessor and Lessee which are effective as of the Closing Date and / or which may become effective during the Lease Term as contemplated herein and other commonplace covenants contained within commercial aircraft leasing agreements. |
Subleasing: | Subleasing shall be limited to associated companies of Lessee that are pre- approved by Lessor which may, with Lessor’s approval, include without limitation leasing or financing companies set up by Lessee or co-financed between Lessee and Lessor. Subleasing to third parties shall be subject to Lessor approval in Lessor’s sole and unfettered discretion. |
Assignment: | The Lease Agreement shall contain an assignment provision for the benefit of Lessor. All costs associated with any assignment by Lessor will be the sole responsibility of Lessor and Lessor will indemnify Lessee from any exposure to such costs, including but not limited to any reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by Lessee (including attorney’s and tax advisor’s fees). In the event of an assignment by Lessor, (i) such assignment, including the relocation of the tax residence, shall not result, and shall not be likely to result, in any greater cost, obligation or risk to Lessee; and (ii) the assignee lessor shall be obligated to abide by all provisions of the Lease Agreement. |
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Lessor will ensure that any Lessor assignee, and if applicable, its security trustee or agent, shall have executed and delivered to Lessee a quiet enjoyment undertaking substantially in the form of that given by Lessor to Lessee under the relevant Lease Agreement.
The Lease Agreement may not be assigned by Lessee without Lessor’s prior written consent (in Lessor’s sole and unfettered discretion). | |
Co-Marketing | Lessor will endeavor to collaborate with Lessee for the marketing of Lessee’s electrified powertrain technology to Lessor’s other lessees and customers following FAA certification and operating approvals of such platform. |
Co-Financing | Lessor and Lessee will endeavor to collaborate on potentially developing a co- financing platform pursuant to which Lessee may offer leasing terms to service operators in Lessee’s network. In the event that the cost of capital for such platform may be lower than that contemplated hereto, Lessee will have the opportunity to include leases entered into hereunder into such program by mutual agreement between the Parties. |
Purchase Commitment | Lessor intends to commit to acquire up to 50 hybrid-electric powertrains to be installed in the Aircraft or similar model aircraft (“Powertrains”) per year for five (5) years for leasing to third parties. The pricing, terms and minimum commitment are subject to further negotiation and definitive documentation between the Parties and shall be contingent upon the Powertrains having received full, final and unrestricted approval by the FAA under an STC for installation in Cessna 208B aircraft. |
Costs and Expenses: | Lessee and Lessor shall each engage aviation transactional legal counsel and shall bear their own respective costs and expenses of preparing, negotiating and finalizing all documentation related to the Transactions. |
Brokers and Finders: | No investment banker, broker, finder, advisor or other intermediary has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of the any of the Parties to this Agreement, and no such person is entitled to any fee or commission from the Parties or any of their respective affiliates, in connection with the Transaction contemplated by this Agreement. The Parties declare that no undisclosed commission or fee is being paid, has been paid or will be paid to any third party with respect to this Agreement, the Lease Agreements or the Transaction contemplated by this Agreement. |
Government Approvals: | Lessee shall obtain and maintain any approvals or permissions that may be required from time to time from its government and aviation regulator for the Lease Agreement to be valid and binding on Lessee and to allow Lessee to perform its obligations under the Lease Agreement. |
Access to Lessee: | Prior to executing the Lease Agreement, Lessee shall cause or permit representatives of Lessor to have reasonable access (during normal business hours and without disrupting Lessee’s operations) to Lessee’s management and operating facilities to allow Lessor to complete a reasonable due diligence inquiry as to Lessee’s operations and capabilities. Lessor will coordinate any management interviews and facilities visits with Lessee and shall provide Lessee commercially reasonable notice of its desire to visit any facility. |
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The Lease Agreement shall include customary ongoing obligations of Lessee to furnish regular/periodic technical, financial, and operational information, respond to requests by Lessor for additional information and provide access to the Aircraft for Lessor’s inspections.
All of the foregoing obligations are subject to non-disturbance of Lessee’s business operation and Lessee’s operational requirements. | |
Termination: | Assuming the valid execution and delivery of this Agreement, this Agreement shall terminate and, except for the Continuing Provisions (defined below), the Parties shall be released from all obligations with respect to the subject matter hereof (i) if the Effective Date has not occurred by December 31, 2023, or (ii) if either party provides a termination notice to the other party upon a material adverse event or change in the business of the other party which is not resolved to the satisfaction of the Party providing such termination notice within 30 days of such notice, or (iii) on any other date mutually agreed in writing between the Parties, (such date of termination, the “Termination Date”). Notwithstanding anything in the previous sentence, the Continuing Provisions (defined below) shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the termination of this Agreement shall not affect any rights any Party has with respect to the breach of this Agreement by another Party prior to such termination. |
Representations of the Parties: | The Parties hereto hereby represent and warrant to each other that this Agreement: (i) has been validly executed and delivered; (ii) has been duly authorized by all corporate action necessary for the authorization thereof; and (iii) to the extent applicable, constitutes a valid and binding obligation of each such Party, enforceable in accordance with its terms. Each Party hereto further represents and warrants to each other that the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by each Party does not and will not breach, violate, conflict with, or permit the cancellation of, any agreement to which such Party is a party or by which such party are bound. |
Governing Law: | This Agreement and the Transaction Documents are to be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States of America, State of New York, without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of New York or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of laws of any jurisdiction other than those of United States of America, State of New York. |
Submission to Jurisdiction: | Any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of, based upon, or relating to this Agreement or the Transaction Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be instituted in the courts of the United States of America and the State of New York (in each case located in the County of New York), and each Party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding. The Parties irrevocably and unconditionally waive any objection to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding in such courts and irrevocably waive and agree not to plead or claim in any such court that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. |
Continuing Obligations: | The following sections of this Agreement shall survive termination of this Agreement (collectively, the “Continuing Provisions”): Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Confidentiality; and Termination. |
For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement is subject to termination as set forth in the section captioned “Termination” above.
This Agreement is not intended and does not constitute an agreement to consummate any Transaction or to enter into any Transaction Documents with respect to any specific Aircraft, provided that it does establish the material terms for such transactions (e.g. Lease and Purchase Option terms), and the Parties will be only be bound to sell, purchase and lease any specific Aircraft and effectuate the Transaction relating thereto if and only if the applicable Transaction Documents with respect to such specific Aircraft and Transaction (i.e. the Sale Agreement and Lease Agreement pertaining to such Transaction) have been executed and delivered and, then, only in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof.
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If the foregoing is acceptable to you, please indicate acceptance by signing below and return a fully executed original of this Agreement to Lessor whereupon this instrument along with all counterparts will become a binding agreement between the Parties in accordance with its terms.
Sincerely, | Agreed and Accepted: | ||
JETSTREAM AVIATION CAPITAL, LLC | SURF AIR MOBILITY INC. | ||
/s/ Stuart A. Klaskin | By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Stuart A. Klaskin | Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Chief Executive Officer | Title: | CEO |
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Schedule A
Aircraft& Engines
(To be individually articulated in each Lease Agreement)
Airframe Manufacturer & Model |
Aircraft Registration |
Airframe Serial Number |
Engine Manufacturer & Model |
Engine Serial Number | ||||
Cessna 208B | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | ||||
Pilatus PC-12 | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | ||||
[TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | ||||
[TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] |
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Schedule B
Aircraft Purchase Prices
(To be individually articulated in each Lease Agreement)
Airframe MSN | Purchase Price | |
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Schedule C
Lease Terms
(All amounts are in 2022 United States Dollars (USD $))
Aggregate Purchase Amount(1) |
Lease Rental (Monthly) |
Closing Eligibility Period |
Individual Aircraft Lease Term(2) |
Security Deposit(3) |
Stipulated Loss Value | |||||
Minimum: $120,000,000
Maximum: $450,000,000 |
[*****]% of individual Aircraft Purchase Price | April 1, 2023 through and including March 31, 2029 | 96 months | One month’s Lease Rental | [*****]% of individual Aircraft Purchase Price |
Notes:
(1) | (i) Subject to a minimum of $20,000,000 (“Minimum Annual Deployment Amount”) and maximum of $75,000,000 per year of the Closing Eligibility Period starting in calendar year 2024, provided that the Parties may agree to lower or greater amounts on mutual agreement, provided, however that Lessee’s first $20,000,000 in third party leasing in any year will be with Lessor. |
(ii) | Until the Minimum Annual Deployment Amount is reached in each year of the Closing Eligibility Period, Lessor to have the (a) first right to match terms and (b) last right to negotiate terms for similar aircraft leasing transactions as may be offered to Lessee by third-party lessors or financing parties. |
(2) | Subject to Lessee’s Purchase Option as articulated in Schedule E herein. |
(3) | (i) Subject to a maximum aggregate amount among the Aircraft to be negotiated between the Parties after deployment of USD $180,000,000 by Lessor into the Transactions contemplated by this Agreement. |
(ii) | Security Deposit payment schedule: | |
(a) 50% of the Security Deposit upon Lessee’s execution of the Lease Agreement for each Aircraft (“Initial Security Deposit”), and | ||
(b) 50% of the Security Deposit upon the Closing Date for each Aircraft (“Second Security Deposit”), which, together with the Initial Security Deposit, shall comprise the “Security Deposit” for each Aircraft. |
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Schedule D
[intentionally omitted]
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Schedule E
Purchase Option
(All amounts are in United States Dollars (USD $))
Applicable to | Purchase Option Price(1) |
Effective Upon | ||
All Aircraft | [*****]% of the individual Aircraft Purchase Price | The completion of the forty-eighth (48th) paid month of the Lease Term (the “Purchase Option Effective Date”). |
Notes:
(1) | (i) The Purchase Option Price shall decline at the rate of 0.25% per month of the individual Aircraft Purchase price from the Purchase Option Effective Date1, through and including any Lease Term Extension Options elected by the Lessee through the date of purchase. |
(ii) | Upon Lessee’s exercise of the Purchase Option, the Purchase Option Price will be reduced by: |
(a) | the pro rata portion of the aggregate Security Deposit Security Deposit then held by Lessor and applicable to the Aircraft purchased under the Purchase Option, which shall be retained by Lessor, and |
(iii) | The Purchase Rights shall be rights personal to the Lessee and shall be non-transferable to any third party other than a direct affiliate of the Lessee. |
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Exhibit 10.16
Execution Version
BUSINESS COMBINATION AGREEMENT
by and among
TUSCAN HOLDINGS CORP. II,
SURF AIR GLOBAL LIMITED,
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC.,
THCA MERGER SUB INC.
AND
SAGL MERGER SUB LIMITED
Dated as of May 17, 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||
ARTICLE I. THE MERGERS AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS | 3 | |
SECTION 1.01 | The Mergers | 3 |
SECTION 1.02 | Closing | 4 |
SECTION 1.03 | First Effective Time; Second Effective Time | 4 |
SECTION 1.04 | Effect of the Mergers | 4 |
SECTION 1.05 | Organizational Documents | 5 |
SECTION 1.06 | Directors and Officers | 6 |
ARTICLE II. MERGER CONSIDERATION; CONVERSION OF SECURITIES | 6 | |
SECTION 2.01 | Conversion of Securities at First Merger | 6 |
SECTION 2.02 | Conversion of Securities at Second Merger | 7 |
SECTION 2.03 | Exchange of Securities | 7 |
SECTION 2.04 | Statutory Dissenters Rights; Fair Value | 10 |
SECTION 2.05 | Stock Transfer Books | 10 |
SECTION 2.06 | Treatment of SPAC Warrants; Treatment of Company Warrants | 11 |
SECTION 2.07 | Treatment of Company Options | 12 |
ARTICLE III. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SURF ENTITIES | 16 | |
SECTION 3.01 | Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries | 16 |
SECTION 3.02 | Organizational Documents | 17 |
SECTION 3.03 | Capitalization | 17 |
SECTION 3.04 | Authority Relative to This Agreement | 18 |
SECTION 3.05 | No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents | 19 |
SECTION 3.06 | Permits; Compliance | 19 |
SECTION 3.07 | Financial Statements | 20 |
SECTION 3.08 | Absence of Certain Changes or Events | 21 |
SECTION 3.09 | No Undisclosed Liabilities; Transaction Expenses | 21 |
SECTION 3.10 | Absence of Litigation | 21 |
SECTION 3.11 | Board Approval | 22 |
SECTION 3.12 | Employee Benefit Plans | 23 |
SECTION 3.13 | Labor and Employment Matters | 24 |
SECTION 3.14 | Equipment and Other Tangible Property | 25 |
SECTION 3.15 | Real Property | 25 |
SECTION 3.16 | Intellectual Property | 26 |
SECTION 3.17 | Taxes | 27 |
SECTION 3.18 | Environmental Matters | 29 |
SECTION 3.19 | Material Contracts | 30 |
SECTION 3.20 | CARES Act | 33 |
SECTION 3.21 | Anti-Corruption Laws | 33 |
SECTION 3.22 | Sanctions and International Trade Compliance | 33 |
SECTION 3.23 | Takeover Statutes | 34 |
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SECTION 3.24 | Insurance | 34 |
SECTION 3.25 | Interested Party Transactions | 34 |
SECTION 3.26 | Brokers | 35 |
SECTION 3.27 | Information Supplied | 35 |
SECTION 3.28 | Vendors | 35 |
SECTION 3.29 | Compliance with Aviation Laws | 35 |
SECTION 3.30 | NO RELIANCE | 37 |
ARTICLE IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SPAC | 37 | |
SECTION 4.01 | Corporate Organization | 37 |
SECTION 4.02 | Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws | 38 |
SECTION 4.03 | Capitalization | 38 |
SECTION 4.04 | Authority Relative to This Agreement | 39 |
SECTION 4.05 | No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents | 39 |
SECTION 4.06 | Permits; Compliance | 40 |
SECTION 4.07 | SEC Filings; Financial Statements | 40 |
SECTION 4.08 | Absence of Certain Changes or Events | 41 |
SECTION 4.09 | Absence of Litigation | 41 |
SECTION 4.10 | Board Approval | 41 |
SECTION 4.11 | Taxes | 42 |
SECTION 4.12 | Brokers | 44 |
SECTION 4.13 | Trust Account | 44 |
SECTION 4.14 | Employees | 44 |
SECTION 4.15 | Transaction Expenses | 45 |
SECTION 4.16 | Listing | 45 |
SECTION 4.17 | Affiliate Transactions | 45 |
SECTION 4.18 | NO RELIANCE | 45 |
ARTICLE V. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE SECOND EFFECTIVE TIME | 46 | |
SECTION 5.01 | Conduct of Business by SPAC Pending the First Effective Time | 46 |
SECTION 5.02 | Conduct of Business by the Surf Entities Pending the Second Effective Time 52 | 46 |
SECTION 5.03 | Claims Against Trust Fund | 49 |
ARTICLE VI. ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS | 50 | |
SECTION 6.01 | Proxy Statement/Prospectus; Registration Statement | 50 |
SECTION 6.02 | SPAC Stockholders’ Meetings | 52 |
SECTION 6.03 | Company Member Consent | 52 |
SECTION 6.04 | [Reserved] | 53 |
SECTION 6.05 | Access to Information; Confidentiality | 53 |
SECTION 6.06 | No Solicitation | 53 |
SECTION 6.07 | Stock Incentive Plan; ESPP | 54 |
SECTION 6.08 | Notification of Certain Matters | 54 |
SECTION 6.09 | Further Action; Reasonable Best Efforts | 54 |
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SECTION 6.10 | Public Announcements | 55 |
SECTION 6.11 | SEC Filings; Stock Exchange Listings | 55 |
SECTION 6.12 | Directors’ and Officers’ Indemnification | 56 |
SECTION 6.13 | Takeover Laws | 57 |
SECTION 6.14 | Certain Tax Matters | 57 |
SECTION 6.15 | Transaction Litigation | 58 |
SECTION 6.16 | Trust Fund | 58 |
SECTION 6.17 | SPAC Borrowings | 58 |
SECTION 6.18 | Southern Acquisition | 58 |
SECTION 6.20 | Audited Financial Statements | 59 |
SECTION 6.21 | Financing Agreements | 59 |
ARTICLE VII. CONDITIONS TO THE MERGERS | 62 | |
SECTION 7.01 | Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party | 62 |
SECTION 7.02 | Conditions to the Obligations of SPAC | 63 |
SECTION 7.03 | Conditions to the Obligations of the Surf Entities | 64 |
ARTICLE VIII. TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER | 65 | |
SECTION 8.01 | Termination | 65 |
SECTION 8.02 | Effect of Termination | 66 |
SECTION 8.03 | Fees and Expenses | 66 |
SECTION 8.04 | Amendment | 67 |
SECTION 8.05 | Waiver | 67 |
ARTICLE IX. GENERAL PROVISIONS | 68 | |
SECTION 9.01 | Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements | 68 |
SECTION 9.02 | Notices | 68 |
SECTION 9.03 | Certain Definitions | 69 |
SECTION 9.04 | Severability | 85 |
SECTION 9.05 | Entire Agreement; Assignment | 85 |
SECTION 9.06 | Specific Performance | 85 |
SECTION 9.07 | Parties in Interest | 85 |
SECTION 9.08 | Governing Law | 85 |
SECTION 9.09 | Waiver of Jury Trial | 86 |
SECTION 9.10 | No Other Representation | 86 |
SECTION 9.11 | Headings | 86 |
SECTION 9.12 | Counterparts | 86 |
SECTION 9.13 | Construction | 86 |
Exhibit A | Lock-Up Agreement |
Exhibit B | Registration Rights Agreement |
Exhibit C | Amended and Restated Parentco Certificate of Incorporation |
Exhibit D | Amended and Restated Parentco Bylaws |
Exhibit E | Employee Stock Purchase Plan |
Exhibit F | New Stock Incentive Plan |
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BUSINESS COMBINATION AGREEMENT, dated as of May 17, 2022 (this “Agreement”), by and among Tuscan Holdings Corp. II, a Delaware corporation (“SPAC”), Surf Air Global Limited, a BVI business company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (the “Company”), Surf Air Mobility Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Parentco”), THCA Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Parentco (“Merger Sub I”), and SAGL Merger Sub Limited, a BVI business company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands and wholly-owned subsidiary of Parentco (“Merger Sub II” and together with the Company, Parentco and Merger Sub I, the “Surf Entities”).
WHEREAS, SPAC is a blank check company incorporated to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses;
WHEREAS, Parentco is a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of the Company and was formed for the purpose of the Southern Acquisition, the Mergers and the Transactions (each, as defined below);
WHEREAS, Merger Sub I and Merger Sub II are newly formed, wholly owned, direct subsidiaries of Parentco, and were formed for the sole purpose of the Mergers;
WHEREAS, on the Closing Date, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement and in accordance with Section 251 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), Merger Sub I will merge with and into SPAC (the “First Merger”), with SPAC surviving the First Merger as a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parentco;
WHEREAS, on the Closing Date, simultaneously with the First Merger, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement and in accordance with Section 170 of the British Virgin Islands Business Companies Act, 2004, as amended (the “Companies Act”), Merger Sub II will merge with and into the Company (the “Second Merger” and together with the First Merger, the “Mergers”), with the Company surviving the Second Merger as a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parentco;
WHEREAS, the Company intends, together with the Mergers, to effect a related business combination transaction pursuant to which, on the Closing Date a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parentco would be merged with and into Southern Airways Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Southern”), after which Southern would be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parentco (such transaction, the “Southern Acquisition”), and following such transaction, together with the Mergers, Parentco would own directly or indirectly all or substantially all of the equity securities, assets, business and operations of each of SPAC, the Company, and Southern;
WHEREAS, it is intended that the Mergers and the Southern Acquisition be consummated simultaneously;
WHEREAS, the board of directors of SPAC (the “SPAC Board”) has unanimously (i) declared advisable this Agreement and the Transactions and determined that it is in the best interests of SPAC and its stockholders to enter into this Agreement, (ii) approved this Agreement and the Transactions, (iii) resolved to submit this Agreement and the Transactions to the stockholders of SPAC for their adoption, (iv) resolved to recommend adoption of this Agreement and the Transactions by the stockholders of SPAC, and (v) determined that the fair market value of the Company is equal to at least 80% of the balance in the Trust Fund (as defined below), net of amounts previously disbursed to management for tax obligations and excluding the amount of deferred underwriting discounts held in the Trust Fund;
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WHEREAS, the board of directors of the Company (the “Company Board”) has unanimously (i) declared advisable this Agreement and the Transactions and determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its members to enter into this Agreement, (ii) approved this Agreement and the Transactions, (iii) resolved to submit this Agreement and the Transactions to the members of the Company for their approval and adoption by written consent and (iv) resolved to recommend adoption of this Agreement and approval of the Transactions and the other Company Proposals by the members of the Company by written consent (“Company Board Recommendation”);
WHEREAS, the board of directors of Parentco (the “Parentco Board”) and the Company, as the sole stockholder of Parentco, have unanimously (i) declared the advisability of this Agreement and the Transactions and determined that it is in the best interests of Parentco and its sole stockholder to enter into this Agreement, and (ii) adopted and approved this Agreement and the Transactions;
WHEREAS, the board of directors of Merger Sub I and Parentco, as the sole stockholder of Merger Sub I, have unanimously (i) declared advisable this Agreement and the Transactions and determined that it is in the best interests of Merger Sub I and its sole stockholder to enter into this Agreement, and (ii) adopted and approved this Agreement and the Transactions;
WHEREAS, the board of directors of Merger Sub II and Parentco, as the sole stockholder of Merger Sub II, have unanimously (i) declared the advisability of this Agreement and the Transactions and determined that it is in the best interests of Merger Sub II and its sole shareholder to enter into this Agreement, and (ii) adopted and approved this Agreement and the Transactions;
WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company entered into that certain Amended and Restated Share Purchase Agreement (the “Equity Line Agreement”) with GEM Global Yield LLC SCS and Gem Yield Bahamas Limits providing for an equity line of credit up to $400,000,000 (the “Equity Line”);
WHEREAS, prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company entered into certain SAFE Agreements that provide, among other things, for the conversion of such SAFE Agreements into a certain number of shares of Parentco Common Stock in accordance with the terms thereof in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (the “SAFE Agreements”), any cash proceeds of which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not be used for the repayment of indebtedness for borrowed money of the Company or its Subsidiaries prior to the Closing;
WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement, Parentco, Sponsor and certain of Sponsor’s affiliates have entered into a lock-up agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Lock-Up Agreement”), relating to restrictions on transfer after the Closing of the SPAC Per Share Consideration received by Sponsor and its affiliates in the First Merger;
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WHEREAS, Parentco, Sponsor, certain Company members and shareholders and certain stockholders of the SPAC will enter into a registration rights agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), at the Closing;
WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement, each of the Company Key Members have entered into a voting and support agreement (each a “Voting Support Agreement” and collectively, the “Voting Support Agreements”), pursuant to which each Company Key Member has agreed, among other things and subject to certain exceptions, (i) to vote in favor of the approval and adoption of this Agreement, the Second Merger and the other Transactions, (ii) to vote in favor of other Company Proposals and (iii) to terminate the Company Shareholders Agreement to which such Company Key Member is a party, effective as of the Second Effective Time;
WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement, the Sponsor has entered into a letter agreement with the Company (the “Sponsor Letter Agreement”) pursuant to which the Sponsor has agreed, among other things, (i) to waive the provisions of Section 4.3(b)(ii) of the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of SPAC, (ii) to vote all its shares of SPAC Common Stock in favor of approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Transactions and (iii) to certain vesting and forfeitures provisions relating to shares of Parentco Common Stock to be acquired by it in the First Merger; and
WHEREAS, each of the parties intends that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Southern Acquisition, the Mergers, taken together as a single integrated plan, will qualify as a transaction described in Section 351 of the Code (the “Intended Tax Treatment”).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, SPAC, Parentco, Merger Sub I, Merger Sub II and the Company hereby agree as follows.
ARTICLE I.
THE MERGERS AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS
SECTION 1.01 The Mergers.
(a) On the Closing Date, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, and in accordance with the DGCL, Merger Sub I shall be merged with and into SPAC. As a result of the First Merger, Merger Sub I shall cease to exist and SPAC shall continue as the surviving company of the First Merger (the “First Surviving Company”) and shall become a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parentco.
(b) On the Closing Date, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, and in accordance with the Companies Act, Merger Sub II shall be merged with and into the Company. As a result of the Second Merger, Merger Sub II shall cease to exist and the Company shall continue as the surviving company of the Second Merger (the “Second Surviving Company”) and shall become a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parentco.
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SECTION 1.02 Closing. Unless this Agreement is terminated earlier pursuant to Article VIII, the closing of the Mergers (the “Closing”) shall take place at such time and on a date to be mutually agreed by SPAC and the Company, in coordination with the Exchange Agent, which date (the “Closing Date”) shall be as soon as practicable, but in no event later than three (3) Business Days, following the satisfaction or waiver (to the extent such waiver is permitted by applicable Law) of all of the conditions set forth in Article VII (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of those conditions at such time), electronically through the exchange of documents via e-mail or facsimile, at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time on the Closing Date, unless another date, time or place is agreed to in writing by SPAC and the Company.
SECTION 1.03 First Effective Time; Second Effective Time.
(a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, on the Closing Date, the parties hereto shall cause the First Merger to be consummated by filing a certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware executed in accordance with, and in such form as is required by, the relevant provisions of the DGCL (the “Certificate of Merger”), and shall make all other filings, recordings or publications required under the DGCL in connection with the First Merger. The First Merger shall become effective upon filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, at such other time as is agreed to by the parties hereto prior to the filing of such Certificate of Merger and specified in the Certificate of Merger (the time at which the First Merger becomes effective, which time shall be contemporaneous with the effective time of the Southern Acquisition, is herein referred to as the “First Effective Time”).
(b) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, on the Closing Date, the parties hereto shall cause the Second Merger to be consummated by filing articles of merger with the Registrar of Corporate Affairs of the British Virgin Islands (the “BVI Registrar of Corporate Affairs”) executed in accordance with, and in such form as is required by, the relevant provisions of the Companies Act (the “Articles of Merger”), and shall make all other filings, recordings or publications required under the Companies Act in connection with the Second Merger. The Second Merger shall become effective upon the registration of the Articles of Merger by the BVI Registrar of Corporate Affairs or at such later time as is agreed to by the parties hereto in writing and specified in the Articles of Merger, provided that such date shall not exceed 30 days subsequent to the aforesaid registration of the Articles of Merger (the time at which the Second Merger becomes effective, which time shall be contemporaneous with the effective time of the Southern Acquisition and the First Effective Time, is herein referred to as the “Second Effective Time”).
SECTION 1.04 Effect of the Mergers.
(a) The First Merger shall have the effects set forth in this Agreement and the applicable provisions of the DGCL. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the First Effective Time, by virtue of, and simultaneously with, the First Merger and without any further action on the part of SPAC, any stockholder of SPAC, Parentco, or Merger Sub I, (i) Merger Sub I shall be merged with and into SPAC, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub I shall cease and SPAC shall continue as the First Surviving Company, (ii) all the properties, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of SPAC and Merger Sub I shall vest in the First Surviving Company, (iii) all debts, liabilities and duties of SPAC and Merger Sub I shall become the debts, liabilities and duties of the First Surviving Company and (iv) all the rights, privileges, immunities, powers and franchises of SPAC (as the First Surviving Company) shall continue unaffected by the First Merger in accordance with the DGCL.
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(b) The Second Merger shall have the effects set forth in this Agreement and the applicable provisions of the Companies Act. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Second Effective Time, by virtue of, and simultaneously with, the Second Merger and without any further action on the part of the Company, any shareholder or stockholder of the Company, Parentco, or Merger Sub II, (i) Merger Sub II shall be merged with and into the Company, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub II shall cease and the Company shall continue as the Second Surviving Company, (ii) all the properties, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of the Company and Merger Sub II shall vest in the Second Surviving Company, (iii) all debts, liabilities and duties of the Company and Merger Sub II shall become the debts, liabilities and duties of the Second Surviving Company and (iv) all the rights, privileges, immunities, powers and franchises of the Company (as the Second Surviving Company) shall continue unaffected by the Second Merger in accordance with the Companies Act.
SECTION 1.05 Organizational Documents.
(a) By virtue of the First Merger, without any further action, the certificate of incorporation of SPAC in effect at the First Effective Time shall be amended and restated in its entirety, other than its name, to read like the certificate of incorporation of Merger Sub I, until such time as it is subsequently amended in accordance with therewith and with applicable Law. The bylaws of Merger Sub I in effect at the First Effective Time shall be the bylaws of the First Surviving Company until such time as they are subsequently amended in accordance therewith, with the certificate of incorporation and with applicable Law.
(b) The memorandum and articles of association of the Company in effect at the Second Effective Time shall be amended and restated in its entirety, other than its name, to read like the memorandum of association of Merger Sub I, until such time as it is subsequently amended in accordance therewith and with applicable Law (the “Amended and Restated Company Articles”).
(c) Immediately prior to the First Effective Time, the certificate of incorporation of Parentco shall be, and the parties shall take or cause to be taken all action (including by filing such certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of Delaware) required to cause the certificate of incorporation of Parentco to be, amended and restated to be in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (the “Amended and Restated Parentco Certificate of Incorporation”), until such time as it is subsequently amended in accordance therewith and with applicable Law.
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(d) At the First Effective Time, the bylaws of Parentco shall be amended and restated in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D (the “Amended and Restated Parentco Bylaws”), until such time as they are subsequently amended in accordance therewith, with the certificate of incorporation and with applicable Law.
SECTION 1.06 Directors and Officers.
(a) Immediately following the First Effective Time, the directors and officers of the First Surviving Company and its Subsidiaries shall be the individuals set forth in Section 1.06(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule. Immediately following the Second Effective Time, the directors and officers of the Second Surviving Company and its Subsidiaries shall be the individuals determined by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company prior to Closing. Any such appointed directors shall be officers or employees of Parentco or any of its Subsidiaries after the Closing.
(b) The parties shall cause the Parentco Board, as of immediately following the First Effective Time, to be comprised of nine (9) members, with seven (7) initially designated by the Company, one (1) initially designated by SPAC and approved by the Company (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld) and one (1) who shall be the chief executive officer of Parentco. Parentco shall have a three-tier classified board, with each member of the Parentco Board to be designated in one of the three classes as mutually agreed by the Company and SPAC. The Parentco Board shall comply with Nasdaq Stock Market and any applicable state law requirements, including with respect to diversity, independence and committee composition.
(c) The parties shall cause the officers of Parent, as of immediately following the First Effective Time, to be comprised of the individuals set forth in Section 1.06(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, each to hold office until their successors are duly appointed.
ARTICLE II.
MERGER CONSIDERATION; CONVERSION OF SECURITIES
SECTION 2.01 Conversion of Securities at First Merger. At the First Effective Time, by virtue of the First Merger and without any action on the part of SPAC, the Surf Entities or the holders of any of the following securities:
(a) Each share of SPAC Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the First Effective Time shall automatically be converted into and exchanged for one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of Parentco Common Stock (the “SPAC Per Share Consideration”).
(b) Each share of SPAC Common Stock held in the treasury of SPAC and each share of SPAC Common Stock Share owned by Merger Sub I, Merger Sub II, the Company or any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of SPAC or of the Company immediately prior to the First Effective Time shall be canceled without any conversion thereof and no payment or distribution shall be made with respect thereto.
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(c) Each share of common stock of Merger Sub I issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the First Effective Time shall automatically be converted into and exchanged for one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock of the First Surviving Company.
SECTION 2.02 Conversion of Securities at Second Merger. At the Second Effective Time, by virtue of the Second Merger and without any action on the part of SPAC, the Surf Entities or the holders of any of the following securities:
(a) Company Merger Consideration Calculation. At least seven (7) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver to SPAC a certificate, duly executed by the chief financial officer of the Company, setting forth, in reasonable detail, together with reasonably detailed supporting evidence, the calculation of the Company Closing Share Consideration and the Company Closing Per Share Consideration (the “Closing Statement”). SPAC shall have the right to review and comment on the Closing Statement, and shall return the proposed calculation with comments in writing, if any, to the Company, at least five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing. The Company and SPAC shall work in good faith to resolve any such comments.
(b) Each Company Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Second Effective Time (other than any Company Shares to be canceled pursuant to Section 2.02(c) and other than Dissenting Shares) shall be canceled and, subject to Section 2.04, converted into the right to receive the Company Closing Per Share Consideration.
(c) Each Company Share held in the treasury of the Company and each Company Share owned by Merger Sub I, Merger Sub II, SPAC or any direct or indirect wholly- owned subsidiary of SPAC or of the Company immediately prior to the Second Effective Time shall be canceled without any conversion thereof and no payment or distribution shall be made with respect thereto.
(d) Each ordinary share of Merger Sub II issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the Second Effective Time shall automatically be converted into and exchanged for one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable ordinary share of the Second Surviving Company.
(e) Each share of Parentco Common Stock held by the Company issued and outstanding immediately prior to the First Effective Time shall automatically be cancelled and shall cease to exist as of the Second Effective Time.
SECTION 2.03 Exchange of Securities.
(a) Company Merger Payment Schedule. At least three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver to SPAC and the Exchange Agent a schedule, based on the final Closing Statement (the “Company Merger Payment Schedule”), that is true and correct showing the percentage allocation of the Company Closing Merger Consideration (as defined below) to each of the Company Security Holders as well as the corresponding number of shares of Parentco Common Stock to be issued to such holders of Company Shares in accordance with Section 2.02 and the Company Organizational Documents, the Company Warrants in accordance with Section 2.06(b), and the Company Notes in accordance with Section 2.06(c).
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(b) Exchange of Company Shares; Exchange Agent. Following the date hereof and prior to the First Effective Time, Parentco shall appoint an exchange agent reasonably acceptable to SPAC (the “Exchange Agent”) and enter into an exchange agent agreement with the Exchange Agent for the purpose of exchanging certificates representing the Company Shares in book-entry or physical form (“Company Certificates”) for the aggregate Company Closing Per Share Consideration issuable in respect of such Company Shares pursuant to Section 2.02 (the “Company Closing Merger Consideration”). Parentco shall deposit, or shall cause to be deposited, with the Exchange Agent for the benefit of the holders of Company Shares, for exchange in accordance with this Section 2.03, the number of shares of Parentco Common Stock sufficient to deliver the Company Closing Merger Consideration payable by Parentco pursuant to this Agreement to the holders of the Company Shares, as set forth in the Company Merger Payment Schedule (such shares of Parentco Common Stock being hereinafter referred to as the “Exchange Fund”). Parentco shall cause the Exchange Agent, pursuant to irrevocable instructions, to pay the applicable Merger Consideration out of the Exchange Fund in accordance with the Company Merger Payment Schedule and the other applicable provisions contained in this Agreement. The Exchange Fund shall not be used for any other purpose.
(c) Exchange of Company Warrants and Company Notes. The Exchange Agent shall follow the procedures set forth in this Section 2.03, as modified by Section 2.06(b), 2.03(c) and 2.03(d), with respect to the exchange of the Company Warrants and Company Notes.
(d) Exchange of SPAC Common Stock. Immediately after the First Effective Time, SPAC and Parentco shall instruct Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as the transfer agent for each corporation, to issue to each holder of SPAC Common Stock the aggregate SPAC Per Share Consideration issuable in respect of such SPAC Common Stock pursuant to Section 2.01 (the “SPAC Merger Consideration” and together with the Company Closing Merger Consideration, the “Merger Consideration”) and to cancel the book-entry positions representing each such holder’s SPAC Common Stock immediately prior to the First Effective Time.
(e) Letters of Transmittal. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Second Effective Time, Parentco shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record of Company Shares entitled to receive the Company Closing Per Share Consideration, pursuant to Section 2.02, a letter of transmittal in a customary form (a “Letter of Transmittal”) containing instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the Company Certificates in exchange for the applicable Company Closing Merger Consideration payable to such holder.
(f) Exchange Procedures. Upon receipt of a duly executed Letter of Transmittal from a holder of Company Shares, as applicable, and Company Certificates representing the shares held by such member (if such Company Certificates are in physical form), the Exchange Agent shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, issue to such holder the applicable Company Closing Merger Consideration pursuant to Sections 2.01 and 2.02, as applicable, and such Company Certificate shall forthwith be canceled. Until so surrendered, each outstanding Company Certificate that prior to the Second Effective Time represented Company Shares (other than for the shares to be canceled pursuant to Section 2.03(f) or that are subject to the provisions of Section 2.04) shall be deemed from and after the Second Effective Time, for all purposes, to evidence only the right to receive the portion of the Company Closing Merger Consideration.
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(g) Distributions with Respect to Unexchanged Shares of Parentco Common Stock. No dividends or other distributions declared or made after the Second Effective Time with respect to the Parentco Common Stock with a record date after the Second Effective Time shall be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered Company Certificate, Company Warrant or Company Note with respect to the shares of Parentco Common Stock represented thereby, until the holder of such Company Certificate, Company Warrant or Company Note shall surrender such Certificate, Company Warrant or Company Note. Subject to the effect of escheat, tax or other applicable Laws, following surrender of any such Company Certificate, Company Warrant or Company Note, there shall be paid to the holder of the certificates representing whole shares of Parentco Common Stock issued in exchange therefor, without interest, (i) promptly, the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Second Effective Time and theretofore paid with respect to such whole shares of Parentco Common Stock, and (ii) at the appropriate payment date, the amount of dividends or other distributions, with a record date after the Second Effective Time but prior to surrender and a payment date occurring after surrender, payable with respect to such whole shares of Parentco Common Stock.
(h) No Further Rights in Shares. From and after the First Effective Time and Second Effective Time, all issued and outstanding shares of SPAC Common Stock and Company Shares, as applicable, shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be cancelled, retired and cease to exist and each holder of a Certificate shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the right to receive the SPAC Merger Consideration or Company Closing Merger Consideration, as applicable, payable therefor upon the surrender thereof in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.03.
(i) No Fractional Shares. Notwithstanding anything else in this Agreement, no certificates or scrip representing a fractional share of Parentco Common Stock will be issued to any of stockholders of SPAC or the members of the Company in connection with payment of the Merger Consideration, and to the extent a fractional share of Parentco Common Stock would have been issuable to a stockholder of SPAC or a member of the Company, as applicable, as part of the Merger Consideration after aggregating all fractional shares due to such stockholder, Parentco shall round the Merger Consideration payable to such stockholder to the nearest whole number.
(j) Adjustments to Merger Consideration. The SPAC Per Share Merger Consideration, Company Per Share Merger Consideration, the shares of Parentco Common Stock issuable pursuant to Section 2.10 and the price threshold set forth in Section 2.10(e), as applicable, shall be adjusted to reflect appropriately the effect of any stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, combination, exchange of shares or other like change with respect to SPAC Common Stock, Company Shares or Parentco Common Stock occurring on or after the date hereof and prior to the Effective Time or prior to the applicable period set forth in Section 2.10.
(k) Termination of Exchange Fund. Any portion of the Exchange Fund that remains undistributed to the holders of Company Shares for six (6) months after the Second Effective Time shall be delivered to Parentco, upon demand, and any holders of SPAC Common Stock, Company Shares or Company Warrants, as applicable, who have not theretofore complied with this Section 2.03 shall thereafter look only to Parentco for the Merger Consideration and any dividends or other distributions with respect to the Parentco Common Stock to which they are entitled pursuant to Section 2.03(e). Any portion of the Exchange Fund remaining unclaimed by holders of SPAC Common Stock, Company Shares or Company Warrants, as applicable, as of a date which is immediately prior to such time as such amounts would otherwise escheat to or become property of any government entity shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, become the property of Parentco free and clear of any claims or interest of any person previously entitled thereto.
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(l) No Liability. None of the Exchange Agent, Parentco, the First Surviving Company or the Second Surviving Company shall be liable to any holder of SPAC Common Stock, Company Shares or Company Warrants for any such SPAC Common Stock, Company Shares or Company Warrants (or dividends or distributions with respect thereto), or cash delivered to a public official pursuant to any abandoned property, escheat or similar Law.
(m) Withholding Rights. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, each of Parentco, the First Surviving Company, the Second Surviving Company, Merger Sub I, Merger Sub II and the Exchange Agent shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from amounts (including shares, options or other property) otherwise payable, issuable or transferable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of SPAC Common Stock, Company Shares or Company Warrants such amounts as it is required to deduct and withhold with respect to such payment, issuance or transfer under the Code or any provision of state, local or non-U.S. Tax Law. To the extent that amounts are so deducted or withheld and timely paid to the applicable Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Law, such deducted or withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid, issued or transferred to the holder of the SPAC Common Stock, Company Shares or Company Warrants in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made.
(n) Lost Certificates. If any Company Certificate, Company Warrant or Company Note, as the case may be, shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming such Company Certificate, Company Warrant or Company Note to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by Parentco, the posting by such person of a bond, in such reasonable amount as Parentco may direct, as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such Company Certificate, Company Warrant or Company Note, the Exchange Agent will issue, in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Company Certificate, Company Warrant or Company Note, the Merger Consideration that such holder has elected or been deemed to have elected to receive pursuant to, and in accordance with, the provisions of this Section 2.03, including, any dividends or other distributions to which the holders thereof are entitled pursuant to Section 2.03(e).
SECTION 2.04 Statutory Dissenters Rights; Fair Value.
(a) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, any Company Shares that are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Second Effective Time and are held by a holder of Company Shares (each, a “Dissenting Shareholder”) who has validly exercised and not withdrawn or lost its right to dissent from the Second Merger (“Dissenter Rights”) pursuant to Section 179 of the Companies Act (collectively, the “Dissenting Shares”) shall be cancelled and cease to exist at the Second Effective Time, but shall not be converted into or exchangeable for or represent the right to receive the Company Merger Consideration (except as provided in this Section 2.04), and each such Dissenting Shareholder shall be entitled only to payment of the fair value of such Dissenting Shares in accordance with Section 179 of the Companies Act. If any Dissenting Shareholder shall have effectively withdrawn (in accordance with the Companies Act) or lost the right to dissent, then as of the later of the Effective Time or the occurrence of such event, the Dissenting Shareholder shall, in respect of its Dissenting Shares cancelled at the Effective Time, be entitled to receive the Per Share Merger Consideration (without interest), pursuant to this Section 2.04.
(b) Each of Surf Entities and SPAC respectively agree that the Company Closing Per Share Consideration represents the fair value of the Company Shares for the purposes of Section 179 of the Companies Act.
SECTION 2.05 Stock Transfer Books. At the Second Effective Time, the stock transfer books of SPAC and the Company shall be closed and there shall be no further registration of transfers of SPAC Common Stock or Company Shares, as applicable, thereafter on the records of SPAC or the Company. From and after the Second Effective Time, the holders of book-entry positions representing SPAC Common Stock or Company Certificates representing Company Shares outstanding immediately prior to the Second Effective Time shall cease to have any rights with respect to such SPAC Common Stock or Company Shares, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or by Law. On or after the Second Effective Time, any Company Certificates presented to the Exchange Agent for any reason shall be converted into Merger Consideration, in accordance with the provisions of this Article II.
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SECTION 2.06 Treatment of SPAC Warrants; Treatment of Company Warrants; Treatment of Company Convertible Notes.
(a) Treatment of SPAC Warrants. At the First Effective Time, each SPAC Warrant that is outstanding immediately prior to the First Effective Time shall, pursuant to the SPAC Warrant Agreement, cease to represent a right to acquire one (1) share of SPAC Common Stock and shall be converted in accordance with the terms of such SPAC Warrant Agreement, at the First Effective Time, into a right to acquire one (1) share of Parentco Common Stock (a “Parentco Warrant” and collectively, the “Parentco Warrants”) on substantially the same terms as were in effect immediately prior to the First Effective Time under the terms of the SPAC Warrant Agreement. The parties shall cause the SPAC Warrant Agreement to be amended as of immediately prior the Effective Time to the extent necessary to give effect to this Section 2.06, including adding Parentco as a party thereto, with the effect that SPAC Warrants outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be exchanged for Parentco Warrants.
(b) Treatment of Company Warrants. Prior to the Second Effective Time, the Company shall deliver notice of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with the terms of (i) each warrant to purchase Class B-2 Preferred Shares that is listed on Section 3.03(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule (collectively, the “Class B-2 Preferred Warrants”), (ii) each warrant to purchase Class B-3 Preferred Shares that is listed on Section 3.03(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule (collectively, the “Class B-3 Preferred Warrants”), (iii) each warrant to purchase Class B-4 Preferred Shares that is listed on Section 3.03(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule (collectively, the “Class B-4 Preferred Warrants”) and (iv) each warrant to purchase Ordinary Shares that is listed on Section 3.03(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule (collectively, the “Ordinary Warrants” and, together with the Class B-2 Preferred Warrants, the Class B-3 Preferred Warrants and the Class B-4 Preferred Warrants, the “Company Warrants”) to the holder of such Company Warrant. To the extent that any Company Warrant will not expire or be cancelled by its terms by virtue of the Second Merger, the Company shall cause each Company Warrant (including pursuant to an amendment thereto), as of the Second Effective Time, by virtue of the Second Merger and without any action on the part of Parentco, the Company or Merger Sub II, to be cancelled and extinguished to the extent such Company Warrant is not exercised prior to the Closing (each, a “Cancelled Warrant”), and as a result thereof, to cause each holder of a Cancelled Warrant to cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the right to receive in respect thereof at the Second Effective Time, a number of shares of Parentco Common Stock equal to: the product of (A) the number of Ordinary Shares that would be issued immediately prior to the Second Effective Time assuming (x) the net exercise of the applicable Company Warrant and (y) the conversion of the Class B-2 Preferred Shares, Class B-3 Preferred Shares and Class B-4 Preferred Shares issuable upon exercise of the Class B-2 Preferred Warrants, Class B-3 Preferred Warrants and Class B-4 Preferred Warrants, respectively, into Ordinary Shares (the “Warrant Shares”), multiplied by (B) the Company Closing Per Share Consideration (the “Cancelled Warrant Consideration”). The Exchange Agent shall deliver the Cancelled Warrant Consideration, if any, to each holder of a Cancelled Warrant in respect thereof at the Closing as set forth in this Section 2.06(b) upon receipt of a warrant cancellation agreement in form reasonably acceptable to Parentco for each such Cancelled Warrant, together with a letter of transmittal, in a form reasonably acceptable to Parentco, duly completed and validly executed in accordance with the instructions thereto. Except as set forth in this Section 2.06(b), the Exchange Agent shall follow the procedures set forth in Section 2.03 with respect to any Company Warrants.
(c) Treatment of Company Convertible Notes. Prior to the Second Effective Time, the Company shall deliver notice of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with the terms of each convertible note of the Company (collectively, the “Company Convertible Notes”) to the holder of such Company Convertible Notes. To the extent that any Company Convertible Note will not expire or be cancelled by its terms by virtue of the Second Merger, the Company shall cause each Company Convertible Note (including pursuant to an amendment thereto), as of the Second Effective Time, by virtue of the Second Merger and without any action on the part of Parentco, the Company or Merger Sub II, to be cancelled and extinguished to the extent such Company Convertible Note is not converted prior to the Closing (each, a “Cancelled Convertible Note”), and as a result thereof, to cause each holder of a Cancelled Convertible Note to cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the right to receive in respect thereof at the Second Effective Time, a number of shares of Parentco Common Stock equal to: the product of (A) the number of Ordinary Shares that would be issued immediately prior to the Second Effective Time assuming the conversion of the applicable Company Convertible Note (the “Note Shares”), multiplied by (B) the Company Closing Per Share Consideration (the “Cancelled Note Consideration”). The Exchange Agent shall deliver the Cancelled Note Consideration, if any, to each holder of a Cancelled Convertible Note in respect thereof at the Closing as set forth in this Section 2.06(c) upon receipt of a note cancellation agreement in form reasonably acceptable to Parentco for each such Cancelled Convertible Note, together with a letter of transmittal, in a form reasonably acceptable to Parentco, duly completed and validly executed in accordance with the instructions thereto. Except as set forth in this Section 2.06(c), the Exchange Agent shall follow the procedures set forth in Section 2.03 with respect to any Company Convertible Note.
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SECTION 2.07 Treatment of Company Options.
(a) At the Second Effective Time, each Company Option (whether vested or unvested) that is outstanding immediately prior to the Second Effective Time shall be automatically converted into an option to acquire shares of Parentco Common Stock upon substantially the same terms and conditions as are in effect with respect to such Company Option immediately prior to the Effective Time except that the number of shares of Parentco Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of such Company Option shall be equal to the product of (x) the number of Ordinary Shares then subject to such Company Option and (y) the Company Closing Per Share Consideration, rounded down to the nearest whole share, and the exercise price per share of Parentco Common Stock shall equal the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the exercise price per Ordinary Share of such Company Option by (y) the Company Closing Per Share Consideration, (rounded up to the nearest whole cent) (each such converted option, a “Converted Parentco Option”).
(b) At or prior to the Second Effective Time, the Company, the Company Board, or any committee thereof, as applicable, shall adopt any resolutions that are necessary to effectuate the treatment of the Company Options pursuant to Section 2.07(a).
(c) At the Second Effective Time, Parentco shall assume the Plan, except that the Plan shall be amended at the Second Effective Time to provide that no additional options and awards may be issued under such Plan.
SECTION 2.08 Treatment of Company RSUs. Immediately prior to the Second Effective Time, each Company RSU that is then outstanding and unvested shall be fully vested, and the restricted stock units subject to such Company RSU shall be immediately payable (subject to applicable tax withholding) in an equal number of the Company’s Ordinary Shares. At the Second Effective Time, the holder of such Company RSU shall be entitled to receive the consideration provided in Section 2.02(b) for each Company Share in accordance with the terms hereof and shall be treated as a Company Security Holder in respect of such Company Shares under this Agreement. Prior to the Second Effective Time, the Company Board, or any committee thereof, as applicable, shall adopt any resolutions that are necessary to effectuate the treatment of the Company RSUs pursuant to this Section 2.08.
SECTION 2.09 Funds Flow Memoranda.
(a) At least three (3) Business Days prior to the expected Closing Date, (i) SPAC will deliver to the Company a written statement setting forth a complete and accurate schedule of each SPAC Transaction Expense, setting forth the respective amounts thereof, and the applicable wire transfer instructions for each such SPAC Transaction Expense, together with reasonable relevant supporting documentation used by SPAC in calculating such amounts, including all invoices or, if no invoice is available, other documentation reasonably accounting for such costs (the “SPAC Funds Flow Memorandum”), and (ii) the Surf Entities will deliver to SPAC a written statement setting forth a complete and accurate schedule of each Surf Transaction Expense, setting forth the respective amounts thereof, and the applicable wire transfer instructions for each such Surf Transaction Expense, together with reasonable relevant supporting documentation used by the Surf Entities in calculating such amounts, including all invoices or, if no invoice is available, other documentation reasonably accounting for such costs (the “Surf Funds Flow Memorandum”).
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(b) At the Closing, Parentco shall (on behalf of the Surf Entities and SPAC, as applicable) pay, or, cause to be paid, (i) all accrued and unpaid SPAC Transaction Expenses and (ii) all accrued and unpaid Surf Transaction Expenses (collectively, the “Unpaid Transaction Expenses”), in each case, as set forth on, and to the applicable payees as set forth in, the SPAC Funds Flow Memorandum and the Surf Funds Flow Memorandum, as applicable; provided that the Unpaid Transaction Expenses due to current or former employees, independent contractors, officers, or directors of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall be paid to the Company for further payment to such employee, independent contractor, officer or director through the Company’s payroll.
(c) Parentco acknowledges that, notwithstanding SPAC’s and Parentco’s good faith and commercially reasonable best efforts, certain SPAC Transaction Expenses or Surf Transaction Expenses may inadvertently be excluded from the SPAC Funds Flow Memorandum or the Surf Funds Flow Memorandum or may not be paid at the Closing. After the Closing, Parentco shall pay, on a timely basis in the ordinary course of business, all SPAC Transaction Expenses and Surf Transaction Expenses for which Parentco, SPAC or the Company, as applicable, receives written invoices after the Closing Date, whether or not set forth in the SPAC Funds Flow Memorandum or the Surf Funds Flow Memorandum.
SECTION 2.10 Earnout.
(a) If (i) as disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023 for Parentco filed with the SEC, Parentco’s total audited revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 is equal to or greater than $200,000,000 or (ii) at any time from and after the date that is six (6) months after the Closing and prior to the date that is five (5) years after the Closing, the VWAP of Parentco Common Stock is greater than or equal to $12.00 for any twenty (20) Trading Days within a period of thirty (30) consecutive Trading Days (the first date that either clause (i) or clause (ii) is satisfied, the “First Earnout Achievement Date”), Parentco shall promptly issue to each holder of Outstanding Ordinary Shares as of immediately prior to the Second Effective Time, a number of shares of Parentco Common Stock equal to the product of (1) the quotient of (A) the number of shares of Parentco Common Stock issuable under this Agreement in connection with the Second Merger with respect to the Outstanding Ordinary Shares held by such holder as of immediately prior to the Second Effective Time, divided by (B) the Earnout Fully Diluted Shares, multiplied by (2) the product of (A) 7,000,000 multiplied by (B) 87.5%.
(b) If (i) as disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024 for Parentco filed with the SEC, Parentco’s total audited revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 is equal to or greater than $425,000,000 or (ii) at any time from and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the Closing and prior to the date that is five (5) years after the Closing, the VWAP of Parentco Common Stock is greater than or equal to $14.00 for any twenty (20) Trading Days within a period of thirty (30) consecutive Trading Days (the first date that either clause (i) or clause (ii) is satisfied, the “Second Earnout Achievement Date”), Parentco shall promptly issue to each holder of Outstanding Ordinary Shares, a number of shares of Parentco Common Stock equal to the product of (1) the quotient of (A) the number of shares of Parentco Common Stock issuable under this Agreement in connection with the Second Merger with respect to the Outstanding Ordinary Shares held by such holder as of immediately prior to the Second Effective Time, divided by (B) the Earnout Fully Diluted Shares, multiplied by (2) the product of (A) 7,000,000 multiplied by (B) 87.5%.
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(c) If (i) on or prior to December 31, 2025, Parentco or any of its Subsidiaries receives or achieves the Hybrid Cessna Caravan Certification or (ii) at any time from and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the Closing and prior to the date that is five (5) years after the Closing, the VWAP of Parentco Common Stock is greater than or equal to $16.00 for any twenty (20) Trading Days within a period of thirty (30) consecutive Trading Days (the first date that either clause (i) or clause (ii) is satisfied, the “Third Earnout Achievement Date”), Parentco shall promptly issue to each holder of Outstanding Ordinary Shares as of immediately prior to the Second Effective Time, a number of shares of Parentco Common Stock equal to the product of (1) the quotient of (A) the number of shares of Parentco Common Stock issuable under this Agreement in connection with the Second Merger with respect to the Outstanding Ordinary Shares held by such holder as of immediately prior to the Second Effective Time, divided by (B) the Earnout Fully Diluted Shares, multiplied by (2) the product of (A) 7,000,000 multiplied by (B) 87.5%. For purposes hereof, “Hybrid Cessna Caravan Certification” means certification of a Supplemental Type Certificate (“STC”) by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) for a hybrid-electric propulsion system for the Cessna Model 208B Grand Caravan EX aircraft (“Caravan”).
(d) If (i) on or prior to the date that is five (5) years after the Closing, Parentco or any of its Subsidiaries receives or achieves the Electric Cessna Caravan Certification or (ii) at any time from and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the Closing and prior to the date that is five (5) years after the Closing, the VWAP of Parentco Common Stock is greater than or equal to $18.00 for any twenty (20) Trading Days within a period of thirty (30) consecutive Trading Days (the date the foregoing is satisfied, the “Fourth Earnout Achievement Date”), Parentco shall promptly issue to each holder of Outstanding Ordinary Shares as of immediately prior to the Second Effective Time, a number of shares of Parentco Common Stock equal to the product of (1) the quotient of (A) the number of shares of Parentco Common Stock issuable under this Agreement in connection with the Second Merger with respect to the Outstanding Ordinary Shares held by such holder as of immediately prior to the Second Effective Time, divided by (B) the Earnout Fully Diluted Shares, multiplied by (2) the product of (A) 7,000,000 multiplied by (B) 87.5%. For purposes hereof, “Electric Cessna Caravan Certification” means certification of an STC by the FAA for a fully-electric propulsion system for the Caravan.
(e) If the Commercial and Strategic Arrangement Condition is not satisfied prior to the Closing, but is satisfied after the Closing and prior to December 31, 2022, Parentco shall promptly issue to each holder of Outstanding Ordinary Shares as of immediately prior to the Second Effective Time, a number of shares of Parentco Common Stock equal to the product of (1) the quotient of (A) the number of shares of Parentco Common Stock issuable under this Agreement in connection with the Second Merger with respect to the Outstanding Ordinary Shares held by such holder as of immediately prior to the Second Effective Time, divided by (B) the Earnout Fully Diluted Shares, multiplied by (2) the product of (A) 10,000,000 multiplied by (B) 87.5%.
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(f) For the avoidance of doubt, the holders of Outstanding Ordinary Shares immediately prior to the Second Effective Time shall be entitled to receive the shares of Parentco Common Stock described in Section 2.10(a), Section 2.10(b), Section 2.10(c) and Section 2.10(d) only upon the occurrence of the First Earnout Achievement Date, the Second Earnout Achievement Date, the Third Earnout Achievement Date and the Fourth Earnout Achievement Date, respectively.
(g) In the event that there is a Change of Control after the Closing and prior to the date that is five (5) years after the Closing, (A) if the implied pre-transaction valuation of Parentco in the Change of Control transaction is at least $850,000,000, each of the First Earnout Achievement Date, the Second Earnout Achievement Date, the Third Earnout Achievement Date and the Fourth Earnout Achievement Date, in each case, to the extent such achievement dates have not previously occurred, shall be deemed to occur immediately prior to the closing of such Change of Control, and in such event Parentco shall issue the shares of Parentco Common Stock issuable pursuant to Section 2.10(a), Section 2.10(b), Section 2.10(c) and Section 2.10(d), immediately prior to the closing of such Change of Control (to the extent such shares of Parentco Common Stock have not previously been issued), and (B) thereafter, the obligations in Section 2.10(a), Section 2.10(b), Section 2.10(c) and Section 2.10(d) shall terminate and no longer apply
(h) The Parentco Common Stock price targets set forth in Section 2.10(a), Section 2.10(b), Section 2.10(c) and Section 2.10(d) and the number of shares of Parentco Common Stock issuable pursuant thereto shall be equitably adjusted for stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations, reclassifications, combinations, exchanges of shares or other like changes or transactions with respect to the Parentco Common Stock occurring on or after the Closing (other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement).
(i) Any issuance of Earnout Shares in respect of Outstanding Ordinary Shares to holders of such Outstanding Ordinary Shares hereunder shall be treated as comprised of two components, respectively, a principal component and an interest component, the amounts of which shall be determined as provided in Reg. §1.483-4(b) example (2) using the 3-month test rate of interest provided for in Reg. §1.1274-4(a)(1)(ii) employing the semi-annual compounding period. As to each such issuance of Earnout Shares hereunder in respect of Outstanding Ordinary Shares to each holder of such Outstanding Ordinary Shares outstanding immediately prior to the Second Effective Time, Earnout Shares representing the principal component (with a value equal to the principal component) and Earnout Shares representing the interest component (with a value equal to the interest component) shall be represented by separate share certificates.
SECTION 2.11 Treatment of Unvested Company Shares. If any Company Share is subject to any vesting conditions immediately prior to the Second Effective Time and such vesting conditions are not accelerated prior to or concurrent with the Second Effective Time (each, an “Unvested Company Share”), then the Company Closing Per Share Consideration that is received with respect to such Unvested Company Share and any shares of Parentco Common Stock issued pursuant to Section 2.10 with respect to such Unvested Company Share shall be subject to the same vesting conditions (as appropriately adjusted by Parentco) as the Unvested Company Share immediately prior to the Second Effective Time; provided, that prior to the receipt of such Company Closing Per Share Consideration or shares of Parentco Common Stock pursuant to Section 2.10 in respect of Unvested Company Shares, Parentco shall have the right to require that the holder thereof enter into a vesting agreement with Parentco in substantially the same form as in effect immediately prior to the Second Effective Time, as appropriately adjusted by Parentco.
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ARTICLE III.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SURF ENTITIES
Except as disclosed in the Company’s disclosure schedule to this Agreement delivered by the Company to SPAC concurrently with the execution of this Agreement (the “Company Disclosure Schedule”), the Surf Entities, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to SPAC as follows:
SECTION 3.01 Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries.
(a) Each of the Company and each Subsidiary of the Company (each a “Company Subsidiary”) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, formation or organization. The Company and each Company Subsidiary has the requisite corporate or other organizational power and authority and all necessary governmental approvals to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, except where the failure to have such power, authority and governmental approvals has not had, and would not have, a Company Material Adverse Effect. Each of the Company and each Company Subsidiary is duly qualified or licensed as a foreign corporation or other organization to do business, and is in good standing, in each jurisdiction where the character of the properties owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of its business makes such qualification or licensing necessary, except for such failures to be so qualified or licensed and in good standing has not had, and would not have, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) A true and complete list of all of the Company Subsidiaries, together with the jurisdiction of organization, formation or incorporation of each Company Subsidiary and the percentage of the outstanding equity or similar interest in each Company Subsidiary owned by the Company and each other Company Subsidiary, in each case, as of the date hereof, is set forth in Section 3.01(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule. Except as set forth in Section 3.01(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company does not directly or indirectly own any equity or similar interest in, or any interest convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any equity or similar interest in, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture or business association or other entity.
(c) Each of Merger Sub I and Merger Sub II (a) were formed solely for the purpose of the Transactions, (b) have not conducted any business or engaged in any activities other than those directly related to the Transactions, (c) have no liabilities other than those incurred in connection with the Transactions, this Agreement, or any other Transaction Documents, and (d) are not a party to any Contract other than their respective Organizational Documents and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party.
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SECTION 3.02 Organizational Documents. An accurate and complete copy of each of the Surf Entities’ and the Company Subsidiaries’ Organization Documents, currently in effect and as amended through the date of this Agreement, has been made available to SPAC prior to the date of this Agreement. Such Organizational Documents are currently in effect, and none of the Surf Entities or Company Subsidiaries is in violation in any material respect of any of the provisions thereof.
SECTION 3.03 Capitalization.
(a) The equity interests of each Surf Entity and each Company Subsidiary: (i) have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid, free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens), and nonassessable; (ii) were issued in compliance in all material respects with applicable Law; and (iii) were not issued in breach or violation of such entity’s Organizational Documents or any Contract or preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or other similar rights.
(b) As of the date hereof, the authorized capital stock of the Company consists of (i) 805,466,709 Ordinary Shares having a par value of US$0.001 each (“Ordinary Shares”); (ii) 1,866,056 Founder Preferred Shares having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Founder Preferred Shares”); (iii) 1,930,155 Class A-1 Preferred Shares having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class A-1 Preferred Shares”); (iv) 2,820,319 Class A-2 Preferred Shares having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class A-2 Preferred Shares”); (v) 9,070,476 Class A-3 Preferred Shares having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class A-3 Preferred Shares”); (vi) 552,804 Class A-4 Preferred Shares having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class A-4 Preferred Shares”); (vii) 15,646,415 Class A-5 Preferred Shares having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class A-5 Preferred Shares”); (viii) 14,934,552 Class B-1 Preferred Shares having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class B-1 Preferred Shares”); (ix) 25,000,000 Class B-2 Preferred Shares having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class B-2 Preferred Shares”); (x) 2,000,000 Class B-3 Preferred Shares having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class B-3 Preferred Shares”);(xi) 4,000,000 Class B-4 Preferred Shares having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class B-4 Preferred Shares”); (xii) 33,638,500 Class B-5 Preferred Shares having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class B-5 Preferred Shares”); (xiii) 150,000,000 Class B-6a Preferred Shares having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class B-6a Preferred Shares”); and (xiv) 108,242,028 Class B-6s Preferred Shares having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class B-6s Preferred Shares”, and, together with the other classes of preferred shares of the Company, the “Company Preferred Shares”). As of the date of the Agreement, (A) 268,219,626 Ordinary Shares (the “Outstanding Company Ordinary Shares”) are issued and outstanding, (B) 1,866,056 Founder Preferred Shares, 1,380,217 Class A- 1 Preferred Shares, 1,197,296 Class A-2 Preferred Shares, 6,206,269 Class A-3 Preferred Shares, 552,804 Class A-4 Preferred Shares, 15,400,417 Class A-5 Preferred Shares, 14,934,552 Class B- 1 Preferred Shares, 24,194,129 Class B-2 Preferred Shares, 1,464,728 Class B-3 Preferred Shares, 3,671,818 Class B-4 Preferred Shares, 25,356,068 Class B-5 Preferred Shares, 130,278,487 Class B-6a Preferred Shares, and 71,101,042 Class B-6s Preferred Shares are issued and outstanding (collectively, the “Outstanding Company Preferred Shares”), (C) no Ordinary Shares or Company Preferred Shares are held in the treasury of the Company, (D) 39,620,331 Ordinary Shares are reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Company Options, (E) 4,775,951 Ordinary Shares are reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Company RSUs, (F) 103,368,810 Ordinary Shares are reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Ordinary Warrants (as set forth in Section 3.03(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule), (G) 805,823 Class B-2 Preferred Shares are reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Class B-2 Preferred Warrants (as set forth in Section 3.03(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule), (H) 410,123 Class B-3 Preferred Shares are reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Class B-3 Preferred Warrants (as set forth in Section 3.03(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule), (I) 1,493,015 Class B-4 Preferred Shares are reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Class B-4 Preferred Warrants (as set forth in Section 3.03(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule), (J) 8,282,432 Class B-5 Preferred Shares, 16,543,739 Class B-6 Preferred Shares and 2,482,615 Ordinary Warrants are reserved for issuance upon conversion of the Company Notes, and (K) 327,621,630 Ordinary Shares are issuable upon (I) conversion of the Outstanding Company Preferred Shares and the Company Preferred Shares issuable upon exercise of the Class B-2 Preferred Warrants, Class B-3 Preferred Warrants and Class B-4 Preferred Warrants, and (II) conversion of the Company Notes and exercise of the Ordinary Warrants issuable upon conversion of the Company Notes. There are no other classes of share capital of the Company. The Company has provided SPAC a list of all holders of Outstanding Company Ordinary Shares, Outstanding Company Preferred Shares, Company Options, Company RSUs, Company Warrants and Company Notes and the number of each security owned by each such holder, which list is true and correct as of the date of this Agreement.
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(c) The authorized capital stock of Parentco consists of one hundred (100) shares of Parentco Common Stock. One hundred (100) shares of Parentco Common Stock is issued and outstanding. Parentco is a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company. There are no other classes of share capital of Parentco.
(d) The shares of Parentco Common Stock to be issued in accordance with Section 2.01 and Section 2.02 will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and not subject to preemptive rights.
(e) The authorized capital stock of Merger Sub I consists of one hundred (100) shares of common stock of Merger Sub I. One Hundred (100) shares of common stock of Merger Sub I are issued and outstanding. Merger Sub I is a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parentco. There are no other classes of share capital of Merger Sub I.
(f) The authorized shares of Merger Sub II consists of fifty thousand (50,000) ordinary shares of Merger Sub II. One (1) Merger Sub II ordinary share is issued and outstanding. Merger Sub II is a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parentco. There are no other classes of share capital of Merger Sub II.
(g) Except for the Company Options, the Company Warrants, Company RSUs, the Company Notes, the Outstanding Company Preferred Shares, the Transactions and the Southern Acquisition, there are no outstanding or authorized options, warrants, convertible securities or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character relating to the issued or unissued equity interests, or any other interests, in any Surf Entity or Company Subsidiary or obligating any Surf Entity or Company Subsidiary to issue or sell any equity interests, or any other interest, in any Surf Entity or Company Subsidiary, other than any Simple Agreements for Future Equity of the Company as to which the holder thereof has agreed to settle such agreement solely in cash. None of the Company Options, Company Warrants, Company RSUs or Outstanding Company Preferred Shares contain any anti-dilution rights, other than adjustments for stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock combinations, stock dividends and similar transactions affecting the equity holders as whole. No other rights in connection with any shares, warrants, options or other securities of the Company accelerate or otherwise become triggered (whether as to vesting, exercisability, convertibility or otherwise) as a result of the Transactions or the Southern Acquisition. There are no bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness or securities of any Surf Entity or Company Subsidiary having the right to vote (or convertible into or exercisable for securities having the right to vote) on any matters on which holders of equity interests of any Surf Entity or Company Subsidiary may vote are authorized, issued or outstanding. Other than the Organizational Documents of the Company, there are no registration rights, and no voting trusts, proxies, anti-takeover plans or other agreements or understandings in effect that any Surf Entity or Company Subsidiary is a party to with respect to the voting or transfer of any of the equity interests of any Surf Entity or Company Subsidiary. No Surf Entity or Company Subsidiary is a party to, or otherwise bound by, and has not granted, any equity appreciation rights, participations, phantom equity or similar rights whether direct or indirect.
SECTION 3.04 Authority Relative to This Agreement. The Surf Entities have all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which they are a party, and to perform their respective obligations hereunder and thereunder in accordance with and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein and therein. The execution and delivery by the Surf Entities of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which they are a party, and the consummation by the Surf Entities of the Transactions, have been duly and validly authorized by all requisite corporate action on the part of such Surf Entity and no other corporate proceedings on the part of such Surf Entity are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents to which they are a party or the Transactions, subject to (i) obtaining the Company Member Approval and (ii) the filing and recordation of appropriate documents related to the Mergers as required by the DGCL and the Companies Act, as applicable. No other proceedings on the part of the Surf Entities, their members or their stockholders are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents to which they are a party or to consummate the Transactions. This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which the Surf Entities are a party have been (or, in the case of Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered at the Closing, will be) duly and validly executed and delivered by each of the Surf Entities and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties hereto and thereto, constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of each such Surf Entity, enforceable against each such Surf Entity in accordance with their terms; provided that the enforceability hereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity affecting the availability of specific performance and other equitable remedies (the “Enforceability Exceptions”).
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SECTION 3.05 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.
(a) The execution and delivery by each of the Surf Entities of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which they are a party does not, and the performance by each of the Surf Entities of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents to which they are a party and the Transactions will not: (i) conflict with or violate the Organizational Documents of any Surf Entity or Company Subsidiary; (ii) assuming that all consents, approvals, authorizations and other actions described in Section 3.05(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule have been obtained and all filings and obligations described in Section 3.05(b) have been made, conflict with or violate any Law, Permit or Governmental Order applicable to any Surf Entity or Company Subsidiary; or (iii) result in any breach of, or constitute a default (or an event which, with or without notice or lapse of time or both, would become a default) under, or give to others any right of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, require an additional payment (other than reimbursement of legal fees for reviewing such consent) to or the consent of any third party, or result in the creation of a Lien or other encumbrance on any property or asset of any Surf Entity or Company Subsidiary pursuant to, any Material Contract or Real Property Lease except, with respect to clauses (ii) and (iii), for any such conflicts, violations, breaches, consent requirements, defaults or other occurrences which would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) The execution and delivery by the Surf Entities of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which they are a party does not, and the performance by the Surf Entities of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents to which they are a party and the Transactions will not, require any material consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Authority, except for (i) applicable requirements, if any, of the Exchange Act, state securities or “blue sky” laws (“Blue Sky Laws”) and state takeover Laws, (ii) compliance with and filings or notifications under any applicable United States or foreign competition, antitrust, merger control or investment Laws, including the pre-merger notification requirements of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the “HSR Act”), (iii) the effectiveness of the filing of the Articles of Merger with the BVI Registrar of Corporate Affairs, (iv) the effectiveness of the filing of the Amended and Restated Parentco Certificate of Incorporation, (v) the effectiveness of the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, (vi) the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, (vii) the consents, approvals, authorizations and other actions described in Section 3.05(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule and (viii) such other consents, approvals, authorizations, permissions, filings or notifications which, if not made or obtained would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.06 Permits; Compliance. Each of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries is in possession of all material franchises, grants, authorizations, licenses, Permits, easements, variances, exceptions, consents, certificates, approvals, registrations, clearances, Orders and any other authorizations by a Governmental Authority necessary for each of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries to lawfully own, lease and operate its properties or to lawfully carry on its business as it is now being conducted (the “Company Permits”). The Company Permits held by the Company and the Company Subsidiaries (i) are valid and in full force and effect in all material respects, (ii) will not be terminated prior to the Closing or as a result of this Agreement and the Transactions, and (iii) except as set forth on Section 3.06 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, will not require any filings, approvals or consents to be sought from any Governmental Authority or third party as a result of this Agreement and the Transactions. No suspension, revocation, involuntary termination or cancellation of any of the Company Permits is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened in writing. Each of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries is, and since the Look Back Date, has been, in material compliance with all applicable Laws of applicable Governmental Authorities and all Company Permits. Since the Look Back Date, the Company has not received notice (whether verbally or in writing) of any material warning letter, investigation, inquiry, penalty, fine, sanction, assessment, request for corrective or remedial action, or other compliance or enforcement notice, communication, or correspondence from a Governmental Authority that has not been remediated, terminated or otherwise corrected to the satisfaction of such Governmental Authority.
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SECTION 3.07 Financial Statements.
(a) Section 3.07(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth the Company’s and its consolidated Subsidiaries (i) consolidated audited financial statements consisting of the consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020 and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in equity, and cash flow for the respective twelve (12) month periods ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020 (such financial statements, “Audited Financial Statements”), and (ii) consolidated unaudited financial statements consisting of the consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2021 and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in equity, and cash flow for the respective twelve (12) month periods ended December 31, 2021 (such financial statements, the “Interim Financial Statements,” and together with the Audited Financial Statements, the “Financial Statements”).
(b) The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved. The Financial Statements are based on the books and records of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries, and fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the respective dates they were prepared and the results of the operations of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the periods indicated, except, in the case of the Interim Financial Statements, subject to normal audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes.
(c) The Company and its Subsidiaries maintain a system of internal accounting controls designed to provide reasonable assurance that: (a) all assets, liabilities and transactions are accurately and timely recorded in all material respects and to maintain accountability for the assets and (b) transactions are executed and access to records is permitted only in accordance with management’s authorization. Since the Look Back Date, no officer, director or employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has (A) falsified any of the books, records or accounts of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (B) circumvented the internal accounting controls of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (C) made false or misleading statements to, or attempted to coerce or fraudulently influence, an accountant in connection with any audit, review or examination of the financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
(d) Except as otherwise noted in the Financial Statements, the accounts and notes receivable of the Company and its Subsidiaries reflected in the Financial Statements: (i) arose from bona fide sales transactions in the ordinary course of business and are payable on ordinary trade terms, (ii) to the Company’s knowledge, are legal, valid and binding obligations of the respective debtors enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as such may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, and by general equitable principles, (iii) are not subject to any valid set-off or counterclaim to which the Company has been notified in writing as of the date hereof except to the extent set forth in such balance sheet contained therein, and (iv) are not the subject of any actions or proceedings brought by or on behalf of the Company as of the date hereof.
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(e) As of the date of this Agreement, the projections with respect to the Company for the periods of 2022 until 2024 that were delivered by or on behalf of the Company to Parentco were prepared by the Company in good faith based on assumptions that the Company believes in good faith to be reasonable.
SECTION 3.08 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since December 31, 2020, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, (a) the Company and the Company Subsidiaries have conducted in all material respects their respective businesses in the ordinary course and in a manner consistent with past practice, except for actions and omissions taken as a result of COVID-19 and COVID-19 Measures, (b) there has not been any Company Material Adverse Effect and (c) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has taken any action that would require the consent of SPAC under Section 5.02 if such action had been taken after the execution of this Agreement.
SECTION 3.09 No Undisclosed Liabilities; Transaction Expenses.
(a) Except for liabilities or obligations (i) as reflected, disclosed or reserved against in the Company’s balance sheets (or the notes thereto) included in the Financial Statements, (ii) incurred in connection with the Transactions, including as set forth in Section 3.09(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (iii) that have arisen since December 31, 2021 in the ordinary course of the operation of business of the Company and its Subsidiaries or (iv) such other liabilities and obligations which would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, none of the Company or any Company Subsidiary has any liabilities or obligations of any nature, whether or not accrued, contingent, absolute or otherwise that would be required to be set forth or reserved for on a balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries (and the notes thereto) prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and in accordance with past practice.
(b) Section 3.09(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth the Company’s good faith estimate, as of the date of this Agreement, of the fees and expenses of its advisers, counsel, accountants and other experts, if any, and all other expenses expected to be incurred by the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, as of the Closing, incident to the negotiation, preparation, execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents and the Transactions (the “Surf Transaction Expenses”).
SECTION 3.10 Absence of Litigation. There is no litigation, suit, action, hearing, legal, arbitral, judicial, administrative or other proceeding or, to the knowledge of the Company, investigation (an “Action”) pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened in writing against any Surf Entity or Company Subsidiary, or any property or asset of any Surf Entity or Company Subsidiary, at Law or in equity by or before any Governmental Authority (other than routine claims for benefits pursuant to a plan), that would reasonably be expected to be, individually or in the aggregate, material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. No Surf Entity or Company Subsidiary, and no property or asset of any Surf Entity or Company Subsidiary, is subject to any continuing Order of, consent decree, settlement agreement or other similar written agreement with, or, to the knowledge of the Company, continuing investigation by, any Governmental Authority, or any Order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award of any Governmental Authority that would reasonably be expected to be, individually or in the aggregate, material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
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SECTION 3.11 Board Approval of Surf Entities; Stockholder Approval of Parentco, Merger Sub I and Merger Sub II.
(a) The Company Board has, by resolutions unanimously adopted thereby, (i) determined that this Agreement and the Transactions are advisable and in the best interests of the Company and the members of the Company, (ii) approved this Agreement, the Mergers and the Transactions, (iii) recommended that the holders of the Ordinary Shares and Company Preferred Shares approve and adopt this Agreement and approve the Mergers and the other Transactions as contemplated by this Agreement and (iv) directed that the Company Proposals be submitted for consideration by the holders of the Ordinary Shares and Company Preferred Shares in order to obtain the Company Member Approval pursuant to irrevocable written consents of the holders of the Ordinary Shares and Company Preferred Shares. None of the aforesaid actions by the Company Board has been amended, rescinded or modified.
(b) The Parentco Board, by resolutions duly adopted by unanimous written consent or unanimous vote of those voting at a meeting duly called and held and not subsequently rescinded or modified in any way, has unanimously (i) determined that this Agreement and the Transactions are fair to and in the best interests of Parentco and SPAC, as the sole stockholder of Parentco, (ii) approved and adopted this Agreement and the Transactions and (iii) recommended the approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Transactions by the Company, as the sole stockholder of Parentco. The Company, in its capacity as the sole stockholder of Parentco, has approved and adopted this Agreement, the Amended and Restated Parentco Certificate of Incorporation and the Transactions.
(c) The board of directors of Merger Sub I, by resolutions duly adopted by unanimous written consent or unanimous vote of those voting at a meeting duly called and held and not subsequently rescinded or modified in any way, has unanimously (i) approved and adopted this Agreement, the First Merger and the other Transactions and (ii) recommended the approval and adoption of this Agreement, the First Merger and the other Transactions by Parentco, as the sole stockholder of Merger Sub I. Parentco, in its capacity as the sole stockholder of Merger Sub I, has approved and adopted this Agreement, the First Merger and the other Transactions.
(d) The board of directors of Merger Sub II, by resolutions duly adopted by unanimous written consent or unanimous vote of those voting at a meeting duly called and held and not subsequently rescinded or modified in any way, has unanimously (i) approved and adopted this Agreement, the Second Merger and the other Transactions and (ii) recommended the approval and adoption of this Agreement, the Second Merger and the other Transactions by Parentco, as the sole stockholder of Merger Sub II. Parentco, in its capacity as the sole shareholder of Merger Sub II, has approved and adopted this Agreement, the Second Merger and the other Transactions.
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SECTION 3.12 Employee Benefit Plans.
(a) Section 3.12(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of each material Benefit Plan, other than any such Benefit Plan that may be established or entered into after the date hereof in compliance with this Agreement. The Company has made available to SPAC, as applicable: (i) current, accurate and complete copies of each such Benefit Plan and trust agreements and insurance contracts relating thereto; (ii) copies of the most recent Internal Revenue Service determination letter or opinion letter for any Benefit Plan; (iii) copies of the non-discrimination testing results for each Benefit Plan for the three (3) most recent plan years; (iv) copies of the three (3) most recent Forms 5500 annual report and accompanying schedules for any Benefit Plan, (v) the most recent summary plan descriptions and any summaries of material modifications thereto for any Benefit Plan; and (vi) all material non-routine correspondence received from any Governmental Authority with respect to any Benefit Plan within the past three (3) years.
(b) Except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) each of the Benefit Plans has been established, adopted, operated, maintained and administered in accordance with its terms and applicable Laws, (ii) all payments and contributions required to be made under the terms of any Benefit Plan and applicable Laws have been timely made or, to the extent required by applicable accounting policies, accrued in accordance with such policies, (iii) all material reports, returns and similar documents required to be filed with any Governmental Authority have been duly and timely filed and (iv) no “prohibited transaction” nor “reportable event” has occurred within the meanings of the applicable provisions of ERISA or the Code.
(c) Neither the execution or delivery by the Company of this Agreement nor the consummation of the Transactions will (i) result in any material payment or benefit becoming due or payable, or required to be provided, to any current or former employee of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries, except as expressly provided in this Agreement, (ii) materially increase the amount or value of any benefit or compensation otherwise payable or required to be provided to any such current or former employee, (iii) result in the acceleration of the time of payment, vesting or funding of any such material benefit or compensation, (iv) result in any material funding obligation under any Benefit Plan or (v) result in any material amount being nondeductible under Section 280G of the Code or subject to the excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code. No current or former employee of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries is entitled to receive any Tax gross-up payment from the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries in respect of the excise taxes imposed under Section 409A or 4999 of the Code.
(d) Each Benefit Plan intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code either (1) has obtained a currently effective favorable determination notification, advisory and/or opinion letter, as applicable, as to its qualified status (or the qualified status of the master or prototype form on which it is established) or (2) still has a remaining period of time in which to apply for or receive such letter and to make any amendments necessary to obtain a favorable determination.
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(e) No Benefit Plan is, and none of the Company nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has within the past six (6) years incurred any liability with respect to, (i) a multiemployer plan, as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA, (ii) a multiple employer plan, as defined in Section 4063 or 4064 of ERISA, or (iii) a plan that is subject to Section 302 of ERISA, Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA.
(f) Except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, there are no pending, or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened proceedings, disputes or claims (other than routine claims for benefits) against or affecting any Benefit Plan, by any employee or beneficiary covered under such Benefit Plan, as applicable, or otherwise involving such Benefit Plan.
(g) Except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, taken as a whole, (i) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is obligated under any Benefit Plan or otherwise to provide medical or death benefits with respect to any employee or former employee of the Company or its Company Subsidiaries after termination of employment, except as required under Section 4980B of the Code or Part 6 of Title I of ERISA or other applicable Law, and (ii) the Company and each Company Subsidiary has complied with both (x) the notice and continuation coverage requirements, and all other requirements, of Section 4980B of the Code and Parts 6 and 7 of Title I of ERISA, and the regulations thereunder, and (y) the minimum essential coverage and affordability requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended, in each case, with respect to each Benefit Plan that is a group health plan.
(h) Except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, taken as a whole, each Benefit Plan that provides deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code satisfies, in form and operation the requirements of Sections 409A(a)(2), 409A(a)(3) and 409A(a)(4) of the Code and the guidance thereunder.
SECTION 3.13 Labor and Employment Matters.
(a) Except as set forth in Section 3.13(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (i) neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries is a party to or otherwise bound by any Labor Agreement, (ii) no Labor Agreement is presently being negotiated, (iii) there are no labor union organizing activities or representation campaigns pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened by or with respect to any of the employees of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries, and (iv) from the Look Back Date, there have not been any, and there are no, pending strikes, walkouts, lockouts, slowdowns or other labor stoppages against or affecting the Company or the Company Subsidiaries.
(b) Except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is, and, since the Look Back Date, has been, in compliance with all applicable Laws respecting labor and employment practices and is not liable for any arrears of wages or penalties with respect thereto, and (ii) there are no material charges, complaints or proceedings by any Governmental Authority pertaining to the employment practices of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened against the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries. Except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, there are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, claims against the Company or its Subsidiaries on account of any labor or employment matter or action.
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(c) From the Look Back Date, none of the Company or its Subsidiaries has effectuated (i) a “plant closing” (as defined in the WARN Act) or (ii) a “mass layoff” (as defined in the WARN Act) and none of the Company or its Subsidiaries has consummated any transaction or engaged in layoffs or employment terminations sufficient in number to trigger application of any similar state, local or foreign applicable Law.
(d) To the knowledge of the Company, as of this Agreement, none of the officers of the Company or its Subsidiaries presently intends to terminate his or her employment with the Company. Except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance and, to the Company’s knowledge, each of its employees and consultants is in compliance in all material respects, with the terms of the respective employment and consulting agreements between the Company and its Subsidiaries and such individuals.
SECTION 3.14 Equipment and Other Tangible Property. The Company or one of its Subsidiaries owns and has good title to, and has the legal and beneficial ownership of or a valid leasehold interest in or right to use by license or otherwise, all material machinery, equipment and other tangible property reflected on the books of the Company and its Subsidiaries as owned by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens. All material personal property and leased personal property assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries are structurally sound and in good operating condition and repair (ordinary wear and tear expected) and are suitable for their present use.
SECTION 3.15 Real Property.
(a) Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries owns any real property. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any agreement or option to purchase any real property or purchase any material interest therein.
(b) Section 3.15(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule contains a true and correct list of all Company Leased Real Property. The Company has made available to SPAC true and correct copies of the leases, subleases, licenses and occupancy agreements (including all modifications, amendments, supplements, guaranties, extensions, renewals, waivers, side letters and other agreements relating thereto) for the Company Leased Real Property to which the Company and its Subsidiaries is a party (the “Real Estate Lease Documents”), and such deliverables comprise all Company Real Estate Lease Documents relating to the Company Leased Real Property. The Company or the Company Subsidiaries (as applicable) have valid leasehold interests in all of the material Company Leased Real Property, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens.
(c) Each lease, sublease, license or similar occupancy agreement relating to a material Company Leased Real Property (as amended, each a “Real Property Lease”) is in full force and effect and is a valid and binding obligation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is a party thereto, as applicable, and, to the knowledge of the Company, the other parties thereto (except as enforceability may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions). Except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect: (i) neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries nor, as of the date of this Agreement, to the knowledge of the Company, any other party thereto, is in breach of, or default under, any Real Property Lease; and (ii) as of the date of this Agreement, neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has received written notice of any actual or potential violation of, or failure to comply with, any term of any Real Property Lease which remains uncured. Each Real Property Lease that was furnished to SPAC is, to the knowledge of the Company, a true, correct and materially complete copy of such lease, sublease, license or similar occupancy agreement relating to a Company Leased Real Property in effect on the date hereof, together with all material amendments and supplements relating thereto.
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(d) (i) Except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company Leased Real Property are in good operating condition (subject to normal wear and tear) and are suitable and adequate for the purposes for which they are currently being used, in compliance with all regulatory or legislative requirements applicable to them; and (ii) to the knowledge of the Company, there are no existing, pending or threatened condemnation proceedings or similar actions relating to any part of the Company Leased Real Property.
SECTION 3.16 Intellectual Property.
(a) The Company and/or a Company Subsidiary owns or duly licenses, free and clear of all Liens, other than Permitted Liens, all material Intellectual Property used in or otherwise necessary for the business of the Company and Company Subsidiaries as now conducted or is otherwise entitled to use such material Intellectual Property by operation of Law. Section 3.16(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule contains a complete list of the registered patents, trademarks, copyrights and domain names and pending patent, trademark and copyright applications owned by the Company and/or the Company Subsidiaries. Except as set forth in Section 3.16(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company IP Rights shall, in all material respects, be available for use by the Company and the applicable Company Subsidiaries immediately after the Closing Date on materially the same terms and conditions to those under which each such entity owned or used such Intellectual Property immediately prior to the Closing Date. The registered Company- Owned Intellectual Property Rights are subsisting and to the knowledge of the Company, valid and enforceable. Except as would not be, individually or in the aggregate, material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, each employee of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, and each contractor, consultant or other person who has engaged with the Company or any Company Subsidiary and, in each of the foregoing instances, contributed to the conception, development or reduction to practice of any material Company-Owned Intellectual Property Rights has assigned to one of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries all of his or her rights to such Intellectual Property, pursuant to a written agreement containing present, affirmative assignment language. Except for off-the-shelf software and other similar items licensed on a non-exclusive basis and used in the ordinary course of its business, none of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries is obligated to pay any royalties or other payments to third parties with respect to the marketing, sale, distribution or provision of any Products or other Company IP Rights. To the knowledge of the Company, the conduct of and operation of the Company’s and the Company Subsidiaries’ businesses does not infringe or misappropriate, and has not since the Look Back Date infringed or misappropriated, or otherwise violated any Intellectual Property of other persons and, to the knowledge of the Company, there is no material current or ongoing infringement or violation by a third party of any of the Company-Owned Intellectual Property Rights or of any other Company IP Rights licensed on an exclusive basis by the Company or the Company Subsidiaries. As of the date of this Agreement, none of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries has received any written claim or threat alleging that it has violated or, by conducting its business, would violate any of the Intellectual Property of any other person. Except as would not be, individually or in the aggregate, material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, the Company and the Company Subsidiaries have taken reasonable security measures to protect the secrecy, confidentiality and value of all trade secrets and proprietary information used in conducting the business (“Company Proprietary Information”), including, without limitation, requiring all current Company employees and consultants and all other persons that have been provided with access to such Company Proprietary Information to execute a binding confidentiality agreement and, to the knowledge of the Company, there has not been any breach by any party to such confidentiality agreements. Except as would not be, individually or in the aggregate, material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, the Company and/or one of the Company Subsidiaries owns, leases, licenses, or otherwise has the legal right to use all Business Systems, and such Business Systems are sufficient for the immediate needs of the business of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries as currently conducted by the Company and/or the Company Subsidiaries. The Company and each of the Company Subsidiaries maintain commercially reasonable disaster recovery and business continuity plans, procedures and facilities, and such plans and procedures have been effective upon testing in all material respects, and since the Look Back Date, there has not been any material failure with respect to any of the Business Systems that has not been remedied or replaced in all material respects.
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(b) Except as would not be, individually or in the aggregate, material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, none of the software owned by the Company or the Company Subsidiaries or licensed by the Company or the Company Subsidiaries and incorporated into and licensed, sold or distributed with the Products includes or incorporates any software, including “open source” or similar software, in such a manner as to require the Company or any Company Subsidiary to (i) disclose or distribute in source code form, license for making derivative works, or redistribute at no or de minimis charge any such Product of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries (other than the applicable open source or similar software) or (ii) give third parties free rights in or to use any such Product or any of the source code related thereto (other than the applicable open source or similar software). To the knowledge of the Company, no products contain any material “back door,” “drop dead device,” “time bomb,” “Trojan horse,” “virus,” or “worm” (as such terms are commonly understood in the software industry) or any other software code designed or intended to have any of the following functions: (1) disrupting, disabling, harming, or otherwise impeding in any material manner the operation of, or providing unauthorized access to, a computer system or network or other device on which such code is stored or installed; or (2) damaging or destroying any data or file without the user’s consent.
(c) The information technology systems of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries (the “IT Systems”) are owned by, or validly licensed, leased or supplied under contracts to the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries. The IT Systems are adequate and sufficient, in all material respects, for the respective operations of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries as currently conducted. The Company and the Company Subsidiaries have taken measures reasonable in the industry to preserve and maintain the performance, security and integrity of such respective systems and all software, information or data stored thereon, including disaster data recovery technology.
(d) At all times since the Look Back Date, the Company and the Company Subsidiaries have taken all reasonable steps (including by implementing reasonable administrative, technical and physical security measures) to ensure that all Company Data and Business Systems are protected against damage, loss, and against unauthorized access, acquisition, use, modification, disclosure or other misuse. There has been no unauthorized access or damage to, or use, modification, acquisition or disclosure of, Company Data that would cause a Company Material Adverse Effect. There have been no unauthorized intrusions into, breaches of the security of, or ransomware attacks on, the Business Systems that would cause a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(e) The Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with, and since the Look Back Date have been in compliance with, (i) all applicable Laws relating to the privacy and/or security of personal information, (ii) the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ posted or publicly facing privacy policies, and (iii) the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ contractual obligations concerning cybersecurity, data security and the security of the information technology systems used by the Company and its Subsidiaries (the foregoing clauses (i)-(iii), “Privacy and Cybersecurity Requirements”), other than any non-compliance that, individually or in the aggregate, has not been and would not reasonably be expected to be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries. There are not, and have not been since the Look Back Date, any Actions by any Person, or any investigations by any Governmental Authority, pending to which the Company or any of the Company’s Subsidiaries is a named party or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened in writing against the Company or its Subsidiaries alleging a violation of any Privacy and Cybersecurity Requirements.
SECTION 3.17 Taxes.
(a) The Company and each of its Company Subsidiaries: (i) have duly and timely filed (taking into account any extension of time within which to file) all income and other material Tax Returns required to be filed by any of them as of the date hereof and all such filed Tax Returns are complete and accurate and in compliance with all applicable Laws in all material respects; (ii) have timely paid all Taxes; (iii) with respect to all income and other material Tax Returns filed by or with respect to any of them, have not waived any statute of limitations with respect to Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency; and (iv) do not have any deficiency, audit, examination, investigation or other proceeding in respect of Taxes or Tax matters pending or threatened in writing, for a Tax period which the statute of limitations for assessments remains open.
(b) The charges, accruals, and reserves with respect to Taxes on the Financial Statements of the Company and each of its Company Subsidiaries are adequate, were calculated in accordance with GAAP, as applicable, and were properly recorded in their books and records.
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(c) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is a party to, is bound by or has an obligation under any Tax sharing agreement, Tax indemnification agreement, Tax allocation agreement or similar contract or arrangement (including any agreement, contract or arrangement providing for the sharing or ceding of credits or losses, whether or not written).
(d) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has entered into a closing agreement that is currently in force pursuant to Section 7121 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law) with respect to the Company or a Company Subsidiary.
(e) The Company and each of its Company Subsidiaries have not requested or received a private letter ruling, or other similar tax ruling or arrangement or related correspondence from any Governmental Authority, including any application for or receipt of a Tax ruling or arrangement from any Governmental Authority on such company’s behalf or on behalf on any of its shareholders, whether or not in connection with this Agreement or applied for any tax ruling with respect to Company’s or Company’s Subsidiaries Tax Returns.
(f) Each of the Company and its Company Subsidiaries has collected or withheld and paid to the appropriate Tax authority all Taxes required to have been collected or withheld and paid in connection with amounts received from or paid or owing to any customer, current or former employee, independent contractor, creditor, shareholder or other third party and has timely complied in all material respects with all applicable Law, rules and regulations relating to the collection, payment and withholding of Taxes, including all material reporting and record keeping requirements related thereto.
(g) Neither the Company nor any of its Company Subsidiaries has been a member of an affiliated group filing a consolidated, combined or unitary United States federal, state, local or foreign income Tax Return (other than a group consisting only of the Company and/or Company Subsidiaries).
(h) Neither the Company nor any of its Company Subsidiaries has any liability for the Taxes of any person (other than the Company and/or Company Subsidiaries) under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law), as a transferee or successor, by contract, or otherwise.
(i) Except as contemplated in this Agreement, neither the Company nor any of its Company Subsidiaries has in place or has requested a ruling, transfer pricing agreement or similar agreement in respect of Taxes pending between the Company or any Company Subsidiary and any Governmental Authority which will have any effect after the Closing Date.
(j) Neither the Company nor a Company Subsidiary has made, nor is it or will it be required to make, any adjustment under Section 481(a) of the Code by reason of a change in accounting method from a taxable period ending on or before the Closing Date or otherwise.
(k) Neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has within the past three years distributed stock of another person, or has had its stock distributed by another person, in a transaction that was purported or intended to be governed in whole or in part by Section 355 of the Code.
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(l) Neither the Company nor any of its Company Subsidiaries is, or has been a party to a reportable transaction, as described in Section 6707A(c) and Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(2), or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or non-United States Law.
(m) Neither the Company nor a Company Subsidiary will be required to include any item of income in, or exclude any item of deduction from, taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of any: (A) “closing agreement” as described in Section 7121 of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign income Tax Law) executed on or prior to the Closing Date, (B) intercompany transaction or excess loss account described in Treasury Regulations under Section 1502 of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign income Tax Law), (C) installment sale or open transaction disposition made on or prior to the Closing Date or (D) prepaid amount received on or prior to the Closing Date.
(n) There are no Tax Liens upon any assets of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries except for Permitted Liens.
(o) Each of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries has not taken or agreed to take any action, and does not intend or plan to take any action, or have knowledge of any agreement, plan or intention to take any action, including any distribution of cash or other property, that is reasonably likely to prevent the Mergers and the Southern Acquisition, taken together, from qualifying for the Intended Tax Treatment.
SECTION 3.18 Environmental Matters. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect:
(a) the Company and its Subsidiaries are, and for the past three (3) years have been, in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws, and have obtained and are in compliance with the terms and conditions of all Permits required under applicable Environmental Law to carry on their Business as it is being conducted, and to occupy and operate the Leased Real Property;
(b) the Company and its Subsidiaries have not received any: (i) written notice or claim in respect of Environmental Laws or the violation thereof or non-compliance therewith; or (ii) written request for information pursuant to Environmental Law, which, in each case, either remains pending or unresolved (or, if resolved, has any unfulfilled obligations);
(c) the Company and its Subsidiaries have not caused and, to the knowledge of the Company, no third party has caused any Release of Hazardous Materials, in violation of Environmental Law, with respect to any Leased Real Property or any other location which would or would reasonably be expected to result in Liability to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;
(d) neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries is subject to any Governmental Order relating to any non-compliance with or Liability under Environmental Laws or regarding any Hazardous Materials that remains outstanding or unresolved (or, if resolved, has any material unfulfilled obligations); and
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(e) no Action is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries’ compliance with or Liability under Environmental Law.
SECTION 3.19 Material Contracts.
(a) Subsections (i) through (xvi) of Section 3.19(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule list, as of the date of this Agreement, the following types of contracts and agreements (including any material amendments thereto and other than Benefit Plans set forth on Section 3.12(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule), whether written or oral, currently in effect to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party, or by which it or their assets or properties are bound (such contracts and agreements as are required to be set forth in Section 3.19 of the Company Disclosure Schedule being the “Material Contracts”):
(i) each contract or agreement that involves consideration payable to the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries reasonably expected to exceed $250,000, in the aggregate, in the current fiscal year or the next fiscal year, or which exceeded such amount in the year ended December 31, 2020;
(ii) each contract or agreement for the purchase of inventory, other materials or personal property, with any contract manufacturing organization, with any supplier or for the furnishing of services to the Company or any Company Subsidiary or otherwise related to their respective businesses to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party, in each case, that involves consideration payable by the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries that is reasonably expected to exceed $250,000, in the aggregate, in the current fiscal year or the next fiscal year, or which exceeded such amount in the year ended December 31, 2020 (excluding any fuel supply contracts of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries);
(iii) each contract or agreement with a Top Vendor;
(iv) all contracts or agreements evidencing outstanding indebtedness for borrowed money of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, or commitments therefor, except for indebtedness and commitments in an amount not exceeding $250,000 individually or in the aggregate;
(v) all employment or consulting agreements with the Company or a Company Subsidiary that provide for annual compensation in excess of $150,000 or payments due and owing in the event of, or otherwise relating to, a change in control transaction or the consummation of the Transactions, other than at will agreements that can be terminated at any time for any reason without severance or similar liability to the Company or any Company Subsidiary;
(vi) all partnership or joint venture agreements with a third party, including any agreement involving the sharing of the Company’s and/or the Company Subsidiaries’ profits with such third party, other than the Organizational Documents of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries;
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(vii) all contracts that involve the acquisition or disposition, or future acquisition or disposition, directly or indirectly (by merger, asset sale, sale of stock or otherwise), of material assets, properties, business, or capital stock or other equity interests by the Company or a Company Subsidiary which has been entered into since the Look- Back Date and involves the acquisition of any person or any assets of any person (excluding any assets or inventories acquired in the ordinary course of business and excluding the inventory portion of any purchase price with respect to dispositions of a store location), including without limitation all contracts relating to the Southern Acquisition (the “Surf Combination Agreement”);
(viii) all contracts that contain a put, call, right of first refusal, right of first negotiation, right of first offer, redemption, repurchase or similar right pursuant to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is or would be required to purchase or sell, as applicable, any material equity interests, businesses, lines of business, divisions, joint ventures, partnerships or other material assets (except for rights of first refusal, rights of first offer or option rights contained in any Real Property Leases for an amount not exceeding $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate);
(ix) all contracts and agreements that (A) limit, or purport to limit, in any material respect the ability of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries to compete in any material line of business or with any person or entity or in any geographic area or during any period of time or (B) contains any “most favored nation” pricing terms that the Company or any Company Subsidiary must provide to a third party;
(x) any agreement with any Governmental Authorities (other than Permits);
(xi) any agreement requiring the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries to guarantee the indebtedness of any Person (other than the Company or any other Company Subsidiary) or pursuant to which any Person (other than the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries) has guaranteed the indebtedness of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries, except agreements in relation to indebtedness for an amount not exceeding $500,000 individually or in the aggregate;
(xii) any agreement under which the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries has, directly or indirectly, (1) made any loan, advance, or assignment of payment to any Person or made any capital contribution to, or other investment in, any Person (other than the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries), or (2) agreed to make after the date hereof any loan, advance or assignment or payment to any Person (other than the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries) or any capital contribution to or investment in, any Person (other than the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries), in each case in the foregoing clauses (1) and (2), in an amount exceeding $2,000,000 individually or in the aggregate;
(xiii) any agreement licensing by or to the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries of any Intellectual Property that are material to the business of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, other than licenses for generally commercially available software and hardware and non-exclusive licenses by the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries to a customer in the ordinary course of business;
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(xiv) any lease, sublease or similar arrangement for the use by the Company or any Company Subsidiaries of any material personal property owned by a third party, and any lease, sublease or similar arrangement for use by a third party of any Real Property or material personal property owned, leased or subleased by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;
(xv) all collective bargaining agreements or other agreements with any labor organization, labor union or other employee representative;
(xvi) any agreement that provides for, or is related to, the settlement or compromise of any Action settled or compromised since the Look Back Date pursuant to which the cash amount paid or to be paid by or on behalf of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries exceeds $500,000 (such cash amount shall exclude any payments made by insurance carriers pursuant to any insurance policies of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries) or which imposed any material ongoing non-monetary obligations upon the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries that will survive the Closing;
(xvii) all contracts that provide for the Company or any Company Subsidiary to indemnify (other than the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries) or hold harmless any other Person entered into outside of the ordinary course of business, that would reasonably be expected to impose on the Company or any Company Subsidiary a liability in excess of $1,000,000; and
(xviii) any agreement required to be disclosed on Section 3.25 of the Company Disclosure Schedule (Interested Party Transactions).
(b) Each Material Contract is in full force and effect and is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of the Company, the other parties thereto. Except, in the case of any Material Contract other than the Surf Combination Agreement, as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is in breach or violation of, or default under, any Material Contract, and no event has occurred which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a breach or violation of, or default under, any Material Contract by the Company or any Company Subsidiary; no Material Contract has been canceled by the other party; to the Company’s knowledge, no other party is in breach or violation of, or default under, and no event has occurred which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a breach or violation of, or default under, any Material Contract by any other party; and the Company and the Company Subsidiaries have not received any written claim of default under any such agreement. Since the Look-Back Date, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received written notice of (i) any material default under any Material Contract or (ii) the intention of any third party under any Material Contract to cancel, terminate or materially modify the terms of any such Material Contract, or materially accelerate the obligations of the Company or any Company Subsidiary thereunder. The Company has furnished or made available to SPAC true and complete copies of all Material Contracts, including any and all material amendments thereto (excluding statements of work, orders for additional licenses or renewal letters, and similar supplements thereunder).
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(c) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary, nor any Affiliate of the foregoing, nor any officer, director, employee, agent or representative of any of the foregoing, has received notice from Southern that any of Southern’s representations and warranties contained in the Surf Combination Agreement are untrue or incorrect in any respect.
SECTION 3.20 CARES Act. Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries has (a) obtained a Paycheck Protection Program Loan pursuant to Section 1102 of the CARES Act, (b) applied for loan forgiveness pursuant to Section 1106 of the CARES Act, (c) except as set forth on Section 3.19 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, deferred payment of the employer portion of FICA and Medicare Tax pursuant to Section 2302 of the CARES Act, (d) claimed the employee retention credit pursuant to Section 2301 of the CARES Act or (e) during the COVID-19 Quarantine Period, had employees teleworking from a state other than their regular work location on a regular and consistent basis. For purposes of this representation, “COVID-19 Quarantine Period” means, with respect to each regular work location, the period during which the state or local Governmental Authority restricted nonessential work at such location.
SECTION 3.21 Anti-Corruption Laws.
(a) Since the Look Back Date, none of the Company, the Company Subsidiaries, any of its or their directors or officers, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any other employees, agents or other Persons while acting for or on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, has violated the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, applicable Laws implementing the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions or any other applicable Law relating to anti-corruption or anti-bribery (collectively, the “Anti-Corruption Laws”).
(b) To the knowledge of the Company, neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries, as of the date of this Agreement, (i) is under external or internal investigation for any violation of the Anti-Corruption Laws, (ii) has received any written notice from any Governmental Authority regarding any violation of, or failure to comply with, any Anti- Corruption Laws or (iii) is the subject of any internal complaint, audit or review process regarding a violation of the Anti-Corruption Laws.
SECTION 3.22 Sanctions and International Trade Compliance.
(a) The Company and its Subsidiaries (i) are, and have been for the past five (5) years, in compliance in all material respects with all International Trade Laws and Sanctions Laws, and (ii) have obtained all required licenses, consents, notices, waivers, approvals, orders, registrations, declarations, or other authorizations from, and have made any material filings with, any applicable Governmental Authority for the import, export, re-export, deemed export, deemed re-export, or transfer required under the International Trade Laws and Sanctions Laws (the “Export Approvals”). There are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, claims, complaints, charges, investigations, voluntary disclosures or Actions against the Company or any of the Company’s Subsidiaries related to any International Trade Laws or Sanctions Laws or any Export Approvals.
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(b) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective directors or officers, or to the knowledge of the Company, employees or any of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ respective agents, representatives or other Persons acting on behalf of the Company or any of the Company’s Subsidiaries, (i) is, or has during the past five (5) years, been a Sanctioned Person or (ii) has during the past five (5) years transacted business directly or knowingly indirectly with any Sanctioned Person or in any Sanctioned Country in violation of Sanctions Laws.
SECTION 3.23 Takeover Statutes. No “moratorium,” “control share acquisition,” “fair price,” “interested stockholder,” “affiliate transaction,” “business combination” or similar antitakeover statute applies to this Agreement or the Transactions, except as would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, prevent or materially delay the consummation, or any of the Transactions.
SECTION 3.24 Insurance. Section 3.24 of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ material insurance policies. The coverages provided by such insurance policies are believed by the Company to be reasonably adequate in amount and scope for the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ business and operations, including any insurance required to be maintained by Material Contracts or Real Property Leases. Except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, there have not been any claims pending against the insurance policies where the Company or any Company Subsidiary is named as an insured party currently in effect. All premiums due and payable with respect to such policies have been fully paid. As of the date of this Agreement the Company has not received any threatened termination of any such insurance policies. All such insurance policies are in full force and effect, and, the Company has not received from any of its insurance carriers any notice of cancellation or nonrenewal, or refusal or denial of any coverage, reservation of rights or rejection of any claim under any such policies of any such insurance policies where the Company or any Company Subsidiary is named as an insured party. With respect to each such insurance policy to which the Company is a beneficiary, the policy is legal, valid, binding and enforceable against the Company or the applicable Company Subsidiary in accordance with its terms and, except for policies that have expired under their terms in the ordinary course. There have been no gaps (historical or otherwise) or lapses in any insurance coverage since the Look Back Date.
SECTION 3.25 Interested Party Transactions. No director, manager, officer or Affiliate of the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party to any Contract with the Company or any Company Subsidiary (other than (a) the payment of compensation and provision of benefits to, and the entering into of compensatory arrangements, benefit plans and similar transactions, agreements or contracts with, or with respect to, officers, managers, employees and independent contractors of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, including equity compensation, including the Related Party Agreements, which shall be terminated as of the Closing, (b) agreements and transactions in connection with any such director’s, manager’s, officer’s or Affiliate’s direct or indirect ownership of equity interests in the Company or any Company Subsidiary (or any securities that are convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, any such equity interests), including distributions by the Company upon its equity interests or (c) as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement). There are no outstanding loans or other extensions of credit made or arranged by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any executive officer (as defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act) or director of the Company, any person who will be an executive officer of Parentco upon completion of the Transactions, or any person designated by the Company to become a director of Parentco upon the completion of the Transactions pursuant to Section 1.06(b).
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SECTION 3.26 Brokers. Except as set forth in Section 3.26 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, no broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission in connection with the Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
SECTION 3.27 Information Supplied. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by the Company and the Company Subsidiaries expressly for inclusion prior to the Closing: (a) in the Proxy Statement and Registration Statement will, when the Proxy Statement and Registration Statement is declared effective or when the Proxy Statement and Registration Statement is mailed to stockholders of SPAC or at the time of the meeting of such stockholders to be held in connection with the Transactions, and in the case of any amendment thereto, at the time of such amendment, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading; or (b) in the current report on Form 8-K filed after the Closing will contain any false or misleading statement in light of the circumstances under which they were made.
SECTION 3.28 Vendors.
(a) Section 3.28(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth, as of the date of this Agreement, the top ten (10) vendors based on the aggregate Dollar value of the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ transaction volume with such counterparty during the trailing twelve months for the period ending December 31, 2021 (the “Top Vendors”).
(b) Except as set forth on Section 3.28(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, none of the Top Vendors has, as of the date of this Agreement, informed in writing any of the Company or any of the Company’s Subsidiaries that it will, or, to the knowledge of the Company, has threatened to, terminate, cancel, or materially limit or materially and adversely modify any of its existing business with the Company or any of the Company’s Subsidiaries (other than due to the expiration of an existing contractual arrangement), and to the knowledge of the Company, none of the Top Vendors is, as of the date of this Agreement, otherwise involved in or threatening a material dispute against the Company or its Subsidiaries or their respective businesses.
SECTION 3.29 Compliance with Aviation Laws.
(a) Except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company and each of its Subsidiaries (i) is in compliance with all applicable Laws relating to aviation including, without limitation, all applicable Laws prescribed or administered by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) and Department of Transportation (“DOT”) under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations and Title 49 of the United States Code (such Laws, collectively, the “Aviation Laws”), (ii) has not violated, been subject to an investigation with respect to or made voluntary disclosures with respect to potential violations of any Aviation Laws since the Look Back Date, and (iii) has not been cited by the FAA, DOT or other Governmental Authority for any material discrepancies or violations during inspections or audits since the Look Back Date.
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(b) Section 3.29(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of each aircraft owned or leased by the Company and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2021 (each, an “Aircraft”), including the manufacturer, model, aircraft registration number and manufacturing year of each such Aircraft.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 3.29(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule:
(i) to the knowledge of the Company, each current employee of the Company and its Subsidiaries currently providing any flight, maintenance, dispatch, operation or handling of the Aircraft has all material required Licenses, certifications, training and competencies to provide such flight, maintenance, dispatch, operation or handling of the Aircraft;
(ii) all Aircraft are properly registered on the FAA aircraft registry and have a validly issued FAA certificate of airworthiness without limitations of any kind that is in full force and effect (except for the period of time any Aircraft may be out of service and such certificate is suspended in connection therewith);
(iii) upon acquisition or lease by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, all Aircraft have been, are being, or, with respect to Aircrafts leased or subleased to another Person, are required to be, maintained in all material respects according to applicable regulatory standards and the maintenance program of the aircraft operator approved by the FAA or the applicable Governmental Authority; and
(iv) all records required to be maintained for each Aircraft (including, where applicable, back to birth records) are correct and complete in all material respects and are currently in the possession of the Company or its Subsidiaries (or, in the case of Aircrafts leased from a third party, being maintained in compliance with the terms (or waivers thereof) of the related lease).
(d) The Company, and any Subsidiary of the Company acting as an “Air Carrier” as defined in 49 USC § 40102(a)(2), is, and at the Effective Time shall be, a “Citizen of the United States” as defined in 49 USC § 40102(a)(15)(C).
(e) Each of the Company’s Subsidiaries listed on Section 3.29(e) of the Company Disclosure Schedule holds (i) a valid and current “Air Carrier Certificate” pursuant to 14 CFR Part 119 and associated operations specifications pursuant to 14 CFR Part 135, (ii) a DOT- approved “Air Taxi Operator” registration under 14 CFR Part 298, and (iii) a valid and current “Air Agency Certificate” pursuant to 14 CFR Part 145, as applicable to each Subsidiary for its operations. Section 3.29(e) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of each License issued to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries by any Governmental Authority to sell or conduct air transportation, including each certificate issued pursuant to any section of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations and all associated operations specifications thereunder.
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(f) Section 3.29(f) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of each Type Certificate, including Experimental; Supplemental Type Certificate; Production Certificate; Special Conditions; Production Approval; Technical Standard Order Authorization; FAA Certification Basis (G-1) Issue Paper or other Issue Paper; or Parts Manufacturer Approval, or Parts Manufacturer Approval issued to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries by the FAA, pursuant to 14 CFR Part 21.
SECTION 3.30 NO RELIANCE. THE SURF ENTITIES HAVE CONDUCTED THEIR OWN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION, VERIFICATION, REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF THE BUSINESS, OPERATIONS, ASSETS, LIABILITIES, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, TECHNOLOGY AND PROSPECTS OF SPAC, WHICH INVESTIGATION, REVIEW AND ANALYSIS WAS CONDUCTED BY THE SURF ENTITIES AND THEIR AFFILIATES AND, TO THE EXTENT DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY THEM, BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SURF ENTITIES. IN ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT, THE SURF ENTITIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY HAVE RELIED SOLELY UPON THE AFOREMENTIONED INVESTIGATION, REVIEW AND ANALYSIS AND THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SPAC EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN ARTICLE IV OF THIS AGREEMENT AND SPAC EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN ANY OF THE TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS. THE SURF ENTITIES FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE WITH THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SPAC SET FORTH IN SECTION 4.18.
ARTICLE IV.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SPAC
Except as disclosed in (i) SPAC SEC Reports filed with the SEC by the Company on or after March 5, 2021 and prior to the date of this Agreement (but in each case excluding any risk factor disclosure contained in a “risk factors” section (other than any factual information contained therein) or in any “forward-looking statements” legend or other similar disclosures included therein to the extent they are similarly predictive or forward-looking in nature) or (ii) SPAC’s disclosure schedule to this Agreement delivered by SPAC to the Company concurrently with the execution of this Agreement (the “SPAC Disclosure Schedule”), SPAC hereby represents and warrants to the Surf Entities as follows:
SECTION 4.01 Corporate Organization. SPAC is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation. SPAC has the requisite corporate power and authority and all necessary governmental approvals to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, except where the failure to have such power, authority and governmental approvals would not have a SPAC Material Adverse Effect. SPAC is duly qualified or licensed as a foreign corporation to do business, and is in good standing, in each jurisdiction where the character of the properties owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of its business makes such qualification or licensing necessary, except for such failures to be so qualified or licensed and in good standing that would not have a SPAC Material Adverse Effect.
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SECTION 4.02 Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws. SPAC has heretofore furnished to the Company a complete and correct copy of its Organizational Documents. Such Organizational Documents of SPAC are in full force and effect. SPAC is not in violation in any material respect of any of the provisions of its Organizational Documents.
SECTION 4.03 Capitalization.
(a) The authorized capital stock of SPAC consists of (i) 50,000,000 shares of SPAC Common Stock and (iii) 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“SPAC Preferred Stock”). As of the date of the Agreement, (A) 7,395,001 shares of SPAC Common Stock are issued and outstanding (which includes 2,657,501 shares subject to Redemption Rights), all of which are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable (collectively, the “Outstanding SPAC Shares”), (B) 0 shares of SPAC Common Stock are held in the treasury of SPAC, and (C) 11,118,750 shares of SPAC Common Stock are reserved for future issuance pursuant to SPAC Warrants. As of the date of the Agreement, there are 11,118,750 SPAC Warrants issued and outstanding, of which 2,493,750 SPAC Warrants are SPAC Private Warrants (collectively, the “Outstanding SPAC Warrants”). There are no shares of SPAC Preferred Stock issued and outstanding. Other than the 2,493,750 SPAC Warrants, there are no options, warrants, convertible, exercisable or exchangeable securities or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character relating to the issued or unissued capital stock of SPAC or obligating SPAC to issue or sell any shares of capital stock of, or other interest convertible, exercisable or exchangeable for any equity interest in, SPAC or any of its Affiliates (including following the Closing, the Company or any Company Subsidiary). All outstanding shares of SPAC Common Stock are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. SPAC is not a party to, or otherwise bound by, and has not granted, any equity appreciation rights, participations, phantom equity or similar rights whether direct or indirect. Other than the Sponsor Letter Agreement, there are no voting trusts, voting agreements, proxies, stockholder agreements or other agreements with respect to the voting or transfer of SPAC Common Stock or any of the equity interests or other securities of SPAC. Other than the Redemption Rights, there are no outstanding contractual obligations of SPAC to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of SPAC Common Stock. There are no outstanding contractual obligations of SPAC to provide funds to, or make any investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in, any person.
(b) SPAC does not directly or indirectly own any equity or similar interest in, or any interest convertible or exchangeable or exercisable for, any equity or similar interest in any corporation, partnership, joint venture, business association or other person.
(c) Other than the Outstanding SPAC Shares and the Outstanding SPAC Warrants, there are no outstanding Equity Interests of SPAC or any of its controlled Affiliates; and other than the Transaction Documents, the Outstanding SPAC Warrants, and the Contracts referenced in Section 4.04(a), neither SPAC nor any of its controlled Affiliates is bound by any Contract involving any Equity Interest of SPAC or any of its controlled Affiliates (including, following the First Effective Time, the Company or any Company Subsidiary (solely with respect to any Contract entered into by SPAC or its controlled Affiliates prior to the First Effective Time)).
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SECTION 4.04 Authority Relative to This Agreement. SPAC has all necessary power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and subject to obtaining the approval of the stockholders of SPAC, to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the Transactions. The execution and delivery by SPAC of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the consummation by SPAC of the Transactions, have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary action, and no other proceedings on the part of SPAC are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the Transactions (other than the approval and adoption of this Agreement by (a) the holders of a majority of the then-outstanding shares of SPAC Common Stock, and (b) the filing and recordation of appropriate documents related to the Mergers as required by the DGCL). This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which SPAC is party have been (or, in the case of Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered at the Closing, will be) duly and validly executed and delivered by SPAC and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties hereto and thereto, constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of SPAC enforceable against SPAC in accordance with their terms, except as enforceability may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions.
SECTION 4.05 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.
(a) The execution and delivery by SPAC of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party does not, and the performance by SPAC of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party will not, (i) conflict with or violate the Organizational Documents of SPAC; (ii) assuming that all consents, approvals, authorizations and other actions described in Section 4.05(b) have been obtained and all filings and obligations described in Section 4.05(b) have been satisfied, conflict with or violate any Law applicable to SPAC or by which any of their property or assets is bound or affected; or (iii) result in any breach of, or constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become a default) under, or give to others any right of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of a Lien on any capital stock or other interest, property or asset of SPAC pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, Permit, franchise or other instrument or obligation binding on SPAC, except, with respect to clauses (ii) and (iii), for any such conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults or other occurrences which would not have a SPAC Material Adverse Effect.
(b) The execution and delivery by SPAC of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party does not, and the performance by SPAC of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party will not, require any material consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Authority, except (i) applicable requirements, if any, of the Securities Act, Exchange Act, Blue Sky Laws and state takeover Laws, (ii) compliance with and filings or notifications under any applicable United States or other foreign competition, antitrust, merger control or investment Laws, including the pre-merger notification requirements of the HSR Act, (iii) the effectiveness of the filing of the Articles of Merger with the BVI Registrar of Corporate Affairs, (iv) the effectiveness of the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, (v) the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, (vi) those required in respect of any Company Permits or otherwise required because of the business or operations of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries, or (vii) such other consents, approvals, authorizations, permissions, filings or notifications which, if not made or obtained, would not, individually or in the aggregate, materially impair or delay the SPAC’s ability to consummate the Transactions.
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SECTION 4.06 Permits; Compliance. SPAC is in possession of all material franchises, grants, authorizations, licenses, Permits, easements, variances, exceptions, consents, certificates, approvals and Orders of any Governmental Authority necessary for SPAC to own, lease and operate its properties or to carry on its business as it is now being conducted (the “SPAC Permits”). SPAC is in material compliance with all applicable Laws of applicable Government Authorities and all SPAC Permits. SPAC has not received notice (whether verbally or in writing) of any material warning letter, investigation, inquiry, penalty, fine, sanction, assessment, request for corrective or remedial action, or other compliance or enforcement notice, communication, or correspondence from a Governmental Authority, and, to the knowledge of SPAC, no Governmental Authority is considering such action nor do circumstances exist that would reasonably be expected to lead to any such action.
SECTION 4.07 SEC Filings; Financial Statements.
(a) SPAC has filed all forms, reports and documents, including any exhibits thereto, required to be filed by it with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), together with any amendments, restatements or supplements thereto (collectively, the “SPAC SEC Reports”). SPAC has furnished to the Company true and correct copies of all amendments and modifications that have not been filed by SPAC with the SEC to all agreements, documents and other instruments that previously had been filed by SPAC with the SEC and are currently in effect. Except for any changes (including any required revisions to or restatements of the SPAC financial statements or the SPAC SEC Reports) to (A) the SPAC’s accounting or classification of the outstanding SPAC Common Stock as temporary, as opposed to permanent, equity that may be required as a result of statements by the SEC staff or recommendations or requirements of the SPAC’s auditors, or (B) SPAC’s historical or future accounting relating to any other guidance from the SEC staff after the date hereof relating to non-cash accounting matters (clauses (A)-(B), collectively, the “SEC SPAC Accounting Changes”), and except for any delays in the filing of the Company’s periodic reports as they come due, as of their respective dates, as a result thereof, the SPAC SEC Reports (i) were prepared in all material respects in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as the case may be, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and (ii) did not, at the time they were filed, or, if amended, as of the date of such amendment, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Each director and executive officer of SPAC has filed with the SEC on a timely basis all statements required with respect to SPAC by Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. As used in this Section 4.07, the term “file” shall be broadly construed to include any manner in which a document or information is furnished, supplied or otherwise made available to the SEC or Nasdaq Stock Market.
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(b) Except for any SEC SPAC Accounting Changes, each of the financial statements (including, in each case, any notes thereto) contained in the SPAC SEC Reports was prepared in accordance with GAAP and Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K, as applicable, applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods indicated (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC) and each fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of SPAC as at the respective dates thereof and for the respective periods indicated therein, except as otherwise noted therein (subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal and recurring year-end adjustments which would not have a SPAC Material Adverse Effect). SPAC has no off- balance sheet arrangements that are not disclosed in the SPAC SEC Reports. No financial statements other than those of SPAC are required by GAAP to be included in the consolidated financial statements of SPAC.
(c) SPAC does not have any liabilities or obligations of a nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise) required to be reflected on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP, except for liabilities and obligations (i) incurred in connection with the Transactions, (ii) that have arisen since December 31, 2021 in the ordinary course of the operation of business of SPAC, (iii) resulting from SEC SPAC Accounting Changes, and (iv) disclosed in the SPAC SEC Reports.
(d) SPAC is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable listing and corporate governance rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Stock Market.
SECTION 4.08 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since December 31, 2020, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, (a) SPAC has conducted its business in the ordinary course and in a manner consistent with past practice, and (b) there has not been a SPAC Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 4.09 Absence of Litigation. There is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of the SPAC, threatened against SPAC, or any property or asset of SPAC before any Governmental Authority that would reasonably be expected to be, individually or in the aggregate, material to SPAC. Neither SPAC nor any of its respective material properties or assets is subject to any continuing Order of, consent decree, settlement agreement or other similar written agreement with, or, to the knowledge of SPAC, continuing investigation by, any Governmental Authority, or any Order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award of any Governmental Authority would reasonably be expected to be, individually or in the aggregate, material to SPAC.
SECTION 4.10 Board Approval. The SPAC Board, by resolutions duly adopted by unanimous vote of those voting at a meeting duly called and held and not subsequently rescinded or modified in any way, has duly (i) determined that this Agreement and the Transactions, including the First Merger, are fair to and in the best interests of SPAC and its stockholders, (ii) approved this Agreement and the Transactions, (iii) determined that the fair market value of the Company is equal to at least 80% of the balance in the Trust Fund (as defined below), net of amounts previously disbursed to management for tax obligations and excluding the amount of deferred underwriting discounts held in the Trust Fund, and (iv) recommended that the stockholders of SPAC approve and adopt this Agreement, the First Merger, the other Transactions and the Amended and Restated Parentco Certificate of Incorporation as contemplated by this Agreement and directed that this Agreement, the Amended and Restated Parentco Certificate of Incorporation and the Transactions be submitted for consideration by the stockholders of SPAC at the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting.
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SECTION 4.11 Taxes.
(a) SPAC and each of its Subsidiaries: (i) have duly and timely filed (taking into account any extension of time within which to file) all income and other material Tax Returns required to be filed by any of them as of the date hereof and all such filed Tax Returns are complete and accurate and in compliance with all applicable Laws in all material respects; (ii) have timely paid all Taxes; (iii) with respect to all income and other material Tax Returns filed by or with respect to any of them, have not waived any statute of limitations with respect to Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency; and (iv) do not have any deficiency, audit, examination, investigation or other proceeding in respect of Taxes or Tax matters pending or threatened in writing, for a Tax period which the statute of limitations for assessments remains open.
(b) The charges, accruals and reserves with respect to Taxes on the financial statements of SPAC and each of its Subsidiaries are adequate, were calculated in accordance with GAAP and were properly recorded in their books.
(c) Neither SPAC nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into a closing agreement that is currently in force pursuant to Section 7121 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law) with respect to SPAC or any of its Subsidiaries.
(d) SPAC and each of its Subsidiaries have not requested or received a private letter ruling, or other similar Tax ruling or arrangement or related correspondence from any Governmental Authority, including any application for or receipt of a Tax ruling or arrangement from any Governmental Authority on such entity’s behalf or on behalf of any of its shareholders, whether or not in connection with this Agreement or applied to for any Tax ruling with respect to SPACs’ or its Subsidiaries’ Tax Returns.
(e) Neither SPAC nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to, is bound by or has an obligation under any Tax sharing agreement, Tax indemnification agreement, Tax allocation agreement or similar contract or arrangement (including any agreement, contract or arrangement providing for the sharing or ceding of credits or losses).
(f) Each of SPAC and its Subsidiaries has collected or withheld and paid to the appropriate Tax authority all Taxes required to have been collected or withheld and paid in connection with amounts received from or paid or owing to any current or former employee, independent contractor, creditor, shareholder or other third party and has complied in all material respects with all applicable Law, rules and regulations relating to the collection, payment and withholding of Taxes, including all reporting and record keeping requirements related thereto.
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(g) Neither SPAC nor any of its Subsidiaries has been a member of an affiliated group filing a consolidated, combined or unitary United States federal, state, local or foreign income Tax Return (other than a group consisting only of SPAC and/or its Subsidiaries).
(h) Neither SPAC nor any of its Subsidiaries has any liability for the Taxes of any person (other than SPAC and its Subsidiaries) under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law), as a transferee or successor, by contract, or otherwise.
(i) Neither SPAC nor any of its Subsidiaries has in place or has requested a ruling, transfer pricing agreement or similar agreement in respect of Taxes pending between SPAC or any of its Subsidiaries and any Governmental Authority which will have any effect after the Closing Date.
(j) Neither SPAC nor any of its Subsidiaries has made, nor is it or will it be required to make, any adjustment under Section 481(a) of the Code by reason of a change in accounting method from a taxable period ending on or before the Closing Date or otherwise.
(k) Neither SPAC nor any of its Subsidiaries has within the past three years distributed stock of another person, or has had its stock distributed by another person, in a transaction that was purported or intended to be governed in whole or in part by Section 355 of the Code.
(l) Neither SPAC nor any of its Subsidiaries is, or has been a party to a reportable transaction, as described in Section 6707A© and Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011- 4(b)(2), or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or non-United States Law.
(m) Neither SPAC nor any of its Subsidiaries will be required to include any item of income in, or exclude any item of deduction from, taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of any: (A) “closing agreement” as described in Section 7121 of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign income Tax Law) executed on or prior to the Closing Date, (B) intercompany transaction or excess loss account described in Treasury Regulations under Section 1502 of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign income Tax Law), (C) installment sale or open transaction disposition made on or prior to the Closing Date or (D) prepaid amount received on or prior to the Closing Date.
(n) There are no Tax Liens upon any assets of SPAC or any of its Subsidiaries except for Permitted Liens.
(o) Each of SPAC and its Subsidiaries has not taken or agreed to take any action, and does not intend or plan to take any action, or have knowledge of any agreement, plan or intention to take any action, including any distribution of cash or other property, that is reasonably likely to prevent the Mergers and the Southern Acquisition, taken together, from qualifying for the Intended Tax Treatment.
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(p) SPAC has not been a United States real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code during the applicable period specified in Section 897(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code.
SECTION 4.12 Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission in connection with the Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of SPAC.
SECTION 4.13 Trust Account. There is at least $27,400,000 (less, as of the Closing, payments required to be paid to Redeeming Stockholders) invested in the Trust Fund, pursuant to the Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated as of July 11, 2019, between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (“SPAC Trustee”) and SPAC (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement is valid and in full force and effect and enforceable in accordance with its terms and has not been amended or modified. There are no separate agreements, side letters or other agreements or understandings (whether written or unwritten, express or implied) that would cause the description of the Trust Agreement in the SPAC SEC Reports to be inaccurate in any material respect and/or that would entitle any person (other than (i) stockholders of SPAC holding shares of SPAC Common Stock sold in SPAC’s initial public offering who shall have elected to redeem their shares of SPAC Common Stock pursuant to the Organizational Documents of SPAC and the Trust Agreement and (ii) the payment of deferred underwriting commissions upon Closing) to any portion of the proceeds in the Trust Fund. Prior to the Closing, none of the funds held in the Trust Fund may be released except in accordance with the Trust Agreement and SPAC’s Organizational Documents. Amounts in the Trust Fund are invested in United States “government securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act having a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. SPAC has performed all material obligations required to be performed by it under, and is not in material default or delinquent in performance or any other respect (claimed or actual) in connection with, the Trust Agreement, and, to the knowledge of SPAC, no event has occurred which, with due notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default thereunder. There are no claims or proceedings pending with respect to the Trust Fund. SPAC has not released any money from the Trust Fund (other than interest income earned on the principal held in the Trust Fund as permitted by the Trust Agreement). As of the First Effective Time, the obligations of SPAC to dissolve or liquidate pursuant to SPAC’s Organizational Documents shall terminate, and as of the First Effective Time, SPAC shall have no obligation whatsoever pursuant to SPAC’s Organizational Documents to dissolve and liquidate the assets of SPAC by reason of the consummation of the Transactions, and following the First Effective Time, no SPAC stockholder shall be entitled to receive any amount from the Trust Fund except to the extent such SPAC stockholder is a Redeeming Stockholder. SPAC has no reason to believe that, as of the First Effective Time, any of the conditions to the use of funds in the Trust Fund will not be satisfied or funds available in the Trust Fund will not be available to SPAC on the Closing Date, other than with respect to funds required to satisfy any redemption payments owed to Redeeming Stockholders.
SECTION 4.14 Employees. SPAC has not ever had any employees. Other than reimbursement of any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by SPAC’s officers and directors in connection with activities on SPAC’s behalf, SPAC does not have any unsatisfied liability (contingent or otherwise) with respect to any current or former employee, officer or director.
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SECTION 4.15 Transaction Expenses.
(a) Section 4.15(a) of the SPAC Disclosure Schedule sets forth SPAC’s good faith estimate, as of the date of this Agreement, of the fees and expenses of its advisers, counsel, accountants and other experts, if any, and all other expenses expected to be incurred by SPAC, as of the Closing, incident to the negotiation, preparation, execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents and the Transactions (the “SPAC Transaction Expenses”).
SECTION 4.16 Listing. The issued and outstanding shares of SPAC Common Stock and the SPAC Warrants are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and are listed for trading on Nasdaq Stock Market. There is no Action pending or threatened in writing against SPAC by Nasdaq Stock Market or the SEC with respect to any intention by such entity to deregister the SPAC Common Stock or the SPAC Warrants or prohibit or terminate the listing of SPAC Common Stock or the SPAC Warrants on Nasdaq Stock Market. Except as contemplated by the Transaction Documents, neither SPAC nor any of its Representatives has taken any action that is designed to terminate the registration of SPAC Common Stock or the SPAC Warrants under the Exchange Act.
SECTION 4.17 Affiliate Transactions. Other than (a) for payment of salary and benefits for services rendered, (b) reimbursement for expenses incurred on behalf of SPAC, or (c) with respect to any person’s ownership of equity interests of SPAC, there are no Contracts between SPAC, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, any (i) any present or former manager, employee, officer or director of SPAC, or (ii) any record or beneficial owner of the outstanding equity interests of the Sponsor.
SECTION 4.18 NO RELIANCE. SPAC HAS CONDUCTED ITS OWN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION, VERIFICATION, REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF THE BUSINESS, OPERATIONS, ASSETS, LIABILITIES, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, TECHNOLOGY AND PROSPECTS OF THE SURF ENTITIES, WHICH INVESTIGATION, REVIEW AND ANALYSIS WAS CONDUCTED BY SPAC AND ITS AFFILIATES AND, TO THE EXTENT DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY THEM, BY REPRESENTATIVES OF SPAC. IN ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT, SPAC ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS RELIED SOLELY UPON THE AFOREMENTIONED INVESTIGATION, REVIEW AND ANALYSIS AND THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SURF ENTITIES EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN ARTICLE III OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE SURF ENTITIES EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN ANY OF THE TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS. THE SURF ENTITIES FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE WITH THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SPAC SET FORTH IN SECTION 3.26.
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ARTICLE V.
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE SECOND EFFECTIVE TIME
SECTION 5.01 Conduct of Business by SPAC Pending the First Effective Time. From and after the date of this Agreement until the First Effective Time or the earlier termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, except (A) as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, (B) as required by Law (including COVID-19 Measures) or any Governmental Authority, or (C) as consented to in writing by the Company (such consent not to be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed): (i) SPAC, shall conduct its business, in the ordinary course of business and in a manner consistent with past practice, and (ii) SPAC shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to, directly or indirectly (a) incur or suffer any indebtedness, debts or other liabilities, commitments and obligations, except any fees and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement, any other Transaction Document, or consummating the Transactions, and except for SPAC Borrowings; or (b) take any action that would violate Section 5.02(b) if such actions were taken by the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
SECTION 5.02 Conduct of Business by the Surf Entities Pending the Second Effective Time.
(a) The Company agrees that, from and after the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the Closing or termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, except as expressly contemplated by any other provision of this Agreement, any other Transaction Document, as required by Law (including COVID-19 Measures) or any Governmental Authority, or as set forth in Section 5.02 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, unless SPAC shall otherwise consent in writing (such consent not to be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed), (i) the businesses of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries shall be conducted in, and the Company and the Company Subsidiaries shall not take any action except in, the ordinary course of business and in a manner consistent with past practice, (ii) Merger Sub I and Merger Sub II shall not engage in any activities of any nature except as provided in or contemplated by this Agreement, any other Transaction Document or as necessary to effect the Southern Acquisition, and (iii) the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to preserve substantially intact the business organization of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, to keep available the services of the current officers, key employees and key consultants of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries and to preserve the current relationships of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries with material customers, suppliers and other persons with which the Company or any Company Subsidiary has significant business relations.
(b) Except as expressly contemplated by any other provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Documents, as required by Law (including COVID-19 Measures) or any Governmental Authority, or as set forth in Section 5.02 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary shall, between the date of this Agreement and the Second Effective Time or the earlier termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 8.01, directly or indirectly, take any of the following without the prior written consent of SPAC (such consent not to be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed):
(i) amend or otherwise change its Organizational Documents;
(ii) issue, sell, pledge, dispose of, transfer, grant or encumber, or authorize the issuance, sale, pledge, disposition, transfer, grant or encumbrance of, any equity or voting interests of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, or any options, warrants, convertible securities or other rights of any kind to acquire any equity or voting interests, or any other ownership interest (including, without limitation, any phantom interest), of the Company or any Company Subsidiary (other than awards of shares of capital stock of the Company under the existing Plan or issuance of Company capital stock pursuant to outstanding awards granted thereunder);
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(iii) declare, set aside, authorize, make or pay any dividend or other distribution, payable in cash, stock, property or otherwise, with respect to any of its membership interests or capital stock (other than distribution or dividend from a wholly- owned Subsidiary of the Company to the Company or another wholly-owned Subsidiary of Company);
(iv) reclassify, combine, split, subdivide or redeem, or purchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any of its equity interests or debt securities;
(v) sell, pledge, dispose of, transfer, abandon, allow to lapse, dedicate to the public, lease, license, mortgage, grant any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on or otherwise transfer or encumber any portion of the tangible or intangible assets, business, properties or rights of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except (A) sales in the ordinary course of business, (B) transfers solely among the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, (C) disposition of obsolete tangible assets, (D) with respect to leases, licenses or other similar grants of real property, any grant, amendment, extension, modification, renewal or non-renewal in the ordinary course of business, or (E) non-exclusive licenses of Intellectual Property to customers or suppliers in their capacities as such in the ordinary course of business;
(vi) forgive any loans or advances to any officers, employees or directors of the Company or its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective Affiliates, or change its existing borrowing or lending arrangements for or on behalf of any of such persons pursuant to an employee benefit plan or otherwise, except in the ordinary course of business;
(vii) redeem, pay, discharge or satisfy any indebtedness, “make whole” amount or prepayment penalty (other than indebtedness incurred by the Company or its Subsidiaries and owed to the Company or its Subsidiaries), except in the ordinary course of business or as required by the terms of any Contract existing as of the date hereof and made available to SPAC or SPAC’s counsel;
(viii) except as contemplated by the Southern Acquisition, acquire (including, without limitation, by merger, consolidation, or acquisition of equity or assets or any other business combination) any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, other business organization or any division thereof or any material amount of assets (other than purchases real estate pursuant to a right of first refusal or right of first offer contained in Real Property Leases in effect on the date hereof and made available to SPAC or SPAC’s counsel for an amount not exceeding $250,000 individually or $750,000 in the aggregate);
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(ix) incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or issue or sell any debt securities or assume, guarantee or endorse, or otherwise become responsible for, the obligations of any person, or make any loans or advances, or grant any security interest in any of its assets, in excess of $250,000 in the aggregate, except unsecured current obligations and Liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(x) discontinue any material line of business;
(xi) liquidate, dissolve, or reorganize;
(xii) except to the extent required pursuant to any Benefit Plan or Labor Agreement as in effect on the date of this Agreement or required by applicable Law, establish, adopt, enter into any new, amend, terminate, or take any action to accelerate rights under, any Benefit Plan or plan, program, policy, practice, agreement or arrangement that would be a Benefit Plan if it had been in effect on the date of this Agreement, other than ordinary annual increases for existing employees or consultants not to exceed 5% in the aggregate and other than employment, consulting or similar agreements with new employees (other than executive officers) or consultants in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(xiii) (A) terminate, materially amend or modify, or waive any material rights under, any Material Contract or material Real Property Lease or (B) enter into any Contract that would have been a Material Contract had it been entered into prior to the date of this Agreement or any Real Property Lease, in each case other than in the ordinary course of business (including letting Material Contracts and material Real Property Leases expire or be replaced on substantially similar terms in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and purchasing real estate as permitted under paragraph (viii) above);
(xiv) terminate, cancel or let lapse, in each case voluntarily, a material existing insurance policy covering the Company and its Subsidiaries and their respective properties, assets and businesses, unless substantially concurrently with such termination, cancellation or lapse, replacement policies underwritten by reputable insurance companies providing coverage at least substantially equal in all material respects to the coverage under the terminated, canceled or lapsed policies, as applicable, are entered into;
(xv) establish, adopt, amend, modify or terminate any collective bargaining agreement;
(xvi) make any material change to its methods of financial accounting, except as required by GAAP (or any interpretation thereof) or a Governmental Authority or quasi-Governmental Authority;
(xvii) (A) change its method of Tax accounting, (B) file any amendment to a Tax Return, (C) settle or compromise any audit or proceeding with respect to Tax matters, or (D) surrender any right to claim a Tax refund;
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(xviii) merge or consolidate the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with any person or adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, recapitalization or other reorganization of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, other than (A) the Southern Acquisition or (B) solely among Subsidiaries of the Company and, in the case of (B), so long as the Company would be the surviving entity of such transaction, such transaction would not be adverse in any material respect to SPAC and such transaction would not reasonably be expected to prevent, impede or delay the consummation of any of the Mergers or the other Transactions;
(xix) commit or authorize any capital commitment or capital expenditure (or series of capital commitments or capital expenditures), in excess of the amount of capital expenditures contemplated by the Company and the Company Subsidiaries’ capital expenditure budget by an amount of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate;
(xx) any loan or advance to (or cancellation or forgiveness of any loan to) its stockholders or current or former directors, officers and employees or, to the knowledge of the Company, any Affiliate or family member thereof, or entry into, or modification or termination of, any material transaction, agreement or arrangement with any of its stockholders or current or former directors or officers or any Affiliate or family member thereof, other than advances to employees made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(xxi) payment, discharge, compromise, waiver, release, assignment or settlement of any material rights or pending or threatened Actions (whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative) against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (A) involving payments in excess of $250,000 in the aggregate, (B) seeking injunctive or other equitable relief which imposes any materially adverse restrictions on the operations of the Surf Entities or any of their Subsidiaries, or (C) which relates to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; or
(xxii) enter into any binding agreement or otherwise make a binding commitment, to do any of the foregoing.
SECTION 5.03 Claims Against Trust Fund.
(a) The Surf Entities understand that, except for a portion of the interest earned on the amounts held in the trust fund established by SPAC for the benefit of its stockholders (the “Trust Fund”), SPAC may disburse or cause to be disbursed monies from the Trust Fund only: (i) to Redeeming Stockholders who exercise their Redemption Rights or in the event of the dissolution and liquidation of SPAC; or (ii) to or as directed by SPAC (less SPAC’s deferred underwriting compensation only) after SPAC consummates a business combination.
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(b) The Surf Entities agree that, notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, the Surf Entities do not now have, and shall not at any time prior to the First Effective Time have, any claim to, or make any claim against, the Trust Fund, regardless of whether such claim arises as a result of, in connection with or relating in any way to, the business relationship between the Surf Entities on the one hand, and SPAC on the other hand, this Agreement, any other Transaction Document, or any other agreement or any other matter, and regardless of whether such claim arises based on contract, tort, equity or any other theory of legal liability (any and all such claims are collectively referred to in this Section 5.03(b) as the “Claims”). Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, the Surf Entities hereby irrevocably waive any Claim any of the Surf Entities may have, now or in the future (in each case, however, prior to the First Effective Time), and will not seek recourse against the Trust Fund (including any distributions therefrom) for any reason whatsoever in respect thereof; provided, however, that the foregoing waiver will not limit or prohibit or limit the Surf Entities from (i) pursuing a claim against SPAC or the stockholders of SPAC pursuant to Section 9.06 of this Agreement for specific performance or other equitable relief (but not any monetary relief) in connection with the Transactions or (ii) pursuing any claims that the surf Entities may have against SPAC’s assets or funds that are not held in the Trust Fund and not distributed to SPAC Stockholders who exercise their Redemption Rights. In the event that any of the Surf Entities commences any action or proceeding based upon, in connection with, relating to or arising out of any matter relating to SPAC or its Representatives which proceeding seeks, in whole or in part, relief against the Trust Fund (including any distribution therefrom) or SPAC’s public stockholders, whether in the form of money damages or injunctive relief, SPAC and its Representatives, as applicable, shall be entitled to recover from the Surf Entities the associated legal fees and costs in connection with any such action, in the event SPAC or its Representatives, as applicable, prevails in such action or proceeding.
ARTICLE VI.
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
SECTION 6.01 Proxy Statement/Prospectus; Registration Statement.
(a) As promptly as reasonably practicable, SPAC and the Surf Entities shall jointly prepare and Parentco shall file a registration statement on Form S-4 (or such other available form for registration) with the SEC (as such filing is amended or supplemented, the “Registration Statement”), including a proxy statement / prospectus of SPAC and Parentco (as such filing is amended or supplemented, the “Proxy Statement”), which SPAC shall file as a preliminary proxy statement on Schedule 14A, for the purposes of (i) registering under the Securities Act the shares of Parentco Common Stock constituting the Merger Consideration and the Parentco Warrants and the shares of Parentco Common Stock issuable pursuant to the agreement relating to the Southern Acquisition in accordance with the terms thereof (collectively, the “Registration Securities”) and (ii) soliciting proxies from holders of SPAC Common Stock to obtain the requisite approval from such stockholders at a meeting called and held for such purpose (the “SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting”) of (A) the Merger, the Transactions and the Southern Acquisition, (B) adoption of this Agreement, (C) the New Stock Incentive Plan, (D) the ESPP, (E) the Amended and Restated Parentco Certificate of Incorporation, (F) election of the directors to the Parentco Board in accordance with the Parentco Board designation rights set forth in Section 1.06(b), (G) the approval of the issuance of shares of Parentco Common Stock in the Transactions and pursuant to the definitive agreement providing for the Southern Acquisition for the purposes of the Nasdaq Stock Market listing rules, and (H) any other proposals mutually agreed by SPAC and the Surf Entities (the “SPAC Proposals”). The Proxy Statement shall also include the offer and the opportunity for the public holders of SPAC Common Stock to redeem such shares in accordance with such offer. Each of SPAC and the Surf Entities shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to cause the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement to comply with the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, to have the Registration Statement declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing and to keep the Registration Statement effective as long as is necessary to consummate the Transactions. Each of SPAC and the Surf Entities shall notify the other promptly upon the receipt of any written or oral comments from the SEC or its staff and of any request by the SEC or its staff or any other Governmental Authority for amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement or any other filings required under the Exchange Act, the Securities Act or any other securities Laws relating to the Transactions (collectively, the “Other Filings”) or for additional information. As promptly as practicable after receipt thereof, each of SPAC and the Surf Entities shall provide the other and its counsel with copies of all written correspondence between SPAC, the Surf Entities or any of their respective representatives, on the one hand, and the SEC, or its staff or other government officials, on the other hand, with respect to the Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement or any Other Filing. Each of SPAC and the Surf Entities and their respective counsel shall have the opportunity to review the Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement and any exhibits, amendments or supplements thereto, as well as any Other Filings, and shall consult with each other and their respective advisors concerning any comments from the SEC with respect thereto; provided, further that each of SPAC and the Surf Entities shall reasonably consider and take into account the suggestions, comments or opinions of the other parties and their respective advisors, and neither SPAC nor any of the Surf Entities shall file the Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement, or any exhibits, amendments or supplements thereto, or any Other Filings, or any response letters to any comments from the SEC with respect to any of the foregoing without the prior written consent of the other, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. If any Party becomes aware of the occurrence of any event which would reasonably be expected to result in the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement containing any untrue statement of a material fact or omitting to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, such party shall promptly inform the other parties hereto of such occurrence and the parties shall cooperate in filing with the SEC or its staff or any other government officials, and/or mailing to the stockholders of SPAC and Parentco, an amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement and/or the Proxy Statement. Parentco shall advise the other parties, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the time of effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the issuance of any stop order relating thereto or the suspension of the qualification of the Registration Securities issuable in connection with the Mergers for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, and SPAC and the Surf Entities shall use their reasonable best efforts to have any such stop order or suspension lifted, reversed or otherwise terminated. Filing fees with respect to the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement required under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act shall be paid evenly by the Company and SPAC.
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(b) The Proxy Statement will be sent to the holders of SPAC Common Stock as soon as practicable following the date on which the Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC (but in any event, within ten (10) Business Days following such date) for the purpose of soliciting proxies from holders of SPAC Common Stock to vote at the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting in favor of the SPAC Proposals.
(c) The Surf Entities shall provide SPAC, as promptly as reasonably practicable, with such information concerning the Company and its Subsidiaries as may be necessary for the information concerning the Company and its Subsidiaries in the Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement and the Other Filings to comply with all applicable provisions of and rules under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the DGCL in connection with the preparation, filing and distribution of the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement, the solicitation of proxies thereunder, and the calling and holding of the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting, and the preparation and filing of the Other Filings. The information relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries furnished by or on behalf of the Company and its Subsidiaries for inclusion in the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement will not, (i) as of the time the Registration Statement is declared effective, (ii) as of the date of mailing of the Proxy Statement to the holders of SPAC Common Stock or (iii) at the time of the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Without limiting the foregoing, the Surf Entities shall use reasonable best efforts to ensure that the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement do not, as of the date of the Written Consent, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. In addition, SPAC shall provide to the Surf Entities, as promptly as reasonably practicable, with such information concerning SPAC as may be necessary for the information concerning SPAC in the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement to comply with all applicable provisions of and rules under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the DGCL in connection with the preparation, filing and distribution of the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement, the solicitation of proxies thereunder, and the calling and holding of the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting. The information relating to SPAC furnished by or on behalf of SPAC for inclusion in the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement will not, (i) as of the time the Registration Statement is declared effective, (ii) as of the date of mailing of the Proxy Statement to the holders of SPAC Common Stock or (iii) at the time of the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Without limiting the foregoing, SPAC shall use reasonable best efforts to ensure that the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement do not, as of the date on which the Proxy Statement is distributed to the holders of SPAC Common Stock, and as of the date of the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(d) SPAC shall include in the Proxy Statement the recommendation of SPAC Board that the holders of SPAC Common Stock vote in favor of the adoption of this Agreement and the approval of the Merger and the Transactions and the other proposals to be submitted to the holders of SPAC Common Stock in connection with the Merger and the Transactions (the “SPAC Board Recommendation”) and shall otherwise act in good faith and solicit and use reasonable best efforts to obtain the SPAC Stockholder Approval, including setting a record date, calling the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting, mailing the Proxy Statement to its stockholders on a timely basis, and holding the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting and shall not withdraw the SPAC Board Recommendation prior to SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting. If SPAC determines in good faith that (i) any supplement or amendment to the Proxy Statement is required to satisfy any other applicable Legal Requirement, or (ii) on a date for which the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting is scheduled, SPAC reasonably determines that the Merger cannot be consummated for any reason, whether or not a quorum is present, SPAC may make one or more successive postponements or adjournments of the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting with the prior written consent of the Surf Entities, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.
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SECTION 6.02 SPAC Stockholders’ Meetings. SPAC shall, as promptly as practicable, establish a record date for, duly call, give notice of, convene and hold the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting for the purpose of voting upon (i) the SPAC Proposals and (ii) a proposal to adjourn the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting, as necessary, if on a date for which the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting is scheduled, SPAC reasonably determines that the Merger cannot be consummated for any reason (the “SPAC Stockholder Approval”), and SPAC shall hold the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting as soon as practicable after the date on which the Registration Statement becomes effective. SPAC shall use its reasonable best efforts to solicit from its stockholders proxies in favor of the approval and adoption of the SPAC Stockholder Approval and shall take all other action necessary or advisable to secure the required vote or consent of its stockholders with respect to the SPAC Stockholder Approval. SPAC covenants that none of the SPAC Board or any committee thereof shall withdraw or modify, or propose publicly or by formal action of the SPAC Board to withdraw or modify, in a manner adverse to the Company, the SPAC Board Recommendation or any other recommendation by the SPAC Board of the proposals set forth in the Proxy Statement and the Proxy Statement shall include the recommendation of the SPAC Board to the stockholders of SPAC in favor of the proposals set forth in the Proxy Statement, including the SPAC Board Recommendation.
SECTION 6.03 Company Member Consent.
(a) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to solicit and obtain the approval (the “Company Member Approval”) of the Company Proposals by the requisite number of holders of Company Ordinary Shares and Company Preferred Shares pursuant to irrevocable written consents of such holders (the “Written Consent”) as promptly as practicable, and in any event within ten (10) Business Days, after the Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC. The materials submitted to the members of the Company in connection with the Written Consent shall include the Company Board Recommendation. The Company covenants that none of the Company Board or any committee thereof shall withdraw or modify, or propose publicly or by formal action of the Company Board to withdraw or modify, in a manner adverse to SPAC, the Company Board Recommendation or any other recommendation by the Company Board of the proposals set forth in the Proxy Statement. Promptly following receipt of the Written Consent, the Company shall deliver a copy of such Written Consent to SPAC.
(b) Promptly following receipt of the Written Consent, the Company shall prepare and deliver a notice (the “Company Member Notice”) to every member of the Company that did not execute the Written Consent. The Company Member Notice shall (i) include a statement to the effect that the Company Board unanimously determined that the Merger is advisable and in the best interests of the members of the Company and unanimously approved and adopted this Agreement, the Second Merger and the other Transactions, and (ii) provide the member of the Company to whom it is sent with notice of the actions taken in the Written Consent, including the approval and adoption of this Agreement, the Second Merger and the other Transactions and the other Company Proposals.
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SECTION 6.04 [Reserved]
SECTION 6.05 Access to Information; Confidentiality.
(a) From the date of this Agreement until the Second Effective Time, the Company and SPAC shall (and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to): (i) provide to the other party (and the other party’s officers, managers, directors, employees, accountants, consultants, legal counsel, agents and other representatives, collectively, “Representatives”) access at reasonable times upon prior notice to the officers, employees, agents, properties, offices and other facilities of such party and its subsidiaries and to the books and records thereof; and (ii) furnish promptly to the other party such information concerning the business, properties, contracts, assets, liabilities, personnel and other aspects of such party and its subsidiaries as the other party or its Representatives may reasonably request; provided, however, that (A) the Company and SPAC and their respective Representatives shall conduct any such activities in such a manner as not to unreasonably interfere with the business or operations of the other party; and (B) nothing herein shall require the Company and SPAC to provide access to, or to disclose any information to, the other party or any of its Representatives if such access or disclosure, in the good faith reasonable belief of such party, (x) would waive any legal privilege or (y) would be in violation of applicable Laws or regulations of any Governmental Authority or the provisions of any agreement to which such party is a party (taking into account the confidential nature of the disclosure); provided, that, in each case, the Company and SPAC shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to provide such access as can be provided (or otherwise convey such information regarding the applicable matter as can be conveyed) in a manner without violating such privilege, contract or Law.
(b) All information obtained by the parties pursuant to this Section 6.05 shall be kept confidential in accordance with the non-disclosure agreement, dated December 10, 2021 (the “Confidentiality Agreement”), between SPAC and the Company.
(c) No investigation pursuant to this Section 6.05 shall affect any representation or warranty in this Agreement of any party hereto or any condition to the obligations of the parties hereto.
SECTION 6.06 No Solicitation.
(a) Company Non-Solicitation. From the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the First Effective Time and the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 8.01, except as provided in this Section 6.06(a), (i) the Surf Entities shall, and shall cause the other Company Subsidiaries and its and the Surf Entities’ and the other Company Subsidiaires’ respective officers and directors to, immediately cease, and shall instruct and cause the Surf Entities’ and the other Company Subsidiaires’ respective other Representatives to immediately cease, all existing discussions, negotiations and communications with any Persons with respect to any Company Acquisition Proposal, (ii) the Surf Entities shall not, and shall cause the Company Subsidiaries and the Surf Entities’ and the other Company Subsidiaires’ respective officers and directors not to, and shall instruct and cause its other Representatives not to, directly or indirectly, (1) initiate, seek, solicit, knowingly facilitate or knowingly encourage (including by way of furnishing any nonpublic information), whether publicly or otherwise, any inquiries with respect to, or the making or submission of, a Company Acquisition Proposal, (2) enter into or engage in any negotiations or discussions with, or provide any nonpublic information to, or afford access to the business, properties, assets, books or records of the Surf Entities or any of the other Company Subsidiaries to, any Person (other than SPAC or any of its Representatives) relating to or for the purpose of encouraging or facilitating any Company Acquisition Proposal (other than to state that the terms of this Agreement prohibit such discussions), (3) amend or grant any waiver or release under any standstill or similar agreement, (4) approve, endorse, recommend, execute or enter into any agreement in principle, letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, term sheet, acquisition agreement, merger agreement, option agreement, joint venture agreement, partnership agreement or other Contract relating to any Company Acquisition Proposal or any proposal or offer that could reasonably be expected to lead to a Company Acquisition Proposal, or (5) resolve or agree to do any of the foregoing or otherwise authorize or permit any of its Representatives to take any such action, (iii) the Surf Entities shall not provide any third party and shall on the date of this Agreement, terminate access of any third party who has made or indicated an interest in making a Company Acquisition Proposal to any data room (virtual or actual) containing any nonpublic information of the Surf Entities or any of the other Company Subsidiaries, and (iv) within two (2) Business Days of the date of this Agreement, the Surf Entities shall demand the return or destruction of all confidential, non-public information and materials that have been provided to third parties that have entered into confidentiality agreements relating to a possible Company Acquisition Proposal with any of the Surf Entities or any of the other Company Subsidiaries. The Surf Entities shall promptly notify SPAC (and in any event within twenty-four (24) hours) of the receipt of any Company Acquisition Proposal after the date hereof.
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(b) SPAC Non-Solicitation. From the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the First Effective Time and the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 8.01, (i) SPAC shall, and shall cause its officers and directors to, immediately cease, and shall instruct and cause its other Representatives to immediately cease, all existing discussions, negotiations and communications with any Persons with respect to a SPAC Acquisition Proposal, (ii) SPAC shall not, and shall cause its officers and directors not to, and shall instruct and cause its other Representatives not to, directly or indirectly, (1) initiate, seek, solicit, knowingly facilitate or knowingly encourage (including by way of furnishing any nonpublic information), whether publicly or otherwise, any inquiries with respect to, or the making or submission of a SPAC Acquisition Proposal, (2) enter into or engage in any negotiations or discussions with, or provide any nonpublic information to, or afford access to the business, properties, assets, books or records of SPAC to, any Person (other than the Surf Entities or any of their Representatives) relating to or for the purpose of encouraging or facilitating any SPAC Acquisition Proposal (other than to state that the terms of this Agreement prohibit such discussion), (3) amend or grant any waiver or release under any standstill or similar agreement with respect to any class of equity interests of SPAC, (4) approve, endorse, recommend, execute or enter into any agreement in principle, letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, term sheet, acquisition agreement, merger agreement, option agreement, joint venture agreement, partnership agreement or other Contract relating to any SPAC Acquisition Proposal or any proposal or offer that could reasonably be expected to lead to a SPAC Acquisition Proposal, or (5) resolve or agree to do any of the foregoing or otherwise authorize or permit any of its Representatives to take any such action, and (iii) within two (2) Business Days of the date of this Agreement, SPAC shall demand the return or destruction of all confidential, non-public information and materials that have been provided to third parties that have entered into confidentiality agreements relating to a possible SPAC Acquisition Proposal with SPAC. SPAC shall promptly notify the Company (and in any event within twenty-four (24) hours) of the receipt of any SPAC Acquisition Proposal after the date hereof.
SECTION 6.07 Stock Incentive Plan; ESPP. Prior to the Closing Date, Parentco shall approve and adopt the New Stock Incentive Plan and the ESPP to be effective in connection with the Closing in the forms attached to this Agreement. Promptly after the Closing, Parentco shall grant the New Stock Incentive Plan Initial Awards.
SECTION 6.08 Notification of Certain Matters. The Company shall give prompt notice to SPAC, and SPAC shall give prompt notice to the Company, of (a) receipt of any notice or other communication in writing from any Person alleging that the consent or approval of such third party is or may be required in connection with the Transactions; (b) the occurrence, or non-occurrence, of any event the occurrence, or non-occurrence, of which could reasonably be expected to cause the conditions set forth in Article VII to not be satisfied; (c) a Company Material Adverse Effect, or (d) would require any amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement; provided, however, that the delivery of any notice pursuant to this Section 6.08 shall not limit or otherwise affect the remedies available hereunder to the party receiving such notice.
SECTION 6.09 Further Action; Reasonable Best Efforts.
(a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, each of the parties hereto shall (i) at the request of the other party hereto, execute and deliver such other instruments and do and perform such other acts and things as may be reasonably necessary or desirable for effecting completely the consummation of the Merger sand the other Transactions and (ii) use its reasonable best efforts to take promptly, or cause to be taken, all appropriate action, and to do promptly, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Laws or otherwise to consummate and make effective the Transactions, to satisfy the conditions to the obligations to consummate the Mergers, to effect all necessary registrations and filings and to remove any injunctions or other impediments or delays, legal or otherwise, in order to consummate and make effective the Transactions for the purpose of securing to the parties hereto the benefits contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, using its reasonable best efforts (x) to obtain all Permits, consents, waivers, approvals, authorizations, qualifications and Orders of Governmental Authorities as are necessary for the consummation of the Transactions and to fulfill the conditions to the First Merger and the Second Merger, (y) to obtain all consents, approvals or waivers from third parties that are necessary to enable the consummation of the Merger and the other Transactions, including without limitation those set forth in Schedule 7.02(f), and (z) to vigorously defend any Action challenging this Agreement or the consummation of the Transactions, including seeking to have any stay or temporary restraining order entered by any court or other Governmental Authority vacated or reversed as promptly as practicable. If, at any time after the Second Effective Time, any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, the proper officers, managers and directors of each party to this Agreement shall use their reasonable best efforts to take all such action.
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(b) In furtherance and not in limitation of Section 6.09(a), to the extent required under any Laws that are designed to prohibit, restrict or regulate actions having the purpose or effect of monopolization or restraint of trade, including the HSR Act (“Antitrust Laws”), each party hereto agrees to promptly (but in any event within 10 Business Days of the date of this Agreement) make any required filing or application under Antitrust Laws, as applicable. The parties hereto agree to supply as promptly as reasonably practicable any additional information and documentary material that may be requested pursuant to Antitrust Laws and to take all other actions reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to cause the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting periods or obtain required approvals, as applicable under Antitrust Laws as soon as practicable, including by requesting early termination of the waiting period provided for under the HSR Act. Each party shall, in connection with its efforts to obtain all requisite approvals and authorizations for the Transactions under any Antitrust Law, use its commercially reasonable efforts to: (i) cooperate in all respects with each other party or its Affiliates in connection with any filing or submission and in connection with any investigation or other inquiry, including any proceeding initiated by a private person; (ii) keep the other parties reasonably informed of any communication received by such party or its Representatives from, or given by such party or its Representatives to, any Governmental Authority and of any communication received or given in connection with any proceeding by a private person, in each case regarding any of the Transactions; (iii) permit a Representative of the other parties and their respective outside counsel to review any communication given by it to, and consult with each other in advance of any meeting or conference with, any Governmental Authority or, in connection with any proceeding by a private person, with any other person, and to the extent permitted by such Governmental Authority or other person, give a Representative or Representatives of the other parties the opportunity to attend and participate in such meetings and conferences; (iv) in the event a party’s Representative is prohibited from participating in or attending any meetings or conferences, the other parties shall keep such party promptly and reasonably apprised with respect thereto; and (v) use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate in the filing of any memoranda, white papers, filings, correspondence or other written communications explaining or defending the Transactions, articulating any regulatory or competitive argument, and/or responding to requests or objections made by any Governmental Authority. Filing fees with respect to the filings required under the HSR Act shall be split evenly by the Company and SPAC.
(c) No party hereto shall take any action that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect or materially delay the approval of any Governmental Authority of any required filings or applications under Antitrust Laws.
SECTION 6.10 Public Announcements. The initial press release relating to this Agreement shall be a joint press release the text of which has been agreed to by each of SPAC and the Company. Thereafter, between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date or the earlier termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 8.01, unless otherwise required by applicable Law or the requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market (in which case SPAC and the Company shall each use their reasonable best efforts to consult with each other before making any required public statement or communication and coordinate such required public statement or communication with the other party, prior to announcement or issuance), no party to this Agreement shall make any other public statement or issue any other public communication regarding this Agreement or the Transactions without the prior written consent of SPAC and the Company, in each case, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided, however, each party hereto and its Affiliates may make internal announcements regarding this Agreement and the Transactions to their respective directors, officers, managers and employees without the consent of any other party hereto and may make public statements regarding this Agreement and the Transactions containing information or events already publicly known other than as a result of a breach of this Section 6.10 (except that this proviso shall not apply to any announcement or statement that would be required to be filed with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder); provided, further, that nothing in this Section 6.10 shall prohibit the Company or any of its Representatives from communicating with third parties to the extent necessary for the purpose of seeking any third- party consent in connection with the Transactions.
SECTION 6.11 SEC Filings; Stock Exchange Listings.
(a) From the date hereof through the Closing, SPAC will use reasonable best efforts to keep current and timely file all reports required to be filed or furnished with the SEC and otherwise comply in all material respects with its reporting obligations under applicable securities Laws.
(b) From the date hereof through the Closing, SPAC shall use reasonable best efforts to ensure (i) SPAC and (ii) shares of SPAC Common Stock and SPAC Warrants, respectively, remain listed as a public company on and to be listed on, respectively, the Nasdaq Stock Market (or, with the consent of the Surf Entities, another nationally recognized stock exchange).
(c) Each of SPAC and Parentco shall use its reasonable best efforts as promptly as practicable after the date of this Agreement, but in no event later than the Closing Date, to: (i) have Parentco satisfy all applicable initial and continuing listing requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market and (ii) have the shares of Parentco Common Stock and Parentco Warrants approved for listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market, subject to official notice of issuance, under a ticker symbol to be designated by the Company (the “Nasdaq Listing Application”). Each of SPAC and the Surf Entities shall promptly furnish all information concerning itself and its Affiliates as may be reasonably requested by the other parties hereto and shall otherwise reasonably assist and cooperate with such other parties in connection with the preparation, filing and distribution of the Nasdaq Listing Application. Each of SPAC and the Surf Entities will use their respective reasonable best efforts to (i) cause the Nasdaq Listing Application, when filed, to comply in all material respects with all legal requirements applicable thereto, (ii) respond as promptly as reasonably practicable to and resolve all comments received from the Nasdaq or its staff concerning the Nasdaq Listing Application and (iii) have the Nasdaq Listing Application approved by the Nasdaq as promptly as practicable after such filing. No submission of, or amendment or supplement to, the Nasdaq Listing Application, or response to Nasdaq comments with respect thereto, will be made by SPAC or any of the Surf Entities, as applicable, without the other parties’ prior consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) and without providing such other parties hereto a reasonable opportunity to review and comment thereon. Each of SPAC and the Surf Entities will promptly notify the other parties hereto upon the receipt of any comments from the Nasdaq or any request from the Nasdaq for amendments or supplements to the Nasdaq Listing Application and will, as promptly as practicable after receipt thereof, provide the other with copies of all material correspondence between it and its Representatives, on the one hand, and the Nasdaq, on the other hand, and all written comments with respect to the Nasdaq Listing Application received from the Nasdaq and advise the other on any oral comments with respect to the Nasdaq Listing Application received from the Nasdaq.
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SECTION 6.12 Directors’ and Officers’ Indemnification.
(a) Parentco, SPAC and the Company agree that all rights to indemnification and exculpation from liabilities, including advancement of expenses, for acts or omissions occurring at or prior to the Second Effective Time now existing in favor of the current or former directors, managers, officers or employees of SPAC and the Company (the “D&O Indemnified Parties”), as provided in the Organizational Documents of SPAC or the Company or any indemnification Contract between such Person and SPAC or the Company (in each case, as in effect on the date of this Agreement), shall survive the First Merger or the Second Merger and shall continue in full force and effect. For a period of seven (7) years from the First Effective Time or the Second Effective Time, Parentco and the First Surviving Company or Parentco and the Second Surviving Company shall maintain in effect the exculpation, indemnification and advancement of expenses equivalent to the provisions of the Organizational Documents of SPAC or the Company, as in effect immediately prior to the First Effective Time or the Second Effective Time, with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to the First Effective Time or the Second Effective Time, and shall not amend, repeal or otherwise modify any such provisions in any manner that would adversely affect the rights thereunder of any D&O Indemnified Parties; provided that all rights to indemnification in respect of any claim made for indemnification within such period shall continue until the final disposition of such action or final resolution of such claim.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Section 6.12 or elsewhere in this Agreement, without the prior written consent of the applicable D&O Indemnified Party, neither Parentco, SPAC, the Company nor any of their Subsidiaries (including, after the First Effective Time and the Second Effective Time, the First Surviving Company and the Second Surviving Company and any of their respective Subsidiaries) shall settle or otherwise compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment or otherwise seek termination with respect to any claim, proceeding, investigation or inquiry for which indemnification is sought by a D&O Indemnified Party under or as contemplated by this Agreement unless such settlement, compromise, consent or termination does not include any admission of wrongdoing by such D&O Indemnified Party and includes an unconditional release of such D&O Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of such claim, proceeding, investigation or inquiry.
(c) Each of SPAC and the Company shall obtain and maintain prior to the Closing a fully-paid, non-cancellable “tail” insurance policy for a term of seven (7) years from the Closing Date in respect of SPAC’s and the Company’s directors and officers (the “D&O Tail Policy”), with terms, conditions, retentions and limits of liability that are no less favorable than the coverage provided under SPAC’s and the Company’s existing policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance (or with terms, conditions, retentions and limits of liability that are reasonably prudent in the circumstances, if there is no such existing policy), with respect to matters arising on or before the Closing (including in connection with this Agreement and the Transactions). Parentco, the First Surviving Company and the Second Surviving Company shall maintain the D&O Tail Policy in full force and effect, for its full term, and cause all obligations thereunder to be honored by Parentco, the First Surviving Company and the Second surviving Company. Parentco, the First Surviving Company and the Second Surviving Company will instruct the insurer and broker that they may communicate directly with the D&O Indemnified Party(ies) regarding claims under the D&O Tail Policy, and Parentco, the First Surviving Company and the Second Surviving Company will provide the D&O Indemnified Party(ies) a copy of all insurance policies and coverage correspondence relating to any proceeding involving any D&O Indemnified Party upon request.
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(d) In the event Parentco, the First Surviving Company or the Second Surviving Company, or any of their respective successors or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into any other person and shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation or entity in such consolidation or merger, or (ii) transfers all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any person, then and in any such case proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of Parentco, the First Surviving Company or the Second Surviving Company, or any of their respective successors or assigns, as the case may be, shall assume the obligations set forth in this Section 6.12.
(e) The D&O Indemnified Parties are express and intended third-party beneficiaries of the provisions of this Section 6.12 and shall be entitled to independently enforce the terms hereof as if they were each a party to this Agreement. The covenants contained in this Section 6.12 are intended to be for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each of the D&O Indemnified Parties and their respective heirs and shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which any such Person is entitled, whether pursuant to Law, contract or otherwise.
SECTION 6.13 Takeover Laws. If any takeover statute becomes or is deemed to become applicable to SPAC or the Company or the First Merger, the Second Merger or the other Transactions, the Company, SPAC, Parentco, Merger Sub I and Merger Sub II shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to take any and all actions within their respective control as are permitted under applicable Law and necessary to eliminate or, if it is not possible to eliminate, then to minimize the effects of such statutes on the foregoing.
SECTION 6.14 Certain Tax Matters.
(a) Transfer Taxes. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, SPAC shall bear any transfer, documentary, sales, use, stamp, registration, value added or other similar Taxes incurred in connection with the Transactions. The party primarily responsible under applicable law for the filing of any Tax Return in respect of such Transfer Taxes shall be responsible for the timely preparation and filing of any such Tax Return. The parties shall reasonably cooperate as necessary to enable the timely preparation and filing of such Tax Returns provided, further, that any costs associated with such cooperation shall be borne by SPAC.
(b) Intended Tax Treatment. Each of SPAC and the Surf Entities (i) agree that the Southern Acquisition and the Mergers qualify for the Intended Tax Treatment, (ii) shall take commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Southern Acquisition and the Mergers to qualify for the Intended Tax Treatment, and (iii) shall file all Tax Returns consistent with, and take no position inconsistent with, the Intended Tax Treatment, unless otherwise required by a final determination within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code (or any similar determination under state, local or non-U.S. Law) or a change in applicable Law. Each of the parties agrees to use reasonable best efforts to promptly notify all other parties of any challenge to the Intended Tax Treatment by any Governmental Authority.
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SECTION 6.15 Transaction Litigation. Each party hereto shall promptly notify the other parties hereto of any stockholder demands or other stockholder Actions (including derivative claims and similar demands and Actions) commenced against it, its Subsidiaries and/or its or its Subsidiaries’ respective directors or officers relating to this Agreement, any other Transaction Document or the Transactions or any matters relating thereto (collectively, “Transaction Litigation”) and shall keep the other parties hereto informed regarding any Transaction Litigation. Each of the parties hereto shall reasonably cooperate with the other in the defense or settlement of any Transaction Litigation, and each of the parties hereto shall give the other parties hereto the opportunity to consult with it regarding the defense and settlement of such Transaction Litigation, shall consider in good faith the advice of the other parties hereto with respect to such Transaction Litigation and shall give the other parties hereto the opportunity to participate in the defense and settlement of such Transaction Litigation; provided, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall any party hereto or any of its Affiliates be required to incur any out-of-pocket costs or expenses in connection with any Transaction Litigation in which it or its Affiliates is not also a defendant.
SECTION 6.16 Trust Fund. SPAC shall take such actions as shall be required to cause the SPAC Trustee, as of the Closing, to liquidate the Trust Fund and to make such payments from the Trust Fund as the parties shall agree.
SECTION 6.17 SPAC Borrowings. Through the Closing, SPAC shall be allowed to borrow funds from the Sponsor, its directors, officers, and/or stockholders to meet its reasonable capital requirements (“SPAC Borrowings”), with any such SPAC Borrowings to be made only as reasonably required by the operation of SPAC in due course on a non-interest bearing basis and otherwise on arm’s length terms and conditions and repayable at Closing (or convertible into securities of SPAC in accordance with the terms of the promissory notes issued to evidence the borrowing, which terms have been set forth in the Final Prospectus); provided, that SPAC shall not borrow any such funds without the prior written consent of the Company (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed); and provided, further, that no such consent shall be required to the extent such borrowed funds are used to pay the filing fees for any filing under the Antitrust Laws in connection with the Transactions or the filing fees for the Registration Statement under the Securities Act.
SECTION 6.18 Southern Acquisition. Parentco and the Company shall use their commercially reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to cause the Southern Acquisition to be consummated on the terms set forth in the Surf Combination Agreement, including using their commercially reasonable efforts to (i) maintain in full force and effect the Surf Combination Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof, (ii) satisfy on a timely basis all conditions to the obligations of Southern to consummate the Southern Acquisition set forth in their respective Surf Combination Agreement, to the extent within the control of Parentco, the Company or the Company Subsidiaries, and, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to closing set forth in the Surf Combination Agreement, to consummate the Southern Acquisition concurrently with the Closing, (iii) comply on a timely basis with Parentco, the Company and the Company Subsidiaries’ obligations under the Surf Combination Agreement, and (iv) enforce the rights of Parentco, the Company, and the Company Subsidiaries under the Surf Combination Agreement in the event of a breach by Southern of its obligations under their applicable Surf Combination Agreement, including (at the written request of SPAC and only if Parentco, the Company and the Company Subsidiaries have sufficient funds) by filing one or more lawsuits against the counterparties thereto to fully enforce Southern’ obligations (and the rights of Parentco, the Company and the Company Subsidiaries) under the Surf Combination Agreement. The Company has provided SPAC with true and correct copies of the Surf Combination Agreement and Parentco and the Company shall give SPAC prompt written notice upon becoming aware of (A) any breach or default (or any event or circumstance which, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, could reasonably be expected to give rise to any breach or default) by any party to any of the Surf Combination Agreement that would reasonably be expected to cause any of the conditions set forth in any such Surf Combination Agreement not to be satisfied, (B) any written termination or repudiation of, or threat in writing to terminate or repudiate, the Surf Combination Agreement by any party thereto, (C) any material dispute or disagreement between or among any of the parties to any of the Surf Combination Agreement or (D) the occurrence of an event or development that Parentco or the Company reasonably expects to have a material and adverse impact on the ability of Parentco and the Company to consummate the Southern Acquisition. Prior to the Closing, without the prior written consent of SPAC (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), neither Parentco, the Company nor the Company Subsidiaries shall permit any amendment or modification to be made to, or any waiver of any provision or remedy under, the Surf Combination Agreement (including, without limitation, any amendment, modification or waiver that (v) adversely affects the ability of the parties to consummate the Southern Acquisition, (w) adversely affects the termination provisions of, or would result in the termination of, the Surf Combination Agreement, (x) imposes additional conditions precedent to the consummation of the Southern Acquisition or amends or modifies any of the existing conditions to the consummation of the Southern Acquisition or (z) adversely impacts the ability of SPAC, the Company or the Company Subsidiaries to enforce their rights against the counterparties to the Surf Combination Agreement), or release or consent to the termination of the obligations of the counterparties to the Surf Combination Agreement. Parentco and the Company shall consult in good faith with SPAC in connection with the exercise by Parentco, the Company or the Company Subsidiaries of their rights in the event of (1) any breach or default (or any event or circumstance which, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, could reasonably be expected to give rise to any breach or default) by any party to the Surf Combination Agreement or (2) any failure of the conditions to the consummation of the Surf Business Combination, including with respect to the decision whether to waive any such breach, default or failure.
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SECTION 6.19 Non-Redemption and Financing Transactions. Notwithstanding anything in Section 5.02 or Section 6.06(b) to the contrary, following the execution of this Agreement and prior to the date that the Registration Statement has become effective, the Company and SPAC shall work in good faith to (a) enter into non-redemption agreements with certain stockholders of SPAC, which shall provide, among other things, that such stockholders of SPAC shall not exercise Redemption Rights with respect to the shares of SPAC Common Stock held by such stockholders (a “Non-Redemption Transaction”) and (b) enter into financing arrangements with third parties pursuant to which such third parties would invest in equity or debt securities of Parentco to be consummated substantially concurrently with the consummation of the Mergers (a “Financing Transaction”), in each case, on terms mutually acceptable to the Company and SPAC (with each such party acting reasonably and in good faith). If, in connection with the execution of definitive written agreements providing for a Non-Redemption Transaction and/or a Financing Transaction, in any such case, that are in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Company and SPAC, and the counterparty to such Non-Redemption Transaction and/or Financing Transaction requires as a condition to the execution of such transactions any make whole rights, grants, issuances or transfers of additional equity securities or other similar rights with respect to any shares of Parentco Common Stock that are the subject of such Non-Redemption Transaction or such Financing Transaction, then, subject to the mutual agreement of each of the Company and SPAC to such make-whole, grants, issuances or transfers of additional equity securities or other similar terms and conditions (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), up to, but not exceeding, the number of At-Risk Sponsor Shares shall be distributed, issued or transferred to such counterparty, or held back by Parentco, in any such case, in accordance with the terms of the Non-Redemption Transaction and/or the Financing Transaction, as applicable, and, in any such case, shall not be distributed, issued or transferred to Sponsor at or after the Closing (such At-Risk Sponsor Shares to be so distributed, issued, transferred or heldback, the “Allocated Sponsor Shares”), and shall only be distributed, issued or transferred in accordance with such Non-Redemption Transaction and/or Financing Transaction. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, including this Section 6.19, in no event shall SPAC or the Company agree to any terms or provisions relating to any Non- Redemption Transaction or Financing Transaction, including any make whole rights, grants or transfers of additional equity securities or other similar rights relating thereto, that would reasonably be expected to (A) result in the Transactions not qualifying as an exchange pursuant to Section 351 of the Code (to the extent such Transactions are intended to so qualify) or (B) have other adverse tax consequences to relating to the Transactions.
SECTION 6.20 Audited Financial Statements. As soon as reasonably practicable following the date hereof, but in any event no later than September 30, 2022, the Company shall deliver to SPAC true and complete copies of the consolidated financial statements (including any related notes thereto) of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, audited in accordance with GAAP and Regulation S-X by an accounting firm registered with Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, together with the auditor’s report thereon (the “2021 Financial Statements”). The representations and warranties with respect to the Financial Statements set forth in Section 3.07 shall be deemed to be made by the Surf Entities to SPAC with respect to the 2021 Financial Statements as of the date of the delivery of the 2021 Financial Statements and as of the Closing Date for all purposes hereunder, including, without limitation, the purposes of Section 7.02(a). The representations and warranties described in the preceding sentence shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, the representations and warranties made by the Surf Entities to SPAC with respect to the Financial Statements, including both the Audited Financial Statements and the Interim Financial Statements.
SECTION 6.21 Financing Agreements. Without the prior written consent of SPAC (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), the Company shall not amend in a manner materially adverse to SPAC, or cancel or otherwise terminate, the Equity Line Agreement or the SAFE Agreements, shall use reasonable best efforts to ensure that no right of cancellation or termination arises in favor of any other party under the Equity Line Agreement and the SAFE Agreements, and shall take all other commercially reasonable steps to ensure that the Equity Line Agreement and the SAFE Agreements are in full force and effect as of the Closing and the SAFE Agreements are converted into Equity Interests of Parentco as of the Closing in accordance with their terms.
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SECTION 6.22 Extension of Time Period to Consummate a Business Combination.
(a) As promptly as reasonably practicable after the date hereof (and in no event later than May 30, 2022), SPAC shall prepare (with the reasonable cooperation of the Company) and file with the SEC a proxy statement (such proxy statement, together with any amendments or supplements thereto, the “Extension Proxy Statement”) pursuant to which it shall seek the approval of its stockholders for proposals to amend SPAC’s Organizational Documents to extend the time period for SPAC to consummate its initial business combination from June 30, 2022 (the “Extension Approval End Date”) to the date that is not less than three (3) months after the Extension Approval End Date (such date, the “Extended Deadline” and such proposals, the “Extension Proposals”). SPAC shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Extension Proxy Statement to comply with the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC and to have the Extension Proxy Statement cleared by the SEC as promptly as practicable after such filing. SPAC shall provide the Company a reasonable opportunity to review the Extension Proxy Statement prior to its filing with the SEC and will consider in good faith the incorporation of any comments thereto provided by the Company.
(b) To the extent not prohibited by Law, SPAC will advise the Company, reasonably promptly after SPAC receives notice thereof, of the time when the Extension Proxy Statement or any supplement or amendment has been filed or of any request by the SEC for the amendment or supplement of the Extension Proxy Statement or for additional information. To the extent not prohibited by Law, the Company and its counsel shall be given a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the Extension Proxy Statement each time before any such document is filed with the SEC by SPAC and SPAC shall give reasonable and good faith consideration to any comments made by the Company and its counsel. To the extent not prohibited by Law, each of SPAC and the Company shall provide the each other party and their counsel with (i) any comments or other communications, whether written or oral, that such party or its counsel may receive from time to time from the SEC or its staff with respect to the Extension Proxy Statement promptly after receipt of those comments or other communications and (ii) a reasonable opportunity to participate in the response of such party to those comments and to provide comments on that response (to which reasonable and good faith consideration shall be given), including by participating with the other parties or their counsel in any discussions or meetings with the SEC.
(c) Each of SPAC and the Company agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to, as promptly as reasonably practicable, to furnish the other party with such information as shall be reasonably requested concerning itself, its Subsidiaries, officers, directors, managers, stockholders, and other equityholders and information regarding such other matters as may be reasonably necessary or advisable or as may be reasonably requested for inclusion in (including to be incorporated by reference in) or attachment to the Extension Proxy Statement. Each of SPAC and the Company shall ensure that any information provided by it or on its behalf for inclusion in (including to be incorporated by reference in) or attachment to the Extension Proxy Statement, at the earlier of the date it is filed with the SEC or first mailed to the shareholders of SPAC, shall be accurate in all material respects and shall not omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading, and shall comply as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and in addition shall contain substantially the same financial and other information about the Company and its equityholders as is required under Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies. If, at any time prior to the conclusion of the SPAC Extension Meeting, SPAC or the Company becomes aware of (x) the Extension Proxy Statement’s containing any untrue statement of a material fact or omitting to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or (y) any other information which is required to be set forth in an amendment or supplement to the Extension Proxy Statement so that it would not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omitting to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, the Company or SPAC (as applicable) shall promptly inform SPAC or the Company (as applicable) and each cooperate with the other in filing with the SEC or mailing to the stockholders of SPAC an amendment or supplement to the Extension Proxy Statement. Each of the Company and SPAC shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause their and their Subsidiaries’ managers, directors, officers and employees to be reasonably available to SPAC, the Company and their respective counsel in connection with the drafting of such filings and mailings and responding in a timely manner to comments from the SEC.
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(d) SPAC shall (i) as promptly as practicable after the Extension Proxy Statement is cleared by the SEC, (A) cause the Extension Proxy Statement to be disseminated to the stockholders of SPAC in compliance with applicable Law, (B) duly (x) give notice of and (y) convene and hold a meeting of its stockholders (the “SPAC Extension Meeting”) in accordance with SPAC’s Organizational Documents and Nasdaq Listing Rule 5620(b), for a date no later than the Extension Approval End Date; provided, that the SPAC Extension Meeting shall be scheduled for a date and time such that, after the conclusion of such meeting, SPAC shall have sufficient time to effectuate the amendment of the SPAC’s Organizational Documents, and (C) solicit proxies from the holders of SPAC Common Stock to vote in favor of each of the Extension Proposals, and (ii) provide its stockholders with the opportunity to elect to effect a redemption of shares of SPAC Common Stock at a per share price, payable in cash, equal to a pro rata share of the aggregate amount on deposit in the Trust Account. SPAC shall, through its Board of Directors, recommend to its stockholders the approval of the Extension Proposals, and include such recommendation in the Extension Proxy Statement. The Board of Directors of SPAC shall not withdraw, amend, qualify or modify its recommendation to the stockholders of SPAC that they vote in favor of the Extension Proposals.
(e) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, (x) SPAC agrees to establish a record date for, duly call, give notice of, convene and hold the SPAC Extension Meeting and submit for approval the Extension Proposals and (y) SPAC agrees that if the SPAC Extension Approval shall not have been obtained at any such SPAC Extension Meeting, then SPAC shall promptly continue to take all such necessary actions, including the actions required by this Section 6.22, and hold additional SPAC Extension Meetings in order to obtain the SPAC Extension Approval. SPAC may only adjourn the SPAC Extension Meeting (i) to solicit additional proxies for the purpose of obtaining the SPAC Extension Approval, (ii) for the absence of a quorum, (iii) to allow reasonable additional time for the filing or mailing of any supplemental or amended disclosure that SPAC has determined in good faith after consultation with outside legal counsel is required under applicable Law and for such supplemental or amended disclosure to be disseminated and reviewed by stockholders of SPAC prior to the Acquiror Extension Meeting, (iv) to allow reasonable additional time to reduce the number shares of SPAC Common Stock as to which the holders thereof have elected to effect a redemption thereof, or (iv) with the prior written consent of the Company; provided, that the SPAC Extension Meeting (A) may not be adjourned to a date that is more than ten (10) days after the date for which the SPAC Extension Meeting was originally scheduled (excluding any adjournments required by applicable Law) and (B) shall be held no later than the Extension Approval End Date; provided, that following the adjournment, the rescheduled SPAC Extension Meeting shall be scheduled for a date and time such that, after the conclusion of such meeting, SPAC shall have sufficient time to effectuate the amendment of the SPAC’s Organizational Documents.
(f) As promptly as reasonably practicable following the approval of the Extension Proposals by the requisite holders of SPAC Common Stock (and in any event, within 2 Business Days thereafter), SPAC shall file with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware the amendment to its Organizational Documents as contemplated by the Extension Proposals and shall deliver to the Company evidence thereof.
(g) In the event the Closing shall not have occurred prior to the Extended Deadline, SPAC and the Company agree to effect one or more additional extensions of the time period for SPAC to consummate its initial business combination, in accordance with the terms of this Section 6.22, mutatis mutandis. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither SPAC nor the Company shall be obligated to extend the time period for SPAC to consummate its initial business combination beyond the Outside Date.
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ARTICLE VII.
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGERS
SECTION 7.01 Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party. The obligations of SPAC and the Surf Entities to consummate the Transactions are subject to the satisfaction or waiver (where permissible) by SPAC and the Surf Entities of the following conditions:
(a) SPAC Stockholder Approval. SPAC Stockholder Approval shall have been received by SPAC.
(b) Company Member Approval. The Company Member Approval shall have been received by the Company.
(c) No Injunctions or Restraints. No Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any Law, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, writ, injunction, determination, Order or award which is then in effect and has the effect of making the First Merger or the Second Merger illegal or otherwise prohibiting consummation of the First Merger or the Second Merger. For the avoidance of doubt, the issuance of a Pre-Consummation Warning Letter by the DOJ, the FTC, or any other Governmental Authority shall not be considered a Law, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, writ, injunction, determination, Order or award which would have the effect of making the First Merger or the Second Merger illegal or otherwise prohibiting consummation of the First Merger or the Second Merger.
(d) U.S. Antitrust Approvals and Waiting Periods. All required filings under the HSR Act shall have been completed and any applicable waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the consummation of the First Merger and the Second Merger under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated, and any pre-Closing approvals or clearances reasonably required thereunder shall have been obtained.
(e) Governmental Consents. The consents, approvals and authorizations legally required to be obtained to consummate the Transactions set forth in Section 7.01(e) of the Company Disclosure Schedule shall have been obtained from and made with all Governmental Authorities.
(f) Southern Acquisition. The Southern Acquisition shall have been consummated (which consummation shall be effective simultaneously with the Mergers).
(g) Net Tangible Assets. Parentco shall have at least five million one dollars ($5,000,001) of net tangible assets (as determined in accordance with Rule 3a51-1(g)(1) of the Exchange Act) immediately following the Second Effective Time.
(h) Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have become effective in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act, no stop order shall have been issued by the SEC and shall remain in effect with respect to the Proxy Statement and Registration Statement, and no proceeding seeking such a stop order shall have been threatened or initiated by the SEC and remain pending.
(i) Transaction Documents. The Transaction Documents remain in full force and effect and have not been rescinded or terminated by any of the parties thereto.
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SECTION 7.02 Conditions to the Obligations of SPAC. The obligations of SPAC to consummate the First Merger and the other Transactions are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by SPAC (where permissible) of the following additional conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties of the Surf Entities. Each of the representations and warranties of the Surf Entities set forth in Section 3.01 (excluding the second and third sentences of Section 3.01(a)) (Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries), Section 3.03 (Capitalization), Section 3.04 (Authority Relative to This Agreement), Section 3.11 (Board Approval of Surf Entities; Stockholder Approval of Parentco, Merger Sub I and Merger Sub II) and Section 3.24 (Brokers) shall be true and correct (in each case without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “Company Material Adverse Effect” or any similar limitation set forth herein) in all but de minimis respects, in each case as of the Closing Date, as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty is made as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date). The other representations and warranties of the Surf Entities contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct (without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “Company Material Adverse Effect” or any similar limitation set forth herein) in all respects as of the Closing Date, as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty is made as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct, taken as a whole, would not cause a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Agreements and Covenants. Each of the Surf Entities, respectively, shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by such Surf Entity on or prior to the Second Effective Time.
(c) Surf Entities’ Officer Certificate. The Surf Entities shall have delivered to SPAC a certificate, dated the Closing Date, signed by an authorized officer of each of the Surf Entities certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Sections 7.02(a) and 7.02(b).
(d) Surf Entities Secretaries’ Certificates. Each of the Surf Entities shall have delivered to SPAC a certificate, dated the Closing Date, signed by the Secretary of such Surf Entity certifying as to the required stockholder or member approval of the Mergers and the Transactions, as applicable, and to the resolutions of the board of directors of each such Surf Entity authorizing and approving this Agreement, the Mergers and the other Transactions.
(e) Transaction Documents. The Surf Entities shall have delivered a counterpart signature page to any Transaction Document to which any Surf Entity is a party.
(f) Insiders. (i) All outstanding material indebtedness owed to the Surf Entities by any Person who will become an officer of Parentco upon the Closing, or any Person designated by the Company who will become a director of Parentco upon the Closing, shall have been repaid in full; (ii) all outstanding material guaranties and similar arrangements pursuant to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has guaranteed the payment or performance of any obligations of any such officer or director to a third party shall have been terminated; and (iii) no Affiliate of the Company shall own any direct equity interests in any company that utilizes in its name or otherwise “Surf Air” or any derivative thereof.
(g) FIRPTA and Section 1446(f) Tax Certificate. On or prior to the First Merger, the Company shall deliver to Parentco properly executed certifications in accordance with (i) Treasury Regulations Section 1.1445-11T(d)(2) and (ii) Treasury Regulations Section 1.1445(f)-2(b)(4).
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SECTION 7.03 Conditions to the Obligations of the Surf Entities. The obligations of the Surf Entities to consummate the Mergers and the other Transactions are subject to the satisfaction or waiver (where permissible) by the Surf Entities of the following additional conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties. Each of the representations and warranties of SPAC set forth in the first sentence of Section 4.01 (Corporate Organization), Section 4.03 (Capitalization), Section 4.04 (Authority Relative to This Agreement), Section 4.10 (Board Approval) and Section 4.12 (Brokers) shall be true and correct (in each case without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “SPAC Material Adverse Effect” or any similar limitation set forth herein) in all but de minimis respects, in each case as of the Closing Date, as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty is made as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date). The other representations and warranties of SPAC contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct (without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “SPAC Material Adverse Effect” or any similar limitation set forth herein) in all respects as of the Closing Date, as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty is made as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct, taken as a whole, does not cause a SPAC Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Agreements and Covenants. SPAC shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Second Effective Time.
(c) SPAC Officer Certificate. SPAC shall have delivered to the Company a certificate, dated the Closing Date, signed by an authorized officer of SPAC, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 7.03(a) and Section 7.03(b).
(d) SPAC Secretary’s Certificate. SPAC shall have delivered to the Company a certificate, dated the Closing Date, signed by the Secretary of SPAC certifying as to the resolutions of SPAC’s respective board of directors unanimously authorizing and approving this Agreement and the other Transactions and respective stockholders, as applicable, authorizing and approving this Agreement and the other Transactions.
(e) Listing. The Parentco Common Stock to be issued in connection with the Transactions shall have been approved for listing on Nasdaq Stock Market (or such other nationally recognized stock exchange mutually agreed to by the parties hereto), subject, if applicable, to official notice of issuance thereof and the requirement to have a sufficient number of round lot holders.
(f) Transaction Documents. SPAC shall have delivered a counterpart signature page to any Transaction Document to which SPAC is a party.
(g) Available Cash. The Available Cash shall be equal to or greater than $300,000,000.
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(h) FIRPTA Tax Certificate. On or prior to the First Merger, SPAC shall deliver to Parentco a properly executed certification in accordance with the Treasury Regulations Sections 1.1445-2(c)(3) and 1.897-2(h), together with a notice to the IRS in accordance with the provisions of Section 1.897-2(h)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.
ARTICLE VIII.
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
SECTION 8.01 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the First Merger and the Second Merger and the other Transactions may be abandoned at any time prior to the First Effective Time, notwithstanding any requisite approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Transactions by the members of the Company or the stockholders of SPAC, respectively, as follows:
(a) by mutual written consent of SPAC and the Company; or
(b) by either SPAC or the Company if the First Effective Time shall not have occurred on or before the date that is six (6) months after the date of this Agreement (the “Outside Date”); provided that the Outside Date shall automatically be extended without any further action by any party hereto for an additional three (3) months if either (i) the Registration Statement has not been declared effective by the SEC as of the original Outside Date, or (ii) the Registration Statement has been declared effective by the SEC, but the SPAC Stockholder’ Meeting has not been completed at least five (5) Business Days prior to then-current Outside Date; provided, further, that this Agreement may not be terminated under this Section 8.01(b) by or on behalf of any party that is in breach or violation of any representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or obligation contained herein and such breach or violation is the primary cause of the failure of a condition set forth in Article VII to be satisfied on or prior to the Outside Date; or
(c) by either SPAC or the Company if any Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any statute, rule, regulation, injunction, Order, decree or ruling (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) which has become final and nonappealable and has the effect of making consummation of the First Merger or the Second Merger, illegal or otherwise preventing or prohibiting consummation of the First Merger or the Second Merger; or
(d) by either SPAC or the Company if the SPAC Stockholder Approval is not adopted and approved by the requisite SPAC stockholders at the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting duly convened and completed, including at any adjournment or postponement thereof; or
(e) by SPAC upon a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of the Surf Entities set forth in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of the Surf Entities shall have become untrue, in either case such that the conditions set forth in Section 7.02(a) or Section 7.02(b) would not be satisfied (“Terminating Company Breach”); provided, that SPAC has not waived such Terminating Company Breach and SPAC is not then in breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of SPAC set forth in this Agreement such that the conditions set forth in Section 7.03(a) or Section 7.03(b) would not be satisfied; provided, however, that, if such Terminating Company Breach is curable by the Company, SPAC may not terminate this Agreement under this Section 8.01(e) unless such breach is not cured by the earlier of (i) thirty (30) days after notice of such breach is provided by SPAC to the Company; and (ii) five (5) Business Days prior to the Outside Date; or
(f) by the Company upon a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of SPAC, set forth in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of SPAC shall have become untrue, in either case such that the conditions set forth in Section 7.03(a) and Section 7.03(b) would not be satisfied (“Terminating SPAC Breach”); provided, that the Company has not waived such Terminating SPAC Breach and the Company is not then in breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of the Company set forth in this Agreement such that the conditions set forth in Section 7.02(a) and Section 7.02(b) would not be satisfied; provided, however, that, if such Terminating SPAC Breach is curable by SPAC, the Company may not terminate this Agreement under this Section 8.01(f) unless such breach is not cured by the earlier of (i) thirty (30) days after notice of such breach is provided by the Company to SPAC; and (ii) five (5) Business Days prior to the Outside Date; or
(g) by SPAC if the Company Member Approval is not obtained on or prior to the date of the SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting;
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(h) by SPAC if the definitive Surf Combination Agreement has been validly terminated; or
(i) by SPAC if the Business Condition has not been satisfied prior to or on September 30, 2022; provided, however, that SPAC shall not be permitted to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.01(i) unless the notice of termination pursuant to this Section 8.01(i) is delivered by SPAC to the Company within five (5) Business Days following September 30, 2022 if the Business Condition is not satisfied on or prior to September 30, 2022; or
(j) by the Company if the Extension Proposals are not approved by the requisite holders of SPAC Common Stock in accordance with Section 6.22.
SECTION 8.02 Effect of Termination Subject to Section 8.03, in the event of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01, this Agreement shall forthwith become void, and there shall be no liability under this Agreement on the part of any party hereto, except in the case of termination subsequent to a willful and intentional breach of this Agreement by such party prior to such termination.
SECTION 8.03 Fees and Expenses.
(a) Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement or any Transaction Document, if the Transactions are not consummated, all expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the Transactions shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in Section 8.03(a), if at the time of the valid termination of this Agreement (i) SPAC was entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(h), (ii) the Company was not entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(c), Section 8.01(d) or Section 8.01(f), and (iii) either (A) the valid termination of the definitive Surf Combination Agreement was primarily a result of any act or omission by Parentco, the Company or any Company Subsidiary, or (B) Parentco or the Company at any time failed to comply with Section 6.18 in any material respect and the definitive Surf Combination Agreement would not reasonably have been expected to have been terminated had Parentco and the Company complied with Section 6.18, then the Company shall reimburse SPAC for 50% of all out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred by it in connection with this Agreement and the Transactions, including the reasonable and out-of-pocket fees and expenses of its advisers, counsel, accountants and other experts; provided, however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in no event shall the Company be required to reimburse SPAC pursuant to this Section 8.03(b) in an amount in excess of $250,000.
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(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in Section 8.03(a), if at the time of the valid termination of this Agreement (i) SPAC was entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(i) (taking into account the proviso in Section 8.01(i)), (ii) at the time of such termination, the Company was not entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(c), Section 8.01(d) or Section 8.01(f), and (iii) prior to such termination the Extension Proposals were approved by the requisite holders of SPAC Common Stock in accordance with Section 6.22, then the Company shall reimburse SPAC for SPAC’s out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred that arose from obtaining such approval of the Extension Proposals, including the reasonable and out-of-pocket fees and expenses of its advisers, counsel, accountants and other experts arising therefrom; provided, however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in no event shall the Company be required to reimburse SPAC pursuant to this Section 8.03(c) in an amount in excess of $650,000.
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, in no event shall SPAC be entitled to any reimbursement of fees and expenses pursuant to both Section 8.03(b) and Section 8.03(c).
SECTION 8.04 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended only in writing by the parties hereto by action taken by or on behalf of their respective boards of directors at any time prior to the First Effective Time; provided, however, that (i) after the SPAC Stockholder Approval is obtained, there shall be no amendment or waiver that, pursuant to applicable Law, requires further approval of the stockholders of SPAC, without the receipt of such further approvals; and
(ii) after the Company Member Approval is obtained, there shall be no amendment or waiver that, pursuant to applicable Law, requires further approval of the members of the Company, without receipt of such further approvals. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the parties hereto.
SECTION 8.05 Waiver. At any time prior to the First Effective Time, any party hereto may (a) extend the time for the performance of any obligation or other act of any other party hereto, (b) waive any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of any other party contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto and (c) waive compliance with any agreement of any other party or any condition to its own obligations contained herein. Any such extension or waiver shall be valid if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the party or parties to be bound thereby.
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ARTICLE IX.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 9.01 Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements. The representations, warranties, agreements and covenants in this Agreement shall terminate at the Second Effective Time, except that this Section 9.01 shall not limit any covenant or agreement of the parties that by its terms requires performance after the Closing. Effective as of the Closing, there are no remedies available to the parties hereto with respect to any breach of the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements of the parties to this Agreement, except for claims based on actual and intentional fraud (it being understood that reckless fraud should be excluded from the foregoing) and, with respect to those covenants and agreements contained herein that by their terms apply or are to be performed in whole or in part after the Closing, the remedies that may be available under Section 9.06.
SECTION 9.02 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by telecopy or email or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 9.02):
if to SPAC: | ||
Tuscan Holdings Corp. II | ||
135 E. 57th St. | ||
New York, NY 10023 | ||
Attention: Stephen Vogel, Chief Executive Officer | ||
Email: Stephen@tuscanholdings.com | ||
with a copy (which shall not constitute effective notice) to: Graubard Miller | ||
The Chrysler Building | ||
405 Lexington Ave., 11th Fl. | ||
New York, NY 10174 | ||
Attention: David Alan Miller / Jeffrey M. Gallant | ||
Email: dmiller@graubard.com / jgallant@graubard.com | ||
if to the Company: | ||
Surf Air Mobility Inc. | ||
12111 S. Crenshaw Blvd | ||
Hawthorne, CA 90250 | ||
Attention: General Counsel | ||
Email: legalnotices@surfair.com |
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with a copy to: | |||
O’Melveny & Myers LLP | |||
Two Embarcadero Center | |||
28th Floor | |||
San Francisco, California 94111 | |||
Attn: | C. Brophy Christensen, Jr. | ||
Noah Kornblith | |||
E-mail: | bchristensen@omm.com | ||
nkornblith@omm.com |
SECTION 9.03 Certain Definitions.
(a) For purposes of this Agreement:
“Affiliate” of a specified person means a person who, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified person.
“At-Risk Sponsor Shares” means a number of shares of Parentco Common Stock equal to thirty percent (30%) of the shares of Parentco Common Stock Sponsor and its affiliates are entitled to receive in respect of the SPAC Founder Shares in connection with the First Merger without giving effect to any vesting requirements or forfeiture obligations.
“Available Cash” means, without duplication, the amount equal to, as of immediately prior to the Closing: (a) the amount of immediately available funds contained in the Trust Fund available for release to SPAC (for the avoidance of doubt, which shall exclude the aggregate amount of cash proceeds that will be required to satisfy the redemption of any shares of SPAC Common Stock), plus (b) any funds to be received by Parentco, SPAC, the Company or any Company Subsidiary pursuant to the Equity Line, the SAFE Agreements or any equity or debt financing transaction in which Parentco, SPAC, the Company or any Company Subsidiary is entitled to receive the financing proceeds, substantially concurrently with the Closing (it being understood that (i) $400,000,000 of the Equity Line will be deemed to be received by Parentco substantially concurrently with the Closing and (ii) that the funds invested under the SAFE Agreements will be deemed received by Parentco substantially concurrently with the Closing), plus (c) all funds held by SPAC outside of the Trust Fund and immediately available to SPAC without restriction, minus any Unpaid Transaction Expenses allocable to SPAC pursuant to clause (i) of the definition of Unpaid Transaction Expenses or other unpaid contingent liabilities of SPAC (other than liabilities resulting from liability treatment and classification of the Outstanding SPAC Warrants).
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“Benefit Plan” means each (i) “employee benefit plan,” (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA), whether or not subject to ERISA and (ii) all other pension, retirement, supplemental retirement, deferred compensation, excess benefit, profit sharing, bonus, incentive, stock purchase, stock ownership, restricted stock, stock option, stock appreciation right, phantom equity, other equity-based, severance, salary continuation, supplemental unemployment, termination, employment, transaction or stay bonus, individual consulting or individual independent contracting, change-of-control, health, dental, prescription life, disability, group insurance, vacation, holiday and fringe benefit plan, program, contract, or arrangement (whether written or unwritten), in any case (a) to which any of the Company or its Subsidiaries is party, (b) sponsored, maintained, contributed to, or required to be contributed to, by the Company or its Subsidiaries for the benefit of any current or former employee, director, officer or independent contractor of such Person, or (c) under which the Company or its Subsidiaries has any liability.
“Business Condition” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03 of the Company Disclosure Schedule under the heading “Business Condition”.
“Business Day” means a day except a Saturday, a Sunday or other day on which the SEC or banks in the City of New York or the State of Delaware are required by Law to be closed.
“Business Systems” means all software, computer hardware (whether general or special purpose), devices, electronic data processing, information, record keeping, communications, telecommunications, networks, interfaces, platforms, servers, peripherals and computer systems, including any outsourced systems and processes that are owned or used by or for the Company or any Company Subsidiary in the conduct of its business.
“CARES Act” means the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, as signed into law by the President of the United States on March 27, 2020.
“Change of Control” means any transaction or series of transactions (a) following which a Person or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) of Persons (other than Parentco, the First Surviving Company, the Second Surviving Company or any of their respective Subsidiaries), has direct or indirect beneficial ownership of securities (or rights convertible or exchangeable into securities) representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the voting power of or economic rights or interests in Parentco, (b) constituting a merger, consolidation, reorganization or other business combination, however effected, following which either (i) the members of the Board of Directors Parentco immediately prior to such merger, consolidation, reorganization or other business combination do not constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the company surviving the combination, or (ii) the voting securities of Parentco immediately prior to such merger, consolidation, reorganization or other business combination do not continue to represent or are not converted into fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such combination, or (c) the result of which is a sale or other transfer, by operation of law or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the assets of Parentco to any Person.
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“Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Commercial and Strategic Arrangement Condition” means if the Company, Parentco or any of their respective Subsidiaries enters into a binding commitment for (i) a Commercial and Strategic Arrangement (as defined below) with an airline listed on Schedule A attached hereto or (ii) a fleet order to provide 50 or more electrified aircraft or powertrains to a reputable U.S. or non-U.S. airline, in either case prior to the later of (i) the Closing and (ii) December 31, 2022. As used herein, a “Commercial and Strategic Arrangement” shall mean an agreement required to be filed by Parentco on Form 8-K under the Exchange Act (or which would be required to be filed by Parentco or the Company if it were a listed company subject to the Exchange Act), including, without limitation, a distribution deal, joint loyalty program, pilot pipeline, fleet order, electrification order or, for non-U.S. airlines, an agreement to franchise service to their region. The list of airlines on Schedule A may be supplemented or modified from time to time, as mutually agreed by the parties hereto.
“Company Acquisition Proposal” means any inquiry, proposal or offer from any person (other than SPAC or any of its Affiliates) concerning (i) a merger, consolidation, liquidation, recapitalization, share exchange or other business combination transaction involving any of the Surf Entities; (ii) the issuance or acquisition of shares of capital stock or other equity securities of any of the Surf Entities; or (iii) the sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of material properties or assets of any of the Surf Entities, other than in the ordinary course of business.
“Company Closing Share Consideration” means a number of shares of Parentco Common Stock equal to (i) (A) eight hundred fifty million Dollars ($850,000,000) less (B) the amount of indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any Simple Agreements for Future Equity of the Company as to which the holder thereof has agreed to settle such agreement solely in cash, and excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, Southern and its Subsidiaries) in excess of fifteen million Dollars ($15,000,000), plus (C) if the Commercial and Strategic Arrangement Condition is satisfied as of or prior to the Closing, one hundred million Dollars ($100,000,000) divided by (ii) $10.00.
“Company Closing Per Share Consideration” means a number of shares of Parentco Common Stock equal to (i) the Company Closing Share Consideration less the number of shares of Parentco Common Stock issued to stockholders of Southern at the Closing pursuant to the Southern Acquisition, divided by (ii) the total number of outstanding Ordinary Shares of the Company immediately prior to the Second Effective Time on a fully-diluted basis (including the Warrant Shares and the Note Shares, and including the Ordinary Shares issuable upon the Preferred Conversion, but (a) excluding shares reserved under the Plan but not subject to issued and outstanding awards thereunder as of immediately prior to the First Effective Time and (b) excluding the Excluded Interests).
“Company Data” means all Personal Data, Intellectual Property, Company Product Data, confidential information or customer or employee data in the possession or control of the Company, a Company Subsidiary, or any of its or their contractors or services providers with regard to any Company Data obtained from or on behalf of the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
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“Company IP Rights” means, collectively, the Company-Owned Intellectual Property Rights and the Company-Licensed IP that is material to the business of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries as currently conducted.
“Company Key Members” means the members and shareholders of the Company included on Annex A.
“Company Leased Real Property” means any real property which the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries leases, subleases, licenses an interest in real property from any other third-party Person or otherwise occupies pursuant to a similar occupancy agreement (whether as a tenant, subtenant or pursuant to other occupancy arrangements).
“Company-Licensed IP” means all Intellectual Property owned by a third party and licensed to the Company or any Company Subsidiary or to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary otherwise has a right to use.
“Company Material Adverse Effect” means any change, effect, event, occurrence, state of facts, condition or development (each a “Change,” and collectively, “Changes”) that, individually or in the aggregate with all other Changes, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on (a) the business, condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities, business plans or results of operation of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (b) the ability of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries to perform their respective obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to consummate the Transactions; provided, however, that, for the purposes of the foregoing clause (a), in no event will any of the following be deemed, either alone or in combination, to constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether there has been or will be, a Company Material Adverse Effect: any adverse Change attributable to (i) operating, business, regulatory or other conditions (financial or otherwise) generally effecting the industries in which the Company or the Company Subsidiaries operate; (ii) general economic, financial, market or political conditions, including changes in the credit, securities, currency, banking, exchange, debt, financial or capital markets (including changes in interest or exchange rates), in each case, in the United States, including any suspension of trading in securities (whether equity, debt, derivative or hybrid securities) generally on any securities exchange or over-the-counter market operating in the United States; (iii) any stoppage or shutdown of any Governmental Authority (including any default by a Governmental Authority or delays in payments or delays or failures to act by any Governmental Authority), or any continuation of any such stoppage or shutdown; (iv) the announcement or negotiation or pendency or consummation of the Transactions (including the identity of SPAC or any communication by SPAC or any of its Affiliates regarding its plans or intentions with respect to the business of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, and in each case, including the impact thereof on relationships with customers, suppliers, distributors, partners or employees or others having relationships with the Company or any Company Subsidiary) or the taking of any action required by this Agreement and the other agreements contemplated hereby, including the completion of the Transactions (provided that this clause (iv) shall not apply to any representation and warranty contained in Section 3.05 to the extent that it purports to address the effect of this Agreement and/or any other Transaction Documents or the Transactions (or the condition to Closing contained in Section 7.02(a) to the extent it relates to such representation and warranty)); (v) any actions taken, or failures to take action, or such other changes or events, in each case, which SPAC has requested in writing or to which it has consented in writing, in each case, after the date of this Agreement; (vi) changes in GAAP or other accounting requirements or principles or any changes in applicable Laws or the interpretation thereof or other legal or regulatory conditions; (vii) the failure of the Company or any Company Subsidiary to meet or achieve the results set forth in any internal or budget, plan, projection, prediction or forecast (although the underlying facts and circumstances resulting in such failure shall be taken into account unless otherwise excluded under clauses (i) through (vi) or (viii) through (x) of this definition); (viii) hostilities, acts of war, sabotage or terrorism or military actions or any escalation, worsening or diminution of any such hostilities, acts of war, sabotage or terrorism or military actions existing or underway; (ix) effects arising from or relating to epidemics, pandemics, or disease outbreaks, including COVID-19 or any COVID-19 Measures; or (x) hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, tornadoes, mudslides, wild fires, or other natural disasters and other force majeure events in the United States or any other country or region in the world, in each case with respect to any of the foregoing clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (vi), (viii), (ix) or (x), to the extent such change does not disproportionately affect the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, relative to other companies in the industries in which the Company and the Company Subsidiaries operate.
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“Company Merger Consideration” means the Company Closing Share Consideration.
“Company Option” means options to purchase Ordinary Shares issued under the Plan.
“Company-Owned Intellectual Property Rights” means all Intellectual Property owned or purported to be owned by the Company or any Company Subsidiary and used in its business as currently conducted.
“Company Product Data” means all data and information, whether in electronic or any other form or medium, that is accessed, collected, used, processed, stored, shared, distributed, transferred, disclosed, destroyed, or disposed of by any of the Products.
“Company Proposals” means the following proposals for which the Company shall solicit irrevocable written consent of the holders of the Ordinary Shares and Company Preferred Shares pursuant to Section 6.03: (i) to approve the Second Merger and the Transactions and adopt this Agreement, (ii) to convert each Preferred Share into Ordinary Shares immediately prior to the Second Effective Time in accordance with the terms of the Company’s Organizational Documents (the “Preferred Conversion”), (iii) to approve the New Stock Incentive Plan, (iv) to approve the ESPP, (v) to approve the Amended and Restated Parentco Certificate of Incorporation and the Amended and Restated Parentco Bylaws, (vi) to approve the members of the Parentco Board as of the Closing and (vii) such other proposals that the Company Board deems advisable or necessary for the purpose of consummating the Mergers and the Transactions.
“Company RSU” means each award of restricted stock units granted by the Company with respect to the Company’s Ordinary Shares.
“Company Security Holders” means, collectively, as of immediately prior to the Second Effective Time, the stockholders of the Company and the holders of Company Warrants.
“Company Shareholders Agreement” means the Shareholders Agreement, dated as of August 15, 2016, as amended, by and among the Company and the members of the Company signatory thereto.
“Company Shares” means the Ordinary Shares outstanding immediately prior to the Second Effective Time, including any Ordinary Shares issued or issuable upon conversion of the Company Preferred Shares.
“Contract” means any legally binding written or oral agreement, contract, arrangement, lease, sublease, loan agreement, security agreement, license, indenture or other similar instrument or obligation to which the party in question is a party.
“control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, or as trustee or executor, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee or executor, by contract or otherwise.
“COVID-19” means SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19, and any evolutions or mutations thereof or related or associated epidemics, pandemic or disease outbreaks.
“COVID-19 Measures” means any quarantine, “shelter in place,” “stay at home,” workforce reduction, face covering, personal protective equipment, social distancing, delay, shut down (including, the shutdown of air cargo routes, shut down of foodservice or certain business activities), closure, sequester, safety or similar Law, directive, guidelines or recommendations promulgated by any health organization or Governmental Authority, including with respect to the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, in each case, in connection with or in response to COVID-19, including the CARES Act and Families First Act, and any future Law, directive, guidelines or recommendations promulgated by any Governmental Authority in connection with or in response to COVID-19.
“Earnout Fully Diluted Shares” means the number of shares of Parentco Common Stock issued under this Agreement in connection with the Second Merger to holders of Outstanding Ordinary Shares as of immediately prior to the Second Effective Time.
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“Earnout Shares” means the shares of Parentco Common Stock, if any, issued pursuant to Section 2.10.
“Equity Interest” means, with respect to the Company, SPAC or any of their respective Affiliates (including following the Second Effective Time, the Second Surviving Company and any Company Subsidiary), any capital stock of, or other ownership, membership, partnership, voting, joint venture, equity interest, preemptive right, stock appreciation, phantom stock, profit participation or similar rights in, such person or any indebtedness, securities, options, warrants, call, subscription or other rights or entitlements of, or granted by, such person or any of its Affiliates that are convertible into, or are exercisable or exchangeable for, or give any person any right or entitlement to acquire any such capital stock or other ownership, partnership, voting, joint venture, equity interest, preemptive right, stock appreciation, phantom stock, profit participation or similar rights, in all cases, whether vested or unvested, of such person or any of its Affiliates or any similar security or right that is derivative or provides any economic benefit based, directly or indirectly, on the value or price of any such capital stock or other ownership, partnership, voting, joint venture, equity interest, preemptive right, stock appreciation, phantom stock, profit participation or similar rights, in all cases, whether vested or unvested.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
“ERISA Affiliate” means any entity that together with the Company is deemed to be a “single employer” for purposes of Section 4001(b)(i) of ERISA or part of the same “controlled group” as the Company for purposes of Section 414 of the Code.
“ESPP” mean the employee stock purchase plan to be adopted by Parentco on or prior to the Closing in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as they may be amended from time to time.
“Excluded Interests” means any Equity Interests issuable in connection with the SAFE Agreements (including, for the avoidance of doubt, SAFE Agreements with Broader Media Holdings, LLC, Partners for Growth V, L.P. and with Parklane, or any of their respective affiliates) and such other financings effected by the Company, Parentco or any of their respective subsidiaries after the date hereof, but prior to or concurrent with the Closing.
“Families First Act” means the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, as signed into Law by the President of the United States on March 18, 2020.
“GAAP” means United States generally accepted accounting principles, as in effect on the date of this Agreement.
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“Governmental Authority” means any national, federal, state, provincial, county, municipal or local government, foreign or domestic, or the government of any political subdivision of any of the foregoing, or any entity, authority, agency, ministry or other similar body exercising executive, legislative, judicial (including any court or arbitrator (public or private)), regulatory or administrative authority or functions of or pertaining to government, including any authority or other quasi-governmental entity established to perform any of such functions.
“Hazardous Substances” means (a) those substances defined as hazardous in or regulated as hazardous under the following United States federal statutes and their state counterparts, as each may be amended from time to time, and all regulations thereunder: the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Atomic Energy Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and the Clean Air Act; (b) petroleum and petroleum products, including by-products, breakdown products, crude oil and any fractions thereof; (c) natural gas, synthetic gas, and any mixtures thereof; (d) polychlorinated biphenyls, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, toxic mold and asbestos.
“Intellectual Property” means (a) patents and patent applications, together with all reissues, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, revisions, extensions or reexaminations thereof, (b) trademarks and service marks, trade dress, trade names, Internet domain names and other source identifiers together all applications, registrations and renewals in connection therewith, together with all of the goodwill associated with the foregoing, (c) copyrights and other works of authorship, moral rights, and registrations and applications for registration thereof, (d) trade secrets (including know how, formulas, compositions, inventions (whether or not patentable or reduced to practice)), customer and supplier lists, improvements, protocols, processes, methods and techniques, research and development information, industry analyses, algorithms, architectures, layouts, drawings, specifications, designs, plans, methodologies, proposals, industrial models, technical data, financial and accounting and all other data, databases and database rights, pricing and cost information, business and marketing plans and proposals, and customer and supplier lists (including lists of prospects and related information, in each case, to the extent constituting a trade secret under applicable Law); and (c) all other intellectual property or proprietary rights of any kind or description.
“International Trade Laws” means all Laws relating to the import, export, re-export, deemed export, deemed re-export, or transfer of information, data, goods, and technology, including but not limited to the Export Administration Regulations administered by the United States Department of Commerce, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations administered by the United States Department of State, customs and import Laws administered by United States Customs and Border Protection, any other export or import controls administered by an agency of the United States government, the anti-boycott regulations administered by the United States Department of Commerce and the United States Department of the Treasury, and other Laws adopted by Governmental Authorities of other countries relating to the same subject matter as the United States Laws described above.
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“knowledge” or “to the knowledge” of a person means in the case of the Company, the actual knowledge of Sudhin Shahani, Deanna White and Douglas Sugimoto, and in the case of SPAC, the actual knowledge of Jordan Vogel and Aaron Feldman.
“Labor Agreement” means (i) any collective bargaining agreement or (ii) any industry-wide or nation-wide agreement governing labor.
“Law” means any law (including common law), statute, ordinance, regulation, rule or Governmental Order, in each case, of any Governmental Authority.
“Liens” means any mortgage, lien, hypothecation, pledge, charge, claim, encumbrance, security interest, attachment, easement, encroachment, right of way, right of first refusal, or other similar restriction (including, without limitation, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or lease in the nature thereof, any sale with recourse against the seller or any Affiliate of the seller), or any agreement to create any of the foregoing.
“Look Back Date” means January 1, 2019.
“Nasdaq Stock Market” means the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Global Select Market, as may be applicable.
“New Stock Incentive Plan” means the equity incentive plan to be adopted by Parentco on or prior to the Closing in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F.
“New Stock Incentive Plan Initial Award Agreement” means the form of award agreement, in a form mutually acceptable to Parentco and SPAC (with each acting reasonably), to evidence the New Stock Incentive Plan Initial Awards.
“New Stock Incentive Plan Initial Awards” means awards under the New Stock Incentive Plan which cover, in the aggregate and as measured at the time of grant of the awards, seven million (7,000,000) shares of Parentco Common Stock, with each such award to be granted to the individual, and to cover the number of shares of Parentco Common Stock, as determined by Parentco (each such individual identified in such Exhibit, an “Intended Initial Award Recipient”); provided, however, that if an Intended Initial Award Recipient is not employed by Parentco or one of its Subsidiaries at the time the New Stock Incentive Plan Initial Awards are granted, then such individual shall not be entitled to a New Stock Incentive Plan Initial Award and the total number of shares of Parentco Common Stock to be covered by the New Stock Incentive Plan Initial Awards shall be reduced accordingly.
“Order” means any writ, judgment, injunction, determination, consent, order, decree, stipulation, award or executive order of or by any Governmental Authority.
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“Organizational Documents” means: (i) in the case of a person that is a corporation or a company, its articles or certificate of incorporation and its bylaws, memorandum of association, articles of association, regulations or similar governing instruments required by the Laws of its jurisdiction of formation or organization; (ii) in the case of a person that is a partnership, its articles or certificate of partnership, formation or association, if any, and its partnership agreement (in each case, limited, limited liability, general or otherwise); (iii) in the case of a person that is a limited liability company, its articles or certificate of formation or organization, and its limited liability company agreement or operating agreement; and (iv) in the case of a person that is none of a corporation, partnership (limited, limited liability, general or otherwise), limited liability company or natural person, its governing instruments as required or contemplated by the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization.
“Outstanding Ordinary Shares” means the total number of outstanding Ordinary Shares of the Company immediately prior to the Second Effective Time (including the Warrant Shares and the Note Shares, and including the Ordinary Shares issuable upon the Preferred Conversion, but (a) excluding Ordinary Shares issuable upon the exercise of Company Options and (b) excluding the Excluded Interests).
“Parentco Common Stock” means common stock of Surf Air Mobility, Inc., par value $0.0001 per share, as set forth in the Organizational Documents of Parentco, as the same may be amended.
“Permit” means any franchises, grants, authorizations, licenses, permits, easements, variances, exceptions, consents, certificates, approvals and Orders of any Governmental Authority.
“Permitted Liens” means (i) statutory or common law Liens of mechanics, materialmen, warehousemen, landlords, carriers, repairmen, construction contractors and other similar Liens (A) that arise in the ordinary course of business and (B) that relate to amounts not yet delinquent, (ii) Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, (iii) non-monetary Liens, encumbrances and restrictions on real property (including easements, covenants, rights of way and similar restrictions of record) that do not materially interfere with the present uses or occupancy of such real property, (iv) non-exclusive licenses of Intellectual Property in the ordinary course of business, (v) Liens set forth on Schedule 9.03, (vi) in the case of Leased Real Property, matters that would be disclosed by an accurate survey or inspection of such Leased Real Property, which do not materially interfere with the current use or occupancy of such Leased Real Property, (vii) requirements and restrictions of zoning, building and other applicable Laws and municipal by-laws, and development, site plan, subdivision or other agreements with municipalities, which are not violated in any material respect and do not materially interfere with the current use or occupancy of any Leased Real Property, (viii) Liens incurred in connection with activities permitted under Section 5.02 hereof and (ix) Liens arising under equipment leases with third parties entered into in the ordinary course of business.
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“Person” or “person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, syndicate, person (including, without limitation, a “person” as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), trust, association or entity or government, political subdivision, agency or instrumentality of a government.
“Personal Data” means all data relating to one or more individual(s) that is personally identifying (i.e., data that identifies an individual or, in combination with any other information or data available to the Company or a Company Subsidiary, is capable of identifying an individual) or capable of identifying a specific device or non-personally identifying, including, without limitation, aggregate or de-identified data and data collected automatically, including data collected through a mobile or other electronic device.
“Plan” means the Company’s 2016 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.
“Pre-Consummation Warning Letter” means any letter issued by the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), the Antitrust Division of the US department of Justice (“DOJ”) or any other Governmental Authority alerting the parties that (a) any investigation pursuant to any Antitrust Laws remains open, and (b) may subsequently determine that the First or Second Merger contemplated by this Agreement was unlawful. For the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall the foregoing definition apply to any written communication regarding a “second request” from the FTC or the DOJ.
“Products” mean any products or services that are developed by, offered for sale, distributed, or otherwise provided by the Company or the Company Subsidiaries to purchasers, whether directly or through multiple tiers of distribution.
“Redeeming Stockholder” means each SPAC stockholder who properly exercises its Redemption Rights.
“Redemption Rights” means the redemption rights provided for in Section 9.2 of the Certificate of Incorporation of SPAC.
“Sanctioned Country” means at any time, a country or territory which is itself the subject or target of any country-wide or territory-wide Sanctions Laws (at the time of this Agreement, the Crimea region, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria).
“Sanctioned Person” means (i) any Person identified in any sanctions-related list of designated Persons maintained by (a) the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, or the United States Department of State; (b) Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom; (c) any committee of the United Nations Security Council; or (d) the European Union; (ii) any Person located, organized, or resident in, or a Governmental Authority, any Sanctioned Country; and (iii) any Person directly or indirectly owned 50% or more, or controlled by, or acting for the benefit or on behalf of, a Person described in clause (i) or (ii), either individually or in the aggregate.
“Sanctions Laws” means those trade, economic and financial sanctions Laws administered, enacted or enforced from time to time by (i) the United States (including the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control), (ii) the European Union and enforced by its member states, (iii) the United Nations, or (iv) Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom.
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“SPAC Acquisition Proposal” means any inquiry, proposal or offer from any person (other than the Surf Entities or any of their Affiliates) concerning (i) a merger, consolidation, liquidation, recapitalization, share exchange or other business combination transaction involving SPAC; (ii) the issuance or acquisition of outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity securities of SPAC; or (iii) the sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of material properties or assets of SPAC.
“SPAC Common Stock” means the common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of SPAC.
“SPAC Founder Shares” means 4,312,500 of SPAC Common Stock issued to the Sponsor in a private placement prior to SPAC’s initial public offering.
“SPAC Material Adverse Effect” means any Change that, individually or in the aggregate with all other Changes, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on (a) the business, condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities, business plans, or results of operations of SPAC and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (ii) the ability of SPAC and its Subsidiaries to perform their respective obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to consummate the Transactions; provided, however, that, for the purposes of the foregoing clause (a), in no event will any of the following be deemed, either alone or in combination, to constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether there has been or will be, a SPAC Material Adverse Effect: any adverse Change attributable to (i) operating, business, regulatory or other conditions (financial or otherwise) generally effecting the industries in which SPAC operates; (ii) general economic, financial, market or political conditions, including changes in the credit, securities, currency, banking, exchange, debt, financial or capital markets (including changes in interest or exchange rates), in each case, in the United States, including any suspension of trading in securities (whether equity, debt, derivative or hybrid securities) generally on any securities exchange or over-the-counter market operating in the United States; (iii) any stoppage or shutdown of any Governmental Authority (including any default by a Governmental Authority or delays in payments or delays or failures to act by any Governmental Authority), or any continuation of any such stoppage or shutdown; (iv) the announcement or negotiation or pendency or consummation of the Transactions or the taking of any action required by this Agreement and the other agreements contemplated hereby, including the completion of the Transactions (provided that this clause (iv) shall not apply to any representation and warranty contained in Section 4.05 to the extent that it purports to address the effect of this Agreement and/or any other Transaction Documents or the Transactions (or the condition to Closing contained in Section 7.03(a) to the extent it relates to such representation and warranty)); (v) any actions taken, or failures to take action, or such other changes or events, in each case, which the Company has requested in writing or to which it has consented in writing, in each case, after the date of this Agreement; (vi) changes in GAAP or other accounting requirements or principles or any changes in applicable Laws or the interpretation thereof or other legal or regulatory conditions (including any SEC SPAC Accounting Changes); (vii) changes in the market for securities of SPAC (although the underlying facts and circumstances resulting in such change shall be taken into account unless otherwise excluded under clauses (i) through (vi) or (viii) through (x) of this definition); (viii) hostilities, acts of war, sabotage or terrorism or military actions or any escalation, worsening or diminution of any such hostilities, acts of war, sabotage or terrorism or military actions existing or underway; (ix) effects arising from or relating to epidemics, pandemics, or disease outbreaks, including COVID-19 or any COVID-19 Measures; or (x) hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, tornadoes, mudslides, wild fires, or other natural disasters and other force majeure events in the United States or any other country or region in the world, in each case with respect to any of the foregoing clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (vi), (viii), (ix) or (x), to the extent such change does not disproportionately affect SPAC and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, relative to other companies in the industries in which SPAC and its Subsidiaries operate.
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“SPAC Private Warrants” means, collectively, the Private Warrants and the Post IPO Warrants, each as defined in the SPAC Warrant Agreement.
“SPAC Warrant Agreement” means that certain warrant agreement, dated July 11, 2019, by and between SPAC and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
“SPAC Warrants” means the warrants to purchase shares of SPAC Common Stock governed by the SPAC Warrant Agreement.
“Sponsor” means Tuscan Holdings Acquisition II LLC.
“Subsidiary” or “Subsidiaries” means, with respect to a Person, any corporation or other organization (including a limited liability company or a partnership), whether incorporated or unincorporated, of which such Person directly or indirectly (a) owns or controls a majority of the securities or other interests having by their terms ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or others performing similar functions with respect to such corporation or other organization or any organization of which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries is, directly or indirectly, a general partner or managing member, or (b) has the power to generally direct the business and policies of that other Person, whether by contract or as a general partner, managing member, manager, joint venturer, agent or otherwise. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Subsidiary” shall not include Southern whether before or after the consummation of the Southern Acquisition.
“Tax” or “Taxes” means any federal, state, local or foreign income, gross receipts, franchise, estimated, alternative minimum, add-on minimum, sales, use, transfer, real property gains, registration, value added, excise, natural resources, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, windfall profit, real property, personal property, capital stock, social security, unemployment, disability, payroll, license, employee or other withholding, or other similar tax, including any interest, penalties or additions to tax in respect of the foregoing.
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“Tax Returns” means any return, report, information return or other document (including schedules or any related or supporting information) filed or required to be filed with any Governmental Authority or other authority in connection with the determination, assessment or collection of any Tax or the administration of any Laws or administrative requirements relating to any Tax.
“Trading Day” means any day on which shares of Parentco Common Stock are actually traded on the principal securities exchange or securities market on which shares of Parenco Common Stock are then traded.
“Transaction Documents” means this Agreement, including all schedules and exhibits hereto, the Company Disclosure Schedule, the SPAC Disclosure Schedule, the Amended and Restated Parentco Certificate of Incorporation, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Lock-up Agreement, the Sponsor Letter Agreement and all other agreements, certificates and instruments executed and delivered by SPAC, Parentco, Merger Sub I, Merger Sub II or the Company in connection with the Transactions.
“Transactions” means the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Transaction Documents, including the Mergers; provided, however, that the Transactions shall not include the the Southern Acquisition.
“Transfer Taxes” means any sales, use, value-added, business, goods and services, transfer (including any stamp duty or other similar Tax chargeable in respect of any instrument transferring property), documentary, conveyancing or similar Tax or expense or any recording fee, in each case that is imposed as a result of the Transactions, together with any penalty, interest and addition to any such item with respect to such item.
“Treasury Regulations” means the United States Treasury regulations issued pursuant to the Code.
“VWAP” means, for any security as of any day or multi-day period, the dollar volume-weighted average price for such security on the principal securities exchange or securities market on which such security is then traded during the period beginning at 9:30:01 a.m., New York time on such day or the first day of such multi-day period (as applicable), and ending at 4:00:00 p.m., New York time on such day or the last day of such multi-day period (as applicable), as reported by Bloomberg through its “HP” function (set to weighted average) or, if the foregoing does not apply, the dollar volume-weighted average price of such security in the over-the-counter market on the electronic bulletin board for such security during the period beginning at 9:30:01 a.m., New York time on such day or the first day of such multi-day period (as applicable), and ending at 4:00:00 p.m., New York time on such day or the last day of such multi-day period (as applicable), as reported by Bloomberg, or, if no dollar volume-weighted average price is reported for such security by Bloomberg for such hours, the average of the highest closing bid price and the lowest closing ask price of any of the market makers for such security as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. during such day or multi-day period (as applicable). If the VWAP cannot be calculated for such security for such day or multi-day period (as applicable) on any of the foregoing bases, the VWAP of such security shall be the fair market value per share at the end of such day or multi-day period (as applicable) as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors of Parentco.
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“WARN Act” means the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (29 USC § 2101 et seq.) and the regulations promulgated thereunder or any similar state, local or foreign Law.
(b) The following terms have the meaning set forth in the Sections set forth below:
Defined Term | Location of Definition | |
Action | § 3.10 | |
Agreement | Preamble | |
Amended and Restated Parentco Bylaws | § 1.05(d) | |
Amended and Restated Parenco Certificate of Incorporation |
§ 1.05(c) | |
Anti-Corruption Laws | § 3.20(a) | |
Antitrust Laws | § 6.09(b) | |
Articles of Merger | § 1.03(b) | |
Audited Financial Statements | § 3.07(a) | |
Blue Sky Laws | § 3.05(b) | |
Cancelled Warrant | § 2.06(b) | |
Cancelled Warrant Consideration | § 2.06(b) | |
Certificate of Merger | § 1.03(a) | |
Claims | § 5.03(b) | |
Class A-1 Preferred Shares | § 3.03(b) | |
Class A-2 Preferred Shares | § 3.03(b) | |
Class A-3 Preferred Shares | § 3.03(b) | |
Class A-4 Preferred Shares | § 3.03(b) | |
Class A-5 Preferred Shares | § 3.03(b) | |
Class B-1 Preferred Shares | § 3.03(b) | |
Class B-2 Preferred Shares | § 3.03(b) | |
Class B-3 Preferred Shares | § 3.03(b) | |
Class B-4 Preferred Shares | § 3.03(b) | |
Class B-5 Preferred Shares | § 3.03(b) | |
Class B-6a Preferred Shares | § 3.03(b) | |
Class B-6s Preferred Shares | § 3.03(b) | |
Class B-2 Preferred Warrants | § 2.06(b) | |
Class B-3 Preferred Warrants | § 2.06(b) | |
Class B-4 Preferred Warrants | § 2.06(b) | |
Closing | § 1.02 | |
Closing Date | § 1.02 | |
Companies Act | Recitals | |
Company | Preamble | |
Company Board | Recitals |
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Defined Term | Location of Definition | |
Company Board Recommendation | Recitals | |
Company Certificates | § 2.03(b) | |
Company Closing Merger Consideration | § 2.03(b) | |
Company Disclosure Schedule | Article III | |
Company Member Approval | § 6.03(a) | |
Company Member Notice | § 6.03(b) | |
Company Merger Payment Schedule | § 2.03(a) | |
Company Permits | § 3.06 | |
Company Preferred Shares | § 3.03(b) | |
Company Proprietary Information | § 3.15(a) | |
Company Subsidiary | § 3.01(a) | |
Company Warrants | § 2.06(b) | |
Confidentiality Agreement | § 6.05(b) | |
Converted Parentco Option | § 2.07(a) | |
COVID-19 Quarantine Period | § 3.19 | |
D&O Indemnified Parties | § 6.12(a) | |
D&O Tail Policy | § 6.12(c) | |
DGCL | Recitals | |
Dissenter Rights | § 2.04(a) | |
Dissenting Shareholder | § 2.04(a) | |
Dissenting Shares | § 2.04(a) | |
Enforceability Exceptions | § 3.04 | |
Exchange Agent | § 2.03(b) | |
Exchanged Company RSU | § 2.08 | |
Exchange Fund | § 2.03(b) | |
Financial Statements | § 3.07(a) | |
First Effective Time | § 1.03(a) | |
First Merger | Recitals | |
First Surviving Company | § 1.01(a) | |
Founder Preferred Shares | § 3.03(b)) | |
HSR Act | § 3.05(b) | |
Intended Tax Treatment | Recitals | |
Interim Financial Statements | § 3.07(a) | |
IT Systems | § 3.16(c) | |
Letter of Transmittal | § 2.03(c) | |
Lock-Up Agreement | Recitals | |
Material Contracts | § 3.19(a) | |
Merger Consideration | § 2.03(b) | |
Merger Sub I | Preamble | |
Merger Sub II | Preamble | |
Mergers | Recitals | |
Nasdaq Listing Applications | § 6.11(c) | |
Ordinary Shares | § 3.03(b) | |
Ordinary Warrants | § 2.06(b) |
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Defined Term | Location of Definition | |
Other Filings | § 6.01(a) | |
Outside Date | § 8.01(b) | |
Outstanding Company Ordinary Shares | § 3.03(b) | |
Outstanding SPAC Shares | § 4.03(a) | |
Outstanding SPAC Warrants | § 4.03(a) | |
Outstanding Preferred Shares | § 3.03(b) | |
Parentco | Preamble | |
Parentco Board | Recitals | |
Parentco Warrant | § 2.06(a) | |
Private Placements | Recitals | |
Proxy Statement | § 6.01(a) | |
Real Estate Lease Documents | § 3.145b) | |
Real Property Lease | § 3.15(c) | |
Registration Rights Agreement | Recitals | |
Registration Securities | § 6.01(a) | |
Registration Statement | § 6.01(a) | |
Representatives | § 6.05(a) | |
SEC | § 4.07(a) | |
Second Effective Time | § 1.03(b) | |
Second Merger | Recitals | |
Second Surviving Company | § 1.01(b) | |
Securities Act | § 4.07(a) | |
Southern | Recitals | |
Southern Acquisition | Recitals | |
SPAC | Preamble | |
SPAC Board | Recitals | |
SPAC Board Recommendation | § 6.01(d) | |
SPAC Disclosure Schedule | Article IV | |
SPAC Merger Consideration | § 2.03(b) | |
SPAC Per Share Consideration | § 2.01(a) | |
SPAC Preferred Stock | § 4.03(a) | |
SPAC Proposals | § 6.01(a) | |
SPAC SEC Reports | § 4.07(a) | |
SPAC Stockholder Approval | § 6.02 | |
SPAC Stockholders’ Meeting | § 6.01(a) | |
SPAC Trustee | § 4.13 | |
Sponsor Letter Agreement | Recitals | |
Sponsor Lock-Up Agreement | Recitals | |
Surf Entities | Preamble | |
Terminating Company Breach | § 8.01(e) | |
Terminating SPAC Breach | § 8.01(f) | |
Transaction Litigation | § 6.15 | |
Trust Agreement | § 4.13 | |
Trust Fund | § 5.03(a) | |
Voting Support Agreement | Recitals | |
Written Consent | § 6.03(a) |
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SECTION 9.04 Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of Law, or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the Transactions is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the Transactions be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
SECTION 9.05 Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and the Confidentiality Agreement constitute the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall not be assigned (whether pursuant to a merger, by operation of Law or otherwise); provided, however, that the Company may assign its rights (in whole or in part) under this Agreement to any lender or financing source, but in no event shall any such assignment release the Company from any of its obligations under this Agreement.
SECTION 9.06 Specific Performance. The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur if any provision of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with the terms hereof, and, accordingly, that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement or to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions hereof (including the parties’ obligation to consummate the Transactions) in the Delaware Chancery Court or, if that court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, any state or federal court located in the State of Delaware without proof of actual damages or otherwise, in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at Law or in equity. Each of the parties hereby further waives (a) any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at Law would be adequate and (b) any requirement under any Law to post security or a bond as a prerequisite to obtaining equitable relief.
SECTION 9.07 Parties in Interest. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement other than Section 6.15 (which is intended to be for the benefit of the persons covered thereby and may be enforced by such persons).
SECTION 9.08 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in that state. All actions and proceedings arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be heard and determined exclusively in any Delaware Chancery Court, or if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, any state or federal court located in the State of Delaware. The parties hereto hereby (a) submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Chancery Court (or, if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, any state or federal court located in the State of Delaware) for the purpose of any Action arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document brought by any party hereto, and (b) irrevocably waive, and agree not to assert by way of motion, defense, or otherwise, in any such Action, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the Action is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the Action is improper, or that this Agreement or the Transactions may not be enforced in or by any of the above-named courts.
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SECTION 9.09 Waiver of Jury Trial. Each of the parties hereto hereby waives to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law any right it may have to a trial by jury with respect to any litigation directly or indirectly arising out of, under or in connection with this Agreement, the Transaction Documents or the Transactions. Each of the parties hereto (a) certifies that no representative, agent or attorney of any other party has represented, expressly or otherwise, that such other party would not, in the event of litigation, seek to enforce that foregoing waiver and (b) acknowledges that it and the other parties hereto have been induced to enter into this Agreement, Transaction Documents and the Transactions, as applicable, by, among other things, the mutual waivers and certifications in this Section 9.09.No Other Representation. None of the parties, their securityholders nor any of their respective representatives has made any representations or warranties, express or implied, of any nature whatsoever relating to such party or its business or otherwise in connection with the Transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Transaction Document, other than those representations and warranties expressly set forth in Article III or Article IV, as the case may be, in each case, as modified by the schedules to this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, none of the parties nor any of their respective Representatives has made, and shall not be deemed to have made, any representations or warranties in the materials relating to such party made available to the other party and its Representatives, including due diligence materials, or in any presentation of the business of such party by management such party or others in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and no statement contained in any of such materials or made in any such presentation shall be deemed a representation or warranty hereunder or otherwise or deemed to be relied upon by the other party in executing, delivering and performing this Agreement, the Transaction Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, in each case except for the representations and warranties set forth in Article III or Article IV, as the case may be, as modified by the Schedules to this Agreement. It is understood that any cost estimates, projections or other predictions, any data, any financial information or any memoranda or offering materials or presentations, including any offering memorandum or similar materials made available by any party or their respective Representatives are not and shall not be deemed to be or to include representations or warranties of the such party, and are not and shall not be deemed to be relied upon by any other party in executing, delivering and performing this Agreement, the Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, in each case except for the representations and warranties set forth in Article III or Article IV, as the case may be, in each case, as modified by the Schedules to this Agreement.
SECTION 9.11 Headings. The descriptive headings contained in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
SECTION 9.12 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile or electronic transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
SECTION 9.13 Construction. In this Agreement:
(a) References to particular sections and subsections, schedules, and exhibits not otherwise specified are cross-references to sections and subsections, schedules, and exhibits of this Agreement.
(b) The words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder,” and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and, unless the context requires otherwise, “party” means a party signatory hereto.
(c) Any use of the singular or plural, or the masculine, feminine, or neuter gender, includes the others, unless the context otherwise requires; “including” means “including without limitation;” “or” means “and/or;” “any” means “any one, more than one, or all.”
(d) Unless otherwise specified, any reference to any reference to a statute or other Law includes any rule, regulation, ordinance, or the like promulgated thereunder, in each case, as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time.
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(e) Any reference to a numbered schedule means the same-numbered section of the Company Disclosure Schedule. Any reference in a schedule contained in the Company Disclosure Schedules shall be deemed to be an exception to (or, as applicable, a disclosure for purposes of) the applicable representations and warranties (or applicable covenants) that are contained in the section or subsection of this Agreement that corresponds to such schedule and any other representations and warranties (or applicable covenants) contained in this Agreement to which the relevance of such item thereto is reasonably apparent on its face. The mere inclusion of an item in a schedule as an exception to (or, as applicable, a disclosure for purposes of) a representation or warranty (or applicable covenants) shall not be deemed an admission that such item represents a material exception or material fact, event or circumstance or that such item would have a Company Material Adverse Effect or establish any standard of materiality to define further the meaning of such terms for purposes of this Agreement.
(f) If any action is required to be taken or notice is required to be given within a specified number of days following a specific date or event, the day of such date or event is not counted in determining the last day for such action or notice. If any action is required to be taken or notice is required to be given on or before a particular day which is not a Business Day, such action or notice shall be considered timely if it is taken or given on or before the next Business Day.
(g) References to “$” or Dollars means United States Dollars.
(h) Captions are not a part of this Agreement, but are included for convenience, only.
[Signature Page Follows.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized.
TUSCAN HOLDINGS CORP. II | ||
By: | /s/ Stephen Vogel | |
Name: | Stephen Vogel | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
SURF AIR GLOBAL LIMITED | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary |
THCA MERGER SUB INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary |
SAGL MERGER SUB LIMITED | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | Director |
[Signature Page to Business Combination Agreement]
88
Exhibit 10.17
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
BUSINESS COMBINATION AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT NO.1 TO BUSINESS COMBINATION AGREEMENT, dated as of September 1, 2022 (this “Amendment”), by and among Tuscan Holdings Corp. II, a Delaware corporation (“SPAC”), Surf Air Global Limited, a BVI business company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (the “Company”), Surf Air Mobility Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Parentco”), THCA Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Parentco (“Merger Sub I”), and SAGL Merger Sub Limited, a BVI business company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands and wholly-owned subsidiary of Parentco (“Merger Sub II” and together with the Company, Parentco and Merger Sub I, the “Surf Entities”).
WHEREAS, the SPAC and the Surf Entities are parties to that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2022 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the “BCA”; capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the BCA), pursuant to which (i) on the Closing Date, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement and in accordance with Section 251 of the DGCL, Merger Sub I will merge with and into SPAC (the “First Merger”), with SPAC surviving the First Merger as a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parentco, and (ii) on the Closing Date, simultaneously with the First Merger, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement and in accordance with Section 170 of the Companies Act, Merger Sub II will merge with and into the Company (the “Second Merger” and together with the First Merger, the “Mergers”), with the Company surviving the Second Merger as a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parentco; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 8.04 of the BCA, the BCA may be amended in writing by Tuscan and the Surf Entities, and the parties desire to amend the BCA and agree as set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, terms and conditions set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
1. Amendments.
1.1. Section 8.01 of the BCA is hereby amended by deleting paragraph (i) thereof in its entirety and replacing it with:
“(i) by SPAC if the Business Condition has not been satisfied prior to the earlier of the Closing Date and the Outside Date; provided, however, that SPAC shall not be permitted to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.01(i) unless the notice of termination pursuant to this Section 8.01(i) is delivered by SPAC to the Company within ten (10) Business Days following the earlier of the Closing Date and the Outside Date if the Business Condition is not satisfied prior to such date; or”
1.2. Section 8.03 of the BCA is hereby amended by replacing the reference to “$650,000” in paragraph (c) with “$400,000”.
2. Consent to Indebtedness. For the purposes of Section 5.01 of the BCA, the Company hereby consents to the incurrence by the SPAC of up to $250,000 of indebtedness from the Surf Entities.
3. No Other Modifications. Except as expressly set forth herein, the BCA shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect. This Amendment and the BCA shall be read together as one agreement, and all references to “this Agreement” in the Merger Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the BCA as modified and amended by this Amendment (other than references to the “date of this Agreement” or similar references which shall continue to refer to May 17, 2022).
4. Representations and Warranties. Each of the parties hereby represents and warrants to the other parties that (a) such party has all necessary power and authority to execute and deliver this Amendment, (b) the execution and delivery of this Amendment have been duly authorized and approved, (c) no other entity or governing body action on the part of such party is necessary to authorize the execution and delivery by such party of this Amendment; and (d) this Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by such party and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of this Amendment by the other parties hereto, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such party, enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms and conditions, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, or other similar Laws relating to creditors’ rights and general principles of equity.
5. Counterparts; Electronic Delivery. This Amendment and each other document executed in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and the consummation thereof, may be executed in counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same document and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other party, it being understood that all parties need not sign the same counterpart. Delivery by electronic transmission to counsel for the other party of a counterpart executed by a party shall be deemed to meet the requirements of the previous sentence.
6. Miscellaneous. Article IX of the BCA is hereby incorporated into this Amendment mutatis mutandis.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
TUSCAN HOLDINGS CORP. II | ||
By: | /s/ Stephen Vogel | |
Name: | Stephen Vogel | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
SURF AIR GLOBAL LIMITED | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary |
THCA MERGER SUB INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary |
SAGL MERGER SUB LIMITED | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | Director |
[Signature Page to Amendment No. 1 to BCA]
3
Exhibit 10.18
MUTUAL TERMINATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT
THIS MUTUAL TERMINATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT (the “Termination Agreement”) is made and entered into effective as of November 14, 2022 (the “Effective Date”) by and among Tuscan Holdings Corp. II, a Delaware corporation (“Tuscan”), and Tuscan Holdings Acquisition II LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware (“Sponsor”), Surf Air Global Limited, a BVI business company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (“Surf Air”), and Surf Air Mobility Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Surf Air (“SAM”).
R E C I T A L S
WHEREAS, Reference is made to that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2022, as amended on September 1, 2022 (the “Agreement”), by and among Tuscan, Surf Air, SAM, THCA Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM (“Merger Sub I”), and SAGL Merger Sub Limited, a BVI business company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands and wholly-owned subsidiary of SAM (“Merger Sub II”);
WHEREAS, Tuscan and Surf Air desire to mutually terminate the Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Tuscan and Sponsor, on the one hand, and Surf Air and SAM, on the other hand, desire to release each other from all rights, claims and actions each has against the other in connection with the Agreement.
Now, Therefore, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and for their mutual reliance, the parties agree as follows:
1. Mutual Termination. Pursuant to Section 8.01(a) of the Agreement, Tuscan and Surf Air hereby mutually terminate the Agreement, including without limitation, all obligations under the Agreement, effective as of the Effective Date. Pursuant to Section 8.02 of the Agreement, the parties hereto acknowledge and agree that, as of the Effective Date, the Agreement is void, and in accordance with Section 2 hereof, there shall be no liability under the Agreement on the part of any party thereto. Tuscan and Sponsor acknowledge and agree that neither Surf Air, SAM nor any of their respective Affiliates (as defined in the Agreement) shall be obligated to reimburse or pay to Tuscan, Sponsor or any of their respective Affiliates any fees, costs or expenses pursuant to Section 8.03(b) or Section 8.03(c) of the Agreement. Nothing in this Termination Agreement shall terminate or modify the terms and provisions of the Confidentiality Agreement (as defined in the Agreement). Neither Surf Air, SAM nor any of their respective Affiliates shall have any obligation to issue or make any further loans or advances to Tuscan, Sponsor or any of their respective Affiliates. The terms and provisions of this Section 1 shall take effect immediately prior to the filing of a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including any confidential filing) in connection with a Direct Listing, an IPO or a SPAC Transaction or the entry into a written definitive agreement for a Sale Transaction (the “Termination Date”).
2. Mutual Release.
(a) Effective as of the Termination Date, each of Tuscan and Sponsor, each on its behalf and on behalf of their respective subsidiaries, heirs, estates, successors and assigns (the “Tuscan Releasors”), hereby knowingly, fully, unconditionally and irrevocably releases, effective as of the Termination Date, any and all claims, rights, demands and causes of action that such Tuscan Releasor has or may have against Surf Air, SAM, any of their respective Affiliates or any present or former director, officer, manager, employee, shareholder, member, partner advisor, legal counsel, representative or agent of Surf Air, SAM or any of their respective Affiliates (collectively, the “Surf Releasees”), whether asserted or unasserted, known or unknown, contingent or noncontingent, past or present, arising or resulting from or relating, directly or indirectly, to any act, omission, event or occurrence prior to or as of the Termination Date relating to the Agreement, any other Transaction Documents (as defined in the Agreement), any of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement or any other Transaction Documents or any loans issued by Surf Air or any of its Affiliates to Tuscan or any of its Affiliates (the “Tuscan Released Claims”), including that the Transactions will not be consummated and are being abandoned and terminated. For the avoidance of doubt, neither Tuscan, the Sponsor nor any of their Affiliates shall have any obligation to repay the loans issued by Surf Air or any of its Affiliates to Tuscan, the Sponsor or any of their Affiliates prior to the Effective Date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, nothing in this Section 2(a) will be deemed to constitute a release or waiver by any Tuscan Releasor of any claim, demand or cause of action, or of any right of, such Tuscan Releasor pursuant to (i) this Termination Agreement or
(ii) the Confidentiality Agreement.
(b) Effective as of the Termination Date, each of Surf Air and SAM, each on its behalf and on behalf of their respective subsidiaries (including Merger Sub I and Merger Sub II), heirs, estates, successors and assigns (the “Surf Releasors” and together with the Tuscan Releasors, the “Releasors”), hereby knowingly, fully, unconditionally and irrevocably releases, effective as of the Termination Date, any and all claims, rights, demands and causes of action that such Tuscan Releasor has or may have against Tuscan, Sponsor, any of their respective Affiliates or any present or former director, officer, manager, employee, shareholder, member, partner advisor, legal counsel, representative or agent of Tuscan, Sponsor or any of their respective Affiliates (collectively, the “Tuscan Releasees”), whether asserted or unasserted, known or unknown, contingent or noncontingent, past or present, arising or resulting from or relating, directly or indirectly, to any act, omission, event or occurrence prior to or as of the Termination Date relating to the Agreement, any other Transaction Documents (as defined in the Agreement), any of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement or any other Transaction Documents or any loans issued by Surf Air or any of its Affiliates to Tuscan or any of its Affiliates (the “Surf Released Claims”), including that the Transactions will not be consummated and are being abandoned and terminated. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, nothing in this Section 2(b) will be deemed to constitute a release or waiver by any Surf Releasor of any claim, demand or cause of action, or of any right of, such Surf Releasor pursuant to (i) this Termination Agreement or (ii) the Confidentiality Agreement (as defined in the Agreement).
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(c) Each Releasor acknowledges and agrees that it, he or she is familiar with Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California (“Section 1542”), which provides as follows:
A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.
(d) Effective as of the Termination Date each Releasor, on such Releasor’s behalf and on behalf of such Releasor’s other applicable Releasors, hereby waives and relinquishes any rights and benefits that such Releasor may have under Section 1542 or any similar statute or common law principle of any jurisdiction with respect to, in the case of the Tuscan Releasors, the Tuscan Released Claims and, in the case of the Surf Releasors, the Surf Released Claims. Such Releasor acknowledges that it, he or she may hereafter discover facts in addition to or different from those that such Releasor now knows or believes to be true with respect to the subject matter of, in the case of the Tuscan Releasors, the Tuscan Released Claims and, in the case of the Surf Releasors, the Surf Released Claims, but it is such Releasor’s intention to fully and finally and forever settle and release any and all, in the case of the Tuscan Releasors, the Tuscan Released Claims and, in the case of the Surf Releasors, the Surf Released Claims (except as expressly set forth in the second sentence of each of Section 2(a) and Section 2(b)) that do now exist, may exist or heretofore have existed with respect to the subject matter thereof. In furtherance of this intention, the release of, in the case of the Tuscan Releasors, the Tuscan Released Claims and, in the case of the Surf Releasors, the Surf Released Claims (other than as expressly set forth in the second sentence of each of Section 2(a) and Section 2(b))) shall be and remain in effect as full and complete releases notwithstanding the discovery or existence of any such additional or different facts.
(e) Each Releasor agrees that he, she or it will not bring, commence, institute, maintain, prosecute, participate in or voluntarily aid any Action (as defined in the Agreement), in law or in equity, in any court or before any Governmental Authority (as defined in the Agreement), which, in the case of the Tuscan Releasors, relates to any Tuscan Released Claims and, in the case of the Surf Releasors, relates to any Surf Released Claims.
3. Share Consideration.
(a) In consideration for the agreements and acknowledgements of Tuscan and Sponsor hereunder, immediately prior to the consummation of a Triggering Event, SAM (or the surviving parent entity of Surf Air immediately prior to the consummation of the Triggering Event, or if no such entity, Surf Air, “Surf Parent”) shall issue to Tuscan 600,000 shares of Common Stock (or an equivalent number of shares of common equity of the Surf Parent, the “Termination Shares”). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Surf Parent has not consummated a Triggering Event within three years from the Effective Date, this Section 3 shall cease to be of any further force or effect and Tuscan shall have no right to receive, and Surf Parent shall have no obligation to issue or pay, any Shares (as defined below) or any Cash Expense Reimbursement even if a Triggering Event is consummated after such date that is three years after the Effective Date. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to include the Shares in the registration statement used in connection with the consummation of a Direct Listing, IPO or SPAC Transaction, as applicable, or any resale registration statement filed in connection with the consummation of any such transaction. For purposes hereof, a “Triggering Event” shall mean the consummation of any of the following (a) a direct listing of shares of common stock of SAM, par value $0.0001 per share (or the common equity of the Surf Parent, the “Common Stock”), for trading on a nationally recognized stock exchange (such national exchange on which the Common Stock is initially listed, the “National Exchange”) and registration pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act (as defined in the Agreement) (a “Direct Listing”); (b) an initial public offering of shares of Common Stock for trading on a National Exchange and registration pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act (an “IPO”); (c) a business combination involving a special purpose acquisition company and Surf Air or Surf Parent (a “SPAC Transaction”); or (d) any (i) share exchange, share purchase, consolidation, merger, reorganization or other business combination of Surf Air or Surf Parent, (ii) sale or other transfer in one transaction or a series of related transactions of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of Surf Air or Surf Parent and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any person or entity other than one of Surf Air’s direct or indirect subsidiaries; provided, however, that a transaction described in clauses (i) or (ii) of this clause (d) in which the holders of Surf Air or Surf Parent’s outstanding capital shares immediately prior to such transaction own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of all of the outstanding capital shares of the continuing or surviving corporation or transferee or the parent thereof immediately after such transaction shall not be a Triggering Event pursuant to clauses (i) or (ii) of this clause (d), or (iii) any purchase or issuance of Common Stock following which a person or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) of persons has direct or indirect beneficial ownership of securities (or rights convertible or exchangeable into securities) representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the voting power of or economic rights or interests in Surf Parent (any transaction contemplated by this clause (d), a “Sale Transaction”). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in no event shall any internal restructuring or reorganization by Surf Air or any of its subsidiaries for tax purposes constitute a Triggering Event. For purposes hereof, a “Going Public Transaction” shall mean the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by clauses (a), (b) or (c) of the definition of Triggering Event.
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(b) In connection with the incurrence of cost and expenses of Tuscan, immediately prior to the consummation of a Triggering Event, Surf Parent shall either (in Surf Air’s sole discretion) (i) issue to Tuscan 35,000 shares of Common Stock (or an equivalent number of shares of common equity of the Surf Parent, the “Expense Shares” and together with the Termination Shares, the “Shares”; it being understood that if Surf Parent satisfies the obligations of this clause (b) by complying with clause (ii) (as opposed to clause (i)), “Shares” shall just refer to the Termination Shares without regard to the Expense Shares) or (ii) shall pay to Tuscan, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, an amount in cash equal to
$700,000.00 (the “Cash Expense Reimbursement”).
(c) The number of Shares shall be adjusted to reflect appropriately the effect of any stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, combination, exchange of shares or other like change with respect to the Common Stock occurring on or after the date hereof and prior to the effective time of the Triggering Event.
(d) The parties agree to negotiate in good faith with respect to any amendments to this Termination Agreement necessary or advisable in order to cause the Shares to be issued in a manner that is more tax-efficient for Tuscan and its stockholders; provided, that such updated structure does not result in an adverse tax consequence to Surf Air, SAM Surf Parent or any of their respective subsidiaries or equityholders.
4. REGISTRATION RIGHTS. If the Shares have not otherwise been registered for resale under the Securities Act, SAM agrees that it will use its commercially reasonable efforts to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) (at SAM’s sole cost and expense) a registration statement registering the resale of the Shares (the “Registration Statement”) as soon as practicable after the consummation of the Going Public Transaction (the “Filing Date”), and SAM shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the Registration Statement declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, but no later than the earlier of (i) the 135th calendar day (or 180th calendar day if the Commission notifies SAM that it will “review” the Registration Statement) following the Filing Date and (ii) the 10th Business Day after the date SAM is (x) 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 and (y) the receipt of The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority clearance, if applicable, (such earlier date, the “Effectiveness Date”); provided, however, that SAM’s obligations to include the Shares in the Registration Statement are contingent upon Tuscan furnishing in writing to SAM such information regarding Tuscan, the securities of SAM held by Tuscan and the intended method of disposition of the Shares as shall be reasonably requested by SAM to effect the registration of the Shares, and Tuscan shall execute such documents in connection with such registration as SAM may reasonably request that are customary of a selling stockholder in similar situations, including providing that SAM shall be entitled to postpone and suspend the effectiveness or use of the Registration Statement during any customary blackout or similar period or as permitted hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Commission prevents SAM from including any or all of the Shares proposed to be registered under the Registration Statement due to limitations on the use of Rule 415 under the Securities Act for the resale of the Shares held by Tuscan or otherwise, such Registration Statement shall register for resale such number of shares of Common Stock which is equal to the maximum number of shares of Common Stock as is permitted by the Commission. In such event, the number of shares of Common Stock to be registered for each selling shareholder named in the Registration Statement shall be reduced pro rata among all such selling shareholders. In the event the Commission informs SAM that all of such shares of Common Stock cannot, as a result of the application of Rule 415, be registered for resale on the Registration Statement, SAM agrees to promptly inform Tuscan thereof and use its commercially reasonable efforts to file amendments to the Registration Statement as required by the Commission, covering the maximum number of shares of Common Stock permitted to be registered by the Commission, on Form S-1 or such other form available to register for resale such shares as a secondary offering. In the case of the registration effected by SAM pursuant to this Termination Agreement, SAM shall, upon reasonable request, inform Tuscan as to the status of such registration.
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(a) | At its expense SAM shall: |
(i) except for such times as SAM is permitted hereunder to suspend the use of the prospectus forming part of a Registration Statement, use its commercially reasonable efforts to keep such registration, and any qualification, exemption or compliance under state securities laws which SAM determines to obtain, continuously effective with respect to Tuscan, and to keep the applicable Registration Statement or any subsequent shelf registration statement free of any material misstatements or omissions, until the earlier of the following: (i) Tuscan ceases to hold any Shares, (ii) the date all Shares held by Tuscan may be sold without any volume and manner of sale restrictions which may be applicable to affiliates under Rule 144 and without the requirement for SAM to be in compliance with the current public information required under Rule 144(c)(1) (or Rule 144(i)(2), if applicable), and (iii) two years from the Effectiveness Date of the Registration Statement;
(ii) advise Tuscan within five (5) Business Days:
1. when a Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has become effective;
2. of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of any Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for such purpose;
3. of the receipt by SAM of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Shares included therein for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose; and
4. subject to the provisions in this Termination Agreement, of the occurrence of any event that requires the making of any changes in any Registration Statement or prospectus so that, as of such date, the statements therein are not misleading and do not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading;
(iii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of any Registration Statement as soon as reasonably practicable;
(iv) upon the occurrence of any event contemplated in Section 4(a)(ii)(4), except for such times as SAM is permitted hereunder to suspend, and has suspended, the use of a prospectus forming part of a Registration Statement, use its commercially reasonable efforts to as soon as reasonably practicable prepare a post-effective amendment to such Registration Statement or a supplement to the related prospectus, or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to purchasers of the Shares included therein, such prospectus will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and
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(v) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Shares to be listed on each securities exchange or market, if any, on which SAM’s Common Stock is then listed.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Termination Agreement, SAM shall be entitled to delay or postpone the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, and from time to time to require Tuscan not to sell under the Registration Statement or to suspend the effectiveness thereof, if the negotiation or consummation of a transaction by SAM or its subsidiaries is pending or an event has occurred, which negotiation, consummation or event SAM’s board of directors reasonably believes, upon the advice of legal counsel (which may be in-house counsel), would require additional disclosure by SAM in the Registration Statement of material information that SAM has a bona fide business purpose for keeping confidential and the non-disclosure of which in the Registration Statement would be expected, in the reasonable determination of SAM’s board of directors, upon the advice of legal counsel (which may be in- house counsel), to cause the Registration Statement to fail to comply with applicable disclosure requirements (each such circumstance, a “Suspension Event”); provided, however, that SAM may not delay or suspend the Registration Statement on more than three occasions or for more than sixty (60) consecutive calendar days, or more than ninety (90) total calendar days, in each case during any twelve-month period. Upon receipt of any written notice from SAM of the happening of any Suspension Event during the period that the Registration Statement is effective or if as a result of a Suspension Event the Registration Statement or related prospectus contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made (in the case of the prospectus) not misleading, Tuscan agrees that (i) it will immediately discontinue offers and sales of the Shares under the Registration Statement until Tuscan receives copies of a supplemental or amended prospectus (which SAM agrees to promptly prepare) that corrects the misstatement(s) or omission(s) referred to above and receives notice that any post-effective amendment has become effective or unless otherwise notified by SAM that it may resume such offers and sales, and (ii) it will maintain the confidentiality of any information included in such written notice delivered by SAM unless otherwise required by law or subpoena.
(c) SAM shall use commercially reasonable efforts, if requested by the Tuscan, subject to compliance with federal and states securities laws, to (i) cause the removal of any restrictive legend set forth on the Shares and (ii) issue Shares without any such legend in certificated or book-entry form or by electronic delivery through The Depository Trust Company, at the Tuscan’s option, within five (5) Business Days of such deposit, provided that in each case (A) such Shares are registered for resale under the Securities Act pursuant to an effective Registration Statement and the Tuscan has sold or proposes to sell such Shares pursuant to such registration, (B) the Tuscan has sold or transferred, or proposes to sell or transfer, Shares pursuant to Rule 144 and (C) SAM, its counsel and its transfer agent have received customary representations and other documentation from the Tuscan that is reasonably necessary to establish that restrictive legends are no longer required as reasonably requested by SAM, its counsel or its transfer agent. With respect to clause (A), while the Registration Statement is effective, SAM shall cause its counsel to issue to the transfer agent a legal opinion to allow the legend on the Shares to be removed upon resale of the Shares pursuant to the effective Registration Statement in accordance with this Section 4(b), and within five (5) Business Days of any request therefor from the Tuscan accompanied by such customary and reasonably acceptable representations and other documentation establishing that restrictive legends are no longer required, deliver to the transfer agent instructions that the transfer agent shall make a new, unlegended entry for such book entry Shares.
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(d) References in this Section 4 to SAM shall be deemed to refer to the Surf Parent to the extent that SAM is not the Surf Parent.
5. Tuscan and Sponsor Representations. Each of Tuscan and Sponsor hereby represent and warrant to Surf and SAM, as of the Effective Date and as of the date that the Shares are issued pursuant to Section 3 hereof as follows:
(a) Tuscan is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation. Sponsor is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization.
(b) Each of Tuscan and Sponsor has all necessary power and authority to execute and deliver this Termination Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery by each of Tuscan and Sponsor of this Termination Agreement and the performance and compliance of their obligations hereunder have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary action, and no other proceedings on the part of Tuscan or Sponsor are necessary to authorize this Termination Agreement or to perform their obligations hereunder. This Termination Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by each of Tuscan and Sponsor and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties hereto, constitutes legal, valid and binding obligations of each of Tuscan and Sponsor enforceable against each of Tuscan and Sponsor in accordance with their terms, except as enforceability may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions (as defined in the Agreement).
(c) No Governmental Authority, administrative authority or other third party consents or approvals are required by or with respect to Tuscan or Sponsor in connection with the execution and delivery of this Termination Agreement and performance of their respective obligations hereunder.
(d) There are no Actions pending or, to the actual knowledge of Tuscan or Sponsor, threatened against or by Tuscan or Sponsor that challenge or seek to prevent, enjoin or otherwise delay the terms and transactions contemplated by this Termination Agreement.
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(e) Each of Tuscan and Sponsor has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the transactions contemplated hereby (including Section 3 hereof), and each of Tuscan and Sponsor is capable of bearing the economic risks of such transactions. Each of Tuscan and Sponsor is aware that it has had the opportunity to conduct its own investigation of Surf Air, SAM, their respective subsidiaries and the Shares before engaging in the transactions contemplated hereby, including Section 3, and has been afforded the opportunity to ask such questions and request such information regarding Surf Air, SAM, their respective subsidiaries and the Shares as it believes necessary of, and to receive answers and any such information from Surf Air and SAM concerning Surf Air, SAM, their respective subsidiaries and the Shares or the terms and conditions of the herein, including Section 3. Each of Tuscan and Sponsor has independently and without reliance upon Surf Air, SAM, any of their respective Affiliates or any agent of them, and based on such documents and information as each of Tuscan and Sponsor has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of and made its own investigation into the business, operations, property, financial and other conditions of Surf Air, SAM, their respective subsidiaries and the Shares, and made its own decision with respect to the terms and transactions contemplated hereby, including Section 3. Each of Tuscan and Sponsor has consulted, to the extent deemed appropriate by it, with its own advisers as to the financial, tax, legal and related matters concerning the terms and transactions contemplated hereby, including Section 3. Each of Tuscan and Sponsor acknowledges that none of Surf Air, SAM, their respective Affiliates or any of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, advisors, legal counsel, successors or assigns makes or has made any oral or written representation or warranty, either express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information set forth in any materials made available to Tuscan or Sponsor.
(f) Tuscan is an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Each of Tuscan and Sponsor acknowledges that the Shares are not registered under the Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and that the Shares may not be transferred or sold except pursuant to the registration provisions of the Securities Act or pursuant to an applicable exemption therefrom and subject to state securities laws and regulations, as applicable.
(g) Each of Tuscan and Sponsor acknowledges that, except as provided herein, (i) neither Surf Air nor SAM has made any representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding any aspect of the Shares or the transactions contemplated hereby, the operation or financial condition of Surf Air, SAM or their respective subsidiaries, or the value of the Shares and (ii) each of Surf Air and SAM is relying upon the truth of the representations and warranties in this Section 5 in connection with the terms and transactions contemplated hereby, including Section 3. Except for the representations and warranties expressly set forth in this Section 5, neither Tuscan nor Sponsor makes any representation or warranty with respect to the terms and transactions contemplated hereby.
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6. Surf Air and SAM Representations. Each of Surf Air and SAM hereby represent and warrant to Tuscan and Sponsor, as of the Effective Date, as follows:
(a) Surf Air is a company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent applicable in such jurisdiction) under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization. SAM is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation.
(b) The Shares have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered to Tuscan against full payment for the Shares in accordance with the terms of this Termination Agreement and registered with SAM’s transfer agent, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and non- assessable and will not have been issued in violation of or subject to any preemptive or similar rights created under SAM’s restated certificate of incorporation or under the DGCL.
(c) The authorized capital stock of Surf Air consists of (i) 801,996,399 Ordinary Shares (as defined in the Agreement) having a par value of US$0.001 each (“Ordinary Shares”); (ii) 1,866,056 Founder Preferred Shares (as defined in the Agreement) having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Founder Preferred Shares”); (iii) 1,930,155 Class A-1 Preferred Shares (as defined in the Agreement) having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class A-1 Preferred Shares”); (iv) 2,820,319 Class A-2 Preferred Shares (as defined in the Agreement) having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class A-2 Preferred Shares”); (v) 9,070,476 Class A-3 Preferred Shares (as defined in the Agreement) having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class A-3 Preferred Shares”); (vi) 552,804 Class A-4 Preferred Shares (as defined in the Agreement) having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class A-4 Preferred Shares”); (vii) 15,646,415 Class A-5 Preferred Shares (as defined in the Agreement) having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class A-5 Preferred Shares”); (viii) 14,934,552 Class B-1 Preferred Shares (as defined in the Agreement) having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class B-1 Preferred Shares”); (ix) 25,000,000 Class B-2 Preferred Shares (as defined in the Agreement) having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class B-2 Preferred Shares”); (x) 2,000,000 Class B-3 Preferred Shares (as defined in the Agreement)having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class B-3 Preferred Shares”);(xi) 6,000,000 Class B-4 Preferred Shares (as defined in the Agreement) having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class B-4 Preferred Shares”); (xii) 33,638,500 Class B-5 Preferred Shares (as defined in the Agreement) having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class B-5 Preferred Shares”); (xiii) 150,000,000 Class B-6a Preferred Shares (as defined in the Agreement) having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class B-6a Preferred Shares”); and (xiv) 108,242,028 Class B-6s Preferred Shares (as defined in the Agreement) having a par value of US$0.001 each (the “Class B-6s Preferred Shares”, and, together with the other classes of preferred shares of the Surf Air, the “Surf Air Preferred Shares”). As of the date of this Termination Agreement, (A) 279,366,268 Ordinary Shares (as defined in the Agreement) (the “Outstanding Surf Air Ordinary Shares”) are issued and outstanding, (B) 1,866,056 Founder Preferred Shares, 1,380,217 Class A- 1 Preferred Shares, 1,197,296 Class A-2 Preferred Shares, 6,206,269 Class A-3 Preferred Shares, 552,804 Class A-4 Preferred Shares, 15,400,417 Class A-5 Preferred Shares, 14,934,552 Class B- 1 Preferred Shares, 24,194,129 Class B-2 Preferred Shares, 1,464,728 Class B-3 Preferred Shares, 3,671,818 Class B-4 Preferred Shares, 25,356,068 Class B-5 Preferred Shares, 132,636,643 Class B-6a Preferred Shares, and 71,478,742 Class B-6s Preferred Shares are issued and outstanding (collectively, the “Outstanding Surf Air Preferred Shares”), (C) no Ordinary Shares or Company Preferred Shares (as defined in the Agreement) are held in the treasury of Surf Air, (D) 15,251,016 Ordinary Shares are reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Company Options (as defined in the Agreement), (E) 4,937,534 Ordinary Shares are reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Company RSUs (as defined in the Agreement), (F) 106,045,370 Ordinary Shares are reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Ordinary Warrants (as set forth in Section 3.03(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule (as defined in the Agreement)), (G) 805,823 Class B-2 Preferred Shares are reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Class B-2 Preferred Warrants (as set forth in Section 3.03(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule), (H) 410,123 Class B-3 Preferred Shares are reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Class B-3 Preferred Warrants (as set forth in Section 3.03(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule), (I) 1,493,015 Class B-4 Preferred Shares are reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Class B-4 Preferred Warrants (as set forth in Section 3.03(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule), (J) 8,282,432 Class B-5 Preferred Shares, 19,850,546 Class B-6 Preferred Shares and 676,560 Ordinary Warrants are reserved for issuance upon conversion of the Company Notes (as defined in the Agreement), and (K) 327,621,630 Ordinary Shares are issuable upon (I) conversion of the Outstanding Company Preferred Shares (as defined in the Agreement) and the Company Preferred Shares issuable upon exercise of the Class B-2 Preferred Warrants, Class B- 3 Preferred Warrants and Class B-4 Preferred Warrants, and (II) conversion of the Company Notes and exercise of the Ordinary Warrants issuable upon conversion of the Company Notes. There are no other classes of share capital of the Surf Air.
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(d) SAM or Surf Parent shall take all action necessary to at all times have authorized, and reserved for the purpose of issuance, a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock as shall be necessary for the purposes of the issuance of the Shares. In the event that SAM or Surf Parent determines that it does not have a sufficient number of authorized shares of Common Stock to reserve and keep available for issuance as described in this Section 6(d), SAM or Surf Parent shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock.
(e) Each of Surf Air and SAM has all necessary power and authority to execute and deliver this Termination Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery by each of Surf Air and SAM of this Termination Agreement and the performance and compliance of their obligations hereunder have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary action, and no other proceedings on the part of Surf Air or SAM are necessary to authorize this Termination Agreement or to perform their obligations hereunder. This Termination Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by each of Surf Air and SAM and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties hereto, constitutes legal, valid and binding obligations of each of Surf Air and SAM enforceable against each of Surf Air and SAM in accordance with their terms, except as enforceability may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions.
(f) No Governmental Authority, administrative authority or other third party consents or approvals are required by or with respect to Surf Air or SAM in connection with the execution and delivery of this Termination Agreement and performance of their respective obligations hereunder.
(g) There are no Actions pending or, to the actual knowledge of Surf Air or SAM, threatened against or by Surf Air or SAM that challenge or seek to prevent, enjoin or otherwise delay the terms and transactions contemplated by this Termination Agreement.
(h) There are no Actions pending, or to the actual knowledge of Surf Air or SAM, threatened against or by Surf Air or SAM, or, to the knowledge of Surf Air or SAM, any of their respective directors, managers, officers or employees (in their capacity as such). There are no investigations or other inquiries pending or, to the knowledge of Surf Air or SAM, threatened by any Governmental Authority, against Surf Air or SAM, their respective properties or assets, or, to the knowledge of Surf Air or SAM, any of their respective directors, managers, officers or employees (in their capacity as such). There is no outstanding Governmental Order imposed upon Surf Air or SAM, nor are any assets of Surf Air’s or SAM’s respective businesses bound or subject to any Governmental Order (as defined in the Agreement) the violation of which would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to Surf Air or SAM. Each of Surf Air and SAM is in compliance with all Laws (as defined in the Agreement) in all material respects. For the past three (3) years through the date hereof, Surf Air and SAM have not received any written notice of or been charged with the violation of any Laws, except where such violation has not been, individually or in the aggregate, material to Surf Air or SAM.
(i) The Financial Statements (defined below) shall have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved. The Financial Statements are based on the books and records of Surf Air and its consolidated Subsidiaries, and fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of Surf Air and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the respective dates they were prepared and the results of the operations of Surf Air and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the periods indicated, except, in the case of the Interim Financial Statements, subject to normal audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes. “Financial Statements” means: (i) consolidated audited financial statements consisting of the consolidated balance sheet of Surf Air and its consolidated Subsidiaries (as defined in the Agreement) as of December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in equity, and cash flow for the respective twelve (12) month periods ended December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, (such financial statements, “Audited Financial Statements”), and (ii) consolidated unaudited financial statements consisting of the consolidated balance sheet of Surf Air and its Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2022 and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in equity, and cash flow for the respective six (6) month periods ended June 30, 2022 (such financial statements, the “Interim Financial Statements”).
(j) Each of Surf Air and SAM acknowledges that, except as provided herein, (i) neither Tuscan nor Sponsor has made any representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding any aspect of the terms or transactions contemplated hereby and (ii) each of Tuscan and Sponsor is relying upon the truth of the representations and warranties in this Section 6 in connection with the terms and transactions contemplated hereby. Except for the representations and warranties expressly set forth in this Section 6, neither Surf Air nor SAM makes any representation or warranty with respect to the terms and transactions contemplated hereby.
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7. INDEMNIFICATION. Each of Tuscan and Sponsor, on one hand, and each of Surf Air and SAM, on the other hand (the parties with the obligation to indemnify, together with their respective successors and assigns, the “Indemnifying Parties”) agrees to, jointly and severally, indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, Surf Air, SAM and their respective officers, directors, members, partners, shareholders, agents, subsidiaries, affiliates and employees, on the one hand, or Tuscan, the Sponsor and their respective officers, directors, members, partners, shareholders, agents, subsidiaries, affiliates and employees, on the other hand (the parties with the right to indemnification, the “Indemnified Parties”) against any and all losses, claims, actions, damages, liabilities, obligations, taxes, penalties, fines, costs, fees, and expenses (including reasonable fees, costs and expenses of legal counsel) suffered, sustained, accrued or incurred by any of the Indemnifying Parties (“Losses”) arising from, as a result of or in connection with (i) the termination of the Agreement, (ii) the fact that the transactions contemplated by the Agreement will not be consummated, and/or (iii) any other facts or circumstances arising from or relating to the Agreement and the transactions that were contemplated thereby (including without limitation, any and all Losses arising from or in connection with any claims, suits or actions brought by or on behalf of any shareholder of Tuscan and/or Sponsor); provided, that Surf Air and SAM shall have no obligation to indemnify or hold harmless Tuscan, the Sponsor or their respective officers, directors, members, partners, shareholders, agents, subsidiaries, affiliates or employees unless such Losses arise primarily from the gross negligence or intentional misconduct of Surf Air, SAM or any of their controlled Affiliates; and provided further, Tuscan and the Sponsor shall have no obligation to indemnify or hold harmless Surf Air, SAM or their respective officers, directors, members, partners, shareholders, agents, subsidiaries, affiliates or employees unless such Losses arise primarily from the gross negligence or intentional misconduct of Tuscan, the Sponsor or any of their controlled Affiliates. An Indemnified Party shall (a) give prompt written notice to any Indemnifying Party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification hereunder (provided that the failure to give prompt notice shall not impair, restrict or limit such Indemnified Party’s right to indemnification hereunder except to the extent, and only to the extent, such failure has materially prejudiced such Indemnifying Party) and (b) unless in such Indemnified Party’s reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such Indemnified Party and any of the Indemnifying Parties may exist with respect to such claim, permit such Indemnifying Party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party. 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 law firm (as well as one law firm per applicable local jurisdiction) for all Indemnified Parties with respect to such claim. No Indemnifying Party, in the defense of such claim or litigation, shall, except with the prior consent of each Indemnified Party, consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement or compromise unless such entry of judgement, settlement or compromise (A) includes as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to the Indemnified Parties of a full and irrevocable release from all liability (contingent or otherwise) and claims in respect to such claim or litigation, (B) includes only monetary damage for which the Indemnifying Parties are fully liable and responsible, (C) does not include any admission of wrongdoing by any Indemnified Party and (D) does not include any performance obligations on the part of any Indemnified Party or any injunctive relief, specific performance or other equitable remedy applicable to any Indemnified Party.
8. Acknowledgment. Each party expressly acknowledges that each party has read and understood this Termination Agreement and has entered into it voluntarily and without coercion.
9. Applicable Law; Waiver of Jury Trial. This Termination Agreement shall be construed and any disputes as to its performance shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware. All Actions arising out of or relating to this Termination Agreement shall be heard and determined exclusively in any Delaware Chancery Court, or if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, any state or federal court located in the State of Delaware. The parties hereto hereby (a) submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Chancery Court (or, if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, any state or federal court located in the State of Delaware) for the purpose of any Action arising out of or relating to this Termination Agreement, and (b) irrevocably waive, and agree not to assert by way of motion, defense, or otherwise, in any such Action, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the Action is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the Action is improper, or that this Termination Agreement or the terms hereof may not be enforced in or by any of the above-named court. Each of the parties hereto hereby waives to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law any right it may have to a trial by jury with respect to any litigation directly or indirectly arising out of, under or in connection with this Termination Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Each of the parties hereto (i) certifies that no representative, agent or attorney of any other party has represented, expressly or otherwise, that such other party would not, in the event of litigation, seek to enforce that foregoing waiver and (ii) acknowledges that it and the other parties hereto have been induced to enter into this Termination Agreement by, among other things, the mutual waivers and certifications in this Section 9.
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10. Counterparts. This Termination Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
11. Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by telecopy or email or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties at the addresses set forth on the signature pages hereto (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 12).
12. Entire Agreement. This Termination Agreement, together with the Confidentiality Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Termination Agreement shall not be assigned (whether pursuant to a merger, by operation of law or otherwise).
13. Severability. If any term or other provision of this Termination Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law, or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Termination Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the terms and transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party hereto. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Termination Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the terms and transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
14. No Claims Against Trust Fund. Surf Air and SAM agree that, notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Termination Agreement, Surf Air, SAM and their respective current or future Affiliates do not now have, and shall not at any time have, any claim to, or make any claim against, the Trust Fund (as defined in the Agreement), regardless of whether such claim arises as a result of, in connection with or relating in any way to, the business relationship between Surf Air, SAM or their respective Affiliates, on the one hand, and Tuscan, the Sponsor or their respective Affiliates, on the other hand, this Termination Agreement, the Agreement, any other Transaction Document, or any other agreement or any other matter, and regardless of whether such claim arises based on contract, tort, equity or any other theory of legal liability (any and all such claims are collectively referred to as the “Claims”). Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Termination Agreement, the Agreement or any other Transaction Document, Surf Air and SAM, on behalf of themselves and their respective current and future Affiliates, hereby irrevocably waive any Claim against the Trust Fund any of Surf Air, SAM or their respective Affiliates may have, now or in the future, and will not seek recourse against the Trust Fund (including any distributions therefrom) for any reason whatsoever in respect thereof. In the event that any of the Surf Entities commences any action or proceeding based upon, in connection with, relating to or arising out of any matter relating to SPAC or its Representatives which proceeding seeks, in whole or in part, relief against the Trust Fund (including any distribution therefrom) or SPAC’s public stockholders for funds distributed from the Trust Fund, whether in the form of money damages or injunctive relief, SPAC and its Representatives, as applicable, shall be entitled to recover from the Surf Entities the associated legal fees and costs in connection with any such action, in the event SPAC or its Representatives, as applicable, prevails in such action or proceeding.
15. Assignability. This Agreement shall not be assigned by any party hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto; provided, however, that Tuscan may assign its rights (in whole or in part) under this Termination Agreement to an Affiliate of Tuscan without consent of the other parties hereto.
[Signature Page to Follow]
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In Witness Whereof, Tuscan, Surf Air, SAM, and Sponsor have executed this Termination Agreement effective as of the date first written above.
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In Witness Whereof, Tuscan, Surf Air, SAM, and Sponsor have executed this Termination Agreement effective as of the date first written above.
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Exhibit 10.19
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into this 16th day of May, 2022, by and between Surf Air Mobility Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and solely with respect to Section 3.3 hereunder, Surf Air Global Limited, a British Virgin Islands company (“Global”), on the one hand, and R. Stanley Little (“Executive”), on the other hand.
RECITALS
THE PARTIES ENTER THIS AGREEMENT on the basis of the following facts, understandings and intentions:
A. The Company desires to employ Executive, and Executive desires to accept such employment, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
B. This Agreement shall govern the employment relationship between Executive and the Company from and after the Effective Date (as such term is defined below), and, as of the Effective Date, supersedes that certain term sheet by and between the Company and Executive attached as Exhibit B to that certain Advisory Services Agreement dated as of March 17, 2021, as amended, by and among the Company, Global, Surf Air Inc., and the Executive as well as any other offer letter or employment agreement between Executive, on the one hand, and the Company or any of its Affiliates (as such term is defined below) or any of their predecessors, on the other hand (together, the “Prior Services Agreement”); provided that, for avoidance of doubt, it is agreed that the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 17, 2021, by and between Global and the Executive shall remain in effect in accordance with its terms.
C. The benefits under this Agreement shall become effective as of the first day on which shares of common stock of the Company or one of its Affiliates are traded on a national securities exchange following either (a) an initial public offering or direct listing of shares of the Company or its Affiliate or (b) a business combination with a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC (such date, the “Effective Date”).
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals incorporated herein and the mutual covenants and promises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby expressly acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
1. | Retention and Duties. |
1.1 | Retention. The Company does hereby hire, engage and employ Executive for the Period of Employment (as such term is defined in Section 2) on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement. Executive does hereby accept and agree to such hiring, engagement and employment, on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement. Certain capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section 5.5 of this Agreement. |
1.2 | Duties. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall serve the Company as its President, shall report to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “Officer”), and shall have such authorities, duties and obligations commensurate with such position, all subject to the lawful and reasonable directives of the Officer and the corporate policies of the Company generally applicable to senior executives of the Company, as (in each case) such directives and policies are in effect from time to time throughout the Period of Employment. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall not be entitled to any additional compensation (beyond that set forth in this Agreement) for Executive’s service in any other position(s) Executive may hold from time to time with any other Affiliate of the Company. |
Surf Air Mobility Inc. – Executive Employment Agreement – R. Stanley Little
1.3 | No Other Employment; Minimum Time Commitment. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall (i) devote substantially all of Executive’s business time, energy and skill to the performance of Executive’s duties for the Company, (ii) perform his duties in good faith , and (iii) hold no other employment; provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict Executive from (x) serving in his current capacity for Little & Barton, PLLC, (y) serving on boards of directors (or similar bodies) of other entities (including, without limitation, any association, corporate, civic, for profit or charitable board or similar body) or (z) management and direction of Executive’s personal investments, so long as (A) such activities do not interfere in any material respect with the effective discharge of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company hereunder, (B) such activities are not in direct or indirect material competition with any business of the Company, any Affiliate or any of their respective successors or assigns and (C) Executive provides notice to the Officer of any significant outside business activity in which Executive plans to become involved, whether or not such activity is pursued for profit. |
1.4 | No Breach of Contract. Executive hereby represents to the Company and agrees that: (i) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Executive and the Company and the performance by Executive of Executive’s duties hereunder do not and shall not constitute a breach of, conflict with, or otherwise contravene or cause a default under, the terms of any other agreement or policy to which Executive is a party or otherwise bound or any judgment, order or decree to which Executive is subject; (ii) Executive will not enter into any new agreement that would or would reasonably be expected to contravene or cause a default by Executive under this Agreement; (iii) Executive has no information (including, without limitation, confidential information and trade secrets) relating to any other Person which would prevent, or be violated by, Executive entering into this Agreement or carrying out Executive’s duties hereunder; (iv) Executive is not bound by any employment, consulting, non-compete, non-solicitation, confidentiality, trade secret or similar agreement (other than this Agreement) with any other Person (other than ongoing, customary confidentiality obligations as to confidential information obtained from prior employers in the course of Executive’s prior employment with them); (v) to the extent Executive has any confidential or similar information that Executive is not free to disclose to the Company, Executive will not disclose such information to the extent such disclosure would violate applicable law or any other agreement or policy to which Executive is a party or by which Executive is otherwise bound; and (vi) Executive understands the Company will rely upon the accuracy and truth of the representations and warranties of Executive set forth herein and Executive consents to such reliance. |
1.5 | Location. Executive’s principal place of employment shall be at the principal offices of Southern Airways Corporation (“Southern”) as they may be located from time to time in Palm Beach, Florida. Executive agrees that Executive will be present at that office as needed (or will work remotely, to the extent consistent with Company policy generally applicable to senior executives of the Company) during regular business hours (except for required business travel, holidays, vacation and other leaves consistent with this Agreement). Executive acknowledges that Executive will be reasonably required to travel from time to time in the course of performing Executive’s duties for the Company. |
2. | Period of Employment. The “Period of Employment” shall be a period of five (5) years commencing on the Effective Date and ending at the close of business on the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Termination Date”); provided, however, that, this Agreement shall be automatically renewed and the Period of Employment shall be automatically extended for one (1) additional year on the Termination Date and each anniversary of the Termination Date thereafter, unless either party gives written notice at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the Period of Employment of such party’s desire not to extend the Period of Employment and to terminate the Period of Employment (such notice to be delivered in accordance with Section 18). The term “Period of Employment” shall include any extension thereof pursuant to the preceding sentence. Provision of notice that the Period of Employment shall not be extended or further extended, as the case may be, shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement and, in the case of a provision of such notice by the Company, shall not constitute either a termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company without “Cause” or grounds for a termination by the Executive for “Good Reason” for purposes of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Period of Employment is subject to earlier termination as provided below in this Agreement. |
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3. | Compensation. |
3.1 | Base Salary. During the Period of Employment, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary (the “Base Salary”), which shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices in effect from time to time but not less frequently than in monthly installments. Executive’s Base Salary shall be at an annualized rate of Six Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($675,000.00). The Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) (or a committee thereof) shall review Executive’s salary periodically, no less frequently than annually (commencing in 2023), and may, in its sole discretion, increase (but not decrease) Executive’s rate of Base Salary. |
3.2 | Incentive Bonus. Commencing with fiscal year 2022, Executive shall be eligible to receive an incentive bonus for each fiscal year of the Company, or portion thereof, that occurs during the Period of Employment (“Incentive Bonus”). Notwithstanding the foregoing and except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, Executive must be employed by or serve as a consultant to the Company or any of its Affiliates at the end of the applicable fiscal year in order to earn and be eligible for an Incentive Bonus for that year, which amounts are paid within 2 ½ months following the end of the fiscal year to which the bonus relates. Executive’s target Incentive Bonus amount for a particular fiscal year of the Company shall equal two hundred percent (200%) of Executive’s Base Salary paid by the Company to Executive for that fiscal year; provided that Executive’s actual Incentive Bonus amount for a particular fiscal year shall be determined by the Board (or its delegate) in its sole discretion, based on performance objectives (which may include Company, business unit or division, financial, strategic, individual or other objectives) established with respect to that particular fiscal year by the Board (or its delegate) or such other factors it may consider relevant in the circumstances. |
3.3 | Equity Awards. As of the date hereof, Executive is being granted the opportunity to purchase 14,500,000 restricted ordinary shares of Global, which is equal to two percent (2.0%) of the outstanding ordinary shares of Global as of the date hereof (the “Shares”), at a purchase price of $0.0235 per share pursuant to a restricted stock purchase agreement issued under Global’s 2016 equity incentive plan (the “Plan”) in the form of Exhibit D attached hereto (the “2022 RSPA”). The restrictions on one-fourth (1/4) of the Shares shall lapse as of the Effective Date, with the restrictions on the remainder to lapse 1/36 monthly over the following three (3) year period following the Effective Date, as set forth more fully in the 2022 RSPA and the Plan. In each fiscal year during the Period of Employment beginning with fiscal year 2023, Executive shall participate in the Company’s equity award plans, pursuant to which, from time to time during the Period of Employment, Executive may be granted one or more stock option, stock unit, or other equity awards as approved by the Board (or a committee thereof). Any such award shall be evidenced by a written award agreement approved by the Board (or a committee thereof), and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of such award agreement and the Company’s equity plan under which the award was granted. |
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4. | Benefits. |
4.1 | Retirement, Welfare and Fringe Benefits. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee pension and welfare benefit plans and programs, and fringe benefit plans and programs, made available by the Company to the Company’s employees generally or to its executive officers, in accordance with the eligibility and participation provisions of such plans and as such plans or programs may be in effect from time to time. |
4.2 | Reimbursement of Business Expenses. Executive is authorized to incur reasonable expenses in carrying out Executive’s duties for the Company under this Agreement and shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses Executive incurs during the Period of Employment in connection with carrying out Executive’s duties for the Company, subject to the Company’s expense reimbursement policies and any pre-approval policies in effect and generally applicable to senior executives of the Company from time to time, and subject to Section 21(c) of this Agreement. Executive agrees to promptly submit and document any reimbursable expenses in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies to facilitate the timely reimbursement of such expenses. |
4.3 | Vacation and Other Leave. During the Period of Employment, Executive’s annual rate of vacation accrual shall be no less than four (4) weeks per year, with such vacation to accrue and be subject to the Company’s vacation policies in effect from time to time, including any policy which may limit vacation accruals and/or limit the amount of accrued but unused vacation to carry over from year to year. Executive shall also be entitled to all other holiday and leave pay generally available to other executives of the Company. |
4.4 | Travel Policy. During the Period of Employment, (a) Executive shall be entitled to utilize any Company aircraft in accordance with the Company’s aircraft use policy for senior executives of the Company as in effect from time to time, and (b) Executive shall also be entitled to incur travel expenses in accordance with the Company’s travel policy as applicable to senior executives of the Company as in effect from time to time, with said travel not to include less than First Class Confirmed Travel on Commercial Airlines and hotel accommodations to include not less than 4-star properties. |
4.5 | Indemnification and D&O. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall receive directors & officers liability insurance coverage that is customarily made available by the Company to similarly situated executives, as may be in effect from time to time. Executive shall also be offered an indemnification agreement, related to indemnification obligations in the event that Executive is made a party or threatened to be made a party to any action or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, by reason of the fact that Executive is or was a director or officer of the Company, not later than at the time that, and on the same form as, any such indemnification agreement is offered by the Company to any other officer or director on or prior to the Effective Date, and providing that Executive shall, to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, be indemnified and held harmless from and against any liabilities, costs, claims and expenses (including attorneys’ fees). |
4.6 | Legal Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for legal fees and expenses associated with the negotiation and documentation of this Agreement up to a maximum amount of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00). |
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4.7 | Company Automobile. Promptly following the commencement of the Period of Employment and continuing for the duration of the Period of Employment, the Company shall provide Executive for his personal use a hybrid, electrified, or all electric automobile (to the extent reasonably available). The lease payments, maintenance and use of such automobile shall be in accordance with the Company’s vehicle policy as applicable to senior executives of the Company as in effect from time to time. |
5. | Termination. |
5.1 | Termination by the Company. During the Period of Employment, Executive’s employment by the Company, and the Period of Employment, may be terminated at any time by the Company: (i) with Cause, subject to the terms and conditions set forth under Section 5.5(c), or (ii) with no less than sixty (60) days’ advance written notice to Executive (such notice to be delivered in accordance with Section 18), without Cause, or (iii) in the event of Executive’s death, or (iv) in the event that the Board determines in good faith that Executive has a Disability. |
5.2 | Termination by Executive. During the Period of Employment, Executive’s employment by the Company, and the Period of Employment, may be terminated by Executive with no less than sixty (60) days’ advance written notice to the Company (such notice to be delivered in accordance with Section 18); provided, however, that in the case of a termination for Good Reason, Executive may provide immediate written notice of termination once the applicable cure period (as contemplated by the definition of Good Reason) has lapsed if the Company has not reasonably cured the circumstances that gave rise to the basis for the Good Reason termination. |
5.3 | Benefits upon Termination. If Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated for any reason by the Company or by Executive (whether or not during or following the expiration of the Period of Employment) (the date that Executive’s employment by the Company terminates is referred to as the “Severance Date”), the Company shall have no further obligation to make or provide to Executive, and Executive shall have no further right to receive or obtain from the Company, any payments or benefits except as follows: |
(a) The Company shall pay or provide (or shall cause there to be paid or provided, as the case may be) to Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death, Executive’s estate) any Accrued Obligations.
(b) If Executive’s employment with the Company terminates during the Period of Employment as a result of a termination by the Company without Cause (other than due to Executive’s death or Disability) or a resignation by Executive for Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) The Company shall pay the Executive (in addition to the Accrued Obligations), subject to tax withholding and other authorized deductions, an amount equal to nine (9) months of the Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the Severance Date plus one (1) additional month of such Base Salary for each full year of continuous service completed as measured from Executive’s date of hire (or rehire, as the case might be) through the Severance Date; provided that, in no case shall the total amount exceed twelve (12) months of the Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the Severance Date. Such amount is referred to hereinafter as the “Severance Benefit.” Subject to Section 21(b), the Company shall pay the Severance Benefit to the Executive in equal monthly installments (rounded down to the nearest whole cent) over a period of consecutive months that is commensurate with the number of months upon which the Severance Benefit is calculated, with the first installment payable on the first regularly scheduled payroll date occurring after the sixtieth (60th) day following the Executive’s Separation from Service and to include each such installment that was otherwise (but for such 60-day delay) scheduled to be paid following the Executive’s Separation from Service and prior to the date of such payment. If, however, such Separation from Service occurs on or within two years following a 409A Change in Control, then (subject to Section 21(b)) the Severance Benefit shall be paid in a single lump payment on the first regularly scheduled payroll date occurring after the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s Separation from Service. For this purpose, a “409A Change in Control” means a Change in Control Event that constitutes a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company, within the meaning of Code Section 409A (as such term is defined below) and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
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(ii) The Company will pay or reimburse Executive for Executive’s premiums charged to continue medical coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”), at the same or reasonably equivalent medical coverage for Executive (and, if applicable, Executive’s eligible dependents) as in effect immediately prior to the Severance Date, to the extent that Executive elects such continued coverage; provided that the Company’s obligation to make any payment or reimbursement pursuant to this clause (ii) shall, subject to Section 21(b), commence with continuation coverage for the month following the month in which Executive’s Separation from Service occurs and shall cease with continuation coverage upon the conclusion of the eighteenth (18th) month after the month in which Executive’s Separation from Service occurs (or, if earlier, shall cease upon the first to occur of Executive’s death, the date Executive becomes eligible for coverage under the health plan of a future employer, or the date the Company ceases to offer group medical coverage to its active executive employees or the Company is otherwise under no obligation to offer COBRA continuation coverage to Executive). To the extent Executive elects COBRA coverage, Executive shall notify the Company in writing of such election prior to such coverage taking effect and complete any other continuation coverage enrollment procedures the Company may then have in place. The Company’s obligations pursuant to this Section 5.3(b)(ii) are subject to the Company’s ability to comply with applicable law and provide such benefit without resulting in adverse tax consequences.
(iii) The Company shall pay, on the first regularly scheduled payroll date occurring after the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s Separation from Service, an amount in cash equal to (x) Executive’s target Incentive Bonus for the fiscal year in which the Severance Date occurs, multiplied by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the total number of days in such fiscal year in which Executive was employed by the Company and the denominator of which is the total number of days in such fiscal year.
(iv) The Company shall pay, on the first regularly scheduled payroll date occurring after the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s Separation from Service, an amount in cash equal to one and one-half (1.5) times (or, if the Severance Date occurs on or after the date of a Change in Control Event, two (2) times) Executive’s target Incentive Bonus for the fiscal year in which the Severance Date occurs.
(v) As to each then-outstanding stock option and other equity-based award granted by the Company to Executive that vests based solely on Executive’s continued service with the Company or its Affiliates, Executive shall vest as of the Severance Date in any portion of such award in which Executive would have vested thereunder if Executive’s employment with the Company had continued for thirty-six (36) months after the Severance Date (and any portion of such award that is not vested after giving effect to this acceleration provision shall terminate on the Severance Date). As to each outstanding stock option or other equity-based award granted by the Company to Executive that is subject to performance-based vesting requirements, the vesting of such award will continue to be governed by its terms, provided that (unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable award agreement) for purposes of any service-based vesting requirement under such award, Executive’s employment with the Company will be deemed to have continued for eighteen (18) months after the Severance Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Severance Date occurs on or after the date of a Change in Control Event, (i) each stock option and other equity-based award granted by the Company to Executive that vests based solely on Executive’s continued service with the Company or its Affiliates, to the extent then outstanding and unvested, shall be fully vested as of the Severance Date, and (ii) any service-based vesting requirement under each outstanding stock option or other equity-based award granted by the Company to Executive that is subject to performance-based vesting requirements shall (unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable award agreement) be deemed satisfied at the applicable “target” performance level as of the Severance Date.
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(c) If Executive’s employment with the Company terminates during the Period of Employment as a result of Executive’s death or Disability, the Company shall pay Executive (or Executive’s estate) the Accrued Obligations and, on the first regularly scheduled payroll date occurring after the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s Separation from Service, the amounts contemplated by Sections 5.3(b)(iii) and 5.3(b)(iv).
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3, if Executive breaches Executive’s obligations under Section 6 of this Agreement at any time, from and after the date of such breach and not in any way in limitation of any right or remedy otherwise available to the Company, Executive will no longer be entitled to, and the Company will no longer be obligated to pay any remaining unpaid portion of the Severance Benefit or any continued Company-paid or reimbursed coverage pursuant to Section 5.3(b)(ii).
(e) The foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3 shall not affect: (i) the Executive’s receipt of salary and other wages earned or accrued during the Period of Employment under the Company’s compensation plans, policies, and practices and applicable law; (ii) the Executive’s receipt of benefits otherwise due to terminated employees under group insurance coverage consistent with the terms of the applicable Company welfare benefit plan; (iii) the Executive’s rights under COBRA to continue health coverage; or (iv) the Executive’s receipt of benefits otherwise due in accordance with the terms of the Company’s 401(k) plan (if any).
5.4 | Release; Exclusive Remedy; Leave. |
(a) As a condition precedent to any Company obligation to Executive pursuant to Section 5.3(b), Executive shall provide the Company with a valid, executed general release agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Release”), and such Release shall have not been revoked by Executive pursuant to any revocation rights afforded by applicable law. The Company shall provide the final form of Release to Executive not later than seven (7) days following the Severance Date, and Executive shall be required to execute and return the Release to the Company within twenty-one (21) days (or forty-five (45) days if such longer period of time is required to make the Release maximally enforceable under applicable law) after the Company provides the form of Release to Executive.
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(b) The Company and Executive acknowledge and agree that there is no duty of Executive to mitigate damages under this Agreement. All amounts paid to Executive pursuant to Section 5.3 shall be paid without regard to whether Executive has taken or takes actions to mitigate damages. Executive agrees to resign, on the Severance Date, as an officer and director of the Company and as an officer and director of each and every Affiliate of the Company, and as a fiduciary of any benefit plan of the Company or any of its Affiliates, and to promptly execute and provide to the Company any further documentation, as requested by the Company, to confirm such resignations, and to remove Executive as a signatory on any accounts maintained by the Company or any of its Affiliates (or any of their respective benefit plans).
(c) In the event that the Company provides Executive notice of termination without Cause pursuant to Section 5.1 or Executive provides the Company notice of termination pursuant to Section 5.2, the Company will have the option to place Executive on paid administrative leave during the notice period; provided, however, that Executive shall continue to have reasonable access to Company’s administrative departments and services (or to a human resources representative designated by the Company for such purpose) relative to Executive’s compensation, equity, and benefits during the notice period.
5.5 | Certain Defined Terms. |
(a) As used herein, “Accrued Obligations” means:
(i) any Base Salary that had accrued but had not been paid (including accrued and unpaid vacation time) on or before the Severance Date; and
(ii) any reimbursement due to Executive pursuant to Section 4.2 for expenses reasonably incurred by Executive on or before the Severance Date and documented and pre-approved, to the extent applicable, in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies in effect at the applicable time;
(iii) any Incentive Bonus that would otherwise be paid to Executive had Executive’s employment with the Company not terminated with respect to any fiscal year that ended before the Severance Date, to the extent not theretofore paid; and
(iv) any benefits payable under the Company’s employee benefit plans, programs and policies that Executive otherwise has a nonforfeitable right to receive under the terms of such plans, programs and policies (other than severance benefits), independent of Executive’s rights under this Agreement but without duplication of any benefit provided under this Agreement.
(b) As used herein, “Affiliate” means a Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company. As used in this definition, the term “control,” including the correlative terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with,” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities or any partnership or other ownership interest, by contract or otherwise) of a Person.
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(c) As used herein, “Cause” shall mean:
(i) Executive is convicted of, pled guilty or pled nolo contendere to a felony or any crime involving fraud or dishonesty (in each case, under the laws of the United States or any relevant state, or a similar crime or offense under the applicable laws of any relevant foreign jurisdiction);
(ii) Executive has engaged in acts of fraud, dishonesty or other acts of willful and material misconduct in the course of Executive’s duties hereunder;
(iii) Executive willfully neglects to perform or uphold Executive’s material duties under this Agreement and/or willfully and materially fails to comply with reasonable directives of the Board or the Officer; or
(iv) a willful breach by Executive of any provision of Section 6, a willful breach in any material respect by Executive of any other material contract Executive is a party to with the Company or any of its Affiliates, or a willful and material breach by Executive of any material written policy of the Company or any of its Affiliates that is applicable to Company executives or employees generally;
provided, however, that any condition or conditions, as applicable, referenced above shall not (if a cure is reasonably possible in the circumstances) constitute Cause unless both (x) the Company provides written notice to Executive of such condition(s) claimed to constitute Cause within sixty (60) days of the initial existence of such conditions (such notice to be delivered in accordance with Section 18), and (y) Executive fails to remedy such condition(s) within thirty (30) days of receiving such written notice thereof; and, provided further, that in all events the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company shall not constitute a termination for Cause unless such termination occurs not more than one hundred and twenty (120) days following the initial existence of the condition claimed to constitute Cause. For purposes of the foregoing definition of Cause, no act, or failure to act, on Executive’s part shall be considered “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by Executive not in good faith and without reasonable belief that Executive’s action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.
(d) As used herein, “Change in Control Event” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following after the Effective Date:
(i) | the acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of either (1) the then- outstanding common stock of the Company (the “Outstanding Company Common Stock”) or (2) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”); provided, however, that, for purposes of this paragraph (i), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control Event: (A)any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Affiliate or a successor, or (B) any acquisition by any entity pursuant to a transaction that complies with Sections (iii)(1), (2) and (3) below; |
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(ii) | individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board (including for these purposes, the new members whose election or nomination was so approved, without counting the member and his or her predecessor twice) shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; |
(iii) | consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or consolidation or similar corporate transaction involving the Company or any corporation or other entity a majority of whose outstanding voting stock or voting power is beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the Company (a “Subsidiary”), a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (each, a “Business Combination”), in each case unless, following such Business Combination, (1) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity that, as a result of such transaction, owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets directly or through one or more subsidiaries (an “Acquiring Company”)), in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (2) no Person (excluding any entity resulting from such Business Combination or an Acquiring Company or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such entity resulting from such Business Combination or an Acquiring Company) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the entity resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such entity, except to the extent that the ownership in excess of 50% existed prior to the Business Combination, and (3) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors or trustees of the entity resulting from such Business Combination or an Acquiring Company were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board providing for such Business Combination; or |
(iv) | approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company other than in the context of a transaction that does not constitute a Change in Control Event under clause (iii) above. |
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(e) As used herein, “Disability” shall mean a physical or mental impairment which renders Executive unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s employment with the Company, even with reasonable accommodation that does not impose an undue hardship on the Company, for more than 90 days in any 180-day period, unless a longer period is required by federal or state law, in which case that longer period would apply. Executive agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Board in making any such determination as to the existence of Disability.
(f) As used herein, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence (without Executive’s consent) of any one or more of the following conditions:
(i) any diminution in Executive’s rate of Base Salary;
(ii) a diminution in Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities or the assignment to Executive of duties inconsistent with such authority and responsibilities;
(iii) a material change in the geographic location of Executive’s principal office with the Company (for this purpose, a relocation of such office to a new location that is more than thirty (30) miles from the current location of Southern’s executive offices shall constitute a “material change”); or
(iv) a material breach by the Company of this Agreement;
provided, however, that any such condition or conditions, as applicable, shall not constitute Good Reason unless both (x) Executive provides written notice to the Company of the condition claimed to constitute Good Reason within sixty (60) days of the date the Executive becomes aware of the initial existence of such condition(s) (such notice to be delivered in accordance with Section 18), and (y) the Company fails to remedy such condition(s) within thirty (30) days of receiving such written notice thereof; and provided, further, that in all events the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company shall not constitute a termination for Good Reason unless such termination occurs not more than one hundred and twenty (120) days following the initial existence of the condition claimed to constitute Good Reason.
(g) As used herein, the term “Person” shall be construed broadly and shall include, without limitation, an individual, a partnership, a limited liability company, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.
(h) As used herein, a “Separation from Service” occurs when Executive dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company that constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1), without regard to the optional alternative definitions available thereunder.
5.6. | Notice of Termination; Employment Following Expiration of Period of Employment. Any termination of Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall be communicated by written notice of termination from the terminating party to the other party. This notice of termination must be delivered in accordance with Section 18 and must indicate the specific provision(s) of this Agreement relied upon in effecting the termination. If the Company or Executive delivers notice of non-renewal of the Period of Employment pursuant to Section 2 and Executive continues to be employed by the Company following the expiration of the Period of Employment, Executive’s employment by the Company following the expiration of the Period of Employment shall be on an at-will basis and may be terminated by the Company or by Executive at any time, for any reason (or for no reason), with or without advance notice. |
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6. | Protective Covenants. |
6.1 | Confidential Information; Inventions. |
(a) Executive shall not disclose or use at any time, either during the Period of Employment or thereafter, any Confidential Information (as defined below) of which Executive is or becomes aware, whether or not such information is developed by Executive, except to the extent that such disclosure or use is directly related to and required by Executive’s performance in good faith of duties for the Company. Executive will take all appropriate steps to safeguard Confidential Information in Executive’s possession and to protect it against disclosure, misuse, espionage, loss and theft. Executive shall deliver to the Company at the termination of the Period of Employment, or at any time the Company may request, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports, computer tapes and software and other documents and data (and copies thereof) relating to or containing the Confidential Information or the Work Product (as hereinafter defined) of the business of the Company or any of its Affiliates which Executive may then possess or have under Executive’s control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may truthfully respond to a lawful and valid subpoena or other legal process, but shall give the Company the earliest possible notice thereof, shall, as much in advance of the return date as possible, make available to the Company, and their respective counsel, the documents and other information sought, and shall assist the Company and such counsel in resisting or otherwise responding to such process. Executive understands that nothing in this Agreement is intended to limit Executive’s right (i) to discuss the terms, wages, and working conditions of Executive’s employment to the extent permitted and/or protected by applicable labor laws, (ii) to report Confidential Information in a confidential manner either to a federal, state or local government official or to an attorney where such disclosure is solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (iii) to disclose Confidential Information in an anti-retaliation lawsuit or other legal proceeding, so long as that disclosure or filing is made under seal and Executive does not otherwise disclose such Confidential Information, except pursuant to court order, valid subpoena, or other binding legal process. The Company encourages Executive, to the extent legally permitted, to give the Company the earliest possible notice of any such report or disclosure. Pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Executive acknowledges that Executive may not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of Confidential Information that: (a) is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, provided that such filing is made under seal. Further, Executive understands that the Company will not retaliate against Executive in any way for any such disclosure made in accordance with the law. In the event a disclosure is made, and Executive files any type of proceeding against the Company alleging that the Company retaliated against Executive because of Executive’s disclosure, Executive may disclose the relevant Confidential Information to Executive’s attorney and may use the Confidential Information in the proceeding if (x) Executive files any document containing the Confidential Information under seal, and (y) Executive does not otherwise disclose the Confidential Information except pursuant to court or arbitral order.
(b) As used in this Agreement, the term “Confidential Information” means information that is not generally known to the public and that is used, developed or obtained by the Company or any of its Affiliates in connection with their respective businesses, including, but not limited to, information, observations and data obtained by Executive while employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates or any predecessors thereof (including those obtained prior to the Effective Date) concerning (i) the business or affairs of the Company or its Affiliates (or such predecessors), (ii) products or services, (iii) fees, costs and pricing structures and strategies, (iv) designs, (v) analyses, (vi) drawings, photographs and reports, (vii) computer software, including operating systems, applications and program listings, (viii) flow charts, manuals and documentation, (ix) data bases, (x) accounting and business methods, (xi) inventions, devices, new developments, product roadmaps, methods and processes, whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice, (xii) customers and clients, customer or client lists, and the preferences of, and negotiations with, customers and clients, (xiii) personnel information of other employees and independent contractors (including their compensation, unique skills, experience and expertise, and disciplinary matters), (xiv) other copyrightable works, (xv) all production methods, processes, technology and trade secrets, and (xvi) all similar and related information in whatever form. Confidential Information will not include any information that has been published (other than a disclosure by Executive in breach of this Agreement) in a form generally available to the public prior to the date Executive proposes to disclose or use such information. Confidential Information will not be deemed to have been published merely because individual portions of the information have been separately published, but only if all material features comprising such information have been published in combination.
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(c) As used in this Agreement, the term “Work Product” means all inventions, innovations, improvements, technical information, systems, software developments, methods, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, service marks, trademarks, trade names, logos and all similar or related information (whether patentable or unpatentable, copyrightable, registerable as a trademark, reduced to writing, or otherwise) which relates to the Company’s or any of its Affiliates’ actual or anticipated business, research and development or existing or future products or services and which are conceived, developed or made by Executive (whether or not during usual business hours, whether or not by the use of the facilities of the Company or any of its Affiliates, and whether or not alone or in conjunction with any other person) while employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates (including those conceived, developed or made prior to the Effective Date) together with all patent applications, letters patent, trademark, trade name and service mark applications or registrations, copyrights and reissues thereof that may be granted for or upon any of the foregoing. All Work Product that Executive may have discovered, invented or originated during Executive’s employment by the Company or any of its Affiliates prior to the Effective Date, that Executive may discover, invent or originate during the Period of Employment or at any time in the period of twelve (12) months after the Severance Date, shall be the exclusive property of the Company and its Affiliates, as applicable, and Executive hereby assigns all of Executive’s right, title and interest in and to such Work Product to the Company or its applicable Affiliate, including all intellectual property rights therein. Executive agrees to promptly disclose all Work Product to the Company, to execute at the request of the Company any assignments or other documents the Company may deem necessary to protect or perfect its (or any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights therein, and to assist the Company, at its expense, in obtaining, defending and enforcing the Company’s (or any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights therein. Executive hereby appoints the Company as Executive’s attorney-in-fact to execute on Executive’s behalf any assignments or other documents deemed necessary by the Company to protect or perfect the Company, the Company’s (and any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights to any Work Product. Executive represents and warrants that Executive has not created any Work Product that qualifies as his own invention pursuant to California Labor Code Section 2870, other than any Work Product identified in Exhibit B to this Agreement (and the text of California Labor Code Section 2870 is attached hereto as Exhibit C).
6.2 | No Conflicting Employment. Executive hereby agrees that, during the Period of Employment, Executive will not engage in any other employment, occupation or consulting directly related to the business in which the Company or any of its Affiliates is now involved or becomes involved during the Period of Employment. |
6.3 | Non-Solicitation of Employees and Consultants. During the Period of Employment and for a period of twelve (12) months after the Severance Date, Executive will not directly or indirectly through any other Person solicit, induce or encourage, or attempt to solicit, induce or encourage, any employee or independent contractor of the Company or any of its Affiliates to leave the employ or service, as applicable, of the Company or such Affiliate, or in any way intentionally interfere with the relationship between the Company or any such Affiliate, on the one hand, and any employee or independent contractor thereof, on the other hand. |
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6.4 | Non-Interference with Customers. During the Period of Employment and at all times thereafter, Executive will not, directly or indirectly through any other Person, use any of the Company’s (or any Affiliate’s) trade secrets to influence or attempt to influence customers, vendors, suppliers, licensors, lessors, joint venturers, associates, consultants, agents, or partners of the Company or any of its Affiliates to divert their business away from the Company or such Affiliate, and Executive will not otherwise use the Company’s (or any Affiliate’s) trade secrets to interfere with, disrupt or attempt to disrupt the business relationships, contractual or otherwise, between the Company or any of its Affiliates, on the one hand, and any of its or their customers, suppliers, vendors, lessors, licensors, joint venturers, associates, officers, employees, consultants, managers, partners, members or investors, on the other hand. |
6.5 | Cooperation. Following Executive’s last day of employment by the Company, Executive shall reasonably cooperate with the Company and its Affiliates in connection with: (a) the transition of Executive’s duties and responsibilities (or former duties and responsibilities, as the case may be); (b) any internal or governmental investigation or administrative, regulatory, arbitral or judicial proceeding involving the Company or any of its Affiliates with respect to matters relating to Executive’s employment with, or service as a member of the board of directors of, the Company or any of its Affiliates; and (c) any audit of the financial statements of the Company or any of its Affiliates with respect to the period of time when Executive was employed by the Company or any of its Affiliate. |
6.6 | Return of Property. Executive agrees that, upon Executive’s Separation from Service (regardless of the reason for such separation) Executive will promptly return to the Company (a) all physical, computerized, electronic or other types of records, documents, proposals, notes, lists, files and any and all other materials, including computerized electronic information, that refer, relate or otherwise pertain to the Company or any of its Affiliates that are in Executive’s possession, subject to Executive’s control or held by Executive for others; and (b) all property or equipment that Executive has been issued by the Company or any of its Affiliates during the course of Executive’s employment or property or equipment of the Company or any of its Affiliates that Executive otherwise possesses, including any keys, credit cards, office or telephone equipment, computers (and any software, power cords, manuals, computer bag and other equipment that was provided to Executive with any such computers), tablets, smartphones, and other devices. Executive acknowledges that Executive is not authorized to retain any physical, computerized, electronic or other types of copies of any such physical, computerized, electronic or other types of records, documents, proposals, notes, lists, files or materials, and is not authorized to retain any property or equipment of the Company or any of its Affiliates, after Executive’s Separation from Service. Executive further agrees that, upon and following Executive’s Separation from Service, Executive will promptly forward to the Company (and thereafter destroy any electronic copies thereof) any business information relating to the Company or any of its Affiliates that has been or is inadvertently directed to Executive after such Separation from Service. Executive also agrees that Executive will disclose to the Company, whenever requested by the Company, all passwords necessary or desirable to enable the Company to access all information which Executive has password-protected on any computer equipment of the Company or any of its Affiliates or on the computer network or system of the Company or any of its Affiliates. |
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6.7 | Understanding of Covenants. Executive acknowledges that, in the course of Executive’s employment with the Company and/or its Affiliates and their predecessors, Executive has become familiar, or will become familiar, with the Company’s and its Affiliates’ and their predecessors’ trade secrets and with other confidential and proprietary information concerning the Company, its Affiliates and their respective predecessors and that Executive’s services have been and will be of special, unique and extraordinary value to the Company and its Affiliates. Executive agrees that the foregoing covenants set forth in this Section 6 (together, the “Restrictive Covenants”) are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company’s and its Affiliates’ trade secrets and other confidential and proprietary information, good will, stable workforce, and customer relations. |
Without limiting the generality of Executive’s agreement in the preceding paragraph, Executive (i) represents that Executive is familiar with and has carefully considered the Restrictive Covenants, (ii) represents that Executive is fully aware of Executive’s obligations hereunder, (iii) agrees to the reasonableness of the length of time, scope and geographic coverage, as applicable, of the Restrictive Covenants, and (iv) agrees that the Restrictive Covenants will continue in effect for the applicable periods set forth above in this Section 6 regardless of whether Executive is then entitled to receive severance pay or benefits from the Company. Executive understands that the Restrictive Covenants may limit Executive’s ability to earn a livelihood in a business similar to the business of the Company and any of its Affiliates, but Executive nevertheless believes that Executive has received and will receive sufficient consideration and other benefits as an employee of the Company and as otherwise provided hereunder or as described in the recitals hereto to clearly justify such restrictions which, in any event (given Executive’s education, skills and ability), Executive does not believe would prevent Executive from otherwise earning a living. Executive agrees that the Restrictive Covenants do not confer a benefit upon the Company disproportionate to the detriment of Executive.
6.8 | Enforcement. Executive agrees that Executive’s services are unique and that Executive has access to Confidential Information and Work Product. Accordingly, without limiting the generality of Section 17, Executive agrees that a breach by Executive of any of the covenants in this Section 6 would cause immediate and irreparable harm to the Company that would be difficult or impossible to measure, and that damages to the Company for any such injury would therefore be an inadequate remedy for any such breach. Therefore, Executive agrees that in the event of any breach or threatened breach of any provision of this Section 6, the Company shall be entitled, in addition to and without limitation upon all other remedies the Company may have under this Agreement, at law or otherwise, to obtain specific performance, injunctive relief and/or other appropriate relief (without posting any bond or deposit) in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Section 6, or require Executive to account for and pay over to the Company all compensation, profits, moneys, accruals, increments or other benefits derived from or received as a result of any transactions constituting a breach of this Section 6 if and when final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction or arbitrator, as applicable, is so entered against Executive. To the extent the Company seeks monetary damages in excess of such specific performance, injunctive relief, and/or declaratory relief, the parties agree that any action for such monetary damages shall be taken subject to and in accordance with the arbitration agreement under Section 16 of this Agreement. Executive further agrees that the applicable period of time any Restrictive Covenant is in effect following the Severance Date, as determined pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 6, shall be extended by the same amount of time that Executive is in breach of any Restrictive Covenant following the Severance Date. |
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6.9 | Protected Activities. Nothing in this Agreement, including this Section 6, shall in any way restrict or limit Executive from filing a complaint or administrative charge, or otherwise reporting possible violations of law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including, without limitation, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Department of Labor, Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, Congress, or any agency Inspector General, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of applicable law or regulation, or from cooperating with any federal, state, or local administrative agency in the investigation of such charges or reports, or from complying with any legal obligation to testify truthfully and accurately under oath. |
7. | Withholding Taxes. Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, the Company may withhold (or cause there to be withheld, as the case may be) from any amounts otherwise due or payable under or pursuant to this Agreement such federal, state and local income, employment, or other taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. Except for such withholding rights, Executive is solely responsible for any and all tax liability that may arise with respect to the compensation provided under or pursuant to this Agreement. |
8. | Successors and Assigns. |
(a) This Agreement is personal to Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s legal representatives.
(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, the Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, the “Company” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor or assignee, as applicable, which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise. The Company may cause any compensation payable to Executive pursuant to this Agreement (or any portion thereof) to be paid by one of its Affiliates.
9. | Number and Gender; Examples. Where the context requires, the singular shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular, and any gender shall include all other genders. Where specific language is used to clarify by example a general statement contained herein, such specific language shall not be deemed to modify, limit or restrict in any manner the construction of the general statement to which it relates. |
10. | Section Headings. The section headings of, and titles of paragraphs and subparagraphs contained in, this Agreement are for the purpose of convenience only, and they neither form a part of this Agreement nor are they to be used in the construction or interpretation thereof. |
11. | Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of California, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflicting provision or rule (whether of the state of California or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the laws of any jurisdiction other than the state of California to be applied. In furtherance of the foregoing, the internal law of the state of California will control the interpretation and construction of this Agreement, even if under such jurisdiction’s choice of law or conflict of law analysis, the substantive law of some other jurisdiction would ordinarily apply. |
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12. | Severability. It is the desire and intent of the parties hereto 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 or determined by an arbitrator pursuant to Section 16 to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable under any present or future law, and if the rights and obligations of any party under this Agreement will not be materially and adversely affected thereby, such provision, as to such jurisdiction, shall be ineffective, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction, and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable; furthermore, in lieu of such invalid or unenforceable provision there will be added automatically as a part of this Agreement, a legal, valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such provision could be more narrowly drawn (as to geographic scope, period of duration or otherwise) 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. |
13. | Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement of Executive, on the one hand, and the Company and its Affiliates, on the other hand, respecting the matters within its scope. This Agreement supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements of Executive, on the one hand, and the Company and its Affiliates, on the other hand, that directly or indirectly bears upon the subject matter hereof, including, without limitation, the Prior Services Agreement. Any prior negotiations, correspondence, agreements, proposals or understandings relating to the subject matter hereof shall be deemed to have been merged into this Agreement, and to the extent inconsistent herewith, such negotiations, correspondence, agreements, proposals, or understandings shall be deemed to be of no force or effect. There are no representations, warranties, or agreements, whether express or implied, or oral or written, with respect to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly set forth herein. |
14. | Modifications. This Agreement may not be amended, modified or changed (in whole or in part), except by a formal, definitive written agreement expressly referring to this Agreement, which agreement is executed by both of the parties hereto. |
15. | Waiver. Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of a party to exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any occurrence be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver. |
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16. | Arbitration. Except as provided in Sections 6.8 and 17, any non-time barred, legally actionable controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, its enforcement, arbitrability or interpretation, or because of an alleged breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection with any of its provisions, or any other non-time barred, legally actionable controversy or claim arising out of or relating to Executive’s employment or association with the Company or termination of the same, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any alleged violation of state or federal statute, common law or constitution, shall be submitted to individual, final and binding arbitration, to be held in Los Angeles County, California, before a single arbitrator selected from Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”), in accordance with the then-current JAMS Arbitration Rules and Procedures for employment disputes, as modified by the terms and conditions in this Section (which may be found at www.jamsadr.com under the Rules/Clauses tab). The parties will select the arbitrator by mutual agreement or, if the parties cannot agree, then by striking from a list of nine qualified arbitrators supplied by JAMS from their labor and employment law panel. Final resolution of any dispute through arbitration may include any remedy or relief that is provided for through any applicable state or federal statutes, or common law. Statutes of limitations shall be the same as would be applicable were the action to be brought in court. The arbitration proceedings should be conducted with reasonable diligence and in an manner that would allow for completion within four (4) months after the initial demand for arbitration, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing by the parties. The arbitrator selected pursuant to this Agreement may order such discovery as is necessary for a full and fair exploration of the issues and dispute, consistent with the expedited nature of arbitration. At the conclusion of the arbitration, the arbitrator shall issue a written decision that sets forth the essential findings and conclusions upon which the arbitrator’s award or decision is based. Any award or relief granted by the arbitrator under this Agreement shall be final and binding on the parties to this Agreement and may be enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction. The Company will pay those arbitration costs that are unique to arbitration, including the arbitrator’s fee (recognizing that each side bears its own deposition, witness, expert and attorneys’ fees and other expenses to the same extent as if the matter were being heard in court). If, however, any party prevails on a statutory claim, which affords the prevailing party attorneys’ fees and costs, then the arbitrator may award reasonable fees and costs to the prevailing party. The arbitrator may not award attorneys’ fees to a party that would not otherwise be entitled to such an award under the applicable statute. The arbitrator shall resolve any dispute as to the reasonableness of any fee or cost. Except as provided in Section 6.8 and 17, the parties acknowledge and agree that they are hereby waiving any rights to trial by jury or a court in any action or proceeding brought by either of the parties against the other in connection with any matter whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with this Agreement or Executive’s employment. |
17. | Remedies. Each of the parties to this Agreement and any Person granted rights hereunder whether or not such person or entity is a signatory hereto shall be entitled to enforce its rights under this Agreement specifically to recover damages and costs for any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights existing in its favor. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and that each party (as well as each other Person granted rights hereunder) may in its sole discretion apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for provisional injunctive or equitable relief and/or other appropriate equitable relief (without posting any bond or deposit) in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Agreement. Each party shall be responsible for paying its own attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses pertaining to any such legal proceeding and enforcement regardless of whether an award or finding or any judgment or verdict thereon is entered against either party. |
18. | Notices. Any notice provided for in this Agreement must be in writing and must be either personally delivered, transmitted via telecopier, mailed by first class mail (postage prepaid and return receipt requested) or sent by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) to the recipient at the address below indicated or at such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Notices will be deemed to have been given hereunder and received when delivered personally, when received if transmitted via telecopier, five days after deposit in the U.S. mail and one day after deposit with a reputable overnight courier service. |
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if to the Company:
Surf Air Mobility Inc.
12111 S. Crenshaw Blvd.
Hawthorne,
CA 90250
Email: legalnotices@surfair.com
if to Executive, to the address most recently on file in the payroll records of the Company.
19. | Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall become binding when one or more counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of all of the parties reflected hereon as the signatories. Counterparts of this Agreement may be executed and delivered by facsimile or other electronic signature (including portable document format) by either of the parties and the receiving party may rely on the receipt of such document so executed and delivered electronically or by facsimile as if the original had been received. |
20. | Legal Counsel; Mutual Drafting. Each party recognizes that this is a legally binding contract and acknowledges and agrees that they have had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel of their choice. Each party has cooperated in the drafting, negotiation and preparation of this Agreement. Hence, in any construction to be made of this Agreement, the same shall not be construed against either party on the basis of that party being the drafter of such language. Executive agrees and acknowledges that Executive has read and understands this Agreement, is entering into it freely and voluntarily, and has been advised to seek counsel prior to entering into this Agreement and has had ample opportunity to do so. |
21. | Section 409A. |
(a) It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement shall either be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code (including the Treasury regulations and other published guidance relating thereto) (“Code Section 409A”) so as not to subject Executive to payment of any additional tax, penalty or interest imposed under Code Section 409A. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted to avoid the imputation of any such additional tax, penalty or interest under Code Section 409A yet preserve (to the nearest extent reasonably possible) the intended benefit payable to Executive. Any installment payments provided for in this Agreement shall be treated as a series of separate payments for purposes of Code Section 409A.
(b) If Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) as of the date of Executive’s Separation from Service, Executive shall not be entitled to any payment or benefit pursuant to Section 5.3(b) or (c) until the earlier of (i) the date which is six (6) months after Executive’s Separation from Service for any reason other than death, or (ii) the date of Executive’s death. The provisions of this Section 21(b) shall only apply if, and to the extent, required to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest pursuant to Code Section 409A. Any amounts otherwise payable to Executive upon or in the six (6) month period following Executive’s Separation from Service that are not so paid by reason of this Section 21(b) shall be paid (without interest) as soon as practicable (and in all events within thirty (30) days) after the date that is six (6) months after Executive’s Separation from Service (or, if earlier, as soon as practicable, and in all events within thirty (30) days, after the date of Executive’s death).
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(c) To the extent that any benefits pursuant to Section 5.3(b)(ii) or reimbursements pursuant to Section 4.2 are taxable to Executive, any reimbursement payment due to Executive pursuant to any such provision shall be paid to Executive on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the related expense was incurred. The benefits and reimbursements pursuant to such provisions are not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and the amount of such benefits and reimbursements that Executive receives in one taxable year shall not affect the amount of such benefits or reimbursements that Executive receives in any other taxable year.
22. | Section 280G. |
(a) If any of the payments or benefits received or to be received by Executive under this Agreement or otherwise, including, without limitation, the severance benefits received in connection with a Change in Control or Executive’s termination of employment under Section 5.3 (all such payments collectively referred to herein as the “280G Payments”) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and would, but for this Section 22, be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then prior to making the 280G Payments, a calculation shall be made comparing (i) the Net Benefit (as defined below) to Executive of the 280G Payments after payment of the Excise Tax to (ii) the Net Benefit to Executive if the 280G Payments are limited to the extent necessary to avoid being subject to the Excise Tax. If the amount calculated under (i) above is less than the amount under (ii) above, the 280G Payments will be reduced to the minimum extent necessary to ensure that no portion of the 280G Payments is subject to the Excise Tax. For purposes of this Agreement, “Net Benefit” shall mean the present value of the 280G Payments net of all federal, state, local, foreign income, employment, and excise taxes. Any reduction made pursuant to this Section 22 shall be made first from any cash severance, then from any payment in respect of an equity award that is not covered by Treas. Reg. Section 1.280G-1 Q/A-24(b) or (c), then from any payment in respect of an equity award that is covered by Treas. Reg. Section 1.280G-1 Q/A-24(c), in each case in reverse order beginning with payments or benefits which are to be paid the farthest in time from the determination.
(b) Any determination as to whether 280G Payments shall be reduced pursuant to this Section 22, and the amount of any such reduction, shall be made by the Company’s independent public accountants or another certified public accounting firm or consulting firm of national reputation designated by the Company (the “Tax Counsel”). The Tax Counsel’s determinations shall be final and binding on the Parties. For purposes of making the calculations and determinations required by this Section 22, the Tax Counsel may rely on reasonable, good faith assumptions and approximations concerning the application of Section 280G and Section 4999 of the Code. Executive and Company shall furnish the Tax Counsel with such information and documents as the Tax Counsel may reasonably request in order to make its determinations under this Section 22. Company shall bear all costs the Tax Counsel may reasonably incur in connection with its services.
[Signature page follows.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and Executive have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.
“COMPANY” | ||
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC., | ||
a Delaware corporation | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | Chairman / CEO | |
SURF AIR GLOBAL LIMITED, | ||
a British Virgin Islands company, solely with respect to Section 3.3 | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | Chairman / CEO | |
“EXECUTIVE” | ||
/s/ R. Stanley Little | ||
R. Stanley Little |
Surf Air Mobility Inc. – Executive Employment Agreement – R. Stanley Little
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT
1. Release. R. Stanley Little (“Executive”), on Executive’s own behalf and on behalf of Executive’s descendants, dependents, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and successors, and each of them, hereby acknowledges full and complete satisfaction of and releases and discharges and covenants not to sue Surf Air Mobility Inc. (the “Company”), its divisions, subsidiaries, parents, or affiliated corporations, past and present, and each of them, as well as its and their assignees, successors, directors, officers, stockholders, partners, representatives, attorneys, agents or employees, past or present, or any of them (individually and collectively, “Releasees”), from and with respect to any and all claims, agreements, obligations, demands and causes of action, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, arising out of or in any way connected with Executive’s employment or any other relationship with or interest in the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or the termination thereof, including without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any claim for severance pay, profit sharing, bonus or similar benefit, pension, retirement, life insurance, health or medical insurance or any other fringe benefit, or disability, or any other claims, agreements, obligations, demands and causes of action, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected resulting from any act or omission by or on the part of Releasees committed or omitted prior to the date of this General Release Agreement (this “Agreement”) set forth below, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, California Labor Code Section 132a, the California Family Rights Act, or any other federal, state or local law, regulation, ordinance, constitution or common law (collectively, the “Claims”); provided, however, that the foregoing release does not apply to any obligation of the Company to Executive pursuant to any of the following: (1) Section 5.3 of the Employment Agreement dated as of April [•], 2022, by and between the Company and Executive (the “Employment Agreement”); (2) any equity-based awards previously granted by any of the Releasees to Executive, to the extent that such awards continue after the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company in accordance with the applicable terms of such awards; (3) any right to indemnification that Executive may have pursuant to the Company’s bylaws, its corporate charter or under any written indemnification agreement with the Company (or any corresponding provision of any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company) with respect to any loss, damages or expenses (including but not limited to attorneys’ fees to the extent otherwise provided) that Executive may in the future incur with respect to Executive’s service as an employee, officer or director of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates; (4) with respect to any rights that Executive may have to insurance coverage for such losses, damages or expenses under any Company (or subsidiary or affiliate) directors and officers liability insurance policy; (5) any rights to continued medical and dental coverage that Executive may have under COBRA; (6) any rights to payment of benefits that Executive may have under a retirement plan sponsored or maintained by the Company that is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; (7) any rights to enforce any provision of the Employment Agreement that may continue to be in effect after Executive’s employment with the Company has terminated; or (8) any rights that Executive has as an equity holder in any of the Releasees. In addition, this release does not cover any Claim that cannot be so released as a matter of applicable law. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing in this Agreement prohibits Executive from filing a charge with or participating in an investigation conducted by any state or federal government agencies. However, Executive does waive, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the right to receive any monetary or other recovery, should any agency or any other person pursue any claims on Executive’s behalf arising out of any claim released pursuant to this Agreement. For clarity, and as required by law, such waiver does not prevent Executive from accepting a whistleblower award from the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive has received any and all leave and other benefits that Executive has been and is entitled to pursuant to the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.
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2. Acknowledgement of Payment of Wages. Except for accrued vacation (which the parties agree totals approximately [Ÿ] days of pay) and salary for the current pay period and the payments and benefits provided under Section 5.3 of the Employment Agreement, Executive acknowledges that Executive has received all amounts owed for Executive’s regular and usual salary (including, but not limited to, any bonus, incentive or other wages), and usual benefits through the date of this Agreement.
3. Waiver of Unknown Claims. This Agreement is intended to be effective as a general release of and bar to each and every Claim hereinabove specified. Accordingly, Executive hereby expressly waives any rights and benefits conferred by Section 1542 of the California Civil Code and any similar provision of any other applicable state law as to the Claims. Section 1542 of the California Civil Code provides:
“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.”
Executive acknowledges that Executive later may discover claims, demands, causes of action or facts in addition to or different from those which Executive now knows or believes to exist with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and which, if known or suspected at the time of executing this Agreement, may have materially affected its terms. Nevertheless, Executive hereby waives, as to the Claims, any claims, demands, and causes of action that might arise as a result of such different or additional claims, demands, causes of action or facts.
4. ADEA Waiver. Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that by entering into this Agreement, Executive is waiving any and all rights or claims that Executive may have arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (the “ADEA”), and that this waiver and release is knowing and voluntary. Executive and the Company agree that this waiver and release does not apply to any rights or claims that may arise under the ADEA after the date Executive signs this Agreement. Executive further expressly acknowledges and agrees that:
(a) In return for this Agreement, Executive will receive consideration beyond that which Executive was already entitled to receive before executing this Agreement;
(b) Executive is hereby advised in writing by this Agreement to consult with an attorney before signing this Agreement;
(c) Executive was given a copy of this Agreement on [ , 202 ], and informed that Executive had [twenty-one (21)] days within which to consider this Agreement and that if Executive wished to execute this Agreement prior to the expiration of such [21]-day period Executive will have done so voluntarily and with full knowledge that Executive is waiving Executive’s right to have [twenty- one (21)] days to consider this Agreement; and that such [twenty-one (21)] day period to consider this Agreement would not and will not be re-started or extended based on any changes, whether material or immaterial, that are or were made to this Agreement in such [twenty-one (21)] day period after Executive received it;
(d) Executive was informed that Executive had seven (7) days following the date of execution of this Agreement in which to revoke this Agreement, and this Agreement will become null and void if Executive elects revocation during that time. Any revocation must be in writing and must be received by the Company during the seven-day revocation period. In the event that Executive exercises this revocation right, neither the Company nor Executive will have any obligation under this Agreement. Any notice of revocation should be sent by Executive in writing to the Company (attention [ ]), [Insert Address], so that it is received within the seven-day period following execution of this Agreement by Executive.
(e) Nothing in this Agreement prevents or precludes Executive from challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of this waiver under the ADEA, nor does it impose any condition precedent, penalties or costs for doing so, unless specifically authorized by federal law.
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5. No Transferred Claims. Executive represents and warrants to the Company that Executive has not heretofore assigned or transferred to any person not a party to this Agreement any released matter or any part or portion thereof.
6. Return of Property. Executive represents and covenants that Executive has returned to the Company (a) all physical, computerized, electronic or other types of records, documents, proposals, notes, lists, files and any and all other materials, including computerized electronic information, that refer, relate or otherwise pertain to the Company or any of its Affiliates (as defined in the Employment Agreement) that were in Executive’s possession, subject to Executive’s control or held by Executive for others; and (b) all property or equipment that Executive has been issued by the Company or any of its Affiliates during the course of Executive’s employment or property or equipment that Executive otherwise possessed, including any keys, credit cards, office or telephone equipment, computers (and any software, power cords, manuals, computer bag and other equipment that was provided to Executive with any such computers), tablets, smartphones, and other devices. Executive acknowledges that Executive is not authorized to retain any physical, computerized, electronic or other types of copies of any such physical, computerized, electronic or other types of records, documents, proposals, notes, lists, files or materials, and is not authorized to retain any property or equipment of the Company or any of its Affiliates. Executive further agrees that Executive will immediately forward to the Company (and thereafter destroy any electronic copies thereof) any business information relating to the Company or any of its Affiliates that has been or is inadvertently directed to Executive following the date of the termination of Executive’s employment.
7. Miscellaneous. The following provisions shall apply for purposes of this Agreement:
(a) Number and Gender. Where the context requires, the singular shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular, and any gender shall include all other genders.
(b) Section Headings. The section headings of, and titles of paragraphs and subparagraphs contained in, this Agreement are for the purpose of convenience only, and they neither form a part of this Agreement nor are they to be used in the construction or interpretation thereof.
(c) Governing Law. This Agreement, and all questions relating to its validity, interpretation, performance and enforcement, as well as the legal relations hereby created between the parties hereto, shall be governed by and construed under, and interpreted and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of California, notwithstanding any California or other conflict of law provision to the contrary.
(d) Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Agreement which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable.
(e) Modifications. This Agreement may not be amended, modified or changed (in whole or in part), except by a formal, definitive written agreement expressly referring to this Agreement, which agreement is executed by both of the parties hereto.
(f) Waiver. No waiver of any breach of any term or provision of this Agreement shall be construed to be, nor shall be, a waiver of any other breach of this Agreement. No waiver shall be binding unless in writing and signed by the party waiving the breach.
(g) Arbitration. Any controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be submitted to arbitration in accordance with the arbitration provisions of the Employment Agreement.
(h) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart, when executed, shall have the efficacy of a signed original. Photographic copies of such signed counterparts may be used in lieu of the originals for any purpose.
[Signature page follows.]
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The undersigned have read and understand the consequences of this Agreement and voluntarily sign it. The undersigned declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.
EXECUTED this [●] day of [●], 20[●], at [●] County, [●].
“EXECUTIVE” | |
R. Stanley Little |
EXECUTED this [●] day of [●], 20[●], at [●] County, [●].
“COMPANY” | ||
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
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EXHIBIT B
LIST OF PRIOR INVENTIONS
AND ORIGINAL WORKS OF AUTHORSHIP
Title | Date | Identifying Number or Brief Description | ||
No inventions or improvements | ||
Additional Sheets Attached |
Signature of Employee: | ||
Print Name of Employee: |
Date: |
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EXHIBIT C
CALIFORNIA LABOR CODE SECTION 2870
INVENTION ON OWN TIME-EXEMPTION FROM AGREEMENT
“(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 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.”
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EXHIBIT D
FORM OF RSPA
D-1
Exhibit 10.20
AMENDMENT
to
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) is dated as of October 23, 2022, by and between Surf Air Mobility Inc. (the “Company”), and Stan Little (“Executive”).
WHEREAS, Executive is anticipated to be employed by the Company as its President pursuant to that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of May 16, 2022 (the “Employment Agreement”), effective upon the Effective Date (as defined in the Employment Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the Company has determined to appoint Executive as Chief Executive Officer (instead of President), effective upon the Effective Date; and
WHEREAS, in connection with Executive’s being appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the Company and Executive desire to amend the Employment Agreement, as provided herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
1. The first sentence of Section 1.2 of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended, effective as of, and subject to the Effective Date, to read in its entirety as follows:
“1.2 Duties. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall serve the Company as its Chief Executive Officer, shall report to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), and shall have such authorities, duties, and obligations commensurate with such position, all subject to the lawful and reasonable directives of the Board and the corporate policies of the Company, as (in each case) such directives and policies that are in effect from time to time throughout the Period of Employment.”
2. Section 3.1 of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended, effective as of and subject to the Effective Date, to reflect that Executive’s Base Salary shall be at an annualized rate of Nine Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($975,000.00).
3. Section 5.3(c) of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended to delete the cross-reference in such section to Section 5.3(b)(iv) (so that Section 5.3(c) refers only to the pro- rated bonus provided in Section 5.3(b)(iii)).
4. Except as expressly modified herein, the Employment Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its original terms.
5. Capitalized terms that are not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement.
6. This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to be duly executed and delivered on the day and year first above written.
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | CEO |
EXECUTIVE | |
/s/ Stan Little | |
Stan Little |
Exhibit 10.21
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into this 19th day of December, 2022, by and between Surf Air Mobility Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and solely with respect to Section 3.3 hereunder, Surf Air Global Limited, a British Virgin Islands company (“Global”), on the one hand, and Deanna White (“Executive”), on the other hand.
RECITALS
THE PARTIES ENTER THIS AGREEMENT on the basis of the following facts, understandings and intentions:
A. The Company desires to employ Executive, and Executive desires to accept such employment, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
B. This Agreement shall govern the employment relationship between Executive and the Company from and after the Effective Date (as such term is defined below), and, as of the Effective Date, supersedes and negates all previous agreements and understandings with respect to such relationships (including, without limitation, that certain Consulting Agreement by and between Surf Air Inc., an affiliate of the Company, and Executive dated as of January 4, 2021, as amended by that certain Amendment to Consultant Agreement dated May 1, 2021, as superseded by that certain Employment Agreement dated as of June 1, 2021 and further superseded by that certain Employee Offer Letter dated as of March 1, 2022 (the “COO Agreement”) as well as any other offer letter or employment agreement between Executive, on the one hand, and the Company or any of its Affiliates (as such term is defined below) or any of their predecessors, on the other hand, whether or not in writing or executed, as well as any amendments thereto (together, the “Prior Services Agreement”)).
C. The benefits under this Agreement shall become effective as of the first day on which shares of common stock of the Company or one of its Affiliates are traded on a national securities exchange following either
(a) an initial public offering or direct listing of shares of the Company or its Affiliate or (b) a business combination with a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC (such date, the “Effective Date”) provided that the agreements below regarding Executive’s services between October 1, 2022 and the Effective Date (the “Interim Period) are effective as of the date hereof.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals incorporated herein and the mutual covenants and promises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby expressly acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
1. | Retention and Duties. |
1.1 | Retention. The Company does hereby hire, engage and employ Executive for the Period of Employment (as such term is defined in Section 2) on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement. Executive does hereby accept and agree to such hiring, engagement and employment, on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement. Certain capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section 5.5 of this Agreement. |
1.2 | Duties. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall serve the Company as its Chief Financial Officer, shall report to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “Officer”), and shall have such authorities, duties and obligations commensurate with such position as determined by the Officer, from time to time, all subject to the lawful and reasonable directives of the Officer and the corporate policies of the Company, as (in each case) such directives and policies are in effect from time to time throughout the Period of Employment. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall not be entitled to any additional compensation (beyond that set forth in this Agreement) for Executive’s service in any other position(s) Executive may hold from time to time with any other Affiliate of the Company. |
1.3 | No Other Employment; Minimum Time Commitment. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall (i) devote substantially all of Executive’s business time, energy and skill to the performance of Executive’s duties for the Company, (ii) perform such duties in a faithful, effective and efficient manner to the best of Executive’s abilities, and (iii) hold no other employment; provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict Executive from (x) serving on boards of directors (or similar bodies) of other entities (including, without limitation, any association, corporate, civic, for profit or charitable board or similar body) or (y) management of Executive’s personal investments, so long as (A) such activities do not interfere in any material respect with the effective discharge of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company hereunder, (B) no business related to such activities is in direct or indirect competition with any business of the Company, any Affiliate or any of their respective successors or assigns and (C) Executive gives written notice to the Officer of any significant outside business activity in which Executive plans to become involved, whether or not such activity is pursued for profit. |
1.4 | No Breach of Contract. Executive hereby represents to the Company and agrees that: (i) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Executive and the Company and the performance by Executive of Executive’s duties hereunder do not and shall not constitute a breach of, conflict with, or otherwise contravene or cause a default under, the terms of any other agreement or policy to which Executive is a party or otherwise bound or any judgment, order or decree to which Executive is subject; (ii) Executive will not enter into any new agreement that would or reasonably could contravene or cause a default by Executive under this Agreement; (iii) Executive has no information (including, without limitation, confidential information and trade secrets) relating to any other Person which would prevent, or be violated by, Executive entering into this Agreement or carrying out Executive’s duties hereunder; (iv) Executive is not bound by any employment, consulting, non-compete, non-solicitation, confidentiality, trade secret or similar agreement (other than this Agreement) with any other Person (other than ongoing, customary confidentiality obligations as to confidential information obtained from prior employers in the course of Executive’s prior employment with them); (v) to the extent Executive has any confidential or similar information that Executive is not free to disclose to the Company, Executive will not disclose such information to the extent such disclosure would violate applicable law or any other agreement or policy to which Executive is a party or by which Executive is otherwise bound; and (vi) Executive understands the Company will rely upon the accuracy and truth of the representations and warranties of Executive set forth herein and Executive consents to such reliance. |
1.5 | Location. Executive’s principal place of employment shall be at the Company’s principal offices in Hawthorne, California, or at a remote work location mutually agreed to by Executive and the Officer. Executive agrees that Executive will be present at that office as needed (or will work remotely, to the extent consistent with Company policy) during regular business hours (except for required business travel, holidays, vacation and other leaves consistent with this Agreement). Executive acknowledges that Executive will be reasonably required to travel from time to time in the course of performing Executive’s duties for the Company. |
2. | Period of Employment; Prior Services Agreement. The “Period of Employment” shall be a period of three (3) years commencing on the Effective Date and ending at the close of business on the third (3rd) anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Termination Date”); provided, however, that, this Agreement shall be automatically renewed and the Period of Employment shall be automatically extended for one (1) additional year on the Termination Date and each anniversary of the Termination Date thereafter, unless either party gives written notice at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the Period of Employment of such party’s desire not to extend the Period of Employment and to terminate the Period of Employment (such notice to be delivered in accordance with Section 18). The term “Period of Employment” shall include any extension thereof pursuant to the preceding sentence. Provision of notice that the Period of Employment shall not be extended or further extended, as the case may be, shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement and, in the case of a provision of such notice by the Company, shall not constitute either a termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company without “Cause” or grounds for a termination by the Executive for “Good Reason” for purposes of this Agreement. Notwithstading the foregoing, the Period of Employment is subject to earlier termination as provided below in this Agreement.
Executive acknowledges that she has timely received all unpaid wages, payments, and benefits that Executive is owed under the Prior Services Agreement through the date hereof (including without limitation the Two Hundred Thousand Dollar ($200,000) signing bonus payable under the COO Agreement), and (ii) effective as of June 1, 2022, Executive’s title under the COO Agreement shall be amended to be “Chief Financial Officer” instead of “Chief Operating Officer.” Except as so modified, the COO Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. |
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3. | Compensation. |
3.1 | Base Salary. |
(i) | During the Period of Employment, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary (the “Base Salary”), which shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices in effect from time to time but not less frequently than in monthly installments. Executive’s Base Salary shall be at an annualized rate of Six Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($650,000.00). |
(ii) | Within two (2) weeks after the Effective Date, the Company shall pay Executive, subject to tax withholding and other authorized deductions, a “catch-up” bonus payment equal to the sum of: |
(1) | the difference between (a) the amount Executive would have received during the Interim Period had Executive been paid at the level of the Base Salary stated above, less (b) the actual base salary earned by Executive during the Interim Period (i.e. the amount paid to Executive under the Prior Services Agreement which is an annualized rate of Four Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($450,000.00); and |
(2) | $179,167, which represents the difference between (a) the amount to which the parties agree that Executive is entitled as a true up payment from the date she began rendering services to the Company ($379,167) less (b) Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) which was already paid to Executive with respect thereto. |
(iii) | The Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) (or a committee thereof) shall review Executive’s salary periodically, no less frequently than annually (commencing in 2023), and may, in its sole discretion, increase (but not decrease) Executive’s rate of Base Salary. |
3.2 | Incentive Bonus. Commencing with fiscal year 2023, Executive shall be eligible to receive an incentive bonus for each fiscal year of the Company, or portion thereof, that occurs during the Period of Employment (“Incentive Bonus”). Notwithstanding the foregoing and except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, Executive must be employed by the Company at the time the Company pays incentive bonuses to employees generally with respect to a particular fiscal year in order to earn and be eligible for an Incentive Bonus for that year, which amounts are paid within 2 ½ months following the end of the fiscal year to which the bonus relates (and, if Executive is not so employed at such time, in no event shall Executive have been considered to have “earned” any Incentive Bonus with respect to the fiscal year). Executive’s target Incentive Bonus amount for a particular fiscal year of the Company shall equal two hundred percent (200%) of Executive’s Base Salary paid by the Company to Executive for that fiscal year; provided that Executive’s actual Incentive Bonus amount for a particular fiscal year shall be determined by the Board (or its delegate) in its sole discretion, based on performance objectives (which may include Company, business unit or division, financial, strategic, individual or other objectives) established with respect to that particular fiscal year by the Board (or its delegate) or such other factors it may consider relevant in the circumstances. |
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3.3 | Equity Awards. |
(i) | Executive has been previously granted the following equity grants: |
(A) | The Company and Executive entered into a Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement on August 27, 2021. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, Executive purchased 500,000 shares of common stock of the Company at a purchase price of $0.06. Certain repurchase rights were granted to the Company under this Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement. |
(B) | The Company and Executive entered into a Restricted Stock Grant Agreement on August 27, 2021. Pursuant to the Restricted Stock Grant Agreement, the Company granted Executive 150,000 share of ordinary stock of the Company. The Company has right of first refusal under the Agreement. |
(C) | On March 1, 2022, the Company granted Executive the option to purchase 6,573,909 shares of the Company’s stock at a purchase price of $0.0235. The expiration date of the options is 10 years from the grant date. The options were granted as incentive options. The vesting commencement date is January 4, 2021. The options vest with respect to 1/36th of the total award on each monthly anniversary of the vesting commencement date. On November 12, 2022, the Company agreed to accelerate the vesting of this option so that it is now fully vested. |
(D) | On November 12, 2022, the Company granted Executive the option to purchase 6,573,909 shares of the Company’s stock at a purchase price of $0.2556. The expiration date of the options is 10 years from the grant date. The options were granted as incentive options. The vesting commencement date is January 1, 2022. The options vest with respect to 1/36th of the total award on each monthly anniversary of the vesting commencement date. |
(ii) | In each subsequent fiscal year during the Period of Employment, Executive shall participate in the Company’s equity award plans, pursuant to which, from time to time during the Period of Employment, Executive may be granted one or more stock option, stock unit, or other equity awards as approved by the Board (or a committee thereof). Any such award shall be evidenced by a written award agreement approved by the Board (or a committee thereof), and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of such award agreement and the Company’s equity plan under which the award was granted. |
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4. | Benefits. |
4.1 | Retirement, Welfare and Fringe Benefits. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee pension and welfare benefit plans and programs, and fringe benefit plans and programs, made available by the Company to the Company’s employees generally or to its senior officers, in accordance with the eligibility and participation provisions of such plans and as such plans or programs may be in effect from time to time. |
4.2 | Reimbursement of Business Expenses. Executive is authorized to incur reasonable expenses in carrying out Executive’s duties for the Company under this Agreement and shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses Executive incurs during the Period of Employment in connection with carrying out Executive’s duties for the Company, subject to the Company’s expense reimbursement policies and any pre-approval policies in effect from time to time, and subject to Section 21(c) of this Agreement. Executive agrees to promptly submit and document any reimbursable expenses in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies to facilitate the timely reimbursement of such expenses. |
4.3 | Vacation and Other Leave. During the Period of Employment, Executive’s annual rate of vacation accrual shall be no less than four (4) weeks per year, with such vacation to accrue and be subject to the Company’s vacation policies in effect from time to time, including any policy which may limit vacation accruals and/or limit the amount of accrued but unused vacation to carry over from year to year. Executive shall also be entitled to all other holiday and leave pay generally available to other executives of the Company. |
4.4 | Travel Policy. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to utilize Company aircraft and incur travel expenses in accordance with the Company’s travel policy as applicable to senior executives of the Company as in effect from time to time. |
4.5 | Indemnification and D&O. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall receive directors & officers liability insurance coverage that is customarily made available by the Company to similarly situated executives, as may be in effect from time to time. Executive shall also be offered an indemnification agreement, related to indemnification obligations in the event that Executive is made a party or threatened to be made a party to any action or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, by reason of the fact that Executive is or was a director or officer of the Company, not later than at the time that, and on the same form as, any such indemnification agreement is offered by the Company to any other officer or director on or prior to the Effective Date. |
4.6 | Legal Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for legal fees and expenses associated with the negotiation and documentation of this Agreement up to a maximum amount of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) |
4.7 | Company Automobile. Promptly following the commencement of the Period of Employment and continuing for the duration of the Period of Employment, the Company shall provide Executive for his personal use a hybrid, electrified, or all electric automobile (to the extent reasonably available). The lease payments, maintenance and use of such automobile shall be in accordance with the Company’s vehicle policy as applicable to senior executives of the Company as in effect from time to time. |
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5. | Termination. |
5.1 | Termination by the Company. During the Period of Employment, Executive’s employment by the Company, and the Period of Employment, may be terminated at any time by the Company: (i) with Cause, subject to the terms and conditions set forth under Section 5.5(c), or (ii) with no less than thirty (30) days advance written notice to Executive (such notice to be delivered in accordance with Section 18), without Cause, or (iii) in the event of Executive’s death, or (iv) in the event that the Board determines in good faith that Executive has a Disability. Without limitation of the foregoing, it is acknowledged and agreed that that a change in title to another “C” level or other suitable position (e.g. Chief Operating Officer) shall not constitute a termination. |
5.2 | Termination by Executive. During the Period of Employment, Executive’s employment by the Company, and the Period of Employment, may be terminated by Executive with no less than thirty (30) days advance written notice to the Company (such notice to be delivered in accordance with Section 18); provided, however, that in the case of a termination for Good Reason, Executive may provide immediate written notice of termination once the applicable cure period (as contemplated by the definition of Good Reason) has lapsed if the Company has not reasonably cured the circumstances that gave rise to the basis for the Good Reason termination. |
5.3 | Benefits upon Termination. If Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated for any reason by the Company or by Executive (whether or not during or following the expiration of the Period of Employment) (the date that Executive’s employment by the Company terminates is referred to as the “Severance Date”), the Company shall have no further obligation to make or provide to Executive, and Executive shall have no further right to receive or obtain from the Company, any payments or benefits except as follows: |
(a) The Company shall pay or provide (or shall cause there to be paid or provided, as the case may be) Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death, Executive’s estate) any Accrued Obligations;
(b) If Executive’s employment with the Company terminates during the Period of Employment as a result of a termination by the Company without Cause (other than due to Executive’s death or Disability and not including that a change in title to another “C” level or other suitable position (e.g. Chief Operating Officer) shall not constitute a termination for purposes of this section) or a resignation by Executive for Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) | The Company shall pay Executive (in addition to the Accrued Obligations), subject to tax withholding and other authorized deductions, an amount equal to 100% of Executive’s Base Salary at the annualized rate in effect on the Severance Date (i.e. the equivalent of 12 months of Executive’s Base Salary). Such amount is referred to hereinafter as the “Severance Benefit.” Subject to Section 21(b) and except as provided in the next sentence, the Severance Benefit shall be paid in equal installment payments (each of the applicable fraction of the total Severance Benefit to be paid) in accordance with the Company’s usual payroll practices (but no less frequently than in monthly installments) over a period of twelve (12) consecutive months, with the first installment payable on the first regularly scheduled payroll date occurring after the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s Separation from Service and such first installment payment including all amounts that otherwise would have been paid to Executive during the period beginning on Executive’s Separation of Service and ending on such first payment date if no delay had been imposed. If, however, such Separation from Service occurs on or within two years following a Change in Control Event, then (subject to Section 21(b)) the Severance Benefit shall be paid in a single lump payment on the first regularly scheduled payroll date occurring after the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s Separation from (i) Service. |
(ii) | The Company will pay or reimburse Executive for Executive’s premiums charged to continue medical coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”), at the same or reasonably equivalent medical coverage for Executive (and, if applicable, Executive’s eligible dependents) as in effect immediately prior to the Severance Date, to the extent that Executive elects such continued coverage; provided that the Company’s obligation to make any payment or reimbursement pursuant to this clause (ii) shall, subject to Section 21(b), commence with continuation coverage for the month following the month in which Executive’s Separation from Service occurs and shall cease with continuation coverage upon the conclusion of theeighteenth (18th) month after the month in which Executive’s Separation from Service occurs (or, if earlier, shall cease upon the first to occur of Executive’s death, the date Executive becomes eligible for coverage under the health plan of a future employer, or the date the Company ceases to offer group medical coverage to its active executive employees or the Company is otherwise under no obligation to offer COBRA continuation coverage to Executive). To the extent Executive elects COBRA coverage, Executive shall notify the Company in writing of such election prior to such coverage taking effect and complete any other continuation coverage enrollment procedures the Company may then have in place. The Company’s obligations pursuant to this Section 5.3(b)(ii) are subject to the Company’s ability to comply with applicable law and provide such benefit without resulting in adverse tax consequences. |
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(iii) | The Company shall promptly pay to Executive any Incentive Bonus that would otherwise be paid to Executive had Executive’s employment with the Company not terminated with respect to any fiscal year that ended before the Severance Date, to the extent not theretofore paid. |
(iv) | The Company shall pay, on the first regularly scheduled payroll date occurring after the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s Separation from Service, an amount in cash equal to (x) Executive’s target Incentive Bonus for the fiscal year in which the Severance Date occurs, multiplied by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the total number of days in such fiscal year in which Executive was employed by the Company and the denominator of which is the total number of days in such fiscal year. |
(v) | As to each then-outstanding stock option and other equity-based award granted by the Company to Executive that vests based solely on Executive’s continued service with the Company or its Affiliates, Executive shall vest as of the Severance Date in any portion of such award in which Executive would have vested thereunder if Executive’s employment with the Company had continued through the end of any vesting periods applicable thereto. As to each outstanding stock option or other equity-based award granted by the Company to Executive that is subject to performance-based vesting requirements, the vesting of such award will continue to be governed by its terms, provided that (unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable award agreement) for purposes of any service-based vesting requirement under such award, Executive’s employment with the Company will be deemed to have continued for six (6) months after the Severance Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Severance Date occurs on or after the date of a Change in Control Event, (i) each stock option and other equity-based award granted by the Company to Executive that vests based solely on Executive’s continued service with the Company or its Affiliates, to the extent then outstanding and unvested, shall be fully vested as of the Severance Date, and (ii) any service-based vesting requirement under each outstanding stock option or other equity- based award granted by the Company to Executive that is subject to performance-based vesting requirements shall (unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable award (ii) agreement) be deemed satisfied at the applicable “target” performance level as of the Severance Date. |
(c) If Executive’s employment with the Company terminates during the Period of Employment as a result of Executive’s death or Disability, the Company shall pay Executive (or Executive’s estate) the Accrued Obligations and, on the first regularly scheduled payroll date occurring after the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s Separation from Service, the amounts contemplated by Sections 5.3(b)(iii) and 5.3(b)(iv).
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3, if Executive breaches Executive’s obligations under Section 6 of this Agreement at any time, from and after the date of such breach and not in any way in limitation of any right or remedy otherwise available to the Company, Executive will no longer be entitled to, and the Company will no longer be obligated to pay any remaining unpaid portion of the Severance Benefit or any continued Company-paid or reimbursed coverage pursuant to Section 5.3(b)(ii).
(e) The foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3 shall not affect Executive’s rights under COBRA to continue health coverage.
5.4 | Release; Exclusive Remedy; Leave. |
(a) As a condition precedent to any Company obligation to Executive pursuant to Section 5.3(b), Executive shall provide the Company with a valid, executed general release agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (with such changes as the Company may reasonably make to such form consistent with the purposes and intent of such form and to help ensure its enforceability in light of any changes in applicable law, rules or regulations) (the “Release”), and such Release shall have not been revoked by Executive pursuant to any revocation rights afforded by applicable law. The Company shall provide the final form of Release to Executive not later than seven (7) days following the Severance Date, and Executive shall be required to execute and return the Release to the Company within twenty-one (21) days (or forty- five (45) days if such longer period of time is required to make the Release maximally enforceable under applicable law) after the Company provides the form of Release to Executive. In the event the 21-day or 45-day release period straddles two years, any severance or deferred compensation payments due to Executive upon execution and return of the Release shall be paid to Executive no earlier than the first day of such second year.
(b) The Company and Executive acknowledge and agree that there is no duty of Executive to mitigate damages under this Agreement. All amounts paid to Executive pursuant to Section 5.3 shall be paid without regard to whether Executive has taken or takes actions to mitigate damages. Executive agrees to resign, on the Severance Date, as an officer and director of the Company and as an officer and director of each and every Affiliate of the Company, and as a fiduciary of any benefit plan of the Company or any of its Affiliates, and to promptly execute and provide to the Company any further documentation, as requested by the Company, to confirm such resignations, and to remove Executive as a signatory on any accounts maintained by the Company or any of its Affiliates (or any of their respective benefit plans).
(c) In the event that the Company provides Executive notice of termination without Cause pursuant to Section 5.1 or Executive provides the Company notice of termination pursuant to Section 5.2, the Company will have the option to place Executive on paid administrative leave during the notice period; provided, however, that Executive shall continue to have reasonable access to Company’s administrative departments and services (or to a human resources representative designated by the Company for such purpose) relative to Executive’s compensation, equity, and benefits during the notice period.
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5.5 | Certain Defined Terms. |
(a) | As used herein, “Accrued Obligations” means: |
(i) | any Base Salary that had accrued but had not been paid (including accrued and unpaid vacation time) on or before the Severance Date; and |
(ii) | any reimbursement due to Executive pursuant to Section 4.2 for expenses reasonably incurred by Executive on or before the Severance Date and documented and pre-approved, to the extent applicable, in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies in effect at the applicable time; and |
(iii) | any benefits payable under the Company’s employee benefit plans, programs and policies that Executive otherwise has a nonforfeitable right to receive under the terms of such plans, programs and policies (other than severance benefits), independent of Executive’s rights under this Agreement but without duplication of any benefit provided under this Agreement. |
(b) | As used herein, “Affiliate” means a Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company. As used in this definition, the term “control,” including the correlative terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with,” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities or any partnership or other ownership interest, by contract or otherwise) of a Person. |
(c) | As used herein, “Cause” shall mean, as reasonably determined by the Board (excluding Executive, if Executive is then a member of the Board) based on the information then known to it, that one or more of the following has occurred: |
(i) | Executive is convicted of, pled guilty or pled nolo contendere to a felony or any crime involving fraud or dishonesty (in each case, under the laws of the United States or any relevant state, or a similar crime or offense under the applicable laws of any relevant foreign jurisdiction); |
(ii) | Executive has engaged in acts of fraud, dishonesty or other acts of willful and material misconduct in the course of Executive’s duties hereunder; |
(iii) | Executive willfully neglects to perform or uphold Executive’s material duties under this Agreement and/or willfully and materially fails to comply with reasonable directives of the Board or the Officer; or |
(iv) | a willful breach by Executive of any provision of Section 6, a willful breach in any material respect by Executive of any other material contract Executive is a party to with the Company or any of its Affiliates, or a willful and material breach by Executive of any written policy of the Company or any of its Affiliates that is applicable to Company executives or employees generally; |
provided, however, that any condition or conditions, as applicable, referenced above shall not (if a cure is reasonably possible in the circumstances) constitute Cause unless both (x) the Company provides written notice to Executive of such condition(s) claimed to constitute Cause (such notice to be delivered in accordance with Section 18), and (y) Executive fails to remedy such condition(s) within thirty (30) days of receiving such written notice thereof. For purposes of the foregoing definition of Cause, no act or failure to act, on Executive’s part shall be considered “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by Executive not in good faith and without reasonable belief that Executive’s action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.
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(d) | As used herein, “Change in Control Event” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following after the Effective Date: |
(i) | the acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of either (1) the then- outstanding common stock of the Company (the “Outstanding Company Common Stock”) or (2) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”); provided, however, that, for purposes of this paragraph (i), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control Event; (A) any acquisition directly from the Company, (B) any acquisition by the Company, (C) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Affiliate or a successor, or (D) any acquisition by any entity pursuant to a transaction that complies with Sections (iii)(1), (2) and (3) below; |
(ii) | individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board (including for these purposes, the new members whose election or nomination was so approved, without counting the member and his or her predecessor twice) shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; |
(iii) | consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or consolidation or similar corporate transaction involving the Company or any corporation or other entity a majority of whose outstanding voting stock or voting power is beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the Company (a “Subsidiary”), a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (each, a “Business Combination”), in each case unless, following such Business Combination, (1) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity that, as a result of such transaction, owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets directly or through one or more subsidiaries (an “Acquiring Company”)), in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (2) no Person (excluding any entity resulting from such Business Combination or an Acquiring Company or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such entity resulting from such Business Combination or an Acquiring Company) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of, respectively, the then- outstanding shares of common stock of the entity resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such entity, except to the extent that the ownership in excess of 50% existed prior to the Business Combination, and (3) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors or trustees of the entity resulting from such Business Combination or an Acquiring Company were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board providing for such Business Combination; or |
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(iv) | approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company other than in the context of a transaction that does not constitute a Change in Control Event under clause (iii) above. |
(e) | As used herein, “Disability” shall mean a physical or mental impairment which, as reasonably determined by the Board, renders Executive unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s employment with the Company, even with reasonable accommodation that does not impose an undue hardship on the Company, for more than 90 days in any 180-day period, unless a longer period is required by federal or state law, in which case that longer period would apply. Executive agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Board in making any such determination as to the existence of Disability. |
(f) | As used herein, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence (without Executive’s consent) of any one or more of the following conditions: |
(i) | a material diminution in Executive’s rate of Base Salary; |
(ii) | a material diminution in Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities or the assignment to Executive of duties materially inconsistent with such authority and responsibilities provided however that a change in title to another “C” level or other suitable position (e.g. Chief Operating Officer) shall not constitute a diminution for purposes of this section; |
(iii) | a material change in the geographic location of Executive’s principal office with the Company (for this purpose, in no event shall a relocation of such office to a new location that is not more than fifty (50) miles from the current location of the Company’s executive offices constitute a “material change”); or |
(iv) | a material breach by the Company of this Agreement; |
provided, however, that any such condition or conditions, as applicable, shall not constitute Good Reason unless both (x) Executive provides written notice to the Company of the condition claimed to constitute Good Reason within sixty (60) days of the initial existence of such condition(s) (such notice to be delivered in accordance with Section 18), and (y) the Company fails to remedy such condition(s) within thirty (30) days of receiving such written notice thereof; and provided, further, that in all events the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company shall not constitute a termination for Good Reason unless such termination occurs not more than one hundred and twenty (120) days following the initial existence of the condition claimed to constitute Good Reason.
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(g) | As used herein, the term “Person” shall be construed broadly and shall include, without limitation, an individual, a partnership, a limited liability company, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof. |
(h) | As used herein, a “Separation from Service” occurs when Executive dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company that constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1), without regard to the optional alternative definitions available thereunder. |
5.6. | Notice of Termination; Employment Following Expiration of Period of Employment. Any termination of Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall be communicated by written notice of termination from the terminating party to the other party. This notice of termination must be delivered in accordance with Section 18 and must indicate the specific provision(s) of this Agreement relied upon in effecting the termination. If the Company or Executive delivers notice of non-renewal of the Period of Employment pursuant to Section 2 and Executive continues to be employed by the Company following the expiration of the Period of Employment, Executive’s employment by the Company following the expiration of the Period of Employment shall be on an at-will basis and may be terminated by the Company or by Executive at any time, for any reason (or for no reason), with or without advance notice. |
6. | Protective Covenants. |
6.1 | Confidential Information; Inventions. |
(a) | Executive shall not disclose or use at any time, either during the Period of Employment or thereafter, any Confidential Information (as defined below) of which Executive is or becomes aware, whether or not such information is developed by Executive, except to the extent that such disclosure or use is directly related to and required by Executive’s performance in good faith of duties for the Company. Executive will take all appropriate steps to safeguard Confidential Information in Executive’s possession and to protect it against disclosure, misuse, espionage, loss and theft. Executive shall deliver to the Company at the termination of the Period of Employment, or at any time the Company may request, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports, computer tapes and software and other documents and data (and copies thereof) relating to or containing the Confidential Information or the Work Product (as hereinafter defined) of the business of the Company or any of its Affiliates which Executive may then possess or have under Executive’s control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may truthfully respond to a lawful and valid subpoena or other legal process, but shall give the Company the earliest possible notice thereof, shall, as much in advance of the return date as possible, make available to the Company, and their respective counsel, the documents and other information sought, and shall assist the Company and such counsel in resisting or otherwise responding to such process. Executive understands that nothing in this Agreement is intended to limit Executive’s right (i) to discuss the terms, wages, and working conditions of Executive’s employment to the extent permitted and/or protected by applicable labor laws, (ii) to report Confidential Information in a confidential manner either to a federal, state or local government official or to an attorney where such disclosure is solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (iii) to disclose Confidential Information in an anti-retaliation lawsuit or other legal proceeding, so long as that disclosure or filing is made under seal and Executive does not otherwise disclose such Confidential Information, except pursuant to court order, valid subpoena, or other binding legal process. The Company encourages Executive, to the extent legally permitted, to give the Company the earliest possible notice of any such report or disclosure. Pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Executive acknowledges that Executive may not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of Confidential Information that: (a) is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, provided that such filing is made under seal. Further, Executive understands that the Company will not retaliate against Executive in any way for any such disclosure made in accordance with the law. In the event a disclosure is made, and Executive files any type of proceeding against the Company alleging that the Company retaliated against Executive because of Executive’s disclosure, Executive may disclose the relevant Confidential Information to Executive’s attorney and may use the Confidential Information in the proceeding if (x) Executive files any document containing the Confidential Information under seal, and (y) Executive does not otherwise disclose the Confidential Information except pursuant to court or arbitral order. |
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(b) | As used in this Agreement, the term “Confidential Information” means information that is not generally known to the public and that is used, developed or obtained by the Company or any of its Affiliates in connection with their respective businesses, including, but not limited to, information, observations and data obtained by Executive while employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates or any predecessors thereof (including those obtained prior to the Effective Date) concerning (i) the business or affairs of the Company or its Affiliates (or such predecessors), (ii) products or services, (iii) fees, costs and pricing structures and strategies, (iv) designs,(v) analyses, (vi) drawings, photographs and reports, (vii) computer software, including operating systems, applications and program listings, (viii) flow charts, manuals and documentation, (ix) data bases, (x) accounting and business methods, (xi) inventions, devices, new developments, product roadmaps, methods and processes, whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice, (xii) customers and clients, customer or client lists, and the preferences of, and negotiations with, customers and clients, (xiii) personnel information of other employees and independent contractors (including their compensation, unique skills, experience and expertise, and disciplinary matters), (xiv) other copyrightable works, (xv) all production methods, processes, technology and trade secrets, and (xvi) all similar and related information in whatever form. Confidential Information will not include any information that has been published (other than a disclosure by Executive in breach of this Agreement) in a form generally available to the public prior to the date Executive proposes to disclose or use such information. Confidential Information will not be deemed to have been published merely because individual portions of the information have been separately published, but only if all material features comprising such information have been published in combination. | |
(c) | As used in this Agreement, the term “Work Product” means all inventions, innovations, improvements, technical information, systems, software developments, methods, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, service marks, trademarks, trade names, logos and all similar or related information (whether patentable or unpatentable, copyrightable, registerable as a trademark, reduced to writing, or otherwise) which relates to the Company’s or any of its Affiliates’ actual or anticipated business, research and development or existing or future products or services and which are conceived, developed or made by Executive (whether or not during usual business hours, whether or not by the use of the facilities of the Company or any of its Affiliates, and whether or not alone or in conjunction with any other person) while employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates (including those conceived, developed or made prior to the Effective Date) together with all patent applications, letters patent, trademark, trade name and service mark applications or registrations, copyrights and reissues thereof that may be granted for or upon any of the foregoing. All Work Product that Executive may have discovered, invented or originated during Executive’s employment by the Company or any of its Affiliates prior to the Effective Date, that Executive may discover, invent or originate during the Period of Employment or at any time in the period of twelve (12) months after the Severance Date, shall be the exclusive property of the Company and its Affiliates, as applicable, and Executive hereby assigns all of Executive’s right, title and interest in and to such Work Product to the Company or its applicable Affiliate, including all intellectual property rights therein. Executive agrees to promptly disclose all Work Product to the Company, to execute at the request of the Company any assignments or other documents the Company may deem necessary to protect or perfect its (or any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights therein, and to assist the Company, at its expense, in obtaining, defending and enforcing the Company’s (or any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights therein. Executive hereby appoints the Company as Executive’s attorney-in-fact to execute on Executive’s behalf any assignments or other documents deemed necessary by the Company to protect or perfect the Company, the Company’s (and any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights to any Work Product. Executive represents and warrants that Executive has not created any Work Product that qualifies as his own invention pursuant to California Labor Code Section 2870, other than any Work Product identified in Exhibit B to this Agreement (and the text of California Labor Code Section 2870 is attached hereto as Exhibit C). |
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6.2 | No Conflicting Employment. Executive hereby agrees that, during the Period of Employment, Executive will not engage in any other employment, occupation or consulting directly related to the business in which the Company or any of its Affiliates is now involved or becomes involved during the Period of Employment. |
6.3 | Non-Solicitation of Employees and Consultants. During the Period of Employment and for a period of twelve (12) months after the Severance Date, Executive will not directly or indirectly through any other Person solicit, induce or encourage, or attempt to solicit, induce or encourage, any employee or independent contractor of the Company or any of its Affiliates to leave the employ or service, as applicable, of the Company or such Affiliate, or become employed or engaged by any third party, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or any such Affiliate, on the one hand, and any employee or independent contractor thereof, on the other hand. |
6.4 | Non-Interference with Customers. During the Period of Employment and at all times thereafter, Executive will not, directly or indirectly through any other Person, use any of the Company’s (or any Affiliate’s) trade secrets to influence or attempt to influence customers, vendors, suppliers, licensors, lessors, joint venturers, associates, consultants, agents, or partners of the Company or any of its Affiliates to divert their business away from the Company or such Affiliate, and Executive will not otherwise use the Company’s (or any Affiliate’s) trade secrets to interfere with, disrupt or attempt to disrupt the business relationships, contractual or otherwise, between the Company or any of its Affiliates, on the one hand, and any of its or their customers, suppliers, vendors, lessors, licensors, joint venturers, associates, officers, employees, consultants, managers, partners, members or investors, on the other hand. |
6.5 | Cooperation. Following Executive’s last day of employment by the Company, Executive shall reasonably cooperate with the Company and its Affiliates in connection with: (a) the transition of Executive’s duties and responsibilities (or former duties and responsibilities, as the case may be); (b) any internal or governmental investigation or administrative, regulatory, arbitral or judicial proceeding involving the Company or any of its Affiliates with respect to matters relating to Executive’s employment with, or service as a member of the board of directors of, the Company or any of its Affiliates; and (c) any audit of the financial statements of the Company or any of its Affiliates with respect to the period of time when Executive was employed by the Company or any of its Affiliate. |
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6.6 | Return of Property. Executive agrees that, upon Executive’s Separation from Service (regardless of the reason for such separation) Executive will promptly return to the Company (a) all physical, computerized, electronic or other types of records, documents, proposals, notes, lists, files and any and all other materials, including computerized electronic information, that refer, relate or otherwise pertain to the Company or any of its Affiliates that are in Executive’s possession, subject to Executive’s control or held by Executive for others; and (b) all property or equipment that Executive has been issued by the Company or any of its Affiliates during the course of Executive’s employment or property or equipment of the Company or any of its Affiliates that Executive otherwise possesses, including any keys, credit cards, office or telephone equipment, computers (and any software, power cords, manuals, computer bag and other equipment that was provided to Executive with any such computers), tablets, smartphones, and other devices. Executive acknowledges that Executive is not authorized to retain any physical, computerized, electronic or other types of copies of any such physical, computerized, electronic or other types of records, documents, proposals, notes, lists, files or materials, and is not authorized to retain any property or equipment of the Company or any of its Affiliates, after Executive’s Separation from Service. Executive further agrees that, upon and following Executive’s Separation from Service, Executive will promptly forward to the Company (and thereafter destroy any electronic copies thereof) any business information relating to the Company or any of its Affiliates that has been or is inadvertently directed to Executive after such Separation from Service. Executive also agrees that Executive will disclose to the Company, whenever requested by the Company, all passwords necessary or desirable to enable the Company to access all information which Executive has password-protected on any computer equipment of the Company or any of its Affiliates or on the computer network or system of the Company or any of its Affiliates. |
6.7 | Understanding of Covenants. Executive acknowledges that, in the course of Executive’s employment with the Company and/or its Affiliates and their predecessors, Executive has become familiar, or will become familiar, with the Company’s and its Affiliates’ and their predecessors’ trade secrets and with other confidential and proprietary information concerning the Company, its Affiliates and their respective predecessors and that Executive’s services have been and will be of special, unique and extraordinary value to the Company and its Affiliates. Executive agrees that the foregoing covenants set forth in this Section 6 (together, the “Restrictive Covenants”) are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company’s and its Affiliates’ trade secrets and other confidential and proprietary information, good will, stable workforce, and customer relations. |
Without limiting the generality of Executive’s agreement in the preceding paragraph, Executive (i) represents that Executive is familiar with and has carefully considered the Restrictive Covenants, (ii) represents that Executive is fully aware of Executive’s obligations hereunder, (iii) agrees to the reasonableness of the length of time, scope and geographic coverage, as applicable, of the Restrictive Covenants, and (iv) agrees that the Restrictive Covenants will continue in effect for the applicable periods set forth above in this Section 6 regardless of whether Executive is then entitled to receive severance pay or benefits from the Company. Executive understands that the Restrictive Covenants may limit Executive’s ability to earn a livelihood in a business similar to the business of the Company and any of its Affiliates, but Executive nevertheless believes that Executive has received and will receive sufficient consideration and other benefits as an employee of the Company and as otherwise provided hereunder or as described in the recitals hereto to clearly justify such restrictions which, in any event (given Executive’s education, skills and ability), Executive does not believe would prevent Executive from otherwise earning a living. Executive agrees that the Restrictive Covenants do not confer a benefit upon the Company disproportionate to the detriment of Executive. |
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6.8 | Enforcement. Executive agrees that Executive’s services are unique and that Executive has access to Confidential Information and Work Product. Accordingly, without limiting the generality of Section 17, Executive agrees that a breach by Executive of any of the covenants in this Section 6 would cause immediate and irreparable harm to the Company that would be difficult or impossible to measure, and that damages to the Company for any such injury would therefore be an inadequate remedy for any such breach. Therefore, Executive agrees that in the event of any breach or threatened breach of any provision of this Section 6, the Company shall be entitled, in addition to and without limitation upon all other remedies the Company may have under this Agreement, at law or otherwise, to obtain specific performance, injunctive relief and/or other appropriate relief (without posting any bond or deposit) in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Section 6, or require Executive to account for and pay over to the Company all compensation, profits, moneys, accruals, increments or other benefits derived from or received as a result of any transactions constituting a breach of this Section 6 if and when final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction or arbitrator, as applicable, is so entered against Executive. To the extent the Company seeks monetary damages in excess of such specific performance, injunctive relief, and/or declaratory relief, the parties agree that any action for such monetary damages shall be taken subject to and in accordance with the arbitration agreement under Section 16 of this Agreement. Executive further agrees that the applicable period of time any Restrictive Covenant is in effect following the Severance Date, as determined pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 6, shall be extended by the same amount of time that Executive is in breach of any Restrictive Covenant following the Severance Date. |
6.9 | Protected Activities. Nothing in this Agreement, including this Section 6, shall in any way restrict or limit Executive from filing a complaint or administrative charge, or otherwise reporting possible violations of law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including, without limitation, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Department of Labor, Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, Congress, or any agency Inspector General, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of applicable law or regulation, or from cooperating with any federal, state, or local administrative agency in the investigation of such charges or reports, or from complying with any legal obligation to testify truthfully and accurately under oath. |
7. | Withholding Taxes. Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, the Company may withhold (or cause there to be withheld, as the case may be) from any amounts otherwise due or payable under or pursuant to this Agreement such federal, state and local income, employment, or other taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. Except for such withholding rights, Executive is solely responsible for any and all tax liability that may arise with respect to the compensation provided under or pursuant to this Agreement. |
8. | Successors and Assigns. |
(a) | This Agreement is personal to Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s legal representatives. |
(b) | This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, the Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, the “Company” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor or assignee, as applicable, which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise. The Company may cause any compensation payable to Executive pursuant to this Agreement (or any portion thereof) to be paid by one of its Affiliates. |
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9. | Number and Gender; Examples. Where the context requires, the singular shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular, and any gender shall include all other genders. Where specific language is used to clarify by example a general statement contained herein, such specific language shall not be deemed to modify, limit or restrict in any manner the construction of the general statement to which it relates. |
10. | Section Headings. The section headings of, and titles of paragraphs and subparagraphs contained in, this Agreement are for the purpose of convenience only, and they neither form a part of this Agreement nor are they to be used in the construction or interpretation thereof. |
11. | Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of California, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflicting provision or rule (whether of the state of California or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the laws of any jurisdiction other than the state of California to be applied. In furtherance of the foregoing, the internal law of the state of California will control the interpretation and construction of this Agreement, even if under such jurisdiction’s choice of law or conflict of law analysis, the substantive law of some other jurisdiction would ordinarily apply. |
12. | Severability. It is the desire and intent of the parties hereto 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 or determined by an arbitrator pursuant to Section 16 to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable under any present or future law, and if the rights and obligations of any party under this Agreement will not be materially and adversely affected thereby, such provision, as to such jurisdiction, shall be ineffective, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction, and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable; furthermore, in lieu of such invalid or unenforceable provision there will be added automatically as a part of this Agreement, a legal, valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such provision could be more narrowly drawn (as to geographic scope, period of duration or otherwise) 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. |
13. | Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement of Executive, on the one hand, and the Company and its Affiliates, on the other hand, respecting the matters within its scope. This Agreement supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements of Executive, on the one hand, and the Company and its Affiliates, on the other hand, that directly or indirectly bears upon the subject matter hereof, including, without limitation, the Prior Services Agreement. Any prior negotiations, correspondence, agreements, proposals or understandings relating to the subject matter hereof shall be deemed to have been merged into this Agreement, and to the extent inconsistent herewith, such negotiations, correspondence, agreements, proposals, or understandings shall be deemed to be of no force or effect. There are no representations, warranties, or agreements, whether express or implied, or oral or written, with respect to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly set forth herein. |
14. | Modifications. This Agreement may not be amended, modified or changed (in whole or in part), except by a formal, definitive written agreement expressly referring to this Agreement, which agreement is executed by both of the parties hereto. |
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15. | Waiver. Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of a party to exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any occurrence be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver. |
16. | Arbitration. Except as provided in Sections 6.8 and 17, any non-time barred, legally actionable controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, its enforcement, arbitrability or interpretation, or because of an alleged breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection with any of its provisions, or any other non-time barred, legally actionable controversy or claim arising out of or relating to Executive’s employment or association with the Company or termination of the same, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any alleged violation of state or federal statute, common law or constitution, shall be submitted to individual, final and binding arbitration, to be held in Los Angeles County, California, before a single arbitrator selected from Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”), in accordance with the then-current JAMS Arbitration Rules and Procedures for employment disputes, as modified by the terms and conditions in this Section (which may be found at www.jamsadr.com under the Rules/Clauses tab). The parties will select the arbitrator by mutual agreement or, if the parties cannot agree, then by striking from a list of nine qualified arbitrators supplied by JAMS from their labor and employment law panel. Final resolution of any dispute through arbitration may include any remedy or relief that is provided for through any applicable state or federal statutes, or common law. Statutes of limitations shall be the same as would be applicable were the action to be brought in court. The arbitration proceedings should be conducted with reasonable diligence and in an manner that would allow for completion within four (4) months after the initial demand for arbitration, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing by the parties. The arbitrator selected pursuant to this Agreement may order such discovery as is necessary for a full and fair exploration of the issues and dispute, consistent with the expedited nature of arbitration. At the conclusion of the arbitration, the arbitrator shall issue a written decision that sets forth the essential findings and conclusions upon which the arbitrator’s award or decision is based. Any award or relief granted by the arbitrator under this Agreement shall be final and binding on the parties to this Agreement and may be enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction. The Company will pay those arbitration costs that are unique to arbitration, including the arbitrator’s fee (recognizing that each side bears its own deposition, witness, expert and attorneys’ fees and other expenses to the same extent as if the matter were being heard in court). If, however, any party prevails on a statutory claim, which affords the prevailing party attorneys’ fees and costs, then the arbitrator may award reasonable fees and costs to the prevailing party. The arbitrator may not award attorneys’ fees to a party that would not otherwise be entitled to such an award under the applicable statute. The arbitrator shall resolve any dispute as to the reasonableness of any fee or cost. Except as provided in Section 6.8 and 17, the parties acknowledge and agree that they are hereby waiving any rights to trial by jury or a court in any action or proceeding brought by either of the parties against the other in connection with any matter whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with this Agreement or Executive’s employment. |
17. | Remedies. Each of the parties to this Agreement and any Person granted rights hereunder whether or not such person or entity is a signatory hereto shall be entitled to enforce its rights under this Agreement specifically to recover damages and costs for any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights existing in its favor. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and that each party (as well as each other Person granted rights hereunder) may in its sole discretion apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for provisional injunctive or equitable relief and/or other appropriate equitable relief (without posting any bond or deposit) in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Agreement. Each party shall be responsible for paying its own attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses pertaining to any such legal proceeding and enforcement regardless of whether an award or finding or any judgment or verdict thereon is entered against either party. |
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18. | Notices. Any notice provided for in this Agreement must be in writing and must be either personally delivered, transmitted via telecopier, mailed by first class mail (postage prepaid and return receipt requested) or sent by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) to the recipient at the address below indicated or at such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Notices will be deemed to have been given hereunder and received when delivered personally, when received if transmitted via telecopier, five days after deposit in the U.S. mail and one day after deposit with a reputable overnight courier service. |
if to the Company:
Surf Air Mobility Inc.
12111 S. Crenshaw Blvd.
Hawthorne, CA 90250
Email: legalnotices@surfair.com
if to Executive, to the address most recently on file in the payroll records of the Company.
19. | Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall become binding when one or more counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of all of the parties reflected hereon as the signatories. Counterparts of this Agreement may be executed and delivered by facsimile or other electronic signature (including portable document format) by either of the parties and the receiving party may rely on the receipt of such document so executed and delivered electronically or by facsimile as if the original had been received. |
20. | Legal Counsel; Mutual Drafting. Each party recognizes that this is a legally binding contract and acknowledges and agrees that they have had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel of their choice. Each party has cooperated in the drafting, negotiation and preparation of this Agreement. Hence, in any construction to be made of this Agreement, the same shall not be construed against either party on the basis of that party being the drafter of such language. Executive agrees and acknowledges that Executive has read and understands this Agreement, is entering into it freely and voluntarily, and has been advised to seek counsel prior to entering into this Agreement and has had ample opportunity to do so. |
21. | Section 409A. |
(a) | It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement shall either be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code (including the Treasury regulations and other published guidance relating thereto) (“Code Section 409A”) so as not to subject Executive to payment of any additional tax, penalty or interest imposed under Code Section 409A. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted to avoid the imputation of any such additional tax, penalty or interest under Code Section 409A yet preserve (to the nearest extent reasonably possible) the intended benefit payable to Executive. Any installment payments provided for in this Agreement shall be treated as a series of separate payments for purposes of Code Section 409A. |
(b) | If Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A- 1(i) as of the date of Executive’s Separation from Service, Executive shall not be entitled to any payment or benefit pursuant to Section 5.3(b) or (c) until the earlier of (i) the date which is six (6) months after Executive’s Separation from Service for any reason other than death, or (ii) the date of Executive’s death. |
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The provisions of this Section 21(b) shall only apply if, and to the extent, required to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest pursuant to Code Section 409A. Any amounts otherwise payable to Executive upon or in the six (6) month period following Executive’s Separation from Service that are not so paid by reason of this Section 21(b) shall be paid (without interest) as soon as practicable (and in all events within thirty (30) days) after the date that is six (6) months after Executive’s Separation from Service (or, if earlier, as soon as practicable, and in all events within thirty (30) days, after the date of Executive’s death).
(c) | To the extent that any benefits pursuant to Section 5.3(b)(ii) or reimbursements pursuant to Section 4.2 are taxable to Executive, any reimbursement payment due to Executive pursuant to any such provision shall be paid to Executive on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the related expense was incurred. The benefits and reimbursements pursuant to such provisions are not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and the amount of such benefits and reimbursements that Executive receives in one taxable year shall not affect the amount of such benefits or reimbursements that Executive receives in any other taxable year. |
22. | Section 280G. |
(a) | If any of the payments or benefits received or to be received by Executive under this Agreement or otherwise, including, without limitation, the severance benefits received in connection with a Change in Control or Executive’s termination of employment under Section 5.3 (all such payments collectively referred to herein as the “280G Payments”) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and would, but for this Section 22, be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then prior to making the 280G Payments, a calculation shall be made comparing (i) the Net Benefit (as defined below) to Executive of the 280G Payments after payment of the Excise Tax to (ii) the Net Benefit to Executive if the 280G Payments are limited to the extent necessary to avoid being subject to the Excise Tax. If the amount calculated under (i) above is less than the amount under (ii) above, the 280G Payments will be reduced to the minimum extent necessary to ensure that no portion of the 280G Payments is subject to the Excise Tax. For purposes of this Agreement, “Net Benefit” shall mean the present value to Executive of the 280G Payments net of all federal, state, local, foreign income, employment, and excise taxes. Any reduction made pursuant to this Section 22 shall be made first from any cash severance, then from any payment in respect of an equity award that is not covered by Treas. Reg. Section 1.280G-1 Q/A-24(b) or (c), then from any payment in respect of an equity award that is covered by Treas. Reg. Section 1.280G-1 Q/A-24(c), in each case in reverse order beginning with payments or benefits which are to be paid the farthest in time from the determination. |
(b) | Any determination as to whether 280G Payments shall be reduced pursuant to this Section 22, and the amount of any such reduction, shall be made by the Company’s independent public accountants or another certified public accounting firm or consulting firm of national reputation designated by the Company (the “Tax Counsel”). The Tax Counsel’s determinations shall be final and binding on the Parties. For purposes of making the calculations and determinations required by this Section 22, the Tax Counsel may rely on reasonable, good faith assumptions and approximations concerning the application of Section 280G and Section 4999 of the Code. Executive and Company shall furnish the Tax Counsel with such information and documents as the Tax Counsel may reasonably request in order to make its determinations under this Section 22. Company shall bear all costs the Tax Counsel may reasonably incur in connection with its services. |
[Signature page follows.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and Executive have executed this Agreement as of the Effective
Date.
“COMPANY” | ||
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC., | ||
a Delaware corporation | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | CEO |
SURF AIR GLOBAL LIMITED, | ||
a British Virgin Islands company, solely with respect to Section 3.3 | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | CEO |
“EXECUTIVE” | ||
By: | /s/ Deanna White | |
Name: | Deanna White |
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EXHIBIT A
FORM OF GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT
1. Release. Deanna White (“Executive”), on Executive’s own behalf and on behalf of Executive’s descendants, dependents, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and successors, and each of them, hereby acknowledges full and complete satisfaction of and releases and discharges and covenants not to sue Surf Air Mobility Inc. (the “Company”), its divisions, subsidiaries, parents, or affiliated corporations, past and present, and each of them, as well as its and their assignees, successors, directors, officers, stockholders, partners, representatives, attorneys, agents or employees, past or present, or any of them (individually and collectively, “Releasees”), from and with respect to any and all claims, agreements, obligations, demands and causes of action, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, arising out of or in any way connected with Executive’s employment or any other relationship with or interest in the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or the termination thereof, including without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any claim for severance pay, profit sharing, bonus or similar benefit, pension, retirement, life insurance, health or medical insurance or any other fringe benefit, or disability, or any other claims, agreements, obligations, demands and causes of action, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected resulting from any act or omission by or on the part of Releasees committed or omitted prior to the date of this General Release Agreement (this “Agreement”) set forth below, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, California Labor Code Section 132a, the California Family Rights Act, or any other federal, state or local law, regulation, ordinance, constitution or common law (collectively, the “Claims”); provided, however, that the foregoing release does not apply to any obligation of the Company to Executive pursuant to any of the following: (1) Section 5.3 of the Employment Agreement dated as of June 1, 2021, by and between the Company and Executive (the “Employment Agreement”); (2) any equity-based awards previously granted by any of the Releasees to Executive, to the extent that such awards continue after the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company in accordance with the applicable terms of such awards; (3) any right to indemnification that Executive may have pursuant to the Company’s bylaws, its corporate charter or under any written indemnification agreement with the Company (or any corresponding provision of any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company) with respect to any loss, damages or expenses (including but not limited to attorneys’ fees to the extent otherwise provided) that Executive may in the future incur with respect to Executive’s service as an employee, officer or director of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates; (4) with respect to any rights that Executive may have to insurance coverage for such losses, damages or expenses under any Company (or subsidiary or affiliate) directors and officers liability insurance policy; (5) any rights to continued medical and dental coverage that Executive may have under COBRA; (6) any rights to payment of benefits that Executive may have under a retirement plan sponsored or maintained by the Company that is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; or (7) any rights to enforce any provision of the Employment Agreement that may continue to be in effect after Executive’s employment with the Company has terminated. In addition, this release does not cover any Claim that cannot be so released as a matter of applicable law. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing in this Agreement prohibits Executive from filing a charge with or participating in an investigation conducted by any state or federal government agencies. However, Executive does waive, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the right to receive any monetary or other recovery, should any agency or any other person pursue any claims on Executive’s behalf arising out of any claim released pursuant to this Agreement. For clarity, and as required by law, such waiver does not prevent Executive from accepting a whistleblower award from the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive has received any and all leave and other benefits that Executive has been and is entitled to pursuant to the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.
2. Acknowledgement of Payment of Wages. Except for accrued vacation (which the parties agree totals approximately [Ÿ] days of pay) and salary for the current pay period and the payments and benefits provided under Section 5.3 of the Employment Agreement, Executive acknowledges that Executive has received all amounts owed for Executive’s regular and usual salary (including, but not limited to, any bonus, incentive or other wages), and usual benefits through the date of this Agreement.
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3. Waiver of Unknown Claims. This Agreement is intended to be effective as a general release of and bar to each and every Claim hereinabove specified. Accordingly, Executive hereby expressly waives any rights and benefits conferred by Section 1542 of the California Civil Code and any similar provision of any other applicable state law as to the Claims. Section 1542 of the California Civil Code provides:
“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.”
Executive acknowledges that Executive later may discover claims, demands, causes of action or facts in addition to or different from those which Executive now knows or believes to exist with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and which, if known or suspected at the time of executing this Agreement, may have materially affected its terms. Nevertheless, Executive hereby waives, as to the Claims, any claims, demands, and causes of action that might arise as a result of such different or additional claims, demands, causes of action or facts.
4. ADEA Waiver. Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that by entering into this Agreement, Executive is waiving any and all rights or claims that Executive may have arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (the “ADEA”), and that this waiver and release is knowing and voluntary. Executive and the Company agree that this waiver and release does not apply to any rights or claims that may arise under the ADEA after the date Executive signs this Agreement. Executive further expressly acknowledges and agrees that:
(a) In return for this Agreement, Executive will receive consideration beyond that which Executive was already entitled to receive before executing this Agreement;
(b) Executive is hereby advised in writing by this Agreement to consult with an attorney before signing this Agreement;
(c) Executive was given a copy of this Agreement on [ , 202 ], and informed that Executive had [twenty-one (21)] days within which to consider this Agreement and that if Executive wished to execute this Agreement prior to the expiration of such [21]-day period Executive will have done so voluntarily and with full knowledge that Executive is waiving Executive’s right to have [twenty-one (21)] days to consider this Agreement; and that such [twenty-one (21)] day period to consider this Agreement would not and will not be re-started or extended based on any changes, whether material or immaterial, that are or were made to this Agreement in such [twenty-one (21)] day period after Executive received it;
(d) Executive was informed that Executive had seven (7) days following the date of execution of this Agreement in which to revoke this Agreement, and this Agreement will become null and void if Executive elects revocation during that time. Any revocation must be in writing and must be received by the Company during the seven-day revocation period. In the event that Executive exercises this revocation right, neither the Company nor Executive will have any obligation under this Agreement. Any notice of revocation should be sent by Executive in writing to the Company (attention [ ]), [Insert Address], so that it is received within the seven-day period following execution of this Agreement by Executive.
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(e) Nothing in this Agreement prevents or precludes Executive from challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of this waiver under the ADEA, nor does it impose any condition precedent, penalties or costs for doing so, unless specifically authorized by federal law.
5. No Transferred Claims. Executive represents and warrants to the Company that Executive has not heretofore assigned or transferred to any person not a party to this Agreement any released matter or any part or portion thereof.
6. Return of Property. Executive represents and covenants that Executive has returned to the Company (a) all physical, computerized, electronic or other types of records, documents, proposals, notes, lists, files and any and all other materials, including computerized electronic information, that refer, relate or otherwise pertain to the Company or any of its Affiliates (as defined in the Employment Agreement) that were in Executive’s possession, subject to Executive’s control or held by Executive for others; and (b) all property or equipment that Executive has been issued by the Company or any of its Affiliates during the course of Executive’s employment or property or equipment that Executive otherwise possessed, including any keys, credit cards, office or telephone equipment, computers (and any software, power cords, manuals, computer bag and other equipment that was provided to Executive with any such computers), tablets, smartphones, and other devices. Executive acknowledges that Executive is not authorized to retain any physical, computerized, electronic or other types of copies of any such physical, computerized, electronic or other types of records, documents, proposals, notes, lists, files or materials, and is not authorized to retain any property or equipment of the Company or any of its Affiliates. Executive further agrees that Executive will immediately forward to the Company (and thereafter destroy any electronic copies thereof) any business information relating to the Company or any of its Affiliates that has been or is inadvertently directed to Executive following the date of the termination of Executive’s employment.
7. | Miscellaneous. The following provisions shall apply for purposes of this Agreement: |
(a) Number and Gender. Where the context requires, the singular shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular, and any gender shall include all other genders.
(b) Section Headings. The section headings of, and titles of paragraphs and subparagraphs contained in, this Agreement are for the purpose of convenience only, and they neither form a part of this Agreement nor are they to be used in the construction or interpretation thereof.
(c) Governing Law. This Agreement, and all questions relating to its validity, interpretation, performance and enforcement, as well as the legal relations hereby created between the parties hereto, shall be governed by and construed under, and interpreted and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of California, notwithstanding any California or other conflict of law provision to the contrary.
(d) Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Agreement which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable.
(e) Modifications. This Agreement may not be amended, modified or changed (in whole or in part), except by a formal, definitive written agreement expressly referring to this Agreement, which agreement is executed by both of the parties hereto.
(f) Waiver. No waiver of any breach of any term or provision of this Agreement shall be construed to be, nor shall be, a waiver of any other breach of this Agreement. No waiver shall be binding unless in writing and signed by the party waiving the breach.
(g) Arbitration. Any controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be submitted to arbitration in accordance with the arbitration provisions of the Employment Agreement.
(h) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart, when executed, shall have the efficacy of a signed original. Photographic copies of such signed counterparts may be used in lieu of the originals for any purpose.
[Signature page follows.]
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The undersigned have read and understand the consequences of this Agreement and voluntarily sign it. The undersigned declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.
EXECUTED this [●] day of [●], 20[●], at [●] County, [●].
“EXECUTIVE” | ||
By: | ||
Name: | Deanna White |
EXECUTED this [●] day of [●], 20[●], at [●] County, [●].
“COMPANY” | ||
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC., | ||
a Delaware corporation | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
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EXHIBIT B
LIST OF PRIOR INVENTIONS
AND ORIGINAL WORKS OF AUTHORSHIP
Title | Date | Identifying Number or Brief Description |
No inventions or improvements | ||
Additional Sheets Attached |
Signature of Employee: | |||
Print Name of Employee: | |||
Date: |
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EXHIBIT C
CALIFORNIA LABOR
CODE SECTION 2870
INVENTION ON OWN TIME-EXEMPTION FROM AGREEMENT
“(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 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.”
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Exhibit 10.22
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into this 20th day of August, 2021, by and between Surf Air Mobility Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and solely with respect to Section 3.3 hereunder, Surf Air Global Limited, a British Virgin Islands company (“Global”), on the one hand, and Sudhin Shahani (“Executive”), on the other hand.
RECITALS
THE PARTIES ENTER THIS AGREEMENT on the basis of the following facts, understandings and intentions:
A. The Company desires to employ Executive, and Executive desires to accept such employment, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
B. This Agreement shall govern the employment relationship between Executive and the Company from and after the Effective Date (as such term is defined below), and, as of the Effective Date, supersedes and negates all previous agreements and understandings with respect to such relationships (including, without limitation, that certain consulting agreement by and between SURFAIR Holdings Limited, on the one hand, and SRS Ventures and Executive, on the other hand, dated as of April 15, 2015, as well as any other offer letter or employment agreement between Executive, on the one hand, and the Company or any of its Affiliates (as such term is defined below) or any of their predecessors, on the other hand (together, the “Prior Services Agreement”)), except that Executive shall receive all unpaid wages, payments, and benefits that Executive has earned or accrued or earns or accrues under the Prior Services Agreement prior to the Effective Date.
C. The benefits under this Agreement shall become effective as of the first day on which shares of common stock of the Company or one of its Affiliates are traded on a national securities exchange following either (a) an initial public offering or direct listing of shares of the Company or its Affiliate or (b) a business combination with a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC (such date, the “Effective Date”).
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals incorporated herein and the mutual covenants and promises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby expressly acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
1. | Retention and Duties. |
1.1 | Retention. The Company does hereby hire, engage and employ Executive for the Period of Employment (as such term is defined in Section 2) on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement. Executive does hereby accept and agree to such hiring, engagement and employment, on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement. Certain capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section 5.5 of this Agreement. |
1.2 | Duties. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall serve the Company as its Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of its Board of Directors (the “Board”), and shall have such authorities, duties and obligations commensurate with such positions as determined by the Board from time to time, all subject to the lawful and reasonable directives of the Board and the corporate policies of the Company, as (in each case) such directives and policies are in effect from time to time throughout the Period of Employment. Any change of Executive’s job title during the Period of Employment under this Agreement shall not impact or detract from any other provision of this Agreement, all of which shall continue in full force and effect after such change of job title. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall not be entitled to any additional compensation (beyond that set forth in this Agreement) for Executive’s service in any other position(s) Executive may hold from time to time with any other Affiliate of the Company; provided that the Company covenants to use its reasonable best efforts to retain the Executive, as a Co-Founder, as a member of the Board. |
1.3 | No Other Employment; Minimum Time Commitment. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall (i) devote substantially all of Executive’s business time, energy and skill to the performance of Executive’s duties for the Company, (ii) perform such duties in a faithful, effective and efficient manner to the best of Executive’s abilities, and (iii) hold no other employment; provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict Executive from (x) serving on boards of directors (or similar bodies) of other entities (including, without limitation, any association, corporate, civic, for profit or charitable board or similar body) or (y) management and direction of Executive’s personal investments, so long as (A) such activities do not interfere in any material respect with the effective discharge of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company hereunder, (B) no business related to such activities is in direct or indirect competition with any business of the Company, any Affiliate or any of their respective successors or assigns and (C) Executive provides notice to the Board of any significant outside business activity in which Executive plans to become involved, whether or not such activity is pursued for profit. |
1.4 | No Breach of Contract. Executive hereby represents to the Company and agrees that: (i) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Executive and the Company and the performance by Executive of Executive’s duties hereunder do not and shall not constitute a breach of, conflict with, or otherwise contravene or cause a default under, the terms of any other agreement or policy to which Executive is a party or otherwise bound or any judgment, order or decree to which Executive is subject; (ii) Executive will not enter into any new agreement that would or reasonably could contravene or cause a default by Executive under this Agreement; (iii) Executive has no information (including, without limitation, confidential information and trade secrets) relating to any other Person which would prevent, or be violated by, Executive entering into this Agreement or carrying out Executive’s duties hereunder; (iv) Executive is not bound by any employment, consulting, non-compete, non-solicitation, confidentiality, trade secret or similar agreement (other than this Agreement) with any other Person (other than ongoing, customary confidentiality obligations as to confidential information obtained from prior employers in the course of Executive’s prior employment with them); (v) to the extent Executive has any confidential or similar information that Executive is not free to disclose to the Company, Executive will not disclose such information to the extent such disclosure would violate applicable law or any other agreement or policy to which Executive is a party or by which Executive is otherwise bound; and (vi) Executive understands the Company will rely upon the accuracy and truth of the representations and warranties of Executive set forth herein and Executive consents to such reliance. |
1.5 | Location. Executive’s principal place of employment shall be at the Company’s principal executive offices as they may be located from time to time in the greater Los Angeles, California metropolitan area. Executive agrees that Executive will be present at that office as needed (or will work remotely, to the extent consistent with Company policy) during regular business hours (except for required business travel, holidays, vacation and other leaves consistent with this Agreement). Executive acknowledges that Executive will be reasonably required to travel from time to time in the course of performing Executive’s duties for the Company. |
2. | Period of Employment. The “Period of Employment” shall be a period of five (5) years commencing on the Effective Date and ending at the close of business on the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Effective Date; provided, however, that, effective on each anniversary of the Effective Date, this Agreement shall be automatically renewed and the Period of Employment shall be automatically extended by one (1) additional year such that the Period of Employment, in whole, shall be a period of five (5) years measured from said anniversary of the Effective Date, unless either party gives written notice at least sixty (60) days prior to said anniversary of the Effective Date of such party’s desire not to extend the Period of Employment and to terminate the Period of Employment at the end of the then-pending five (5)-year period (such notice to be delivered in accordance with Section 18). The term “Period of Employment” shall include any extension thereof pursuant to the preceding sentence. Provision of notice that the Period of Employment shall not be extended or further extended, as the case may be, shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement and, in the case of a provision of such notice by the Company, shall constitute a termination of Executive’s employment by the Company as of the end of the Period of Employment then in effect without “Cause.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Period of Employment is subject to earlier termination as provided below in this Agreement. |
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3. | Compensation. |
3.1 | Base Salary. During the Period of Employment, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary (the “Base Salary”), which shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices in effect from time to time but not less frequently than in monthly installments. Executive’s Base Salary shall be at an annualized rate of Nine Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($975,000.00). Within two (2) weeks after the Effective Date, the Company shall pay Executive a “catch-up” bonus payment representing the difference between (a) the base salary or consulting fees (as applicable) Executive would have received during the period from June 1, 2021 up to (but not including) the Effective Date (the “Interim Period”) had such base salary or consulting fees been paid at the level of the Base Salary stated above, less (b) the actual base salary or consulting fees earned by Executive during the Interim Period. The Board (or a committee thereof) shall review Executive’s salary periodically, no less frequently than annually (commencing in 2022), and may, in its sole discretion, increase (but not decrease) Executive’s rate of Base Salary. |
3.2 | Incentive Bonus. Commencing with fiscal year 2021, Executive shall be eligible to receive an incentive bonus for each fiscal year of the Company, or portion thereof, that occurs during the Period of Employment (“Incentive Bonus”). Notwithstanding the foregoing and except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, Executive must be employed by the Company at the time the Company pays incentive bonuses to employees generally with respect to a particular fiscal year in order to earn and be eligible for an Incentive Bonus for that year, which amounts are paid within 2 ½ months following the end of the fiscal year to which the bonus relates (and, if Executive is not so employed at such time, in no event shall Executive have been considered to have “earned” any Incentive Bonus with respect to the fiscal year). Executive’s target Incentive Bonus amount for a particular fiscal year of the Company shall equal two hundred percent (200%) of Executive’s Base Salary paid by the Company to Executive for that fiscal year; provided that Executive’s actual Incentive Bonus amount for a particular fiscal year shall be determined by the Board (or its delegate) in its sole discretion, based on performance objectives (which may include Company, business unit or division, financial, strategic, individual or other objectives) established with respect to that particular fiscal year by the Board (or its delegate) or such other factors it may consider relevant in the circumstances. |
3.3 | Equity Awards. For fiscal year 2021, Executive will be granted 25,218,473 ordinary shares of Global, which is equal to four percent (4%) of the outstanding ordinary shares of Global at the time of the grant (the “Shares”), pursuant to a restricted stock grant agreement issued under Global’s 2016 equity incentive plan. The form and other terms and conditions (including applicable lock- up restrictions) of such award shall be determined by Global’s board of directors, and the award will be subject to the terms and conditions of Global’s 2016 equity incentive plan and an award agreement in the form prescribed by the Global board of directors. In each subsequent fiscal year during the Period of Employment, Executive shall participate in the Company’s equity award plans, pursuant to which, from time to time during the Period of Employment, Executive may be granted one or more stock option, stock unit, or other equity awards as approved by the Board (or a committee thereof). Any such award shall be evidenced by a written award agreement approved by the Board (or a committee thereof), and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of such award agreement and the Company’s equity plan under which the award was granted. |
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4. | Benefits. |
4.1 | Retirement, Welfare and Fringe Benefits. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee pension and welfare benefit plans and programs, and fringe benefit plans and programs, made available by the Company to the Company’s employees generally or to its executive officers, in accordance with the eligibility and participation provisions of such plans and as such plans or programs may be in effect from time to time. |
4.2 | Reimbursement of Business Expenses. Executive is authorized to incur reasonable expenses in carrying out Executive’s duties for the Company under this Agreement and shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses Executive incurs during the Period of Employment in connection with carrying out Executive’s duties for the Company, subject to the Company’s expense reimbursement policies and any pre-approval policies in effect from time to time, and subject to Section 21(c) of this Agreement. Executive agrees to promptly submit and document any reimbursable expenses in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies to facilitate the timely reimbursement of such expenses. |
4.3 | Vacation and Other Leave. During the Period of Employment, Executive’s annual rate of vacation accrual shall be no less than four (4) weeks per year, with such vacation to accrue and be subject to the Company’s vacation policies in effect from time to time, including any policy which may limit vacation accruals and/or limit the amount of accrued but unused vacation to carry over from year to year. Executive shall also be entitled to all other holiday and leave pay generally available to other executives of the Company. |
4.4 | Travel Policy. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to utilize Company aircraft and incur travel expenses in accordance with the Company’s travel policy as applicable to senior executives of the Company as in effect from time to time. |
4.5 | Indemnification and D&O. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall receive directors & officers liability insurance coverage that is customarily made available by the Company to similarly situated executives, as may be in effect from time to time. Executive shall also be offered an indemnification agreement, related to indemnification obligations in the event that Executive is made a party or threatened to be made a party to any action or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, by reason of the fact that Executive is or was a director or officer of the Company, not later than at the time that, and on the same form as, any such indemnification agreement is offered by the Company to any other officer or director on or prior to the Effective Date, and providing that Executive shall, to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law be indemnified and held harmless from and against any liabilities, costs, claims, and expenses, including all costs and expenses (including attorney’s fees). |
4.6 | Legal Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for legal fees and expenses associated with the negotiation and documentation of this Agreement up to a maximum amount of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00). |
4.7 | Company Automobile. Promptly following the commencement of the Period of Employment and continuing for the duration of the Period of Employment, the Company shall provide Executive for his use with a hybrid, electrified, or all electric automobile (to the extent reasonably available). The lease payments, maintenance and use of such automobile shall be in accordance with the Company’s vehicle policy as applicable to senior executives of the Company as in effect from time to time. |
5. | Termination. |
5.1 | Termination by the Company. During the Period of Employment, Executive’s employment by the Company, and the Period of Employment, may be terminated at any time by the Company: (i) with Cause, subject to the terms and conditions set forth under Section 5.5(c), or (ii) with no less than sixty (60) days advance written notice to Executive (such notice to be delivered in accordance with Section 18), without Cause, or (iii) in the event of Executive’s death, or (iv) in the event that the Board determines in good faith that Executive has a Disability. |
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5.2 | Termination by Executive. During the Period of Employment, Executive’s employment by the Company, and the Period of Employment, may be terminated by Executive with no less than sixty (60) days advance written notice to the Company (such notice to be delivered in accordance with Section 18); provided, however, that in the case of a termination for Good Reason, Executive may provide immediate written notice of termination once the applicable cure period (as contemplated by the definition of Good Reason) has lapsed if the Company has not reasonably cured the circumstances that gave rise to the basis for the Good Reason termination. |
5.3 | Benefits upon Termination. If Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated for any reason by the Company or by Executive (whether or not during or following the expiration of the Period of Employment) (the date that Executive’s employment by the Company terminates is referred to as the “Severance Date”), the Company shall have no further obligation to make or provide to Executive, and Executive shall have no further right to receive or obtain from the Company, any payments or benefits except as follows: |
(a) The Company shall pay or provide (or shall cause there to be paid or provided, as the case may be) Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death, Executive’s estate) any Accrued Obligations;
(b) If Executive’s employment with the Company terminates during the Period of Employment as a result of a termination by the Company without Cause (other than due to Executive’s death or Disability) or a resignation by Executive for Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) The Company shall pay Executive (in addition to the Accrued Obligations), subject to tax withholding and other authorized deductions, severance pay equal (in the aggregate) to the Base Salary (determined based on the Base Salary rate in effect on the Severance Date before any reduction constituting Good Reason) that otherwise would have accrued had Executive’s employment with the Company not terminated over the remainder of the five-year Period of Employment then in effect immediately prior to the Severance Date. Such amount is referred to hereinafter as the “Severance Benefit.” Subject to Section 21(b) and except as provided in the next sentence, the Severance Benefit shall be paid in equal installment payments (each of the applicable fraction of the total Severance Benefit to be paid) in accordance with the Company’s usual payroll practices (but no less frequently than in monthly installments) over the remainder of such five-year period; provided that the first such installment payment shall be paid on the first regularly scheduled payroll date occurring after the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s Separation from Service and such first installment payment shall include all amounts that otherwise would have been paid to Executive during the period beginning in Executive’s Separation of Service and ending on such first payment date if no delay had been imposed. If, however, such Separation from Service occurs on or within two years following a 409A Change in Control, then (subject to Section 21(b)) the Severance Benefit shall be paid in a single lump payment on the first regularly scheduled payroll date occurring after the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s Separation from Service. For this purpose, a “409A Change in Control” means a Change in Control Event that constitutes a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company, within the meaning of Code Section 409A (as such term is defined below) and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
(ii) The Company will pay or reimburse Executive for Executive’s premiums charged to continue medical coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”), at the same or reasonably equivalent medical coverage for Executive (and, if applicable, Executive’s eligible dependents) as in effect immediately prior to the Severance Date, to the extent that Executive elects such continued coverage; provided that the Company’s obligation to make any payment or reimbursement pursuant to this clause (ii) shall, subject to Section 21(b), commence with continuation coverage for the month following the month in which Executive’s Separation from Service occurs and shall cease with continuation coverage upon the conclusion of the eighteenth (18th) month after the month in which Executive’s Separation from Service occurs (or, if earlier, shall cease upon the first to occur of Executive’s death, the date Executive becomes eligible for coverage under the health plan of a future employer, or the date the Company ceases to offer group medical coverage to its active executive employees or the Company is otherwise under no obligation to offer COBRA continuation coverage to Executive). To the extent Executive elects COBRA coverage, Executive shall notify the Company in writing of such election prior to such coverage taking effect and complete any other continuation coverage enrollment procedures the Company may then have in place. The Company’s obligations pursuant to this Section 5.3(b)(ii) are subject to the Company’s ability to comply with applicable law and provide such benefit without resulting in adverse tax consequences.
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(iii) The Company shall promptly pay to Executive any Incentive Bonus that would otherwise be paid to Executive had Executive’s employment with the Company not terminated with respect to any fiscal year that ended before the Severance Date, to the extent not theretofore paid.
(iv) The Company shall pay, on the first regularly scheduled payroll date occurring after the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s Separation from Service, an amount in cash equal to (x) Executive’s target Incentive Bonus for the fiscal year in which the Severance Date occurs, multiplied by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the total number of days in such fiscal year in which Executive was employed by the Company and the denominator of which is the total number of days in such fiscal year
(v) The Company shall pay, on the first regularly scheduled payroll date occurring after the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s Separation from Service, an amount in cash equal to one and one-half (1.5) times (or, if the Severance Date occurs on or after the date of a Change in Control Event, two (2) times) Executive’s target Incentive Bonus for the fiscal year in which the Severance Date occurs.
(vi) As to each then-outstanding stock option and other equity-based award granted by the Company to Executive that vests based solely on Executive’s continued service with the Company or its Affiliates, Executive shall vest as of the Severance Date in any portion of such award in which Executive would have vested thereunder if Executive’s employment with the Company had continued for eighteen (18) months after the Severance Date (and any portion of such award that is not vested after giving effect to this acceleration provision shall terminate on the Severance Date). As to each outstanding stock option or other equity-based award granted by the Company to Executive that is subject to performance-based vesting requirements, the vesting of such award will continue to be governed by its terms, provided that (unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable award agreement) for purposes of any service-based vesting requirement under such award, Executive’s employment with the Company will be deemed to have continued for eighteen (18) months after the Severance Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Severance Date occurs on or after the date of a Change in Control Event, (i) each stock option and other equity-based award granted by the Company to Executive that vests based solely on Executive’s continued service with the Company or its Affiliates, to the extent then outstanding and unvested, shall be fully vested as of the Severance Date, and (ii) any service-based vesting requirement under each outstanding stock option or other equity- based award granted by the Company to Executive that is subject to performance-based vesting requirements shall (unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable award agreement) be deemed satisfied at the applicable “target” performance level as of the Severance Date.
(c) If Executive’s employment with the Company terminates during the Period of Employment as a result of Executive’s death or Disability, the Company shall pay Executive (or Executive’s estate) the Accrued Obligations and, on the first regularly scheduled payroll date occurring after the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s Separation from Service, the amounts contemplated by Sections 5.3(b)(iii) and 5.3(b)(iv).
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3, if Executive breaches Executive’s obligations under Section 6 of this Agreement at any time, from and after the date of such breach and not in any way in limitation of any right or remedy otherwise available to the Company, Executive will no longer be entitled to, and the Company will no longer be obligated to pay any remaining unpaid portion of the Severance Benefit or any continued Company-paid or reimbursed coverage pursuant to Section 5.3(b)(ii).
(e) The foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3 shall not affect: (i) the Executive’s receipt of salary and other wages earned or accrued during the Period of Employment under the Company’s compensation plans, policies, and practices and applicable law; (ii) the Executive’s receipt of benefits otherwise due to terminated employees under group insurance coverage consistent with the terms of the applicable Company welfare benefit plan; (iii) the Executive’s rights under COBRA to continue health coverage; or (iv) the Executive’s receipt of benefits otherwise due in accordance with the terms of the Company’s 401(k) plan (if any).
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5.4 | Release; Exclusive Remedy; Leave. |
(a) As a condition precedent to any Company obligation to Executive pursuant to Section 5.3(b), Executive shall provide the Company with a valid, executed general release agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (with such changes as the Company may reasonably make to such form consistent with the purposes and intent of such form and to help ensure its enforceability in light of any changes in applicable law, rules or regulations) (the “Release”), and such Release shall have not been revoked by Executive pursuant to any revocation rights afforded by applicable law. The Company shall provide the final form of Release to Executive not later than seven (7) days following the Severance Date, and Executive shall be required to execute and return the Release to the Company within twenty-one (21) days (or forty- five (45) days if such longer period of time is required to make the Release maximally enforceable under applicable law) after the Company provides the form of Release to Executive.
(b) The Company and Executive acknowledge and agree that there is no duty of Executive to mitigate damages under this Agreement. All amounts paid to Executive pursuant to Section 5.3 shall be paid without regard to whether Executive has taken or takes actions to mitigate damages. Executive agrees to resign, on the Severance Date, as an officer and director of the Company and as an officer and director of each and every Affiliate of the Company, and as a fiduciary of any benefit plan of the Company or any of its Affiliates, and to promptly execute and provide to the Company any further documentation, as requested by the Company, to confirm such resignations, and to remove Executive as a signatory on any accounts maintained by the Company or any of its Affiliates (or any of their respective benefit plans).
(c) In the event that the Company provides Executive notice of termination without Cause pursuant to Section 5.1 or Executive provides the Company notice of termination pursuant to Section 5.2, the Company will have the option to place Executive on paid administrative leave during the notice period; provided, however, that Executive shall continue to have reasonable access to Company’s administrative departments and services (or to a human resources representative designated by the Company for such purpose) relative to Executive’s compensation, equity, and benefits during the notice period.
5.5 | Certain Defined Terms. |
(a) As used herein, “Accrued Obligations” means:
(i) any Base Salary that had accrued but had not been paid (including accrued and unpaid vacation time) on or before the Severance Date; and
(ii) any reimbursement due to Executive pursuant to Section 4.2 for expenses reasonably incurred by Executive on or before the Severance Date and documented and pre-approved, to the extent applicable, in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies in effect at the applicable time; and
(iii) any benefits payable under the Company’s employee benefit plans, programs and policies that Executive otherwise has a nonforfeitable right to receive under the terms of such plans, programs and policies (other than severance benefits), independent of Executive’s rights under this Agreement but without duplication of any benefit provided under this Agreement.
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(b) As used herein, “Affiliate” means a Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company. As used in this definition, the term “control,” including the correlative terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with,” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities or any partnership or other ownership interest, by contract or otherwise) of a Person.
(c) As used herein, “Cause” shall mean, as reasonably determined by the Board (excluding Executive, if Executive is then a member of the Board) based on the information then known to it, that one or more of the following has occurred provided that, prior to making such determination, the Company has conducted a diligent investigation into the alleged events giving rise to the Cause determination that includes, but is not limited to, providing due process to Executive:
(i) Executive is convicted of, pled guilty or pled nolo contendere to a felony or any crime involving fraud or dishonesty (in each case, under the laws of the United States or any relevant state, or a similar crime or offense under the applicable laws of any relevant foreign jurisdiction);
(ii) Executive has engaged in acts of fraud, dishonesty or other acts of willful and material misconduct in the course of Executive’s duties hereunder;
(iii) Executive willfully neglects to perform or uphold Executive’s material duties under this Agreement and/or willfully and materially fails to comply with reasonable directives of the Board or the Officer; or
(iv) a willful breach by Executive of any provision of Section 6, a willful breach in any material respect by Executive of any other material contract Executive is a party to with the Company or any of its Affiliates, or a willful and material breach by Executive of any material written policy of the Company or any of its Affiliates that is applicable to Company executives or employees generally;
provided, however, that any condition or conditions, as applicable, referenced above shall not (if a cure is reasonably possible in the circumstances) constitute Cause unless both (x) the Company provides written notice to Executive of such condition(s) claimed to constitute Cause within sixty (60) days of the initial existence of such conditions (such notice to be delivered in accordance with Section 18), and (y) Executive fails to remedy such condition(s) within thirty (30) days of receiving such written notice thereof; and provided, further, that in all events the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company shall not constitute a termination for Cause unless such termination occurs not more than one hundred and twenty (120) days following the initial existence of the condition claimed to constitute Cause. For purposes of the foregoing definition of Cause, no act or failure to act, on Executive’s part shall be considered “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by Executive not in good faith and without reasonable belief that Executive’s action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.
(d) As used herein, “Change in Control Event” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following after the Effective Date:
(i) the acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of either (1) the then- outstanding common stock of the Company (the “Outstanding Company Common Stock”) or (2) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”); provided, however, that, for purposes of this paragraph (i), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control Event; (A) any acquisition directly from the Company, (B) any acquisition by the Company, (C) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Affiliate or a successor, or (D) any acquisition by any entity pursuant to a transaction that complies with Sections (iii)(1), (2) and (3) below;
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(ii) individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board (including for these purposes, the new members whose election or nomination was so approved, without counting the member and his or her predecessor twice) shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board;
(iii) consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or consolidation or similar corporate transaction involving the Company or any corporation or other entity a majority of whose outstanding voting stock or voting power is beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the Company (a “Subsidiary”), a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (each, a “Business Combination”), in each case unless, following such Business Combination, (1) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity that, as a result of such transaction, owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets directly or through one or more subsidiaries (an “Acquiring Company”)), in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (2) no Person (excluding any entity resulting from such Business Combination or an Acquiring Company or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such entity resulting from such Business Combination or an Acquiring Company) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of, respectively, the then- outstanding shares of common stock of the entity resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such entity, except to the extent that the ownership in excess of 50% existed prior to the Business Combination, and (3) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors or trustees of the entity resulting from such Business Combination or an Acquiring Company were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board providing for such Business Combination; or
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(iv) approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company other than in the context of a transaction that does not constitute a Change in Control Event under clause (iii) above.
(e) As used herein, “Disability” shall mean a physical or mental impairment which, as reasonably determined by the Board, renders Executive unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s employment with the Company, even with reasonable accommodation that does not impose an undue hardship on the Company, for more than 90 days in any 180-day period, unless a longer period is required by federal or state law, in which case that longer period would apply. Executive agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Board in making any such determination as to the existence of Disability.
(f) As used herein, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence (without Executive’s consent) of any one or more of the following conditions:
(i) a material diminution in Executive’s rate of Base Salary;
(ii) a material diminution in Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities or the assignment to Executive of duties materially inconsistent with such authority and responsibilities;
(iii) a material change in the geographic location of Executive’s principal office with the Company (for this purpose, in no event shall a relocation of such office to a new location that is not more than fifty (50) miles from the current location of the Company’s executive offices constitute a “material change”); or
(iv) a material breach by the Company of this Agreement;
provided, however, that any such condition or conditions, as applicable, shall not constitute Good Reason unless both (x) Executive provides written notice to the Company of the condition claimed to constitute Good Reason within sixty (60) days of the initial existence of such condition(s) (such notice to be delivered in accordance with Section 18), and (y) the Company fails to remedy such condition(s) within thirty (30) days of receiving such written notice thereof; and provided, further, that in all events the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company shall not constitute a termination for Good Reason unless such termination occurs not more than one hundred and twenty (120) days following the initial existence of the condition claimed to constitute Good Reason.
(g) As used herein, the term “Person” shall be construed broadly and shall include, without limitation, an individual, a partnership, a limited liability company, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.
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(h) As used herein, a “Separation from Service” occurs when Executive dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company that constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1), without regard to the optional alternative definitions available thereunder.
5.6. Notice of Termination; Employment Following Expiration of Period of Employment. Any termination of Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall be communicated by written notice of termination from the terminating party to the other party. This notice of termination must be delivered in accordance with Section 18 and must indicate the specific provision(s) of this Agreement relied upon in effecting the termination. If the Company or Executive delivers notice of non-renewal of the Period of Employment pursuant to Section 2 and Executive continues to be employed by the Company following the expiration of the Period of Employment, Executive’s employment by the Company following the expiration of the Period of Employment shall be on an at-will basis and may be terminated by the Company or by Executive at any time, for any reason (or for no reason), with or without advance notice.
6. | Protective Covenants. |
6.1 | Confidential Information; Inventions. |
(a) Executive shall not disclose or use at any time, either during the Period of Employment or thereafter, any Confidential Information (as defined below) of which Executive is or becomes aware, whether or not such information is developed by Executive, except to the extent that such disclosure or use is directly related to and required by Executive’s performance in good faith of duties for the Company. Executive will take all appropriate steps to safeguard Confidential Information in Executive’s possession and to protect it against disclosure, misuse, espionage, loss and theft. Executive shall deliver to the Company at the termination of the Period of Employment, or at any time the Company may request, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports, computer tapes and software and other documents and data (and copies thereof) relating to or containing the Confidential Information or the Work Product (as hereinafter defined) of the business of the Company or any of its Affiliates which Executive may then possess or have under Executive’s control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may truthfully respond to a lawful and valid subpoena or other legal process, but shall give the Company the earliest possible notice thereof, shall, as much in advance of the return date as possible, make available to the Company, and their respective counsel, the documents and other information sought, and shall assist the Company and such counsel in resisting or otherwise responding to such process. Executive understands that nothing in this Agreement is intended to limit Executive’s right (i) to discuss the terms, wages, and working conditions of Executive’s employment to the extent permitted and/or protected by applicable labor laws, (ii) to report Confidential Information in a confidential manner either to a federal, state or local government official or to an attorney where such disclosure is solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (iii) to disclose Confidential Information in an anti-retaliation lawsuit or other legal proceeding, so long as that disclosure or filing is made under seal and Executive does not otherwise disclose such Confidential Information, except pursuant to court order, valid subpoena, or other binding legal process. The Company encourages Executive, to the extent legally permitted, to give the Company the earliest possible notice of any such report or disclosure. Pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Executive acknowledges that Executive may not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of Confidential Information that: (a) is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, provided that such filing is made under seal. Further, Executive understands that the Company will not retaliate against Executive in any way for any such disclosure made in accordance with the law. In the event a disclosure is made, and Executive files any type of proceeding against the Company alleging that the Company retaliated against Executive because of Executive’s disclosure, Executive may disclose the relevant Confidential Information to Executive’s attorney and may use the Confidential Information in the proceeding if (x) Executive files any document containing the Confidential Information under seal, and (y) Executive does not otherwise disclose the Confidential Information except pursuant to court or arbitral order.
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(b) As used in this Agreement, the term “Confidential Information” means information that is not generally known to the public and that is used, developed or obtained by the Company or any of its Affiliates in connection with their respective businesses, including, but not limited to, information, observations and data obtained by Executive while employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates or any predecessors thereof (including those obtained prior to the Effective Date) concerning (i) the business or affairs of the Company or its Affiliates (or such predecessors), (ii) products or services, (iii) fees, costs and pricing structures and strategies, (iv) designs, (v) analyses, (vi) drawings, photographs and reports, (vii) computer software, including operating systems, applications and program listings, (viii) flow charts, manuals and documentation, (ix) data bases, (x) accounting and business methods, (xi) inventions, devices, new developments, product roadmaps, methods and processes, whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice, (xii) customers and clients, customer or client lists, and the preferences of, and negotiations with, customers and clients, (xiii) personnel information of other employees and independent contractors (including their compensation, unique skills, experience and expertise, and disciplinary matters), (xiv) other copyrightable works, (xv) all production methods, processes, technology and trade secrets, and (xvi) all similar and related information in whatever form. Confidential Information will not include any information that has been published (other than a disclosure by Executive in breach of this Agreement) in a form generally available to the public prior to the date Executive proposes to disclose or use such information. Confidential Information will not be deemed to have been published merely because individual portions of the information have been separately published, but only if all material features comprising such information have been published in combination.
(c) As used in this Agreement, the term “Work Product” means all inventions, innovations, improvements, technical information, systems, software developments, methods, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, service marks, trademarks, trade names, logos and all similar or related information (whether patentable or unpatentable, copyrightable, registerable as a trademark, reduced to writing, or otherwise) which relates to the Company’s or any of its Affiliates’ actual or anticipated business, research and development or existing or future products or services and which are conceived, developed or made by Executive (whether or not during usual business hours, whether or not by the use of the facilities of the Company or any of its Affiliates, and whether or not alone or in conjunction with any other person) while employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates (including those conceived, developed or made prior to the Effective Date) together with all patent applications, letters patent, trademark, trade name and service mark applications or registrations, copyrights and reissues thereof that may be granted for or upon any of the foregoing. All Work Product that Executive may have discovered, invented or originated during Executive’s employment by the Company or any of its Affiliates prior to the Effective Date, that Executive may discover, invent or originate during the Period of Employment or at any time in the period of twelve (12) months after the Severance Date, shall be the exclusive property of the Company and its Affiliates, as applicable, and Executive hereby assigns all of Executive’s right, title and interest in and to such Work Product to the Company or its applicable Affiliate, including all intellectual property rights therein. Executive agrees to promptly disclose all Work Product to the Company, to execute at the request of the Company any assignments or other documents the Company may deem necessary to protect or perfect its (or any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights therein, and to assist the Company, at its expense, in obtaining, defending and enforcing the Company’s (or any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights therein. Executive hereby appoints the Company as Executive’s attorney-in-fact to execute on Executive’s behalf any assignments or other documents deemed necessary by the Company to protect or perfect the Company, the Company’s (and any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights to any Work Product. Executive represents and warrants that Executive has not created any Work Product that qualifies as his own invention pursuant to California Labor Code Section 2870, other than any Work Product identified in Exhibit B to this Agreement (and the text of California Labor Code Section 2870 is attached hereto as Exhibit C).
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6.2 | No Conflicting Employment. Executive hereby agrees that, during the Period of Employment, Executive will not engage in any other employment, occupation or consulting directly related to the business in which the Company or any of its Affiliates is now involved or becomes involved during the Period of Employment. |
6.3 | Non-Solicitation of Employees and Consultants. During the Period of Employment and for a period of twelve (12) months after the Severance Date, Executive will not directly or indirectly through any other Person solicit, induce or encourage, or attempt to solicit, induce or encourage, any employee or independent contractor of the Company or any of its Affiliates to leave the employ or service, as applicable, of the Company or such Affiliate, or in any way intentionally interfere with the relationship between the Company or any such Affiliate, on the one hand, and any employee or independent contractor thereof, on the other hand. |
6.4 | Non-Interference with Customers. During the Period of Employment and at all times thereafter, Executive will not, directly or indirectly through any other Person, use any of the Company’s (or any Affiliate’s) trade secrets to influence or attempt to influence customers, vendors, suppliers, licensors, lessors, joint venturers, associates, consultants, agents, or partners of the Company or any of its Affiliates to divert their business away from the Company or such Affiliate, and Executive will not otherwise use the Company’s (or any Affiliate’s) trade secrets to interfere with, disrupt or attempt to disrupt the business relationships, contractual or otherwise, between the Company or any of its Affiliates, on the one hand, and any of its or their customers, suppliers, vendors, lessors, licensors, joint venturers, associates, officers, employees, consultants, managers, partners, members or investors, on the other hand. |
6.5 | Cooperation. Following Executive’s last day of employment by the Company, Executive shall reasonably cooperate with the Company and its Affiliates in connection with: (a) the transition of Executive’s duties and responsibilities (or former duties and responsibilities, as the case may be); (b) any internal or governmental investigation or administrative, regulatory, arbitral or judicial proceeding involving the Company or any of its Affiliates with respect to matters relating to Executive’s employment with, or service as a member of the board of directors of, the Company or any of its Affiliates; and (c) any audit of the financial statements of the Company or any of its Affiliates with respect to the period of time when Executive was employed by the Company or any of its Affiliate. |
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6.6 | Return of Property. Executive agrees that, upon Executive’s Separation from Service (regardless of the reason for such separation) Executive will promptly return to the Company (a) all physical, computerized, electronic or other types of records, documents, proposals, notes, lists, files and any and all other materials, including computerized electronic information, that refer, relate or otherwise pertain to the Company or any of its Affiliates that are in Executive’s possession, subject to Executive’s control or held by Executive for others; and (b) all property or equipment that Executive has been issued by the Company or any of its Affiliates during the course of Executive’s employment or property or equipment of the Company or any of its Affiliates that Executive otherwise possesses, including any keys, credit cards, office or telephone equipment, computers (and any software, power cords, manuals, computer bag and other equipment that was provided to Executive with any such computers), tablets, smartphones, and other devices. Executive acknowledges that Executive is not authorized to retain any physical, computerized, electronic or other types of copies of any such physical, computerized, electronic or other types of records, documents, proposals, notes, lists, files or materials, and is not authorized to retain any property or equipment of the Company or any of its Affiliates, after Executive’s Separation from Service. Executive further agrees that, upon and following Executive’s Separation from Service, Executive will promptly forward to the Company (and thereafter destroy any electronic copies thereof) any business information relating to the Company or any of its Affiliates that has been or is inadvertently directed to Executive after such Separation from Service. Executive also agrees that Executive will disclose to the Company, whenever requested by the Company, all passwords necessary or desirable to enable the Company to access all information which Executive has password-protected on any computer equipment of the Company or any of its Affiliates or on the computer network or system of the Company or any of its Affiliates. |
6.7 | Understanding of Covenants. Executive acknowledges that, in the course of Executive’s employment with the Company and/or its Affiliates and their predecessors, Executive has become familiar, or will become familiar, with the Company’s and its Affiliates’ and their predecessors’ trade secrets and with other confidential and proprietary information concerning the Company, its Affiliates and their respective predecessors and that Executive’s services have been and will be of special, unique and extraordinary value to the Company and its Affiliates. Executive agrees that the foregoing covenants set forth in this Section 6 (together, the “Restrictive Covenants”) are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company’s and its Affiliates’ trade secrets and other confidential and proprietary information, good will, stable workforce, and customer relations. |
Without limiting the generality of Executive’s agreement in the preceding paragraph, Executive (i) represents that Executive is familiar with and has carefully considered the Restrictive Covenants, (ii) represents that Executive is fully aware of Executive’s obligations hereunder, (iii) agrees to the reasonableness of the length of time, scope and geographic coverage, as applicable, of the Restrictive Covenants, and (iv) agrees that the Restrictive Covenants will continue in effect for the applicable periods set forth above in this Section 6 regardless of whether Executive is then entitled to receive severance pay or benefits from the Company. Executive understands that the Restrictive Covenants may limit Executive’s ability to earn a livelihood in a business similar to the business of the Company and any of its Affiliates, but Executive nevertheless believes that Executive has received and will receive sufficient consideration and other benefits as an employee of the Company and as otherwise provided hereunder or as described in the recitals hereto to clearly justify such restrictions which, in any event (given Executive’s education, skills and ability), Executive does not believe would prevent Executive from otherwise earning a living. Executive agrees that the Restrictive Covenants do not confer a benefit upon the Company disproportionate to the detriment of Executive.
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6.8 | Enforcement. Executive agrees that Executive’s services are unique and that Executive has access to Confidential Information and Work Product. Accordingly, without limiting the generality of Section 17, Executive agrees that a breach by Executive of any of the covenants in this Section 6 would cause immediate and irreparable harm to the Company that would be difficult or impossible to measure, and that damages to the Company for any such injury would therefore be an inadequate remedy for any such breach. Therefore, Executive agrees that in the event of any breach or threatened breach of any provision of this Section 6, the Company shall be entitled, in addition to and without limitation upon all other remedies the Company may have under this Agreement, at law or otherwise, to obtain specific performance, injunctive relief and/or other appropriate relief (without posting any bond or deposit) in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Section 6, or require Executive to account for and pay over to the Company all compensation, profits, moneys, accruals, increments or other benefits derived from or received as a result of any transactions constituting a breach of this Section 6 if and when final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction or arbitrator, as applicable, is so entered against Executive. To the extent the Company seeks monetary damages in excess of such specific performance, injunctive relief, and/or declaratory relief, the parties agree that any action for such monetary damages shall be taken subject to and in accordance with the arbitration agreement under Section 16 of this Agreement. Executive further agrees that the applicable period of time any Restrictive Covenant is in effect following the Severance Date, as determined pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 6, shall be extended by the same amount of time that Executive is in breach of any Restrictive Covenant following the Severance Date. |
6.9 | Protected Activities. Nothing in this Agreement, including this Section 6, shall in any way restrict or limit Executive from filing a complaint or administrative charge, or otherwise reporting possible violations of law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including, without limitation, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Department of Labor, Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, Congress, or any agency Inspector General, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of applicable law or regulation, or from cooperating with any federal, state, or local administrative agency in the investigation of such charges or reports, or from complying with any legal obligation to testify truthfully and accurately under oath. |
7. | Withholding Taxes. Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, the Company may withhold (or cause there to be withheld, as the case may be) from any amounts otherwise due or payable under or pursuant to this Agreement such federal, state and local income, employment, or other taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. Except for such withholding rights, Executive is solely responsible for any and all tax liability that may arise with respect to the compensation provided under or pursuant to this Agreement. |
8. | Successors and Assigns. |
(a) This Agreement is personal to Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s legal representatives.
(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, the Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, the “Company” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor or assignee, as applicable, which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise. The Company may cause any compensation payable to Executive pursuant to this Agreement (or any portion thereof) to be paid by one of its Affiliates.
9. | Number and Gender; Examples. Where the context requires, the singular shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular, and any gender shall include all other genders. Where specific language is used to clarify by example a general statement contained herein, such specific language shall not be deemed to modify, limit or restrict in any manner the construction of the general statement to which it relates. |
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10. | Section Headings. The section headings of, and titles of paragraphs and subparagraphs contained in, this Agreement are for the purpose of convenience only, and they neither form a part of this Agreement nor are they to be used in the construction or interpretation thereof. |
11. | Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of California, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflicting provision or rule (whether of the state of California or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the laws of any jurisdiction other than the state of California to be applied. In furtherance of the foregoing, the internal law of the state of California will control the interpretation and construction of this Agreement, even if under such jurisdiction’s choice of law or conflict of law analysis, the substantive law of some other jurisdiction would ordinarily apply. |
12. | Severability. It is the desire and intent of the parties hereto 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 or determined by an arbitrator pursuant to Section 16 to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable under any present or future law, and if the rights and obligations of any party under this Agreement will not be materially and adversely affected thereby, such provision, as to such jurisdiction, shall be ineffective, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction, and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable; furthermore, in lieu of such invalid or unenforceable provision there will be added automatically as a part of this Agreement, a legal, valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such provision could be more narrowly drawn (as to geographic scope, period of duration or otherwise) 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. |
13. | Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement of Executive, on the one hand, and the Company and its Affiliates, on the other hand, respecting the matters within its scope. This Agreement supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements of Executive, on the one hand, and the Company and its Affiliates, on the other hand, that directly or indirectly bears upon the subject matter hereof, including, without limitation, the Prior Services Agreement. Any prior negotiations, correspondence, agreements, proposals or understandings relating to the subject matter hereof shall be deemed to have been merged into this Agreement, and to the extent inconsistent herewith, such negotiations, correspondence, agreements, proposals, or understandings shall be deemed to be of no force or effect. There are no representations, warranties, or agreements, whether express or implied, or oral or written, with respect to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly set forth herein. |
14. | Modifications. This Agreement may not be amended, modified or changed (in whole or in part), except by a formal, definitive written agreement expressly referring to this Agreement, which agreement is executed by both of the parties hereto. |
15. | Waiver. Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of a party to exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any occurrence be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver. |
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16. | Arbitration. Except as provided in Sections 6.8 and 17, any non-time barred, legally actionable controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, its enforcement, arbitrability or interpretation, or because of an alleged breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection with any of its provisions, or any other non-time barred, legally actionable controversy or claim arising out of or relating to Executive’s employment or association with the Company or termination of the same, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any alleged violation of state or federal statute, common law or constitution, shall be submitted to individual, final and binding arbitration, to be held in Los Angeles County, California, before a single arbitrator selected from Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”), in accordance with the then-current JAMS Arbitration Rules and Procedures for employment disputes, as modified by the terms and conditions in this Section (which may be found at www.jamsadr.com under the Rules/Clauses tab). The parties will select the arbitrator by mutual agreement or, if the parties cannot agree, then by striking from a list of nine qualified arbitrators supplied by JAMS from their labor and employment law panel. Final resolution of any dispute through arbitration may include any remedy or relief that is provided for through any applicable state or federal statutes, or common law. Statutes of limitations shall be the same as would be applicable were the action to be brought in court. The arbitration proceedings should be conducted with reasonable diligence and in an manner that would allow for completion within four (4) months after the initial demand for arbitration, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing by the parties. The arbitrator selected pursuant to this Agreement may order such discovery as is necessary for a full and fair exploration of the issues and dispute, consistent with the expedited nature of arbitration. At the conclusion of the arbitration, the arbitrator shall issue a written decision that sets forth the essential findings and conclusions upon which the arbitrator’s award or decision is based. Any award or relief granted by the arbitrator under this Agreement shall be final and binding on the parties to this Agreement and may be enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction. The Company will pay those arbitration costs that are unique to arbitration, including the arbitrator’s fee (recognizing that each side bears its own deposition, witness, expert and attorneys’ fees and other expenses to the same extent as if the matter were being heard in court). If, however, any party prevails on a statutory claim, which affords the prevailing party attorneys’ fees and costs, then the arbitrator may award reasonable fees and costs to the prevailing party. The arbitrator may not award attorneys’ fees to a party that would not otherwise be entitled to such an award under the applicable statute. The arbitrator shall resolve any dispute as to the reasonableness of any fee or cost. Except as provided in Section 6.8 and 17, the parties acknowledge and agree that they are hereby waiving any rights to trial by jury or a court in any action or proceeding brought by either of the parties against the other in connection with any matter whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with this Agreement or Executive’s employment. |
17. | Remedies. Each of the parties to this Agreement and any Person granted rights hereunder whether or not such person or entity is a signatory hereto shall be entitled to enforce its rights under this Agreement specifically to recover damages and costs for any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights existing in its favor. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and that each party (as well as each other Person granted rights hereunder) may in its sole discretion apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for provisional injunctive or equitable relief and/or other appropriate equitable relief (without posting any bond or deposit) in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Agreement. Each party shall be responsible for paying its own attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses pertaining to any such legal proceeding and enforcement regardless of whether an award or finding or any judgment or verdict thereon is entered against either party. |
18. | Notices. Any notice provided for in this Agreement must be in writing and must be either personally delivered, transmitted via telecopier, mailed by first class mail (postage prepaid and return receipt requested) or sent by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) to the recipient at the address below indicated or at such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Notices will be deemed to have been given hereunder and received when delivered personally, when received if transmitted via telecopier, five days after deposit in the U.S. mail and one day after deposit with a reputable overnight courier service. |
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if to the Company:
Surf Air Mobility Inc.
12111 S. Crenshaw Blvd.
Hawthorne, CA 90250
Email: legalnotices@surfair.com
if to Executive, to the address most recently on file in the payroll records of the Company.
19. | Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall become binding when one or more counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of all of the parties reflected hereon as the signatories. Counterparts of this Agreement may be executed and delivered by facsimile or other electronic signature (including portable document format) by either of the parties and the receiving party may rely on the receipt of such document so executed and delivered electronically or by facsimile as if the original had been received. |
20. | Legal Counsel; Mutual Drafting. Each party recognizes that this is a legally binding contract and acknowledges and agrees that they have had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel of their choice. Each party has cooperated in the drafting, negotiation and preparation of this Agreement. Hence, in any construction to be made of this Agreement, the same shall not be construed against either party on the basis of that party being the drafter of such language. Executive agrees and acknowledges that Executive has read and understands this Agreement, is entering into it freely and voluntarily, and has been advised to seek counsel prior to entering into this Agreement and has had ample opportunity to do so. |
21. | Section 409A. |
(a) It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement shall either be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code (including the Treasury regulations and other published guidance relating thereto) (“Code Section 409A”) so as not to subject Executive to payment of any additional tax, penalty or interest imposed under Code Section 409A. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted to avoid the imputation of any such additional tax, penalty or interest under Code Section 409A yet preserve (to the nearest extent reasonably possible) the intended benefit payable to Executive. Any installment payments provided for in this Agreement shall be treated as a series of separate payments for purposes of Code Section 409A.
(b) If Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A- 1(i) as of the date of Executive’s Separation from Service, Executive shall not be entitled to any payment or benefit pursuant to Section 5.3(b) or (c) until the earlier of (i) the date which is six (6) months after Executive’s Separation from Service for any reason other than death, or (ii) the date of Executive’s death. The provisions of this Section 21(b) shall only apply if, and to the extent, required to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest pursuant to Code Section 409A. Any amounts otherwise payable to Executive upon or in the six (6) month period following Executive’s Separation from Service that are not so paid by reason of this Section 21(b) shall be paid (without interest) as soon as practicable (and in all events within thirty (30) days) after the date that is six (6) months after Executive’s Separation from Service (or, if earlier, as soon as practicable, and in all events within thirty (30) days, after the date of Executive’s death).
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(c) To the extent that any benefits pursuant to Section 5.3(b)(ii) or reimbursements pursuant to Section 4.2 are taxable to Executive, any reimbursement payment due to Executive pursuant to any such provision shall be paid to Executive on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the related expense was incurred. The benefits and reimbursements pursuant to such provisions are not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and the amount of such benefits and reimbursements that Executive receives in one taxable year shall not affect the amount of such benefits or reimbursements that Executive receives in any other taxable year.
22. | Section 280G. |
(a) If any of the payments or benefits received or to be received by Executive under this Agreement or otherwise, including, without limitation, the severance benefits received in connection with a Change in Control or Executive’s termination of employment under Section 5.3 (all such payments collectively referred to herein as the “280G Payments”) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and would, but for this Section 22, be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then prior to making the 280G Payments, a calculation shall be made comparing (i) the Net Benefit (as defined below) to Executive of the 280G Payments after payment of the Excise Tax to (ii) the Net Benefit to Executive if the 280G Payments are limited to the extent necessary to avoid being subject to the Excise Tax. If the amount calculated under (i) above is less than the amount under (ii) above, the 280G Payments will be reduced to the minimum extent necessary to ensure that no portion of the 280G Payments is subject to the Excise Tax. For purposes of this Agreement, “Net Benefit” shall mean the present value of the 280G Payments net of all federal, state, local, foreign income, employment, and excise taxes. Any reduction made pursuant to this Section 22 shall be made first from any cash severance, then from any payment in respect of an equity award that is not covered by Treas. Reg. Section 1.280G-1 Q/A-24(b) or (c), then from any payment in respect of an equity award that is covered by Treas. Reg. Section 1.280G-1 Q/A-24(c), in each case in reverse order beginning with payments or benefits which are to be paid the farthest in time from the determination.
(b) Any determination as to whether 280G Payments shall be reduced pursuant to this Section 22, and the amount of any such reduction, shall be made by the Company’s independent public accountants or another certified public accounting firm or consulting firm of national reputation designated by the Company (the “Tax Counsel”). The Tax Counsel’s determinations shall be final and binding on the Parties. For purposes of making the calculations and determinations required by this Section 22, the Tax Counsel may rely on reasonable, good faith assumptions and approximations concerning the application of Section 280G and Section 4999 of the Code. Executive and Company shall furnish the Tax Counsel with such information and documents as the Tax Counsel may reasonably request in order to make its determinations under this Section 22. Company shall bear all costs the Tax Counsel may reasonably incur in connection with its services.
[Signature page follows.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and Executive have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.
“COMPANY” | ||
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC., | ||
a Delaware corporation | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | CEO |
SURF AIR GLOBAL LIMITED, | ||
a British Virgin Islands company, | ||
solely with respect to Section 3.3 | ||
By: | /s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Name: | Sudhin Shahani | |
Title: | CEO |
“EXECUTIVE” | |
/s/ Sudhin Shahani | |
Sudhin Shahani |
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT
1. Release. Sudhin Shahani (“Executive”), on Executive’s own behalf and on behalf of Executive’s descendants, dependents, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and successors, and each of them, hereby acknowledges full and complete satisfaction of and releases and discharges and covenants not to sue Surf Air Mobility Inc. (the “Company”), its divisions, subsidiaries, parents, or affiliated corporations, past and present, and each of them, as well as its and their assignees, successors, directors, officers, stockholders, partners, representatives, attorneys, agents or employees, past or present, or any of them (individually and collectively, “Releasees”), from and with respect to any and all claims, agreements, obligations, demands and causes of action, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, arising out of or in any way connected with Executive’s employment or any other relationship with or interest in the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or the termination thereof, including without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any claim for severance pay, profit sharing, bonus or similar benefit, pension, retirement, life insurance, health or medical insurance or any other fringe benefit, or disability, or any other claims, agreements, obligations, demands and causes of action, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected resulting from any act or omission by or on the part of Releasees committed or omitted prior to the date of this General Release Agreement (this “Agreement”) set forth below, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, California Labor Code Section 132a, the California Family Rights Act, or any other federal, state or local law, regulation, ordinance, constitution or common law (collectively, the “Claims”); provided, however, that the foregoing release does not apply to any obligation of the Company to Executive pursuant to any of the following: (1) Section 5.3 of the Employment Agreement dated as of June 1, 2021, by and between the Company and Executive (the “Employment Agreement”); (2) any equity-based awards previously granted by any of the Releasees to Executive, to the extent that such awards continue after the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company in accordance with the applicable terms of such awards; (3) any right to indemnification that Executive may have pursuant to the Company’s bylaws, its corporate charter or under any written indemnification agreement with the Company (or any corresponding provision of any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company) with respect to any loss, damages or expenses (including but not limited to attorneys’ fees to the extent otherwise provided) that Executive may in the future incur with respect to Executive’s service as an employee, officer or director of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates; (4) with respect to any rights that Executive may have to insurance coverage for such losses, damages or expenses under any Company (or subsidiary or affiliate) directors and officers liability insurance policy; (5) any rights to continued medical and dental coverage that Executive may have under COBRA; (6) any rights to payment of benefits that Executive may have under a retirement plan sponsored or maintained by the Company that is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; or (7) any rights to enforce any provision of the Employment Agreement that may continue to be in effect after Executive’s employment with the Company has terminated. In addition, this release does not cover any Claim that cannot be so released as a matter of applicable law. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing in this Agreement prohibits Executive from filing a charge with or participating in an investigation conducted by any state or federal government agencies. However, Executive does waive, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the right to receive any monetary or other recovery, should any agency or any other person pursue any claims on Executive’s behalf arising out of any claim released pursuant to this Agreement. For clarity, and as required by law, such waiver does not prevent Executive from accepting a whistleblower award from the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive has received any and all leave and other benefits that Executive has been and is entitled to pursuant to the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.
2. Acknowledgement of Payment of Wages. Except for accrued vacation (which the parties agree totals approximately [Ÿ] days of pay) and salary for the current pay period and the payments and benefits provided under Section 5.3 of the Employment Agreement, Executive acknowledges that Executive has received all amounts owed for Executive’s regular and usual salary (including, but not limited to, any bonus, incentive or other wages), and usual benefits through the date of this Agreement.
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3. Waiver of Unknown Claims. This Agreement is intended to be effective as a general release of and bar to each and every Claim hereinabove specified. Accordingly, Executive hereby expressly waives any rights and benefits conferred by Section 1542 of the California Civil Code and any similar provision of any other applicable state law as to the Claims. Section 1542 of the California Civil Code provides:
“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.”
Executive acknowledges that Executive later may discover claims, demands, causes of action or facts in addition to or different from those which Executive now knows or believes to exist with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and which, if known or suspected at the time of executing this Agreement, may have materially affected its terms. Nevertheless, Executive hereby waives, as to the Claims, any claims, demands, and causes of action that might arise as a result of such different or additional claims, demands, causes of action or facts.
4. ADEA Waiver. Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that by entering into this Agreement, Executive is waiving any and all rights or claims that Executive may have arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (the “ADEA”), and that this waiver and release is knowing and voluntary. Executive and the Company agree that this waiver and release does not apply to any rights or claims that may arise under the ADEA after the date Executive signs this Agreement. Executive further expressly acknowledges and agrees that:
(a) In return for this Agreement, Executive will receive consideration beyond that which Executive was already entitled to receive before executing this Agreement;
(b) Executive is hereby advised in writing by this Agreement to consult with an attorney before signing this Agreement;
(c) Executive was given a copy of this Agreement on [ , 202 ], and informed that Executive had [twenty-one (21)] days within which to consider this Agreement and that if Executive wished to execute this Agreement prior to the expiration of such [21]-day period Executive will have done so voluntarily and with full knowledge that Executive is waiving Executive’s right to have [twenty-one (21)] days to consider this Agreement; and that such [twenty-one (21)] day period to consider this Agreement would not and will not be re-started or extended based on any changes, whether material or immaterial, that are or were made to this Agreement in such [twenty-one (21)] day period after Executive received it;
(d) Executive was informed that Executive had seven (7) days following the date of execution of this Agreement in which to revoke this Agreement, and this Agreement will become null and void if Executive elects revocation during that time. Any revocation must be in writing and must be received by the Company during the seven-day revocation period. In the event that Executive exercises this revocation right, neither the Company nor Executive will have any obligation under this Agreement. Any notice of revocation should be sent by Executive in writing to the Company (attention [ ]), [Insert Address], so that it is received within the seven-day period following execution of this Agreement by Executive.
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(e) Nothing in this Agreement prevents or precludes Executive from challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of this waiver under the ADEA, nor does it impose any condition precedent, penalties or costs for doing so, unless specifically authorized by federal law.
5. No Transferred Claims. Executive represents and warrants to the Company that Executive has not heretofore assigned or transferred to any person not a party to this Agreement any released matter or any part or portion thereof.
6. Return of Property. Executive represents and covenants that Executive has returned to the Company (a) all physical, computerized, electronic or other types of records, documents, proposals, notes, lists, files and any and all other materials, including computerized electronic information, that refer, relate or otherwise pertain to the Company or any of its Affiliates (as defined in the Employment Agreement) that were in Executive’s possession, subject to Executive’s control or held by Executive for others; and (b) all property or equipment that Executive has been issued by the Company or any of its Affiliates during the course of Executive’s employment or property or equipment that Executive otherwise possessed, including any keys, credit cards, office or telephone equipment, computers (and any software, power cords, manuals, computer bag and other equipment that was provided to Executive with any such computers), tablets, smartphones, and other devices. Executive acknowledges that Executive is not authorized to retain any physical, computerized, electronic or other types of copies of any such physical, computerized, electronic or other types of records, documents, proposals, notes, lists, files or materials, and is not authorized to retain any property or equipment of the Company or any of its Affiliates. Executive further agrees that Executive will immediately forward to the Company (and thereafter destroy any electronic copies thereof) any business information relating to the Company or any of its Affiliates that has been or is inadvertently directed to Executive following the date of the termination of Executive’s employment.
7. Miscellaneous. The following provisions shall apply for purposes of this Agreement:
(a) Number and Gender. Where the context requires, the singular shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular, and any gender shall include all other genders.
(b) Section Headings. The section headings of, and titles of paragraphs and subparagraphs contained in, this Agreement are for the purpose of convenience only, and they neither form a part of this Agreement nor are they to be used in the construction or interpretation thereof.
(c) Governing Law. This Agreement, and all questions relating to its validity, interpretation, performance and enforcement, as well as the legal relations hereby created between the parties hereto, shall be governed by and construed under, and interpreted and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of California, notwithstanding any California or other conflict of law provision to the contrary.
(d) Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Agreement which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable.
(e) Modifications. This Agreement may not be amended, modified or changed (in whole or in part), except by a formal, definitive written agreement expressly referring to this Agreement, which agreement is executed by both of the parties hereto.
(f) Waiver. No waiver of any breach of any term or provision of this Agreement shall be construed to be, nor shall be, a waiver of any other breach of this Agreement. No waiver shall be binding unless in writing and signed by the party waiving the breach.
(g) Arbitration. Any controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be submitted to arbitration in accordance with the arbitration provisions of the Employment Agreement.
(h) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart, when executed, shall have the efficacy of a signed original. Photographic copies of such signed counterparts may be used in lieu of the originals for any purpose.
[Signature page follows.]
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The undersigned have read and understand the consequences of this Agreement and voluntarily sign it. The undersigned declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.
EXECUTED this [●] day of [●], 20[●], at [●] County, [●].
“EXECUTIVE” | |
Sudhin Shahani |
EXECUTED this [●] day of [●], 20[●], at [●] County, [●].
“COMPANY” | ||
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
A-4
EXHIBIT B
LIST OF PRIOR INVENTIONS
AND ORIGINAL WORKS OF AUTHORSHIP
Title |
Date |
Identifying Number or Brief Description |
No inventions or improvements | |||
Additional Sheets Attached |
Signature of Employee: | |||
Print Name of Employee: | |||
Date: |
B-1
EXHIBIT C
CALIFORNIA LABOR CODE SECTION 2870
INVENTION ON OWN TIME-EXEMPTION FROM AGREEMENT
“(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 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.”
C-1
Exhibit 10.23
AMENDMENT
to
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) is dated as of January 20, 2023, by and between Surf Air Mobility Inc. (the “Company”), and Sudhin Shahani (“Executive”).
WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed by the Company as its Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of August 20, 2021 (the “Employment Agreement”);
WHEREAS, it has been determined that upon the Effective Date (as defined in the Employment Agreement), Executive will no longer serve as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company and Executive desire to amend the Employment Agreement, as provided herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
1. The first sentence of Section 1.2 of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended, effective as of and subject to the Effective Date, to read in its entirety as follows:
“1.2 Duties. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall serve the Company as its Co-Founder and shall have such authorities, duties and obligations commensurate with such positions as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) from time to time, all subject to the lawful and reasonable directives of the Board and the corporate policies of the Company, as (in each case) such directives and policies are in effect from time to time throughout the Period of Employment.”
2. Except as expressly modified herein, the Employment Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its original terms.
3. Capitalized terms that are not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement.
4. This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to be duly executed and delivered on the day and year first above written.
SURF AIR MOBILITY INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Carl Albert | |
Carl Albert, Chairman of the Board | ||
EXECUTIVE | ||
/s/ Sudhin Shahani | ||
Sudhin Shahani |
Exhibit 10.24
SURF AIR GLOBAL LIMITED
2016 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
1. | Purpose. |
The purpose of the Plan is to advance the interests of the Company’s shareholders by enhancing the Company’s ability to attract, retain and motivate persons who make (or are expected to make) important contributions to the Company by providing such persons with equity ownership opportunities and thereby better aligning the interests of such persons with those of the Company’s shareholders. Capitalized terms used in the Plan are defined in Section 11 below.
2. | Eligibility. |
Service Providers are eligible to be granted Awards under the Plan, subject to the limitations described herein.
3. | Administration and Delegation. |
(a) Administration. The Plan will be administered by the Administrator. The Administrator shall have authority to determine which Service Providers will receive Awards, to grant Awards and to set all terms and conditions of Awards (including, but not limited to, vesting, exercise and forfeiture provisions). In addition, the Administrator shall have the authority to take all actions and make all determinations contemplated by the Plan and to adopt, amend and repeal such administrative rules, guidelines and practices relating to the Plan as it shall deem advisable. The Administrator may correct any defect or ambiguity, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or any Award in the manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary or appropriate to carry the Plan and any Awards into effect, as determined by the Administrator. The Administrator shall make all determinations under the Plan in the Administrator’s sole discretion and all such determinations shall be final and binding on all persons having or claiming any interest in the Plan or in any Award.
(b) Appointment of Committees. To the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, the Board may delegate any or all of its powers under the Plan to one or more Committees. The Board may abolish any Committee at any time and re-vest in itself any previously delegated authority.
4. | Shares Available for Awards. |
(a) Number of Shares. Subject to adjustment under Section 8 hereof, Awards may be made under the Plan covering up to 285,000,000 Shares. If any Award expires or lapses or is terminated, surrendered or canceled without having been fully exercised or is forfeited in whole or in part (including as the result of Shares subject to such Award being repurchased or redeemed by the Company at or below the original issuance price), in any case in a manner that results in any Shares covered by such Award not being issued or being so reacquired by the Company, the unused Shares covered by such Award shall again be available for the grant of Awards under the Plan. Further, Shares held by a Participant that are repurchased or redeemed by the Company to satisfy the applicable exercise or purchase price of an Award and/or to satisfy any applicable tax withholding obligation (including Shares not issued by the Company in connection with the Award being exercised or purchased and/or creating the tax obligation) shall be added to the number of Shares available for the grant of Awards under the Plan. However, in the case of Incentive Options, the foregoing provisions shall be subject to any limitations under the Code. Shares issued under the Plan may consist in whole or in part of authorized but unissued shares, shares purchased on the open market or treasury shares.
(b) Substitute Awards. In connection with a merger or consolidation of an entity with the Company or the acquisition by the Company of property or shares of an entity, the Administrator may grant Awards in substitution for any options or other share or share-based awards granted prior to such merger or consolidation by such entity or an affiliate thereof (“Substitute Awards”). Substitute Awards may be granted on such terms as the Administrator deems appropriate in the circumstances, notwithstanding any limitations on Awards contained in the Plan. Substitute Awards shall not count against the overall share limit set forth in Section 4(a) hereof, except as may be required by reason of Section 422 of the Code.
5. | Options. |
(a) General. The Administrator may grant Options to any Service Provider, subject to the limitations on Incentive Options described below. The Administrator shall determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Option, the exercise price of each Option and the conditions and limitations applicable to the exercise of each Option, including conditions relating to Applicable Laws, as it considers necessary or advisable.
(b) Incentive Options. The Administrator may grant Options intended to qualify as Incentive Options only to employees of the Company, any of the Company’s present or future “parent corporations” 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 Options under the Code. All Options intended to qualify as Incentive Options shall be subject to and shall be construed consistently with the requirements of Section 422 of the Code. Neither the Company nor the Administrator shall have any liability to a Participant, or any other party, (i) if an Option (or any part thereof) which is intended to qualify as an Incentive Option fails to qualify as an Incentive Option or (ii) for any action or omission by the Administrator that causes an Option not to qualify as an Incentive Option, including without limitation, the conversion of an Incentive Option to a Non-Qualified Option or the grant of an Option intended as an Incentive Option that fails to satisfy the requirements under the Code applicable to an Incentive Option. Any Option that is intended to qualify as an Incentive Option, but fails to so qualify for any reason, including without limitation, the portion of any Option becoming exercisable in excess of the $100,000 limitation described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.422-4, shall be treated as a Non-Qualified Option for all purposes.
(c) Exercise Price. The Administrator shall establish the exercise price of each Option and specify the exercise price in the applicable Award Agreement. Except with respect to Participants who are non-United States nationals, are employed or subject to tax laws outside the United States and are not subject to Section 409A of the Code, the exercise price shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Shares underlying the Option on the date the Option is granted. In the case of an Incentive Option granted to an employee who, at the time of grant of the Option, owns (or is treated as owning under Section 424 of the Code) shares representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of shares of the Company (or a “parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation” thereof within the meaning of Sections 424(e) or 424(f) of the Code, respectively), the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value on the date the Option is granted.
(d) Duration of Options. Each Option shall be exercisable at such times and subject to such terms and conditions as the Administrator may specify in the applicable Award Agreement, provided that the term of any Option shall not exceed ten years. In the case of an Incentive Option granted to an employee who, at the time of grant of the Option, owns (or is treated as owning under Section 424 of the Code) shares representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of shares of the Company (or a “parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation” thereof within the meaning of Sections 424(e) or 424(f) of the Code, respectively), the term of the Option shall not exceed five years.
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(e) Exercise of Option; Notification of Disposition. In order to exercise Options, there must be delivered to the Company a written notice of exercise, in a form approved by the Administrator (which may be an electronic form), signed by the person authorized to exercise the Option and containing such person's address, together with payment in full (i) as specified in Section 5(f) hereof for the number of Shares for which the Option is exercised and (ii) as specified in Section 9(e) hereof for any applicable withholding taxes. Following this, the Company shall enter the person authorized to exercise the Option on the Register of Members as the registered holder of the applicable Shares. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, an Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share. If an Option is designated as an Incentive Option, the Participant shall give prompt notice to the Company of any disposition or other transfer of any Shares acquired from the Option if such disposition or transfer is made (i) within two years from the grant date with respect to such Option or (ii) within one year after the transfer of such Shares to the Participant (other than any such disposition made in connection with a Change in Control). 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.
(f) Payment Upon Exercise. Shares issued or purchased upon the exercise of an Option granted under the Plan shall be paid for in cash or by check, payable to the order of the Company, or, to the extent permitted by the Administrator, by:
(i) (A) delivery 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 and any required tax withholding, 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 pay the exercise price and any required tax withholding;
(ii) delivery of a promissory note of the Participant to the Company on terms determined by the Administrator;
(iii) delivery of property of any other kind which constitutes good and valuable consideration as determined by the Administrator;
(iv) payment to the Company of any other consideration (whether cash or non-cash) as may be permitted by Applicable Laws; or
(v) any combination of the above permitted forms of payment (including cash or check).
(g) Early Exercise of Options. Subject to Applicable Laws and the Memorandum and Articles, the Administrator may provide in the terms of an Award Agreement that the Service Provider may exercise an Option in whole or in part prior to the full vesting of Shares pursuant to the Option in exchange for Restricted Shares with respect to any unvested portion of the Option so exercised. Restricted Shares acquired upon the exercise of any unvested portion of an Option shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine.
6. | Restricted Shares; Restricted Share Units. |
(a) General. The Administrator may grant Restricted Shares, or the right to purchase Restricted Shares, to any Service Provider, subject to the right of the Company to repurchase or redeem all or part of such Restricted Shares at their issue price or other stated or formula price from the Participant (or to require forfeiture of such Restricted Shares if issued at no cost) in the event that conditions specified by the Administrator in the applicable Award Agreement are not satisfied prior to the end of the applicable restriction period or periods established by the Administrator for such Award. In addition, the Administrator may grant to Service Providers Restricted Share Units, which may be subject to vesting and forfeiture conditions during applicable restriction period or periods, as set forth in an applicable Award Agreement.
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(b) Terms and Conditions for All Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Unit Awards. The Administrator shall determine and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement the terms and conditions applicable to each Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Unit Award, including the conditions for vesting and repurchase or redemption (or forfeiture) and the issue price, in each case, if any.
(c) | Additional Provisions Relating to Restricted Shares. |
(i) Dividends. Participants holding Restricted Shares will be entitled to all ordinary cash dividends paid with respect to such Shares to the extent such dividends have a record date that is on or after the date on which the Participant to whom such Shares are issued becomes registered as the holder of such Shares on the Register of Members, unless otherwise provided by the Administrator in the applicable Award Agreement. In addition, unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if any dividends or distributions are paid in shares, or consist of a dividend or distribution to holders of Shares or 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 Restricted Shares with respect to which they were paid. Each dividend payment will be made as provided in the applicable Award Agreement, but in no event later than the end of the calendar year in which the dividends are paid to shareholders of that class of shares or, if later, the 15th day of the third month following the later of (A) the date the dividends are paid to shareholders of that class of shares, and (B) the date the dividends are no longer subject to forfeiture.
(d) | Additional Provisions Relating to Restricted Share Units. |
(i) Settlement. Upon the vesting of a Restricted Share Unit, the Participant shall be entitled to receive from the Company one Share or an amount of cash or other property equal to the Fair Market Value of one Share on the settlement date, as the Administrator shall determine and as provided in the applicable Award Agreement. The Administrator may provide that settlement of Restricted Shares Units shall occur upon or as soon as reasonably practicable after the vesting of the Restricted Shares Units or shall instead be deferred, on a mandatory basis or at the election of the Participant, in a manner that complies with Section 409A.
(ii) Voting Rights. A Participant shall have no voting rights with respect to any Restricted Share Units unless and until Shares are issued in settlement thereof.
(iii) Dividend Equivalents. To the extent provided by the Administrator, a grant of Restricted Share Units may provide a Participant with the right to receive Dividend Equivalents. Dividend Equivalents may be paid currently or credited to an account for the Participant, may be settled in cash and/or Shares and may be subject to the same restrictions on transfer and forfeitability as the Restricted Share Units with respect to which the Dividend Equivalents are paid, as determined by the Administrator, subject, in each case, to such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
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7. | Other Share-Based Awards. |
Other Share-Based Awards may be granted hereunder to Participants, including, without limitation, Awards entitling Participants to receive Shares to be delivered in the future. Such Other Share-Based Awards shall also be available as a form of payment in the settlement of other Awards granted under the Plan, as stand-alone payments and/or as payment in lieu of compensation to which a Participant is otherwise entitled. Other Share-Based Awards may be paid in Shares, cash or other property, as the Administrator shall determine. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Administrator shall determine the terms and conditions of each Other Share-Based Award, including any purchase price, transfer restrictions, vesting conditions and other terms and conditions applicable thereto, which shall be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
8. | Adjustments for Changes in Shares and Certain Other Events. |
(a) In the event that the Administrator determines that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), reorganization, merger, 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 Shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Shares or other securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event, as determined by the Administrator, affects the Shares 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 Award, then the Administrator may, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust any or all of:
(i) the number and kind of Shares (or other securities or property) with respect to which Awards may be granted or awarded (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the limitations in Section 4 hereof on the maximum number and kind of Shares which may be issued);
(ii) the number and kind of Shares (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding Awards;
(iii) the grant or exercise price with respect to any Award; and
(iv) the terms and conditions of any Awards (including, without limitation, any applicable financial or other performance “targets” specified in an Award Agreement).
(b) In the event of any transaction or event described in Section 8(a) hereof (including without limitation any Change in Control) or any unusual or nonrecurring transaction or event affecting the Company or the financial statements of the Company, 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 and either automatically or upon the Participant’s request, 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:
(i) 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 vested portion of such Award may be terminated without payment;
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(ii) 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;
(iii) 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 securities of the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and applicable exercise or purchase price, in all cases, as determined by the Administrator;
(iv) To make adjustments in the number and type of Shares (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding Awards, and/or in the terms and conditions of (including the grant or exercise price), and the criteria included in, outstanding Awards which may be granted in the future;
(v) To replace such Award with other rights or property selected by the Administrator; and/or
(vi) To provide that the Award will terminate and cannot vest, be exercised or become payable after the applicable event.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8(b) above, if a Change in Control occurs and a Participant’s Awards are not continued, converted, assumed, or replaced with a substantially similar award by (i) the Company, or (ii) 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 (and accordingly, the applicable Shares have been registered in the name of the Participant in the Register of Members), exercisable and/or payable, as applicable, and all forfeiture, redemption, repurchase and other restrictions provided for under this Plan or the applicable Award Agreement 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 Shares (A) which may be on such terms and conditions as apply generally to holders of Shares 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 (B) 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.
(d) In connection with the occurrence of any Equity Restructuring, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 8, the Administrator will equitably adjust each outstanding Award, which adjustments may include adjustments to the number and type of securities subject to each outstanding Award and/or the exercise price or grant price thereof, if applicable, the grant of new Awards to Participants, and/or the making of a cash payment to Participants, as the Administrator deems appropriate to reflect such Equity Restructuring. The adjustments provided under this Section 8(d) shall be nondiscretionary and shall be final and binding on the affected Participant and the Company; provided that whether an adjustment is equitable shall be determined by the Administrator.
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(e) In the event of any pending share dividend, share split, combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation or other distribution (other than normal cash dividends) of Company assets to shareholders, or any other change affecting the Shares or the price of the Shares, including any Equity Restructuring, for reasons of administrative convenience the Administrator may refuse to permit the exercise of any Award during a period of up to thirty days prior to the consummation of any such transaction.
(f) Except as expressly provided in the Plan or pursuant to action of the Administrator under the Plan, no Participant shall have any rights by reason of any subdivision or consolidation of shares of any class, the payment of any dividend, any increase or decrease in the number of shares of any class or any dissolution, liquidation, merger, or consolidation of the Company or any other company or 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 any class, or securities convertible into shares of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number of Shares subject to an Award or the grant or exercise price of any Award. The existence of the Plan, any Award Agreements and the Awards granted hereunder shall not affect or restrict in any way the right or power of the Company 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 without limitation, securities with rights superior to those of the Shares or which are convertible into or exchangeable for Shares. The Administrator may treat Participants and Awards (or portions thereof) differently under this Section 8.
9. | General Provisions Applicable to Awards. |
(a) Transferability. Except as the Administrator may otherwise determine or provide in an Award Agreement or otherwise, in any case in accordance with Applicable Laws, Awards shall not be sold, assigned, transferred, mortgaged, charged, pledged or otherwise encumbered by the person to whom they are granted, either voluntarily or by operation of law, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and, during the life of the Participant, shall be exercisable only by the Participant. References to a Participant, to the extent relevant in the context, shall include references to authorized transferees.
(b) Documentation. Each Award shall be evidenced in an Award Agreement, which may be in such form (written, electronic or otherwise) as the Administrator shall determine. Each Award may contain terms and conditions in addition to those set forth in the Plan.
(c) Discretion. Except as otherwise provided by the Plan, 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.
(d) Termination of Status. The Administrator shall determine the effect on an Award of the disability, death, retirement, authorized leave of absence or any other change or purported change in a Participant’s Service Provider status 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.
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(e) Withholding. Each Participant shall pay to the Company, or make provision satisfactory to the Administrator for payment of, any taxes required by law to be withheld in connection with Awards to such Participant no later than the date of the event creating the tax liability. Except as the Administrator may otherwise determine, all such payments shall be made in cash or by certified check. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent permitted by the Administrator, Participants may satisfy such tax obligations in whole or in part by delivery of Shares, including Shares retained from the Award creating the tax obligation, valued at their Fair Market Value. The Company may, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, deduct any such tax obligations from any payment of any kind otherwise due to a Participant.
(f) Amendment of Award. The Administrator may amend, modify or terminate any outstanding Award, including but not limited to, substituting therefor another Award of the same or a different type, changing the date of exercise or settlement, and converting an Incentive Option to a Non-Qualified Option. The Participant’s consent to such action shall be required unless (i) the Administrator determines that the action, taking into account any related action, would not materially and adversely affect the Participant, or (ii) the change is permitted under Section 8 and 10(f) hereof.
(g) Conditions on Delivery of Shares. The Company will not be obligated to issue any Shares pursuant to the Plan or to remove restrictions from Shares previously issued under the Plan until (i) all conditions of the Award have been met or removed to the satisfaction of the Company, (ii) in the opinion of the Company’s counsel, all other legal matters in connection with the issuance and delivery of such Shares have been satisfied, including any applicable securities laws and any applicable securities exchange or securities 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 the requirements of any Applicable Laws. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is determined by the Administrator to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any securities hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.
(h) Acceleration. The Administrator may at any time provide that any Award shall become immediately vested and/or exercisable in full or in part, free of some or all restrictions or conditions, or otherwise realizable in full or in part, as the case may be.
10. | Miscellaneous. |
(a) No Right To Employment or Other Status. No person shall have any claim or right to be granted an Award, and the grant of an Award shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to continued employment or any other relationship with the Company. The Company 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 applicable Award Agreement.
(b) No Rights As Shareholder; Certificates. Subject to the provisions of the applicable Award Agreement, no Participant or Designated Beneficiary shall have any rights as a shareholder with respect to any Shares to be distributed with respect to an Award until becoming the registered holder of such Shares on the Register of Members. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator or required by any Applicable Laws, the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver to any Participant certificates evidencing Shares issued in connection with any Award, it being noted that such Shares shall be issued to the Participant by the Participant being registered on the Register of Members as the registered holder of such Shares. The Company may place legends on certificates evidencing Shares issued under the Plan deemed necessary or appropriate by the Administrator in order to comply with Applicable Laws.
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(c) Effective Date and Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective on the date on which it is adopted by the Board. No Awards shall be granted under the Plan after the completion of ten years from the earlier of (i) the date on which the Plan was adopted by the Board or (ii) the date the Plan was approved by the Company’s shareholders, but Awards previously granted may extend beyond that date in accordance with the terms of the Plan.
(d) Amendment of Plan. The Administrator may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan or any portion thereof at any time; provided that no amendment of the Plan shall materially and adversely affect any Award outstanding at the time of such amendment without the consent of the affected Participant. Awards outstanding under the Plan at the time of any suspension or termination of the Plan shall continue to be governed in accordance with the terms of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement, as in effect prior to such suspension or termination. The Board shall obtain shareholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary to comply with Applicable Laws.
(e) Provisions for non-United States Participants. The Administrator may modify Awards granted to Participants who are not United States nationals or are employed outside the United States or establish subplans or procedures under the Plan to address differences in laws, rules, regulations or customs of such jurisdictions outside the United States with respect to tax, securities, currency, employee benefit or other matters.
(f) | Section 409A. |
(i) General. The Company intends that all Awards be structured in compliance with, or to satisfy an exemption from, Section 409A, such that no adverse tax consequences, interest, or penalties under Section 409A apply in connection with any Awards. Notwithstanding anything herein or in any Award Agreement to the contrary, the Administrator may, without a Participant’s prior consent, amend this Plan and/or Awards, adopt policies and procedures, or take any other actions (including amendments, policies, procedures and actions with retroactive effect) as are necessary or appropriate to preserve the intended tax treatment of Awards under the Plan, including without limitation, any such actions intended to (A) exempt this Plan and/or any Award from the application of Section 409A, and/or (B) comply with the requirements of Section 409A, including without limitation any such regulations, guidance, compliance programs and other interpretative authority that may be issued after the date of grant of any Award. The Company makes no representations or warranties as to the tax treatment of any Award under Section 409A or otherwise. The Company shall have no obligation under this Section 10(f) or otherwise to take any action (whether or not described herein) to avoid the imposition of taxes, penalties or interest under Section 409A with respect to any Award and shall have no liability to any Participant or any other person if any Award, compensation or other benefits under the Plan are determined to constitute non-compliant, “nonqualified deferred compensation” subject to the imposition of taxes, penalties and/or interest under Section 409A.
(ii) Separation from Service. With respect to any Award that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A, any payment or settlement of such Award that is to be made upon a termination of a Participant’s Service Provider relationship shall, to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of 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 subsequent to the termination of the Participant’s Service Provider relationship. For purposes of any such provision of this Plan or any Award Agreement relating to any such payments or benefits, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.”
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(iii) Payments to Specified Employees. Notwithstanding any contrary provision in the Plan or any Award Agreement, any payment(s) of “nonqualified deferred compensation” that are otherwise required to be made under an Award to a “specified employee” (as defined under Section 409A and determined by the Administrator) as a result of his or her “separation from service” shall, to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of taxes under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i), be delayed until the expiration of the six-month period immediately following such “separation from service” (or, if earlier, until the date of death of the specified employee) and shall instead be paid (in a manner set forth in the Award agreement) on the day that immediately follows the end of such six-month period or as soon as administratively practicable thereafter (without interest). Any payments of “nonqualified deferred compensation” under such Award that are, by their terms, payable more than six months following the Participant’s “separation from service” shall be paid at the time or times such payments are otherwise scheduled to be made.
(g) Limitations on Liability. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, no individual acting as a director, officer, other employee or agent of the Company 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, nor will such individual be personally liable with respect to the Plan because of any contract or other instrument he or she executes in his or her capacity as an Administrator, director, officer, other employee or agent of the Company. The Company will indemnify and hold harmless each director, officer, other employee and agent of the Company to whom any duty or power relating to the administration or interpretation of the Plan has been or will be granted or delegated, 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 out of any act or omission to act concerning this Plan unless arising out of such person’s own fraud or bad faith.
(h) Lock-Up Period. The Company may, at the request of any representative of the underwriters or otherwise, in connection with any registration of the offering of any securities of the Company under the Securities Act, prohibit Participants from, directly or indirectly, selling or otherwise transferring any Shares or other securities of the Company during a period of up to one hundred eighty days following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act.
(i) | Right of First Refusal. |
(i) Before any Shares held by a Participant or any permitted transferee (each, a “Holder”) may be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or otherwise disposed of (each, a “Transfer”), the Company or its assignee(s) shall have a right of first refusal to purchase the Shares proposed to be Transferred on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 10(i) (the “Right of First Refusal”). In the event that the Company’s Memorandum and Articles and/or a shareholders’ agreement applicable to the Shares contain a right of first refusal with respect to the Shares, such right of first refusal shall apply to the Shares to the extent such provisions are more restrictive than the Right of First Refusal set forth in this Section 10(i) and the Right of First Refusal set forth in this Section 10(i) shall not in any way restrict the operation of the Company’s Memorandum and Articles or the operation of any applicable shareholders’ agreement.
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(ii) In the event any Holder desires to Transfer any Shares, the Holder shall deliver to the Company a written notice (the “Notice”) stating: (A) the Holder’s bona fide intention to sell or otherwise Transfer such Shares; (B) the name of each proposed purchaser or other transferee (“Proposed Transferee”); (C) the number of Shares to be Transferred to each Proposed Transferee; and (D) the price for which the Holder proposes to Transfer the Shares (the “Offered Price”), and the Holder shall offer such Shares at the Offered Price to the Company or its assignee(s).
(iii) Within twenty-five days after receipt of the Notice, the Company and/or its assignee(s) may elect in writing to purchase all, but not less than all, of the Shares proposed to be Transferred to any one or more of the Proposed Transferees by delivery of a written exercise notice to the Holder (a “Company Notice”). The purchase price (“Purchase Price”) for the Shares repurchased or redeemed under this Section 10(i) shall be the Offered Price.
(iv) Payment of the Purchase Price shall be made, at the option of the Company or its assignee(s), in cash (by check or wire transfer), by cancellation of all or a portion of any outstanding indebtedness of the Holder to the Company (or, in the case of repurchase by an assignee, to the assignee), or by any combination thereof, within five days after delivery of the Company Notice or in the manner and at the times mutually agreed to by the Company and the Holder. Should the Offered Price specified in the Notice be payable in property other than cash, the Company or its assignee shall have the right to pay the purchase price in the form of cash equal in amount to the value of such property, as determined by the Administrator.
(v) If all or a portion of the Shares proposed in the Notice to be Transferred are not purchased by the Company and/or its assignee(s) as provided in this Section 10(i), then the Holder may sell or otherwise Transfer such Shares to that Proposed Transferee at the Offered Price or at a higher price; provided that such sale or other Transfer is consummated within sixty days after the date of the Notice; and provided, further, that any such sale or other Transfer is effected in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles, any Applicable Laws and that the Proposed Transferee agrees in writing that the provisions of this Plan and the applicable Award Agreement and any other applicable agreements governing the Shares to be Transferred shall continue to apply to the Shares when registered in the Register of Members in the name of such Proposed Transferee. If the Shares described in the Notice are not Transferred to the Proposed Transferee within such sixty-day period, a new Notice shall be given to the Company, and the Company and/or its assignees shall again be offered the Right of First Refusal, as provided herein, before any Shares held by the Holder may be sold or otherwise Transferred.
(vi) Anything to the contrary contained in this Section 10(i) notwithstanding and to the extent permitted by the Administrator, the Transfer of any or all of the Shares during a Participant’s lifetime or upon a Participant’s death by will or intestacy to the Participant’s Immediate Family or a trust for the benefit of the Participant’s Immediate Family shall be exempt from the Right of First Refusal. As used herein, “Immediate Family” shall mean spouse, lineal descendant or antecedent, father, mother, brother or sister or stepchild (whether or not adopted). In such case, the transferee or other recipient shall hold the Shares so Transferred subject to the provisions of this Plan (including the Right of First Refusal), the applicable Award Agreement and any other applicable agreements governing the Shares to be Transferred, and there shall be no further Transfer of such Shares except in accordance with the terms of this Section 10(i) (or otherwise as expressly provided under the Plan).
(vii) The Right of First Refusal shall terminate as to all Shares if the Company becomes a Publicly Listed Company upon such occurrence.
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(j) | Take-Along Rights. |
(i) If the Administrator shall deliver a notice to any Holder (a “Sale Event Notice”) stating that the Board has approved a sale of all or a portion of the Company (an “Approved Sale”) and specifying the name and address of the proposed parties to such transaction and the consideration payable in connection therewith, the Holder shall (i) consent to and raise no objections against the Approved Sale or the process pursuant to which the Approved Sale was arranged, (ii) waive any dissenter’s rights and other similar rights, and (iii) if the Approved Sale is structured as a sale of securities, agree to sell Holder’s Shares on the terms and conditions of the Approved Sale, which terms and conditions shall treat all holders of Shares equally (on a pro rata basis). The Holder will take all necessary and desirable lawful actions as directed by the Company in connection with the consummation of any Approved Sale, including without limitation, the execution of such agreements and such instruments (including, without limitation an instrument of transfer in respect of Shares) and other actions reasonably necessary to (A) provide the representations, warranties, indemnities, covenants, conditions, non-compete agreements, escrow agreements and other provisions and agreements relating to such Approved Sale and, (B) effectuate the allocation and distribution of the aggregate consideration upon the Approved Sale, provided, that the Holder shall not be required to indemnify the acquirer in any Approved Sale for breaches of the representations, warranties or covenants of the Company or any other shareholder, except to the extent that (x) the Holder is not required to incur more than its pro rata share of such indemnity obligation (based on the total consideration to be received by all shareholders that are similarly situated and hold the same class or series of shares) and (y) such indemnity obligation is provided for and limited to a post-closing escrow or holdback arrangement of cash or shares paid in connection with the Approved Sale. The rights described in this Section 10(j) are referred to as the “Take-Along Rights”. In the event that the Company’s Memorandum and Articles and/or a shareholders’ agreement applicable to the Shares contain take-along rights with respect to the Shares, such take-along rights shall apply to the Shares to the extent such provisions are more restrictive than the Take-Along Rights set forth in this Section 10(j) and the Take-Along Rights set forth in this Section 10(j) shall not in any way restrict the operation of the Company’s Memorandum and Articles or the operation of any applicable shareholders’ agreement.
(ii) The Holder will bear such Holder’s pro rata share (based upon the amount of consideration to be received) of the reasonable costs of any sale of Shares pursuant to an Approved Sale to the extent such costs are incurred for the benefit of all selling shareholders of the Company and are not otherwise paid by the Company or the acquiring party. Costs incurred by the Holder on the Holder’s own behalf will not be considered costs of the transaction hereunder.
(iii) To the extent one or more share certificates has previously been delivered to the Holder, then the Holder shall, at the consummation of the Approved Sale, deliver to the Company the certificate(s) representing the Shares subject to the Company’s exercise of its Take-Along Rights, each certificate to be properly endorsed for transfer. No failure by the Holder to comply with this requirement shall affect the right of the Company to participate in any proposed transaction.
(iv) The Take-Along Rights shall terminate as to all Shares on the date on which the Company becomes a Publicly Listed Company.
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(k) Data Privacy. As a condition of receipt of 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 paragraph by and among, as applicable, the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates for the exclusive purpose of 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 but not limited to, the Participant’s name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social security or insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title(s), any shares held in the Company or any of its subsidiaries and affiliates, details of all Awards, in each case, for the purpose of implementing, managing and administering the Plan and Awards (the “Data”). The Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates may transfer the Data amongst themselves as necessary for the purpose of implementation, administration and management of a Participant’s participation in the Plan, and the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates may each further transfer the Data to any third parties assisting the Company in the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. 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. Through acceptance of an Award, each Participant authorizes such recipients to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the purposes of implementing, administering and managing the Participant’s participation in the Plan, including any requisite transfer of such Data as may be required 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 is necessary to implement, administer, and manage the Participant’s participation in the Plan. A Participant may, at any time, view the Data held by the Company with respect to such Participant, request additional information about the storage and processing of the Data with respect to such Participant, recommend any necessary corrections to the Data with respect to the Participant or refuse or withdraw the consents herein in writing, in any case without cost, by contacting his or her local human resources representative. 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 if the Participant refuses or withdraws his or her consents as described herein. For more information on the consequences of refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, Participants may contact their local human resources representative.
(l) Severability. In the event any portion of the Plan or any action taken pursuant thereto shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of the Plan, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provisions had not been included, and the illegal or invalid action shall be null and void.
(m) Governing Documents. In the event of any contradiction between the Plan and any Award Agreement or any other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or any subsidiary of the Company that has been approved by the Administrator, the terms of the Plan shall govern, unless it is expressly specified in such Award Agreement or other written document that a specific provision of the Plan shall not apply.
(n) Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. By accepting an Award, each Participant irrevocably and unconditionally consents to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware and of the United States of America, in each case located in the State of Delaware, for any action arising out of or relating to the Plan (and agrees not to commence any litigation relating thereto except in such courts), and further agrees that service of any process, summons, notice or document by U.S. registered mail to the address contained in the records of the Company shall be effective service of process for any litigation brought against it in any such court. By accepting an Award, each Participant irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any litigation arising out of Plan or Award hereunder in the courts of the State of Delaware or the United States of America, in each case located in the State of Delaware, and further irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any such litigation brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. By accepting an Award, each Participant irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all rights to trial by jury in connection with any litigation arising out of or relating to the Plan or any Award hereunder.
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(o) Governing Law. The provisions of the Plan and all Awards made hereunder shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the British Virgin Islands, without regard to any otherwise governing principles of conflicts of law.
(p) Restrictions on Shares; Claw-back Provisions. Shares acquired in respect of Awards shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine, including, without limitation, restrictions on the transferability of Shares, the right of the Company to repurchase or redeem Shares, the right of the Company to require that Shares be transferred in the event of certain transactions, tag-along rights, bring-along rights, redemption and co-sale rights and voting requirements. Such terms and conditions may be additional to those contained in the Plan and may, as determined by the Administrator, be contained in the applicable Award Agreement or in an exercise notice, shareholders’ agreement or in such other agreement as the Administrator shall determine, in each case in a form determined by the Administrator. The issuance of such Shares shall be conditioned on the Participant’s consent to such terms and conditions and the Participant’s entering into such agreement or agreements. All Awards (including 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 the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder, to the extent set forth in such claw-back policy and/or in the applicable Award Agreement.
(q) Titles and Headings. The titles and headings of the Sections in the Plan are for convenience of reference only and, in the event of any conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall control.
(r) Conformity to Securities Laws. Participant acknowledges that the Plan is intended to conform to the extent necessary with all provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and any and all regulations and rules promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, and state securities laws and regulations. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Plan and all Awards granted hereunder shall be administered only in such a manner as to conform to such laws, rules and regulations. To the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, the Plan and all Award Agreements shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such laws, rules and regulations.
11. Definitions. As used in the Plan, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:
(a) “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.
(b) “Applicable Laws” means the requirements relating to the administration of equity incentive plans under British Virgin Islands securities, tax and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, the applicable rules of any securities exchange or quotation system on which the Shares are listed or quoted and the applicable laws and rules of the United States and any other country or other jurisdiction where Awards are granted or issued under the Plan.
(c) “Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, Restricted Shares, Restricted Share Units or Other Share-Based Awards.
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(d) “Award Agreement” means a written agreement evidencing an Award, which agreements may be in electronic medium and shall contain such terms and conditions with respect to an Award as the Administrator shall determine, consistent with and subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(e) | “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company. |
(f) “Cause,” with respect to a Participant, means “Cause” (or any term of similar effect) as defined in such Participant’s employment agreement with the Company if such an agreement exists and contains a definition of Cause (or term of similar effect), or, if no such agreement exists or such agreement does not contain a definition of Cause (or term of similar effect), then Cause shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the Participant’s unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information or trade secrets of the Company or any material breach of a written agreement between the Participant and the Company, including without limitation a material breach of any employment, confidentiality, non-compete, non-solicit or similar agreement; (ii) the Participant’s commission of, indictment for or the entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere by the Participant to, a felony under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or any crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude (or any similar crime in any jurisdiction outside the United States); (iii) the Participant’s negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of the Participant’s duties or the Participant’s willful or repeated failure or refusal to substantially perform assigned duties; (iv) any act of fraud, embezzlement, material misappropriation or dishonesty committed by the Participant against the Company; or (v) any acts, omissions or statements by a Participant which the Company determines to be materially detrimental or damaging to the reputation, operations, prospects or business relations of the Company.
(g) “Change in Control” means (i) a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into any other company, corporation or other entity or person, (ii) a sale, lease, exchange or other transfer in one transaction or a series of related transactions of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, or (iii) any other transaction, including the sale by the Company of new shares or a transfer of existing shares of the Company, the result of which is that a third party that is not an affiliate of the Company or its shareholders (or a group of third parties not affiliated with the Company or its shareholders) immediately prior to such transaction acquires or holds shares of the Company representing a majority of the Company’s outstanding voting power immediately following such transaction; provided that the following events shall not constitute a “Change in Control”: (A) a transaction (other than a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets) in which the holders of the voting securities of the Company immediately prior to the merger or consolidation hold, directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the voting securities in the successor company or corporation or its parent immediately after the merger or consolidation; (B) a sale, lease, exchange or other transaction in one transaction or a series of related transactions of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an affiliate of the Company; (C) an initial public offering of any of the Company’s securities; (D) a reincorporation of the Company solely to change its jurisdiction; or (E) a transaction undertaken for the primary purpose of creating a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportion by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change in Control would give rise to a payment or settlement event with respect to any Award that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation,” the transaction or event constituting the Change in Control must also constitute a “change in control event” (as defined in Treasury Regulation §1.409A-3(i)(5)) in order to give rise to the payment or settlement event for such Award, to the extent required by Section 409A.
(h) “Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations issued thereunder.
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(i) “Committee” means one or more committees or subcommittees of the Board, which may be comprised of one or more directors and/or executive officers of the Company, in either case, to the extent permitted in accordance with Applicable Laws.
(j) “Company” means Surf Air Global Limited, a BVI business company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, or any successor thereto. Except where the context otherwise requires, the term “Company” includes any of the Company’s present or future parent or subsidiary companies or corporations as defined in Sections 424(e) or (f) of the Code and any other business venture (including, without limitation, joint venture or limited liability company) in which the Company has a significant interest, as determined by the Administrator.
(k) “Consultant” means any person, including any advisor, engaged by the Company or a parent or subsidiary of the Company to render services to such entity if: (i) the consultant or adviser renders bona fide services to the Company; (ii) the services rendered by the consultant or advisor are not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction and do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities; and (iii) the consultant or advisor is a natural person, or such other advisor or consultant as is approved by the Administrator.
(l) “Designated Beneficiary” means the beneficiary or beneficiaries designated, in a manner determined by the Administrator, by a Participant to receive amounts due or exercise rights of the Participant in the event of the Participant’s death or incapacity In the absence of an effective designation by a Participant, “Designated Beneficiary” shall mean the Participant’s estate.
(m) “Director” means a member of the Board.
(n) “Disability” means a permanent and total disability within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, as it may be amended from time to time.
(o) “Dividend Equivalents” means a right granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 6(d)(3) hereof to receive the equivalent value (in cash or Shares) of dividends paid on Shares.
(p) “Employee” means any person, including officers and Directors, employed by the Company (within the meaning of Section 3401(c) of the Code) or any parent or subsidiary of the Company.
(q) “Equity Restructuring” means, as determined by the Administrator, a non-reciprocal transaction between the Company and its shareholders, such as a share dividend, share split, spin-off or recapitalization through a large, nonrecurring cash dividend, that affects the Shares (or other securities of the Company) or the price of Shares (or other securities of the Company) and causes a change in the per Share value of the Shares underlying outstanding Awards.
(r) “Exchange Act” means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(s) “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of Shares determined as follows: (i) if the Shares are listed on any established securities exchange, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such Shares as quoted on such exchange for such date, or if no sale occurred on such date, the first market trading day immediately prior to such date during which a sale occurred, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; (ii) if the Shares are not traded on a securities exchange but are quoted on a national market or other quotation system, the last sales price on such date, or if no sales occurred on such date, then on the date immediately prior to such date on which sales prices are reported, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or (iii) in the absence of an established market for the Shares, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.
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(t) “Incentive Option” means an “incentive stock option” as defined in Section 422 of the Code.
(u) “Memorandum and Articles” means the memorandum and articles of association of the Company as registered with the Registrar of Corporate Affairs in the British Virgin Islands, as the same may be amended and/or amended and restated from time to time.
(v) “Non-Qualified Option” means an Option that is not intended to be or otherwise does not qualify as an Incentive Option.
(w) “Option” means an option to purchase Shares.
(x) “Other Share-Based Awards” means other Awards of Shares, and other Awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based on, Shares or other property.
(y) “Participant” means a Service Provider who has been granted an Award under the Plan.
(z) “Plan” means this 2016 Equity Incentive Plan.
(aa) “Publicly Listed Company” means that the Company or its successor (i) is required to file periodic reports pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act and (ii) the Shares are listed on one or more National Securities Exchanges (within the meaning of the Exchange Act) or is quoted on NASDAQ or a successor quotation system.
(bb) “Register of Members” means the register of members of the Company kept by the Company for the purposes of section 41 of the BVI Business Companies Act, 2004 of the British Virgin Islands.
(cc) “Restricted Shares” means Shares awarded to a Participant pursuant to Section 6 hereof that is subject to certain vesting conditions and other restrictions.
(dd) “Restricted Share 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 equal to the value thereof as of such payment date, which right may be subject to certain vesting conditions and other restrictions.
(ee) “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and all regulations, guidance, compliance programs and other interpretative authority thereunder.
(ff) “Securities Act” means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.
(gg) “Service Provider” means an Employee, Consultant or Director.
(hh) “Shares” means ordinary shares of the Company, no par value per share.
(ii) “Termination of Service” means the date the Participant ceases to be a Service
Provider.
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SURF AIR GLOBAL LIMITED 2016 EQUITY
INCENTIVE PLAN CALIFORNIA
SUPPLEMENT
This supplement is intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 25102(o) of the California Corporations Code and the regulations issued thereunder (“Section 25102(o)”). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Plan and except as otherwise determined by the Administrator, the provisions set forth in this supplement shall apply to all Awards granted under the Plan to a Participant who is a resident of the State of California on the date of grant (a “California Participant”) and which are intended to be exempt from registration in California pursuant to Section 25102(o), and otherwise to the extent required to comply with Applicable Law (but only to such extent). Definitions in the Plan are applicable to this supplement.
1. Limitation On Securities Issuable Under Plan. The amount of securities issued pursuant to the Plan shall not exceed the amounts permitted under Section 260.140.45 of the California code of regulations to the extent applicable.
2. Additional Limitations For Grants. The terms of all Awards shall comply, to the extent applicable, with section 260.140.41 and 260.140.42 of the California code of regulations.
3. Additional Requirement To Provide Information To California Participants. The Company shall provide to each California Participant, not less frequently than annually, copies of annual financial statements (which need not be audited). The Company shall not be required to provide such statements to key persons whose duties in connection with the company assure their access to equivalent information. In addition, this information requirement shall not apply to any plan or agreement that complies with all conditions of Rule 701 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; provided that for purposes of determining such compliance, any registered domestic partner shall be considered a “family member” as that term is defined in Rule 701.
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CS-1
Exhibit 10.25
Surf Air Mobility Inc.
2023 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
1. | PURPOSE OF PLAN |
The purpose of this Surf Air Mobility Inc. 2023 Equity Incentive Plan (this “Plan”) of Surf Air Mobility Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), is to promote the success of the Corporation by providing an additional means through the grant of awards to attract, motivate, retain and reward selected employees and other eligible persons and to enhance the alignment of the interests of the selected participants with the interests of the Corporation’s stockholders.
2. | ELIGIBILITY |
The Administrator (as such term is defined in Section 3.1) may grant awards under this Plan only to those persons that the Administrator determines to be Eligible Persons. An “Eligible Person” is any person who is either: (a) an officer (whether or not a director) or employee of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries; (b) a director of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries; or (c) an individual consultant or advisor who renders or has rendered bona fide services (other than services in connection with the offering or sale of securities of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries in a capital-raising transaction or as a market maker or promoter of securities of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries) to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries and who is selected to participate in this Plan by the Administrator; provided, however, that a person who is otherwise an Eligible Person under clause (c) above may participate in this Plan only if such participation would not adversely affect either the Corporation’s eligibility to use Form S-8 to register under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the offering and sale of shares issuable under this Plan by the Corporation or the Corporation’s compliance with any other applicable laws. An Eligible Person who has been granted an award (a “participant”) may, if otherwise eligible, be granted additional awards if the Administrator shall so determine. As used herein, “Subsidiary” means any corporation or other entity a majority of whose outstanding voting stock or voting power is beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the Corporation; and “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
3. | PLAN ADMINISTRATION |
3.1 | The Administrator. This Plan shall be administered by and all awards under this Plan shall be authorized by the Administrator. The “Administrator” means the Board or one or more committees (or subcommittees, as the case may be) appointed by the Board or another committee (within its delegated authority) to administer all or certain aspects of this Plan. Any such committee shall be comprised solely of one or more directors or such number of directors as may be required under applicable law. A committee may delegate some or all of its authority to another committee so constituted. The Board or a committee comprised solely of directors may also delegate, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to one or more officers of the Corporation, its authority under this Plan. The Board or another committee (within its delegated authority) may delegate different levels of authority to different committees or persons with administrative and grant authority under this Plan. Unless otherwise provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation or the applicable charter of any Administrator: (a) a majority of the members of the acting Administrator shall constitute a quorum, and (b) the vote of a majority of the members present assuming the presence of a quorum or the unanimous written consent of the members of the Administrator shall constitute action by the acting Administrator. |
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3.2 | Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the express provisions of this Plan, the Administrator is authorized and empowered to do all things necessary or desirable in connection with the authorization of awards and the administration of this Plan (in the case of a committee or delegation to one or more officers, within any express limits on the authority delegated to that committee or person(s)), including, without limitation, the authority to: |
(a) | determine eligibility and, from among those persons determined to be eligible, determine the particular Eligible Persons who will receive an award under this Plan; |
(b) | grant awards to Eligible Persons, determine the price (if any) at which securities will be offered or awarded and the number of securities to be offered or awarded to any of such persons (in the case of securities-based awards), determine the other specific terms and conditions of awards consistent with the express limits of this Plan, establish the installment(s) (if any) in which such awards shall become exercisable or shall vest (which may include, without limitation, performance and/or time-based schedules), or determine that no delayed exercisability or vesting is required, establish any applicable performance-based exercisability or vesting requirements, determine the circumstances in which any performance-based goals (or the applicable measure of performance) will be adjusted and the nature and impact of any such adjustment, determine the extent (if any) to which any applicable exercise and vesting requirements have been satisfied, establish the events (if any) on which exercisability or vesting may accelerate (which may include, without limitation, retirement and other specified terminations of employment or services, or other circumstances), and establish the events (if any) of termination, expiration or reversion of such awards; |
(c) | approve the forms of any award agreements (which need not be identical either as to type of award or among participants); |
(d) | construe and interpret this Plan and any agreements defining the rights and obligations of the Corporation, its Subsidiaries, and participants under this Plan, make any and all determinations under this Plan and any such agreements, further define the terms used in this Plan, and prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration of this Plan or the awards granted under this Plan; |
(e) | cancel, modify, or waive the Corporation’s rights with respect to, or modify, discontinue, suspend, or terminate any or all outstanding awards, subject to any required consent under Section 8.6.5; |
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(f) | accelerate, waive or extend the vesting or exercisability, or modify or extend the term of, any or all such outstanding awards (in the case of options or stock appreciation rights, within the maximum term of such awards) in such circumstances as the Administrator may deem appropriate (including, without limitation, in connection with a retirement or other termination of employment or services, or other circumstances) subject to any required consent under Section 8.6.5; |
(g) | adjust the number of shares of Common Stock subject to any award, adjust the price of any or all outstanding awards or otherwise waive or change previously imposed terms and conditions, in such circumstances as the Administrator may deem appropriate, in each case subject to Sections 4 and 8.6 (and subject to the no repricing provision below); |
(h) | determine the date of grant of an award, which may be a designated date after but not before the date of the Administrator’s action to approve the award (unless otherwise designated by the Administrator, the date of grant of an award shall be the date upon which the Administrator took the action approving the award); |
(i) | determine whether, and the extent to which, adjustments are required pursuant to Section 7.1 hereof and take any other actions contemplated by Section 7 in connection with the occurrence of an event of the type described in Section 7; |
(j) | acquire or settle (subject to Sections 7 and 8.6) rights under awards in cash, stock of equivalent value, or other consideration (subject to the no repricing provision below); and |
(k) | determine the fair market value of the Common Stock or awards under this Plan from time to time and/or the manner in which such value will be determined. |
3.3 | Prohibition on Repricing. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 3.2 and except for an adjustment pursuant to Section 7.1 or a repricing approved by stockholders, in no case may the Administrator (1) amend an outstanding stock option or SAR to reduce the exercise price or base price of the award, (2) cancel, exchange, or surrender an outstanding stock option or SAR in exchange for cash or other awards for the purpose of repricing the award, or (3) cancel, exchange, or surrender an outstanding stock option or SAR in exchange for an option or SAR with an exercise or base price that is less than the exercise or base price of the original award. |
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3.4 | Binding Determinations. Any determination or other action taken by, or inaction of, the Corporation, any Subsidiary, or the Administrator relating or pursuant to this Plan (or any award made under this Plan) and within its authority hereunder or under applicable law shall be within the absolute discretion of that entity or body and shall be conclusive and binding upon all persons. Neither the Board nor any other Administrator, nor any member thereof or person acting at the direction thereof, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in good faith in connection with this Plan (or any award made under this Plan), and all such persons shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement by the Corporation in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) arising or resulting therefrom to the fullest extent permitted by law and/or under any directors and officers liability insurance coverage that may be in effect from time to time. Neither the Board nor any other Administrator, nor any member thereof or person acting at the direction thereof, nor the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, shall be liable for any damages of a participant should an option intended as an ISO (as defined below) fail to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), applicable to ISOs, should any other award(s) fail to qualify for any intended tax treatment, should any award grant or other action with respect thereto not satisfy Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise for any tax or other liability imposed on a participant with respect to an award. |
3.5 | Reliance on Experts. In making any determination or in taking or not taking any action under this Plan, the Administrator may obtain and may rely upon the advice of experts, including employees and professional advisors to the Corporation. No director, officer or agent of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries shall be liable for any such action or determination taken or made or omitted in good faith. |
3.6 | Delegation. The Administrator may delegate ministerial, non-discretionary functions to individuals who are officers or employees of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries or to third parties. |
4. SHARES OF COMMON STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN; SHARE LIMITS
4.1 | Shares Available. Subject to the provisions of Section 7.1, the capital stock that may be delivered under this Plan shall be shares of the Corporation’s authorized but unissued Common Stock and any shares of its Common Stock held as treasury shares. For purposes of this Plan, “Common Stock” shall mean the common stock of the Corporation and such other securities or property as may become the subject of awards under this Plan, or may become subject to such awards, pursuant to an adjustment made under Section 7.1. |
4.2 | Aggregate Share Limit. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be delivered pursuant to awards granted to Eligible Persons under this Plan (the “Share Limit”) is equal to the sum of the following: |
(1) | [________] shares of Common Stock, plus |
(2) | the number of any shares subject to stock options granted under the Surf Air Global Limited 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”) and outstanding on the date of stockholder approval of this Plan (the “Stockholder Approval Date”) which expire, or for any reason are cancelled or terminated, after the Stockholder Approval Date without being exercised, plus |
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(3) | the number of any shares subject to restricted stock awards granted under the 2016 Plan that are outstanding and unvested on the Stockholder Approval Date that are forfeited, terminated, cancelled or otherwise reacquired by the Corporation without having become vested. |
In addition, the Share Limit shall automatically increase on the first trading day in January of each calendar year during the term of this Plan, with the first such increase to occur in January 2024, by an amount equal to the lesser of (i) [____ percent (__%)] of the total number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on December 31 of the immediately preceding calendar year or (ii) such number of shares of Common Stock as may be established by the Board.
4.3 | Additional Share Limits. The following limits also apply with respect to awards granted under this Plan. These limits are in addition to, not in lieu of, the aggregate Share Limit in Section 4.2. |
(a) | The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be delivered pursuant to options qualified as incentive stock options granted under this Plan is [________] shares. |
(b) | Awards that are granted under this Plan during any one calendar year to any person who, on the grant date of the award, is a non-employee director are subject to the limits of this Section 4.3(b). The maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to those awards that are granted under this Plan during any one calendar year to an individual who, on the grant date of the award, is a non-employee director is the number of shares that produce a grant date fair value for the award that, when combined with (i) the grant date fair value of any other awards granted under this Plan during that same calendar year to that individual in his or her capacity as a non-employee director and (ii) the dollar amount of all other cash compensation payable by the Corporation to such non-employee director for his or her services in such capacity during that same calendar year (regardless of whether deferred and excluding any interest or earnings on any portion of such amount that may be deferred), is $[_______]; provided that this limit is $[_______] as to (1) a non-employee director who is serving as the independent Chair of the Board or as a lead independent director at the time the applicable grant is made or (2) any new non-employee director for the calendar year in which the non-employee director is first elected or appointed to the Board. For purposes of this Section 4.3(b), a “non-employee director” is an individual who, on the grant date of the award, is a member of the Board who is not then an officer or employee of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries. For purposes of this Section 4.3(b), “grant date fair value” means the value of the award as of the date of grant of the award and as determined using the equity award valuation principles applied in the Corporation’s financial reporting. The limits of this Section 4.3(b) do not apply to, and shall be determined without taking into account, any award granted to an individual who, on the grant date of the award, is an officer or employee of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries. The limits of this Section 4.3(b) apply on an individual basis and not on an aggregate basis to all non-employee directors as a group. |
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4.4 | Share-Limit Counting Rules. The Share Limit shall be subject to the following provisions of this Section 4.4: |
(a) | Shares that are subject to or underlie awards granted under this Plan which expire or for any reason are cancelled or terminated, are forfeited, fail to vest, or for any other reason are not paid or delivered under this Plan shall not be counted against the Share Limit and shall be available for subsequent awards under this Plan. |
(b) | Except as provided below, to the extent that shares of Common Stock are delivered pursuant to the exercise of a stock appreciation right granted under this Plan, the number of underlying shares which are actually issued in payment of the award shall be counted against the Share Limit. (For purposes of clarity, if a stock appreciation right relates to 100,000 shares and is exercised in full at a time when the payment due to the participant is 15,000 shares, 15,000 shares shall be counted against the Share Limit with respect to such exercise and the 85,000 shares not issued shall not be counted against the Share Limit and shall be available for subsequent awards under this Plan.) |
(c) | Shares that are exchanged by a participant or withheld by the Corporation as full or partial payment in connection with any award granted under this Plan, as well as any shares exchanged by a participant or withheld by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to any award granted under this Plan, shall not be counted against the Share Limit and shall be available for subsequent awards under this Plan. |
(d) | To the extent that an award granted under this Plan is settled in cash or a form other than shares of Common Stock, the shares that would have been delivered had there been no such cash or other settlement shall not be counted against the Share Limit and shall be available for subsequent awards under this Plan. |
(e) | In the event that shares of Common Stock are delivered in respect of a dividend equivalent right granted under this Plan, the number of shares delivered with respect to the award shall be counted against the Share Limit. (For purposes of clarity, if 1,000 dividend equivalent rights are granted and outstanding when the Corporation pays a dividend, and 50 shares are delivered in payment of those rights with respect to that dividend, 50 shares shall be counted against the Share Limit). Except as otherwise provided by the Administrator, shares delivered in respect of dividend equivalent rights shall not count against any individual award limit under this Plan other than the aggregate Share Limit. |
(f) | The Corporation may not increase the Share Limit by repurchasing shares of Common Stock on the market (by using cash received through the exercise of stock options or otherwise). |
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Refer to Section 8.10 for application of the share limits of this Plan, including the limits in Sections 4.2 and 4.3, with respect to assumed awards. Each of the numerical limits and references in Sections 4.2 and 4.3, and in this Section 4.4, is subject to adjustment as contemplated by Sections 7 and 8.10.
4.5 | No Fractional Shares; Minimum Issue. Unless otherwise expressly provided by the Administrator, no fractional shares shall be delivered under this Plan. The Administrator may pay cash in lieu of any fractional shares in settlements of awards under this Plan. The Administrator may from time to time impose a limit (of not greater than 100 shares) on the minimum number of shares that may be purchased or exercised as to awards (or any particular award) granted under this Plan unless (as to any particular award) the total number purchased or exercised is the total number at the time available for purchase or exercise under the award. |
5. | AWARDS |
5.1 | Type and Form of Awards. The Administrator shall determine the type or types of award(s) to be made to each selected Eligible Person. Awards may be granted singly, in combination or in tandem. Awards also may be made in combination or in tandem with, in replacement of, as alternatives to, or as the payment form for grants or rights under any other employee or compensation plan of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries. The types of awards that may be granted under this Plan are: |
5.1.1 Stock Options. A stock option is the grant of a right to purchase a specified number of shares of Common Stock during a specified period as determined by the Administrator. An option may be intended as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code (an “ISO”) or a nonqualified stock option (an option not intended to be an ISO). The agreement evidencing the grant of an option will indicate if the option is intended as an ISO; otherwise it will be deemed to be a nonqualified stock option. The maximum term of each option (ISO or nonqualified) shall be ten (10) years. The per share exercise price for each option shall be not less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of the option. When an option is exercised, the exercise price for the shares to be purchased shall be paid in full in cash or such other method permitted by the Administrator consistent with Section 5.4.
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5.1.2 Additional Rules Applicable to ISOs. To the extent that the aggregate fair market value (determined at the time of grant of the applicable option) of stock with respect to which ISOs first become exercisable by a participant in any calendar year exceeds $100,000, taking into account both Common Stock subject to ISOs under this Plan and stock subject to ISOs under all other plans of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries (or any parent or predecessor corporation to the extent required by and within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder), such options shall be treated as nonqualified stock options. In reducing the number of options treated as ISOs to meet the $100,000 limit, the most recently granted options shall be reduced first. To the extent a reduction of simultaneously granted options is necessary to meet the $100,000 limit, the Administrator may, in the manner and to the extent permitted by law, designate which shares of Common Stock are to be treated as shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO. ISOs may only be granted to employees of the Corporation or one of its subsidiaries (for this purpose, the term “subsidiary” is used as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code, which generally requires an unbroken chain of ownership of at least 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of each subsidiary in the chain beginning with the Corporation and ending with the subsidiary in question). No ISO may be granted to any person who, at the time the option is granted, owns (or is deemed to own under Section 424(d) of the Code) shares of outstanding Common Stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Corporation, unless the exercise price of such option is at least 110% of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option and such option by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date such option is granted. If an otherwise-intended ISO fails to meet the applicable requirements of Section 422 of the Code, the option shall be a nonqualified stock option.
5.1.3 Stock Appreciation Rights. A stock appreciation right or “SAR” is a right to receive a payment, in cash and/or Common Stock, equal to the excess of the fair market value of a specified number of shares of Common Stock on the date the SAR is exercised over the “base price” of the award, which base price shall be set forth in the applicable award agreement and shall be not less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of the SAR. The maximum term of a SAR shall be ten (10) years.
5.1.4 Other Awards; Dividend Equivalent Rights. The other types of awards that may be granted under this Plan include: (a) stock bonuses, restricted stock, performance stock, stock units, restricted stock units, deferred shares, phantom stock or similar rights to purchase or acquire shares, whether at a fixed or variable price (or no price) or fixed or variable ratio related to the Common Stock, and any of which may (but need not) be fully vested at grant or vest upon the passage of time, the occurrence of one or more events, the satisfaction of performance criteria or other conditions, or any combination thereof; or (b) cash awards. The types of cash awards that may be granted under this Plan include the opportunity to receive a payment for the achievement of one or more goals established by the Administrator, on such terms as the Administrator may provide, as well as discretionary cash awards. Dividend equivalent rights may be granted as a separate award or in connection with another award under this Plan; provided, however, that dividend equivalent rights may not be granted as to a stock option or SAR granted under this Plan. In addition, any dividends and/or dividend equivalents as to the portion of an award that is subject to unsatisfied vesting requirements will be subject to termination and forfeiture to the same extent as the corresponding portion of the award to which they relate in the event the applicable vesting requirements are not satisfied.
5.2 | Award Agreements. Each award shall be evidenced by a written or electronic award agreement or notice in a form approved by the Administrator (an “award agreement”), and, in each case and if required by the Administrator, executed or otherwise electronically accepted by the recipient of the award in such form and manner as the Administrator may require. |
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5.3 | Deferrals and Settlements. Payment of awards may be in the form of cash, Common Stock, other awards or combinations thereof as the Administrator shall determine, and with such restrictions (if any) as it may impose. The Administrator may also require or permit participants to elect to defer the issuance of shares or the settlement of awards in cash under such rules and procedures as it may establish under this Plan. The Administrator may also provide that deferred settlements include the payment or crediting of interest or other earnings on the deferral amounts, or the payment or crediting of dividend equivalents where the deferred amounts are denominated in shares. |
5.4 | Consideration for Common Stock or Awards. The purchase price (if any) for any award granted under this Plan or the Common Stock to be delivered pursuant to an award, as applicable, may be paid by means of any lawful consideration as determined by the Administrator, including, without limitation, one or a combination of the following methods: |
(a) | services rendered by the recipient of such award; |
(b) | cash, check payable to the order of the Corporation, or electronic funds transfer; |
(c) | notice and third party payment in such manner as may be authorized by the Administrator; |
(d) | the delivery of previously owned shares of Common Stock; |
(e) | by a reduction in the number of shares otherwise deliverable pursuant to the award; or |
(f) | subject to such procedures as the Administrator may adopt, pursuant to a “cashless exercise” with a third party who provides financing for the purposes of (or who otherwise facilitates) the purchase or exercise of awards. |
In no event shall any shares newly-issued by the Corporation be issued for less than the minimum lawful consideration for such shares or for consideration other than consideration permitted by applicable state law. Shares of Common Stock used to satisfy the exercise price of an option shall be valued at their fair market value. The Corporation will not be obligated to deliver any shares unless and until it receives full payment of the exercise or purchase price therefor and any related withholding obligations under Section 8.5 and any other conditions to exercise or purchase have been satisfied. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable award agreement, the Administrator may at any time eliminate or limit a participant’s ability to pay any purchase or exercise price of any award or shares by any method other than cash payment to the Corporation.
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5.5 | Definition of Fair Market Value. For purposes of this Plan, “fair market value” shall mean, unless otherwise determined or provided by the Administrator in the circumstances, the closing price (in regular trading) for a share of Common Stock on the principal securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trade (the “Exchange”) for the date in question or, if no sales of Common Stock were reported on the Exchange on that date, the closing price (in regular trading) for a share of Common Stock on the Exchange on the last day preceding the date in question on which sales of Common Stock were reported on the Exchange. The Administrator may, however, provide with respect to one or more awards that the fair market value shall equal the closing price (in regular trading) for a share of Common Stock on the Exchange on the last trading day preceding the date in question or the average of the high and low trading prices of a share of Common Stock on the Exchange for the date in question or the most recent trading day. If the Common Stock is no longer listed or is no longer actively traded on an established securities exchange as of the applicable date, the fair market value of the Common Stock shall be the value as reasonably determined by the Administrator for purposes of the award in the circumstances. The Administrator also may adopt a different methodology for determining fair market value with respect to one or more awards if a different methodology is necessary or advisable to secure any intended favorable tax, legal or other treatment for the particular award(s) (for example, and without limitation, the Administrator may provide that fair market value for purposes of one or more awards will be based on an average of closing prices (or the average of high and low daily trading prices) for a specified period preceding the relevant date). |
5.6 | Transfer Restrictions. |
5.6.1 Limitations on Exercise and Transfer. Unless otherwise expressly provided in (or pursuant to) this Section 5.6 or required by applicable law: (a) all awards are non-transferable and shall not be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, anticipation, alienation, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge; (b) awards shall be exercised only by the participant; and (c) amounts payable or shares issuable pursuant to any award shall be delivered only to (or for the account of) the participant.
5.6.2 Exceptions. The Administrator may permit awards to be exercised by and paid to, or otherwise transferred to, other persons or entities pursuant to such conditions and procedures, including limitations on subsequent transfers, as the Administrator may, in its sole discretion, establish in writing. Any permitted transfer shall be subject to compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and shall not be for value (other than nominal consideration, settlement of marital property rights, or for interests in an entity in which more than 50% of the voting interests are held by the Eligible Person or by the Eligible Person’s family members).
5.6.3 Further Exceptions to Limits on Transfer. The exercise and transfer restrictions in Section 5.6.1 shall not apply to:
(a) | transfers to the Corporation (for example, in connection with the expiration or termination of the award); |
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(b) | the designation of a beneficiary to receive benefits in the event of the participant’s death or, if the participant has died, transfers to or exercise by the participant’s beneficiary, or, in the absence of a validly designated beneficiary, transfers by will or the laws of descent and distribution; |
(c) | subject to any applicable limitations on ISOs, transfers to a family member (or former family member) pursuant to a domestic relations order if received by the Administrator; |
(d) | if the participant has suffered a disability, permitted transfers or exercises on behalf of the participant by his or her legal representative; or |
(e) | the authorization by the Administrator of “cashless exercise” procedures with third parties who provide financing for the purpose of (or who otherwise facilitate) the exercise of awards consistent with applicable laws and any limitations imposed by the Administrator. |
5.7 | International Awards. One or more awards may be granted to Eligible Persons who provide services to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries outside of the United States. Any awards granted to such persons may be granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of any applicable sub-plans, if any, appended to this Plan and approved by the Administrator from time to time. The awards so granted need not comply with other specific terms of this Plan, provided that stockholder approval of any deviation from the specific terms of this Plan is not required by applicable law or any applicable listing agency. |
6. | EFFECT OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR SERVICE ON AWARDS |
6.1 | General. The Administrator shall establish the effect (if any) of a termination of employment or service on the rights and benefits under each award under this Plan and in so doing may make distinctions based upon, inter alia, the cause of termination and type of award. If the participant is not an employee of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, is not a member of the Board, and provides other services to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, the Administrator shall be the sole judge for purposes of this Plan (unless a contract or the award otherwise provides) of whether the participant continues to render services to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries and the date, if any, upon which such services shall be deemed to have terminated. |
6.2 | Events Not Deemed Terminations of Employment. Unless the express policy of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, or the Administrator, otherwise provides, or except as otherwise required by applicable law, the employment relationship shall not be considered terminated in the case of: (a) medical leave, (b) military leave, or (c) any other leave of absence authorized by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, or the Administrator; provided that, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or law or the Administrator otherwise provides, such leave is for a period of not more than three months. In the case of any employee of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries on an approved leave of absence, continued vesting of the award while on leave from the employ of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries may be suspended until the employee returns to service, unless the Administrator otherwise provides or applicable law otherwise requires. In no event shall an award be exercised after the expiration of any applicable maximum term of the award. |
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6.3 | Effect of Change of Subsidiary Status. For purposes of this Plan and any award, if an entity ceases to be a Subsidiary of the Corporation a termination of employment or service shall be deemed to have occurred with respect to each Eligible Person in respect of such Subsidiary who does not continue as an Eligible Person in respect of the Corporation or another Subsidiary that continues as such after giving effect to the transaction or other event giving rise to the change in status unless the Subsidiary that is sold, spun-off or otherwise divested (or its successor or a direct or indirect parent of such Subsidiary or successor) assumes the Eligible Person’s award(s) in connection with such transaction. |
7. | ADJUSTMENTS; ACCELERATION |
7.1 | Adjustments. |
(a) | Subject to Section 7.2, upon (or, as may be necessary to effect the adjustment, immediately prior to): any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split (including a stock split in the form of a stock dividend) or reverse stock split; any merger, combination, consolidation, conversion or other reorganization; any spin-off, split-up, or extraordinary dividend distribution in respect of the Common Stock; or any exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, or any similar, unusual or extraordinary corporate transaction in respect of the Common Stock; then the Administrator shall equitably and proportionately adjust: (1) the number and type of shares of Common Stock (or other securities) that thereafter may be made the subject of awards (including the specific share limits, maximums and numbers of shares set forth elsewhere in this Plan); (2) the number, amount and type of shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) subject to any outstanding awards; (3) the grant, purchase, or exercise price (which term includes the base price of any SAR or similar right) of any outstanding awards; and/or (4) the securities, cash or other property deliverable upon exercise or payment of any outstanding awards, in each case to the extent necessary to preserve (but not increase) the level of incentives intended by this Plan and the then-outstanding awards. |
(b) | Without limiting the generality of Section 3.4, any good faith determination by the Administrator as to whether an adjustment is required in the circumstances pursuant to this Section 7.1, and the extent and nature of any such adjustment, shall be conclusive and binding on all persons. |
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7.2 | Corporate Transactions - Assumption and Termination of Awards. |
(a) | Upon any event in which the Corporation does not survive, or does not survive as a public company in respect of its Common Stock (including, without limitation, a dissolution, merger, combination, consolidation, conversion, exchange of securities, or other reorganization, or a sale of all or substantially all of the business, stock or assets of the Corporation, in any case in connection with which the Corporation does not survive or does not survive as a public company in respect of its Common Stock), then the Administrator may make provision for a cash payment in settlement of, or for the termination, assumption, substitution or exchange of any or all outstanding awards or the cash, securities or property deliverable to the holder of any or all outstanding awards, based upon, to the extent relevant under the circumstances, the distribution or consideration payable to holders of the Common Stock upon or in respect of such event. Upon the occurrence of any event described in the preceding sentence in connection with which the Administrator has made provision for the award to be terminated (and the Administrator has not made a provision for the substitution, assumption, exchange or other continuation or settlement of the award): (1) unless otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, each then-outstanding option and SAR shall become fully vested, all shares of restricted stock then outstanding shall fully vest free of restrictions, and each other award granted under this Plan that is then outstanding shall become payable to the holder of such award (with any performance goals applicable to the award in each case being deemed met, unless otherwise provided in the award agreement, at the “target” performance level); and (2) each award (including any award or portion thereof that, by its terms, does not accelerate and vest in the circumstances) shall terminate upon the related event; provided that the holder of an option or SAR shall be given reasonable advance notice of the impending termination and a reasonable opportunity to exercise his or her outstanding vested options and SARs (after giving effect to any accelerated vesting required in the circumstances) in accordance with their terms before the termination of such awards (except that in no case shall more than ten days’ notice of the impending termination be required and any acceleration of vesting and any exercise of any portion of an award that is so accelerated may be made contingent upon the actual occurrence of the event). |
(b) | Without limiting the preceding paragraph, in connection with any event referred to in the preceding paragraph or any change in control event defined in any applicable award agreement, the Administrator may, in its discretion, provide for the accelerated vesting of any award or awards as and to the extent determined by the Administrator in the circumstances. |
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(c) | For purposes of this Section 7.2, an award shall be deemed to have been “assumed” if (without limiting other circumstances in which an award is assumed) the award continues after an event referred to above in this Section 7.2, and/or is assumed and continued by the surviving entity following such event (including, without limitation, an entity that, as a result of such event, owns the Corporation or all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets directly or through one or more subsidiaries (a “Parent”)), and confers the right to purchase or receive, as applicable and subject to vesting and the other terms and conditions of the award, for each share of Common Stock subject to the award immediately prior to the event, the consideration (whether cash, shares, or other securities or property) received in the event by the stockholders of the Corporation for each share of Common Stock sold or exchanged in such event (or the consideration received by a majority of the stockholders participating in such event if the stockholders were offered a choice of consideration); provided, however, that if the consideration offered for a share of Common Stock in the event is not solely the ordinary common stock of a successor corporation or a Parent, the Administrator may provide for the consideration to be received upon exercise or payment of the award, for each share subject to the award, to be solely ordinary common stock of the successor corporation or a Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by the stockholders participating in the event. |
(d) | The Administrator may adopt such valuation methodologies for outstanding awards as it deems reasonable in the event of a cash or property settlement and, in the case of options, SARs or similar rights, but without limitation on other methodologies, may base such settlement solely upon the excess if any of the per share amount payable upon or in respect of such event over the exercise or base price of the award. In the case of an option, SAR or similar right as to which the per share amount payable upon or in respect of such event is less than or equal to the exercise or base price of the award, the Administrator may terminate such award in connection with an event referred to in this Section 7.2 without any payment in respect of such award. |
(e) | In any of the events referred to in this Section 7.2, the Administrator may take such action contemplated by this Section 7.2 prior to such event (as opposed to on the occurrence of such event) to the extent that the Administrator deems the action necessary to permit the participant to realize the benefits intended to be conveyed with respect to the underlying shares. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrator may deem an acceleration and/or termination to occur immediately prior to the applicable event and, in such circumstances, will reinstate the original terms of the award if an event giving rise to an acceleration and/or termination does not occur. |
(f) | Without limiting the generality of Section 3.4, any good faith determination by the Administrator pursuant to its authority under this Section 7.2 shall be conclusive and binding on all persons. |
(g) | The Administrator may override the provisions of this Section 7.2 by express provision in the award agreement and may accord any Eligible Person a right to refuse any acceleration, whether pursuant to the award agreement or otherwise, in such circumstances as the Administrator may approve. The portion of any ISO accelerated in connection with an event referred to in this Section 7.2 (or such other circumstances as may trigger accelerated vesting of the award) shall remain exercisable as an ISO only to the extent the applicable $100,000 limitation on ISOs is not exceeded. To the extent exceeded, the accelerated portion of the option shall be exercisable as a nonqualified stock option under the Code. |
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8. | OTHER PROVISIONS |
8.1 | Compliance with Laws. This Plan, the granting and vesting of awards under this Plan, the offer, issuance and delivery of shares of Common Stock, and/or the payment of money under this Plan or under awards are subject to compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and foreign laws, rules and regulations (including, but not limited to, state and federal securities law and federal margin requirements) and to such approvals by any listing, regulatory or governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Corporation, be necessary or advisable in connection therewith. The person acquiring any securities under this Plan will, if requested by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, provide such assurances and representations to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries as the Administrator may deem necessary or desirable to assure compliance with all applicable legal and accounting requirements. |
8.2 | No Rights to Award. No person shall have any claim or rights to be granted an award (or additional awards, as the case may be) under this Plan, subject to any express contractual rights (set forth in a document other than this Plan) to the contrary. |
8.3 | No Employment/Service Contract. Nothing contained in this Plan (or in any other documents under this Plan or in any award) shall confer upon any Eligible Person or other participant any right to continue in the employ or other service of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, constitute any contract or agreement of employment or other service or affect an employee’s status as an employee at will, nor shall interfere in any way with the right of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries to change a person’s compensation or other benefits, or to terminate his or her employment or other service, with or without cause. Nothing in this Section 8.3, however, is intended to adversely affect any express independent right of such person under a separate employment or service contract other than an award agreement. |
8.4 | Plan Not Funded. Awards payable under this Plan shall be payable in shares or from the general assets of the Corporation, and no special or separate reserve, fund or deposit shall be made to assure payment of such awards. No participant, beneficiary or other person shall have any right, title or interest in any fund or in any specific asset (including shares of Common Stock, except as expressly otherwise provided) of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries by reason of any award hereunder. Neither the provisions of this Plan (or of any related documents), nor the creation or adoption of this Plan, nor any action taken pursuant to the provisions of this Plan shall create, or be construed to create, a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries and any participant, beneficiary or other person. To the extent that a participant, beneficiary or other person acquires a right to receive payment pursuant to any award hereunder, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Corporation. |
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8.5 | Tax Withholding. Upon any exercise, vesting, or payment of any award, or upon the disposition of shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO prior to satisfaction of the holding period requirements of Section 422 of the Code, or upon any other tax withholding event with respect to any award, arrangements satisfactory to the Corporation shall be made to provide for any taxes the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries may be required or permitted to withhold with respect to such award event or payment. Such arrangements may include (but are not limited to) any one of (or a combination of) the following: |
(a) | The Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries shall have the right to require the participant (or the participant’s personal representative or beneficiary, as the case may be) to pay or provide for payment of the amount of any taxes which the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries may be required or permitted to withhold with respect to such award event or payment. |
(b) | The Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries shall have the right to deduct from any amount otherwise payable in cash (whether related to the award or otherwise) to the participant (or the participant’s personal representative or beneficiary, as the case may be) the amount of any taxes which the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries may be required or permitted to withhold with respect to such award event or payment. |
(c) | In any case where a tax is required to be withheld in connection with the delivery of shares of Common Stock under this Plan, the Administrator may in its sole discretion (subject to Section 8.1) require or grant (either at the time of the award or thereafter) to the participant the right to elect, pursuant to such rules and subject to such conditions as the Administrator may establish, that the Corporation reduce the number of shares to be delivered by (or otherwise reacquire) the appropriate number of shares, valued in a consistent manner at their fair market value or at the sales price in accordance with authorized procedures for cashless exercises, necessary to satisfy any applicable withholding obligation on exercise, vesting or payment. |
8.6 | Effective Date, Termination and Suspension, Amendments. |
8.6.1 Effective Date. This Plan is effective as of [________], 2023, the date of its approval by the Board (the “Effective Date”). This Plan shall be submitted for and subject to stockholder approval no later than twelve months after the Effective Date. Unless earlier terminated by the Board and subject to any extension that may be approved by stockholders, this Plan shall terminate at the close of business on the day before the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. After the termination of this Plan either upon such stated termination date or its earlier termination by the Board, no additional awards may be granted under this Plan, but previously granted awards (and the authority of the Administrator with respect thereto, including the authority to amend such awards) shall remain outstanding in accordance with their applicable terms and conditions and the terms and conditions of this Plan.
8.6.2 Board Authorization. The Board may, at any time, terminate or, from time to time, amend, modify or suspend this Plan, in whole or in part. No awards may be granted during any period that the Board suspends this Plan.
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8.6.3 Stockholder Approval. To the extent then required by applicable law or deemed necessary or advisable by the Board, any amendment to this Plan shall be subject to stockholder approval.
8.6.4 Amendments to Awards. Without limiting any other express authority of the Administrator under (but subject to) the express limits of this Plan, the Administrator by agreement or resolution may waive conditions of or limitations on awards to participants that the Administrator in the prior exercise of its discretion has imposed, without the consent of a participant, and (subject to the requirements of Sections 3.2 and 8.6.5) may make other changes to the terms and conditions of awards. Any amendment or other action that would constitute a repricing of an award is subject to the no-repricing provision of Section 3.3.
8.6.5 Limitations on Amendments to Plan and Awards. No amendment, suspension or termination of this Plan or amendment of any outstanding award agreement shall, without written consent of the participant, affect in any manner materially adverse to the participant any rights or benefits of the participant or obligations of the Corporation under any award granted under this Plan prior to the effective date of such change. Changes, settlements and other actions contemplated by Section 7 shall not be deemed to constitute changes or amendments for purposes of this Section 8.6.
8.7 | Privileges of Stock Ownership. Except as otherwise expressly authorized by the Administrator, a participant shall not be entitled to any privilege of stock ownership as to any shares of Common Stock not actually delivered to and held of record by the participant. Except as expressly required by Section 7.1 or otherwise expressly provided by the Administrator, no adjustment will be made for dividends or other rights as a stockholder for which a record date is prior to such date of delivery. |
8.8 | Governing Law; Severability. |
8.8.1 Choice of Law. This Plan, the awards, all documents evidencing awards and all other related documents shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, notwithstanding any Delaware or other conflict of law provision to the contrary.
8.8.2 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction holds any provision invalid and unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Plan shall continue in effect.
8.9 | Captions. Captions and headings are given to the sections and subsections of this Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of this Plan or any provision thereof. |
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8.10 | Stock-Based Awards in Substitution for Stock Options or Awards Granted by Other Corporation. Awards may be granted to Eligible Persons in substitution for or in connection with an assumption of employee stock options, SARs, restricted stock or other stock-based awards granted by other entities to persons who are or who will become Eligible Persons in respect of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, in connection with a distribution, merger or other reorganization by or with the granting entity or an affiliated entity, or the acquisition by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, of all or a substantial part of the stock or assets of the employing entity. The awards so granted need not comply with other specific terms of this Plan, provided the awards reflect adjustments giving effect to the assumption or substitution consistent with any conversion applicable to the common stock (or the securities otherwise subject to the award) in the transaction and any change in the issuer of the security. Any shares that are delivered and any awards that are granted by, or become obligations of, the Corporation, as a result of the assumption by the Corporation of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted or assumed by an acquired company (or previously granted or assumed by a predecessor employer (or direct or indirect parent thereof) in the case of persons that become employed by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries in connection with a business or asset acquisition or similar transaction) shall not be counted against the Share Limit or other limits on the number of shares available for issuance under this Plan. |
8.11 | Non-Exclusivity of Plan. Nothing in this Plan shall limit or be deemed to limit the authority of the Board or the Administrator to grant awards or authorize any other compensation, with or without reference to the Common Stock, under any other plan or authority. |
8.12 | No Corporate Action Restriction. The existence of this Plan, the award agreements and the awards granted hereunder shall not limit, affect, or restrict in any way the right or power of the Corporation or any Subsidiary (or any of their respective shareholders, boards of directors or committees thereof (or any subcommittees), as the case may be) to make or authorize: (a) any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the capital structure or business of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (b) any merger, amalgamation, consolidation or change in the ownership of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (c) any issue of bonds, debentures, capital, preferred or prior preference stock ahead of or affecting the capital stock (or the rights thereof) of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (d) any dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (e) any sale or transfer of all or any part of the assets or business of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (f) any other award, grant, or payment of incentives or other compensation under any other plan or authority (or any other action with respect to any benefit, incentive or compensation), or (g) any other corporate act or proceeding by the Corporation or any Subsidiary. No participant, beneficiary or any other person shall have any claim under any award or award agreement against any member of the Board or the Administrator, or the Corporation or any employees, officers or agents of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, as a result of any such action. Awards need not be structured so as to be deductible for tax purposes. |
8.13 | Other Company Benefit and Compensation Programs. Payments and other benefits received by a participant under an award made pursuant to this Plan shall not be deemed a part of a participant’s compensation for purposes of the determination of benefits under any other employee welfare or benefit plans or arrangements, if any, provided by the Corporation or any Subsidiary, except where the Administrator expressly otherwise provides or authorizes in writing. Awards under this Plan may be made in addition to, in combination with, as alternatives to or in payment of grants, awards or commitments under any other plans, arrangements or authority of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries. |
8.14 | Clawback Policy. The awards granted under this Plan are subject to the terms of the Corporation’s recoupment, clawback or similar policy as it may be in effect from time to time, as well as any similar provisions of applicable law, any of which could in certain circumstances require repayment or forfeiture of awards or any shares of Common Stock or other cash or property received with respect to the awards (including any value received from a disposition of the shares acquired upon payment of the awards). |
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Exhibit 10.26
Surf Air Mobility Inc.
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
1. | PURPOSE |
The purpose of this Plan is to assist Eligible Employees in acquiring a stock ownership interest in the Corporation, at a favorable price and upon favorable terms, pursuant to a plan which is intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Code. This Plan is also intended to encourage Eligible Employees to remain in the employ of the Corporation (or a Subsidiary which may be designated by the Committee as a “Participating Subsidiary”) and to provide them with an additional incentive to advance the best interests of the Corporation.
2. | DEFINITIONS |
Capitalized terms used herein which are not otherwise defined shall have the following meanings.
“Account” means the bookkeeping account maintained by the Corporation, or by a recordkeeper on behalf of the Corporation, for a Participant pursuant to Section 7(a).
“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
“Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
“Commission” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Committee” means the committee appointed by the Board to administer this Plan pursuant to Section 12.
“Common Stock” means the common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Corporation, and such other securities or property as may become the subject of Options pursuant to an adjustment made under Section 17.
“Compensation” means an Eligible Employee’s regular gross pay. Compensation includes any amounts contributed as salary reduction contributions to a plan qualifying under Section 401(k), 125 or 129 of the Code. Any other form of remuneration is excluded from Compensation, including (but not limited to) the following: severance pay, overtime payments, commissions, prizes, awards, relocation or housing allowances, stock option exercises, stock appreciation right payments, the vesting or grant of restricted stock, the payment of stock units, performance awards, auto allowances, tuition reimbursement, perquisites, non-cash compensation and other forms of imputed income, bonuses, incentive compensation, special payments, fees and allowances. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Compensation shall not include any amounts deferred under or paid from any nonqualified deferred compensation plan maintained by the Corporation or any Subsidiary.
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“Contributions” means all bookkeeping amounts credited to the Account of a Participant pursuant to Section 7(a).
“Corporation” means Surf Air Mobility Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its successors.
“Effective Date” means [_________], 2023, the date this Plan was adopted by the Board.
“Eligible Employee” means any employee of the Corporation, or of any Subsidiary which has been designated in writing by the Committee as a “Participating Subsidiary” (including any Subsidiaries which have become such after the date that this Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Corporation). Notwithstanding the foregoing and unless otherwise provided by the Committee in advance of the applicable Offering Period, “Eligible Employee” shall not include any employee:
(a) | whose customary employment is for not more than five (5) months in a calendar year; or |
(b) | whose customary employment is for twenty (20) hours or less per week. |
“Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.
“Exercise Date” means, with respect to an Offering Period, the last day of that Offering Period.
“Fair Market Value” on any date means:
(a) | if the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trade on a national securities exchange, the closing price of a share of Common Stock on such date on the principal national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is so listed or admitted to trade, or, if there is no trading of the Common Stock on such date, then the closing price of a share of Common Stock on such exchange on the next preceding date on which there was trading in the shares of Common Stock; |
(b) | in the absence of exchange data required to determine Fair Market Value pursuant to the foregoing, the value as established by the Committee as of the relevant time for purposes of this Plan. |
“Grant Date” means the first day of each Offering Period, as determined by the Committee and announced to potential Eligible Employees.
“Individual Limit” has the meaning given to such term in Section 4(b).
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“New Exercise Date” has the meaning given to such term in Section 18.
“Offering Period” means the period of six (6) consecutive months commencing on each Grant Date; provided, however, that the Committee may declare, as it deems appropriate and in advance of the applicable Offering Period, a shorter (not to be less than three months) Offering Period or a longer (not to exceed 27 months) Offering Period; provided, further, that the Committee may provide, as it deems appropriate and in advance of the applicable Offering Period, that such Offering Period will consist of multiple “purchase periods,” with an Exercise Date to occur at the end of each such purchase period. In no event will the Grant Date for an Offering Period occur on or before the Exercise Date (or the final Exercise Date, as the case may be) for the immediately preceding Offering Period.
“Option” means the stock option to acquire shares of Common Stock granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 8.
“Option Price” means the per share exercise price of an Option as determined in accordance with Section 8(b).
“Parent” means any corporation (other than the Corporation) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Corporation in which each corporation (other than the Corporation) owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one or more of the other corporations in the chain.
“Participant” means an Eligible Employee who has elected to participate in this Plan and who has filed a valid and effective Subscription Agreement to make Contributions pursuant to Section 6.
“Participating Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that has been designated in writing by the Committee as a Participating Subsidiary for purposes of this Plan.
“Plan” means this Surf Air Mobility Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended from time to time.
“Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 as promulgated by the Commission under Section 16, as amended from time to time.
“Share Limit” has the meaning given to such term in Section 4(a).
“Subscription Agreement” means the written enrollment agreement or applicable electronic form of enrollment agreement filed by an Eligible Employee with the Corporation (or its designee) pursuant to Section 6 to participate in this Plan.
“Subsidiary” means any corporation (other than the Corporation) in an unbroken chain of corporations (beginning with the Corporation) in which each corporation (other than the last corporation) owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one or more of the other corporations in the chain.
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3. | ELIGIBILITY |
Any person employed as an Eligible Employee as of a Grant Date shall be eligible to participate in this Plan during the Offering Period in which such Grant Date occurs, subject to the Eligible Employee satisfying the requirements of Section 6.
4. | STOCK SUBJECT TO THIS PLAN; SHARE LIMITATIONS |
(a) | Aggregate Share Limit. Subject to the provisions of Section 17, the capital stock that may be delivered under this Plan will be shares of the Corporation’s authorized but unissued Common Stock and any of its shares of Common Stock held as treasury shares. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be delivered pursuant to Options granted under this Plan is [_______] shares, subject to adjustments pursuant to Section 17 (the “Share Limit”). |
In addition, subject to adjustments pursuant to Section 17, the Share Limit shall automatically increase on the first trading day in January of each of the calendar years during the term of this Plan, with the first such increase to occur in January 2024, by an amount equal to the lesser of (i) [_____ percent (__%)] of the total number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on December 31 of the immediately preceding calendar year, (ii) [_______] shares of Common Stock, or (iii) such number of shares of Common Stock as may be established by the Board.
In the event that during a particular Offering Period all of the shares of Common Stock made available under this Plan are subscribed prior to the expiration of this Plan, this Plan and all outstanding Options hereunder shall terminate at the end of that Offering Period and the shares available shall be allocated for purchase by Participants in that Offering Period on a pro-rata basis determined with respect to Participants’ Account balances.
(b) | Individual Share Limit. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that any one individual may acquire upon exercise of his or her Option with respect to any one Offering Period is [______] shares, subject to adjustments pursuant to Section 17 (the “Individual Limit”); provided, however, that the Committee may amend such Individual Limit, effective no earlier than the first Offering Period commencing after the adoption of such amendment, without stockholder approval. The Individual Limit shall be proportionately adjusted for any Offering Period of less than six months, and may, at the discretion of the Committee, be proportionately increased for any Offering Period of greater than six months. |
(c) | Shares Not Actually Delivered. Shares that are subject to or underlie Options, which for any reason are cancelled or terminated, are forfeited, fail to vest, or for any other reason are not paid or delivered under this Plan shall again, except to the extent prohibited by law, be available for subsequent Options under this Plan. |
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5. | OFFERING PERIODS |
During the term of this Plan, the Corporation will offer Options to purchase Shares in each Offering Period to all Participants in that Offering Period. Unless otherwise specified by the Committee in advance of the Offering Period, Offering Periods will be of six (6) months duration. The Committee will specify in advance of each Offering Period when the Offering Period will commence and the Grant Date of the Offering Period. Each Option shall become effective on the Grant Date of that Offering Period. The term of each Option shall be the duration of the related Offering Period and shall end on the Exercise Date of that Offering Period. Offering Periods shall continue until this Plan is terminated in accordance with Section 18 or 19, or, if earlier, until no Shares remain available for Options pursuant to Section 4.
6. | PARTICIPATION |
(a) | Enrollment. An Eligible Employee may become a Participant in this Plan by completing a Subscription Agreement on a form approved by and in a manner prescribed by the Committee (or its delegate). To become effective, a Subscription Agreement must be signed by the Eligible Employee and filed with the Corporation (or its designee) at the time specified by the Committee, but in all cases prior to the start of the Offering Period with respect to which it is to become effective, and must set forth a whole percentage (or, if the Committee so provides, a stated amount) of the Eligible Employee’s Compensation to be credited to the Participant’s Account as Contributions each pay period. |
(b) | Contribution Limits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant’s Contribution election shall be subject to the following limitations: |
(i) | the $25,000 annual limitation set forth in Section 8(c); |
(ii) | a Participant may not elect to contribute more than fifteen percent (15%) of his or her Compensation each pay period as Plan Contributions; and |
(iii) | such other limits, rules, or procedures as the Committee may prescribe. |
(c) | Content and Duration of Subscription Agreements. Subscription Agreements shall contain the Eligible Employee’s authorization and consent to the Corporation’s withholding from his or her Compensation the amount of his or her Contributions. An Eligible Employee’s Subscription Agreement, and his or her participation election and withholding consent thereon, shall remain valid for all Offering Periods until (i) the Eligible Employee’s participation terminates pursuant to the terms hereof, (ii) the Eligible Employee files a new Subscription Agreement that becomes effective, or (iii) the Committee requires that a new Subscription Agreement be executed and filed with the Corporation. |
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7. | METHOD OF PAYMENT OF CONTRIBUTIONS |
(a) | Participation Account. The Corporation shall maintain on its books, or cause to be maintained by a recordkeeper, an Account in the name of each Participant. The percentage (or amount, as applicable) of Compensation elected to be applied as Contributions by a Participant shall be deducted from such Participant’s Compensation on each payday during the period for payroll deductions set forth below and such payroll deductions shall be credited to that Participant’s Account as soon as administratively practicable after such date. A Participant may not make any additional payments to his or her Account. A Participant’s Account shall be reduced by any amounts used to pay the Option Price of shares acquired, or by any other amounts distributed pursuant to the terms hereof. |
(b) | Commencement of Payroll Deductions. Payroll deductions with respect to an Offering Period shall commence as of the first day of the payroll period which coincides with or immediately follows the applicable Grant Date and shall end on the last day of the payroll period which coincides with or immediately precedes the applicable Exercise Date, unless sooner terminated by the Participant as provided in this Section 7 or until his or her Plan participation terminates pursuant to Section 11. |
(c) | Withdrawal During an Offering Period. A Participant may terminate his or her Contributions during an Offering Period (and receive a distribution of the balance of his or her Account in accordance with Section 11) by completing and filing with the Corporation (or its designee), in such form and on such terms as the Committee (or its delegate) may prescribe, a written withdrawal form or applicable electronic withdrawal form which shall be completed by the Participant. Such termination shall be effective as soon as administratively practicable after its receipt by the Corporation. A withdrawal election pursuant to this Section 7(c) with respect to an Offering Period shall only be effective, however, if it is received by the Corporation prior to the Exercise Date of that Offering Period (or such earlier deadline that the Committee may reasonably require to process the withdrawal prior to the Exercise Date). Partial withdrawals of Accounts, and other modifications or suspensions of Subscription Agreements, except as provided in Section 7(d) or 7(e), are not permitted. |
(d) | Change in Contribution Elections for the Following Offering Period. A Participant may discontinue, increase, or decrease the level of his or her Contributions (within Plan limits) by completing and filing with the Corporation (or its designee), on such terms as the Committee (or its delegate) may prescribe, a new Subscription Agreement which indicates such election. Subject to any additional timing requirements that the Committee may impose, an election pursuant to this Section 7(d) shall be effective with the first Offering Period that commences after the Corporation’s receipt of such election. |
(e) | Discontinuing Contributions During an Offering Period. A Participant may discontinue his or her Contributions (but not increase or otherwise decrease the level of his or her Contributions) during an Offering Period, by filing with the Corporation (or its designee), on such terms as the Committee (or its delegate) may prescribe, a new Subscription Agreement which indicates such election. An election pursuant to this Section 7(e) shall be effective no earlier than the first payroll period that starts after the Corporation’s receipt of such election. If a Participant elects to discontinue his or her Contributions pursuant to this Section 7(e), the Contributions previously credited to the Participant’s Account for that Offering Period shall be used to exercise the Participant’s Option as of the applicable Exercise Date in accordance with Section 9 (unless the Participant makes a timely withdrawal election in accordance with Section 7(c), in which case the Participant’s Account will be paid to him or her in cash in accordance with Section 11(a)). |
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8. | GRANT OF OPTION |
(a) | Grant Date; Number of Shares. On each Grant Date, each Eligible Employee who is a Participant during that Offering Period shall be granted an Option to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock. The Option shall be exercised on the Exercise Date. The number of shares subject to the Option shall be determined by dividing the Participant’s Account balance as of the applicable Exercise Date by the Option Price. |
(b) | Option Price. The Option Price per share of the shares subject to an Option for an Offering Period shall be the lesser of: (i) 85% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date of that Offering Period; or (ii) 85% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Exercise Date of that Offering Period; provided, however, that the Committee may provide prior to the start of any Offering Period that the Option Price for that Offering Period shall be determined by applying a discount amount (not to exceed 15%) to either (1) the Fair Market Value of Common Shares on the Grant Date of the Offering Period, or (2) the Fair Market Value of Common Shares on the Exercise Date of that Offering Period, or (3) the lesser of the Fair Market Value of Common Shares on the Grant Date of the Offering Period or the Fair Market Value of Common Shares on the Exercise Date of that Offering Period (or, for purposes of the foregoing clauses (2) and (3), the applicable Exercise Date of that Offering Period, as the case may be). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding provisions of this Section 8(b), in no event shall the Option Price per share be less than the par value of a share of Common Stock. |
(c) | Limits on Share Purchases. Notwithstanding anything else contained herein, a person who is otherwise an Eligible Employee shall not be granted any Option (or any Option granted shall be subject to compliance with the following limitations) or other right to purchase shares under this Plan to the extent: |
(i) it would, if exercised, cause the person to own stock (within the meaning of Section 423(b)(3) of the Code) possessing 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Corporation, or of any Parent, or of any Subsidiary; or
(ii) such Option causes such individual to have rights to purchase stock under this Plan and any other plan of the Corporation, any Parent, or any Subsidiary which is qualified under Section 423 of the Code which accrue at a rate which exceeds $25,000 of the fair market value of the stock of the Corporation, of any Parent, or of any Subsidiary (determined at the time the right to purchase such stock is granted, before giving effect to any discounted purchase price under any such plan) for each calendar year in which such right is outstanding at any time.
For purposes of the foregoing, a right to purchase stock accrues when it first becomes exercisable during the calendar year. In determining whether the stock ownership of an Eligible Employee equals or exceeds the 5% limit set forth above, the rules of Section 424(d) of the Code (relating to attribution of stock ownership) shall apply, and stock which the Eligible Employee may purchase under outstanding options shall be treated as stock owned by the Eligible Employee.
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9. | EXERCISE OF OPTION |
Unless a Participant withdraws from an Offering Period pursuant to Section 7(c) or the Participant’s Plan participation is terminated as provided in Section 11, his or her Option for the purchase of shares shall be exercised automatically on the Exercise Date for that Offering Period, without any further action on the Participant’s part, and the maximum number of whole shares subject to such Option (subject to the Individual Limit set forth in Section 4(b) and the limitations contained in Section 8(c)) shall be purchased at the Option Price with the balance of such Participant’s Account.
If any amount which is not sufficient to purchase a whole share remains in a Participant’s Account after the exercise of his or her Option on the Exercise Date, such amount shall be refunded to such Participant as soon as administratively practicable after such date; provided that the Committee may provide in advance of an Offering Period for any such amount with respect to that Offering Period to be credited to the Participant’s Account for the next Offering Period, if he or she is a Participant in such next Offering Period.
If the Share Limit of Section 4(a) is reached, any amount that remains in a Participant’s Account after the exercise of his or her Option on the Exercise Date to purchase the number of Shares that he or she is allocated shall be refunded to the Participant as soon as administratively practicable after such date.
If any amount which exceeds the Individual Limit set forth in Section 4(b) or one of the limitations set forth in Section 8(c) remains in a Participant’s Account after the exercise of his or her Option on the Exercise Date, such amount shall be refunded to the Participant as soon as administratively practicable after such date.
10. | DELIVERY OF SHARES |
As soon as administratively practicable after the Exercise Date, the Corporation shall, in its discretion, either deliver to each Participant a certificate representing the shares of Common Stock purchased upon exercise of his or her Option, provide for the crediting of such shares in book entry form in the name of the Participant, or provide for an alternative arrangement for the delivery of such shares to a broker or recordkeeping service for the benefit of the Participant. In the event the Corporation is required to obtain from any commission or agency authority to issue any such certificate or otherwise deliver such shares, the Corporation will seek to obtain such authority. If the Corporation is unable to obtain from any such commission or agency authority which counsel for the Corporation deems necessary for the lawful issuance of any such certificate or other delivery of such shares, or if for any other reason the Corporation cannot issue or deliver shares of Common Stock and satisfy Section 21, the Corporation shall be relieved from liability to any Participant except that the Corporation shall return to each Participant to whom such shares cannot be issued or delivered the amount of the balance credited to his or her Account that would have otherwise been used for the purchase of such shares.
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11. | TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT; CHANGE IN ELIGIBLE STATUS |
(a) | General. Except as provided in the next paragraph, if a Participant ceases to be an Eligible Employee for any reason at any time prior to the last day of an Offering Period in which he or she participates, or if the Participant timely elects to terminate Contributions and withdraw from the Plan pursuant to Section 7(c), such Participant’s Account shall be paid to him or her (or, in the event of the Participant’s death, to the person or persons entitled thereto under Section 13) in cash, and such Participant’s Option and participation in the Plan shall be automatically terminated. |
(b) | Change in Employment Status or Leave of Absence. If a Participant (i) ceases to be an Eligible Employee during an Offering Period but remains an employee of the Corporation or a Participating Subsidiary through the Exercise Date, or (ii) during an Offering Period commences a sick leave, military leave, or other leave of absence approved by the Corporation or a Participating Subsidiary, and the leave meets the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.421-1(h)(2) and the Participant is an employee of the Corporation or a Participating Subsidiary or on such leave as of the applicable Exercise Date, such Participant’s Contributions shall cease, and the Contributions previously credited to the Participant’s Account for that Offering Period shall be used to exercise the Participant’s Option as of the applicable Exercise Date in accordance with Section 9 (unless the Participant makes a timely election to terminate Contributions and withdraw from the Plan in accordance with Section 7(c), in which case such Participant’s Account shall be paid to him or her in cash in accordance with Section 11(a). |
(c) | Re-Enrollment. A Participant’s termination from Plan participation precludes the Participant from again participating in this Plan during that Offering Period. However, such termination shall not have any effect upon his or her ability to participate in any succeeding Offering Period, provided that the applicable eligibility and participation requirements are again then met. A Participant’s termination from Plan participation shall be deemed to be a revocation of that Participant’s Subscription Agreement and such Participant must file a new Subscription Agreement to resume Plan participation in any succeeding Offering Period. |
(d) | Change in Subsidiary Status. For purposes of this Plan, if a Participating Subsidiary ceases to be a Subsidiary, each person employed by that Subsidiary will be deemed to have terminated employment for purposes of this Plan and will no longer be an Eligible Employee, unless the person continues as an Eligible Employee in respect of the Corporation or another Participating Subsidiary. |
12. | ADMINISTRATION |
(a) | The Committee. The Board shall appoint the Committee, which shall be composed of not less than two members of the Board. Subject to the preceding sentence, the Board may, at any time, increase or decrease the number of members of the Committee, may remove from membership on the Committee all or any portion of its members, and may appoint such person or persons as it desires to fill any vacancy existing on the Committee, whether caused by removal, resignation, or otherwise. The Board may also, at any time, assume or change the administration of this Plan. |
(b) | Powers and Duties of the Committee. The Committee shall administer this Plan and shall have full power and discretion to adopt, amend and rescind any rules it considers desirable and appropriate for the administration of this Plan and not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan (including, without limitation, rules and deadlines for making elections under the Plan, which deadlines may be more restrictive than the deadlines otherwise set forth in this Plan), to further define the terms used in this Plan, and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of this Plan or the effectuation of its purposes. The Committee shall act by majority vote or by unanimous written consent. No member of the Committee shall be entitled to act on or decide any matter relating solely to himself or herself or solely to any of his or her rights or benefits under this Plan. The Committee shall have full power and discretionary authority to construe and interpret the terms and conditions of this Plan and any agreements defining the rights and obligations of the Corporation, any Subsidiary, and any Participant or other person under this Plan, which construction or interpretation shall be final and binding on all parties including the Corporation, Subsidiaries, Participants and beneficiaries. Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Plan to the contrary, the Committee may also adopt rules, procedures, separate offerings, or sub-plans applicable to particular Subsidiaries or locations, which separate offerings or sub-plans may be designed to be outside the scope of Section 423 of the Code and need not comply with the otherwise applicable provisions of this Plan. The Committee may delegate ministerial non-discretionary functions to third parties, including individuals who are officers or employees of the Corporation or Participating Subsidiaries. |
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(c) | Decisions of the Committee are Binding; Reliance on Experts. Subject only to compliance with the express provisions hereof, the Board and Committee may act in their absolute discretion in matters within their authority related to this Plan. Any action taken by, or inaction of, the Corporation, any Participating Subsidiary, the Board or the Committee relating or pursuant to this Plan and within its authority hereunder or under applicable law shall be within the absolute discretion of that entity or body and shall be conclusive and binding upon all persons. In making any determination or in taking or not taking any action under this Plan, the Board or Committee, as the case may be, may obtain and may rely on the advice of experts, including professional advisors to the Corporation. No member of the Board or Committee, or officer or agent of the Corporation, will be liable for any action, omission or decision under the Plan taken, made or omitted in good faith. |
(d) | Indemnification. Neither the Board nor any Committee, nor any member thereof or person acting at the direction thereof, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in good faith in connection with this Plan, and all such persons shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement by the Corporation in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) arising or resulting therefrom to the fullest extent permitted by law and/or under any directors and officers liability insurance coverage that may be in effect from time to time. |
13. | DEATH BENEFITS |
In the event of the death of a Participant, the Corporation shall deliver such shares and/or cash payable pursuant to the terms hereof 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 Corporation), the Corporation, in its sole 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 Corporation, then to such other person as the Corporation may designate.
14. | TRANSFERABILITY |
Neither Contributions credited to a Participant’s Account nor any Options or rights with respect to the exercise of Options or right to receive shares under this Plan may be anticipated, alienated, encumbered, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution, or as provided in Section 13) by the Participant. Any such attempt at anticipation, alienation, encumbrance, assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition shall be without effect and all amounts shall be paid and all shares shall be delivered in accordance with the provisions of this Plan. Amounts payable or shares deliverable pursuant to this Plan shall be paid or delivered only to (or credited in the name of, as the case may be) the Participant or, in the event of the Participant’s death, as provided in Section 13.
The Corporation may require a Participant to hold any shares the Participant acquires under this Plan in a brokerage account identified by the Corporation until the date the shares are transferred, sold or otherwise disposed of in any way by the Participant, or such earlier time as the Corporation may determine.
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15. | USE OF FUNDS; INTEREST |
All Contributions received or held by the Corporation under this Plan will be included in the general assets of the Corporation and may be used for any corporate purpose. Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary, no interest will be paid to any Participant or credited to his or her Account under this Plan (in respect of Account balances, refunds of Account balances, or otherwise).
16. | REPORTS |
Statements shall be provided or made available (in writing or electronically) to Participants as soon as administratively practicable following each Exercise Date. Each Participant’s statement shall set forth, as of such Exercise Date, that Participant’s Account balance immediately prior to the exercise of his or her Option, the Option Price, the number of whole shares purchased and his or her remaining Account balance, if any.
17. | ADJUSTMENTS OF AND CHANGES IN THE STOCK |
Upon or in contemplation of any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split (including a stock split in the form of a stock dividend), or reverse stock split; any merger, combination, consolidation, or other reorganization; split-up, spin-off, or any similar extraordinary dividend distribution in respect of the Common Stock (whether in the form of securities or property); any exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, or any similar, unusual or extraordinary corporate transaction in respect of the Common Stock; or a sale of substantially all the assets of the Corporation as an entirety occurs; then the Committee shall, in such manner, to such extent (if any) and at such time as it deems appropriate and equitable in the circumstances:
(a) | proportionately adjust any or all of (i) the number and type of shares of Common Stock or the number and type of other securities that thereafter may be made the subject of Options (including the specific maxima and numbers of shares set forth elsewhere in this Plan), (ii) the number, amount and type of shares (or other securities or property) subject to any or all outstanding Options, (iii) the Option Price of any or all outstanding Options, or (iv) the securities, cash or other property deliverable upon exercise of any outstanding Options, in each case to the extent necessary to preserve (but not increase) the level of incentives intended by this Plan and the then-outstanding Options; or |
(b) | make provision for a cash payment in settlement of, or for the substitution or exchange of, any or all outstanding Options or the cash, securities or property deliverable to the holder of any or all outstanding Options based upon the distribution or consideration payable to holders of the Common Stock upon or in respect of such event. |
The Committee may adopt such valuation methodologies for outstanding Options as it deems reasonable in the event of a cash or property settlement and, without limitation on other methodologies, may base such settlement solely upon the excess (if any) of the amount payable upon or in respect of such event over the Option Price of the Option.
In any of such events, the Committee may take such action sufficiently prior to such event to the extent that the Committee deems the action necessary to permit the Participant to realize the benefits intended to be conveyed with respect to the underlying shares in the same manner as is or will be available to stockholders generally.
Without limiting the generality of Section 12, any good faith determination by the Committee as to whether an adjustment is required in the circumstances pursuant to this Section 17, and the extent and nature of any such adjustment, shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.
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18. | POSSIBLE EARLY TERMINATION OF PLAN AND OPTIONS |
Upon a dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation, or any other event described in Section 17 that the Corporation does not survive, or does not survive as a publicly-traded company in respect of its Shares, subject to any provision that has been expressly made by the Board for the survival, substitution, assumption, exchange or other settlement of the Options that are then outstanding under the Plan, each Offering Period then in progress shall be shortened and a new Exercise Date shall be established by the Board or the Committee (the “New Exercise Date”), as of which date the Plan and any Offering Period then in progress shall terminate and all then-outstanding Options under this Plan shall be automatically exercised in accordance with the terms hereof; provided, however, that the New Exercise Date shall not be more than ten (10) days before the date of the consummation of such dissolution, liquidation or other event. The Option Price on the New Exercise Date shall be determined as provided in Section 8(b), and the New Exercise Date shall be treated as the “Exercise Date” for purposes of determining such Option Price.
19. | TERM OF PLAN; AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION |
(a) | Effective Date; Termination. This Plan shall become effective as of the Effective Date. No new Offering Periods shall commence on or after the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Effective Date, and this Plan shall terminate as of the Exercise Date on or immediately following such date unless sooner terminated pursuant to Section 4, Section 18 or this Section 19. |
(b) | Board Amendment Authority. The Board may, at any time, terminate or, from time to time, amend, modify or suspend this Plan, in whole or in part, without notice. Stockholder approval for any amendment or modification shall not be required, except to the extent required by law or applicable stock exchange rules, or required under Section 423 of the Code in order to preserve the intended tax consequences of this Plan. No Options may be granted during any suspension of this Plan or after the termination of this Plan, but the Committee will retain jurisdiction as to Options then outstanding in accordance with the terms of this Plan. No amendment, modification, or termination pursuant to this Section 19(b) shall, without written consent of the Participant, affect in any manner materially adverse to the Participant any rights or benefits of such Participant or obligations of the Corporation under any Option granted under this Plan prior to the effective date of such change. Changes contemplated by Section 17 or Section 18 shall not be deemed to constitute changes or amendments requiring Participant consent. Without limiting the generality of the Committee’s amendment authority, the Committee shall have the right to designate from time to time the Subsidiaries whose employees may be eligible to participate in this Plan (including, without limitation, any Subsidiary that may become such after the Effective Date), to change the service and other qualification requirements set forth under the definition of Eligible Employee in Section 2, and to change the definition of Compensation set forth in Section 2 (in each case, subject to the requirements of Section 423(b) of the Code and applicable rules and regulations thereunder). Any such change shall not take effect earlier than the first Offering Period that starts on or after the effective date of such change. Any such change shall not constitute an amendment to this Plan requiring stockholder approval. |
20. | NOTICES |
All notices or other communications by a Participant to the Corporation contemplated by this Plan shall be deemed to have been duly given when received in the form and manner specified by the Committee (or its delegate) at the location, or by the person, designated by the Committee (or its delegate) for that purpose.
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21. | CONDITIONS UPON ISSUANCE OF SHARES |
This Plan, the granting of Options under this Plan and the offer, issuance and delivery of shares of Common Stock are subject to compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations (including but not limited to state and federal securities laws) and to such approvals by any listing, regulatory or governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Corporation, be necessary or advisable in connection therewith. The person acquiring any securities under this Plan will, if requested by the Corporation and as a condition precedent to the exercise of his or her Option, provide such assurances and representations to the Corporation as the Committee may deem necessary or desirable to assure compliance with all applicable legal and accounting requirements.
22. | PLAN CONSTRUCTION |
(a) | Section 16. It is the intent of the Corporation that transactions involving Options under this Plan (other than “Discretionary Transactions” as that term is defined in Rule 16b-3(b)(1) promulgated by the Commission under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, to the extent there are any Discretionary Transactions under this Plan), in the case of Participants who are or may be subject to the prohibitions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3(c) promulgated by the Commission under Section 16 of the Exchange Act to the maximum extent possible. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall have no liability to any Participant for Section 16 consequences of Options or other events with respect to this Plan. |
(b) | Section 423. Except as the Committee may expressly provide in the case of one or more separate offerings or sub-plans adopted pursuant to Section 12(b), this Plan and Options are intended to qualify under Section 423 of the Code. |
(c) | Interpretation. If any provision of this Plan or of any Option would otherwise frustrate or conflict with the intents expressed above, that provision to the extent possible shall be interpreted so as to avoid such conflict. If the conflict remains irreconcilable, the Committee may disregard the provision if it concludes that to do so furthers the interest of the Corporation and is consistent with the purposes of this Plan as to such persons in the circumstances. |
23. | EMPLOYEES’ RIGHTS |
(a) | No Employment Rights. Nothing in this Plan (or in any Subscription Agreement or other document related to this Plan) will confer upon any Eligible Employee or Participant any right to continue in the employ or other service of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, constitute any contract or agreement of employment or other service or effect an employee’s status as an employee at will, nor shall interfere in any way with the right of the Corporation or any Subsidiary to change such person’s compensation or other benefits or to terminate his or her employment or other service, with or without cause. Nothing contained in this Section 23(a), however, is intended to adversely affect any express independent right of any such person under a separate employment or service contract other than a Subscription Agreement. |
(b) | No Rights to Assets of the Corporation. No Participant or other person will have any right, title or interest in any fund or in any specific asset (including shares of Common Stock) of the Corporation or any Subsidiary by reason of any Option hereunder. Neither the provisions of this Plan (or of any Subscription Agreement or other document related to this Plan), nor the creation or adoption of this Plan, nor any action taken pursuant to the provisions of this Plan will create, or be construed to create, a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Corporation or any Subsidiary, on the one hand, and any Participant or other person, on the other hand. To the extent that a Participant or other person acquires a right to receive payment pursuant to this Plan, such right will be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Corporation. No special or separate reserve, fund or deposit will be made to assure any such payment. |
(c) | No Stockholder Rights. A Participant will not be entitled to any privilege of stock ownership as to any Shares not actually delivered to and held of record by the Participant. Except as expressly required by Section 17, no adjustment will be made for dividends or other rights as a stockholder for which a record date is prior to such date of delivery. |
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24. | MISCELLANEOUS |
(a) | Governing Law; Severability. This Plan, the Options, Subscription Agreements, and other documents related to this Plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware. If any provision shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid and unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Plan shall continue in effect. |
(b) | Captions and Headings. Captions and headings are given to the sections of this Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such captions and headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction of interpretation of this Plan or any provision hereof. |
(c) | No Effect on Other Plans or Corporate Authority. The adoption of this Plan shall not affect any other Corporation or Subsidiary compensation or incentive plans in effect. Nothing in this Plan will limit or be deemed to limit the authority of the Board or Committee (i) to establish any other forms of incentives or compensation for employees of the Corporation or any Subsidiary (with or without reference to the Common Stock), or (ii) to grant or assume options (outside the scope of and in addition to those contemplated by this Plan) in connection with any proper corporate purpose; to the extent consistent with any other plan or authority. |
(d) | No Effect on Other Compensation. Benefits received by a Participant under an Option granted pursuant to this Plan shall not be deemed a part of the Participant’s compensation for purposes of the determination of benefits under any other employee welfare or benefit plans or arrangements, if any, provided by the Corporation or any Subsidiary, except where the Committee or the Board (or the Board of Directors of the Subsidiary that sponsors such plan or arrangement, as applicable) expressly otherwise provides in writing. |
25. | STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL |
Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary, the effectiveness of this Plan is subject to the approval of this Plan by the stockholders of the Corporation within twelve months after the Effective Date. No Shares shall be issued or delivered under this Plan until such stockholder approval is obtained and, if such stockholder approval is not obtained within such twelve-month period of time, all Contributions credited to a Participant’s Account hereunder shall be refunded to such Participant (without interest) as soon as practicable after the end of such twelve-month period.
26. | TAX WITHHOLDING |
Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary, the Corporation may deduct from a Participant’s Account balance as of an Exercise Date, before the exercise of the Participant’s Option is given effect on such date, the amount of any taxes which the Corporation reasonably determines it or any Subsidiary may be required to withhold with respect to such exercise. In such event, the maximum number of whole shares of Common Stock subject to such Option (subject to the other limits set forth in this Plan) shall be purchased at the Option Price with the balance of the Participant’s Account (after reduction for the tax withholding amount).
Should the Corporation for any reason be unable, or elect not to, satisfy its or any Subsidiary’s tax withholding obligations in the manner described in the preceding paragraph with respect to a Participant’s exercise of an Option, or should the Corporation or any Subsidiary reasonably determine that it or an affiliated entity has a tax withholding obligation with respect to a disposition of shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Option prior to satisfaction of the holding period requirements of Section 423 of the Code or at any other time in respect of a Participant’s participation in this Plan, the Corporation or Subsidiary, as the case may be, shall have the right at its option to (i) require the Participant to pay or provide for payment of the amount of any taxes which the Corporation or Subsidiary reasonably determines that it or any affiliate is required to withhold with respect to such event or (ii) deduct from the Participant’s Account or from any amount otherwise payable to or for the account of the Participant the amount of any taxes which the Corporation or Subsidiary reasonably determines that it or an affiliate is required to withhold with respect to such event.
27. | NOTICE OF SALE |
Any person who has acquired shares under this Plan shall give prompt written notice to the Corporation of any sale or other transfer of the shares if such sale or transfer occurs (1) within the two-year period after the Grant Date of the Offering Period with respect to which such shares were acquired, or (2) within the twelve-month period after the Exercise Date of the Offering Period with respect to which such shares were acquired.
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Exhibit 16.1
June 2, 2023
Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F Street, N.E.
Washington, DC 20549-7561
Dear Sirs/Madams:
We have read the Change in Certifying Accountant disclosure regarding Surf Air Global Limited appearing in the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Surf Air Mobility, Inc. dated June 2, 2023. We are in agreement with the statements contained in the first, second and third paragraph therein. We have no basis to agree or disagree with other statements contained in the fourth paragraph.
Very truly yours, | |
/s/ CohnReznick LLP |
Exhibit 21.1
LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES OF SURF AIR MOBILITY INC.
Name | Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization | |
Surf Air Global Limited | British Virgin Islands | |
VOY Travel Inc. | Delaware | |
Surf Air US Holdings, Inc. | Delaware | |
Surf Air Sub 1, Inc | Delaware | |
Surf Air Inc. | Delaware | |
Rise US Holdings, LLC | Texas | |
Rise Air Management, LLC | Texas | |
Rise Air Alpha, LLC | Texas | |
Rise Air Technology, LLC | Texas | |
Southern Airways Corporation | Delaware | |
Southern Airways Express, LLC | Delaware | |
Southern Airways Pacific, LLC | Delaware | |
Southern Airways Autos, LLC | Delaware | |
Multi-Aero, Inc. | Missouri | |
N107KA, Inc. | Delaware | |
N208EE, Inc. | Delaware | |
N803F, Inc. | Delaware |
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 and Form S-4 of Surf Air Mobility, Inc. of our report dated April 13, 2023 relating to the financial statements of Surf Air Global Limited, which appears in this Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Los Angeles, California
June 2, 2023
Exhibit 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 and Form S-4 of Surf Air Mobility of our report dated April 12, 2023, except with respect to the matters that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, and the effects of the revision discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, as to which the date is June 2, 2023, relating to the financial statements of Southern Airways Corporation, which appears in this Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Los Angeles, California
June 2, 2023
Exhibit 99.1
Consent to be Named as a Director Nominee
In connection with the filing by Surf Air Mobility Inc. of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 and Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of Surf Air Mobility Inc. in the Registration Statement and any and all amendments and supplements thereto. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
Date: June 2, 2023 | By: | /s/ Carl Albert |
Name: | Carl Albert |
Exhibit 99.2
Consent to be Named as a Director Nominee
In connection with the filing by Surf Air Mobility Inc. of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 and Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of Surf Air Mobility Inc. in the Registration Statement and any and all amendments and supplements thereto. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
Date: June 2, 2023 | By: |
/s/ John D’Agostino |
Name: | John D’Agostino |
Exhibit 99.3
Consent to be Named as a Director Nominee
In connection with the filing by Surf Air Mobility Inc. of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 and Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of Surf Air Mobility Inc. in the Registration Statement and any and all amendments and supplements thereto. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
Date: June 2, 2023 | By: |
/s/ R. Stanley Little |
Name: | R. Stanley Little |
Exhibit 99.4
Consent to be Named as a Director Nominee
In connection with the filing by Surf Air Mobility Inc. of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 and Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of Surf Air Mobility Inc. in the Registration Statement and any and all amendments and supplements thereto. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
Date: June 2, 2023 | By: |
/s/ Edward Mady |
Name: | Edward Mady |
Exhibit 99.5
Consent to be Named as a Director Nominee
In connection with the filing by Surf Air Mobility Inc. of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 and Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of Surf Air Mobility Inc. in the Registration Statement and any and all amendments and supplements thereto. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
Date: June 2, 2023 | By: | /s/ Tyler Painter |
Name: | Tyler Painter |
Exhibit 99.6
Consent to be Named as a Director Nominee
In connection with the filing by Surf Air Mobility Inc. of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 and Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of Surf Air Mobility Inc. in the Registration Statement and any and all amendments and supplements thereto. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
Date: June 2, 2023 | By: | /s/ Tyrone Bland |
Name: | Tyrone Bland |
Exhibit 107
Calculation of Filing Fee Tables
Form S-1
Form S-4
(Form Type)
Surf Air Mobility Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrant’s Name into English)
Table 1: Newly Registered and Carry Forward Securities
Security Type |
Security Class Title |
Fee Calculation or Carry Forward Rule |
Amount Registered |
Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Unit |
Maximum Aggregate Offering Price |
Fee
Rate |
Amount
of Registration Fee |
Carry Forward Form Type |
Carry
Forward File Number |
Carry Forward Initial effective date |
Filing
Fee Previously Paid In Connection with Unsold Securities to be Carried Forward |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Newly Registered Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fees to be paid | Equity | Common stock, par value US$0.0001 per share | (1 | ) | $ | 100,000,000 | (1) | .00011020 | $ | 11,020.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fees Previously Paid | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Carry Forward Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Carry Forward Securities | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Offering Amounts | $ | 100,000,000 | $ | 11,020.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Fees Previously Paid | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Fee Offsets | $ | 11,020.00 | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Fee Due | $ | 0 | (2) |
Table 2: Fee Offset Claims and Sources
Registrant or Filer Name | Form or Filing Type | File Number | Initial Filing Date | Filing Date | Fee Offset Claimed | Security Type Associated with Fee Offset Claimed | Security Title Associated with Fee Offset Claimed | Unsold Securities Associated with Fee Offset Claimed | Unsold Aggregate Offering Amount Associated with Fee Offset Claimed | Fee Paid with Fee Offset Source | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rule 457(p) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fee Offset Claims | Surf Air Mobility Inc. | S-4 | 333-267987 | October 24, 2022 | $ | 11,020.00 | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | $ | 204,368,056 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Fee Offset Sources | Surf Air Mobility Inc. | S-4 | 333-267987 | October 24, 2022 | $ | 11,020.00 | (2) |
(1) | Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Given that there is no proposed maximum offering price per share of Common Stock, the registrant calculates the proposed maximum aggregate offering price, by analogy to Rule 457(f)(2), based on the book value of the Common Stock the registrant registers, which will be calculated from its unaudited pro forma balance sheet as of March 31, 2023. Given that shares of the registrant’s Common Stock are not traded on an exchange or over-the-counter, the registrant did not use the trading prices of its Common Stock in accordance with Rule 457(c). |
(2) | The registrant previously filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 with the SEC on October 24, 2022 (File No. 333-267987) (the “Prior Registration Statement”). In connection with the filing of the Prior Registration Statement, the registrant made a contemporaneous fee payment in the amount of $22,521.35. On February 21, 2023, the registrant withdrew the Prior Registration Statement prior to a declaration of effectiveness thereof and prior to the sale and issuance of any securities thereunder. In accordance with Rule 457(p) under the Securities Act, the registrant is using $11,020.00 of the unused filing fees to offset the filing fee payable in connection with this filing. Accordingly, no additional registration fee is due to be paid at this time. |
(3) | The Prior Registration Statement registered shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, Warrants to purchase Common Stock and Common Stock issuable upon exercise of Warrants. |